Every Badger deserves a community of care, a strong sense of belonging, and the opportunity to succeed — academically and personally.
At UW–Madison, that commitment lives in Student Affairs.
Student Affairs supports students at every stage of their college experience. From mental health and wellness services to emergency financial assistance, from food security initiatives to cultural centers and leadership development, this work ensures students have what they need to stay enrolled, stay connected, and reach their full potential.
For many students, these supports are not optional — they are essential.
On April 14–15, the UW–Madison community will come together for Day of the Badger, our annual day of giving. Day of the Badger is an opportunity to strengthen the programs and services that help students thrive and ensure every Badger has access to the care, community, and opportunities that define the Wisconsin Experience.
Your gift to one of the featured Student Affairs funds directly fuels that impact.
Here’s how your support makes a difference:
A student choosing between groceries and textbooks finds relief through the Campus Food Access Fund, which supports initiatives like the Open Seat Food Pantry and BadgerFARE. For one student, this made all the difference: “I found community on campus. I needed these resources, or I would have gone home.”
A student navigating overwhelming stress connects to life-saving resources supported by the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Fund, which expands suicide prevention efforts, crisis response, and access to care.
A student benefits from broader support through the Student Health and Wellbeing Annual Fund, which addresses urgent mental, physical, and emotional health needs among the student body.
A student in recovery from substance use, disordered eating, or addictive behaviors finds community and support through Badger Recovery, supported by the Collegiate Recovery Fund — proving that recovery and academic success can coexist. One student describes what that support meant: “Badger Recovery connected me to a real community for the first time in quite a while. That connection gave me the hope I needed to take actions in my life…to achieve real recovery. Essentially, Badger Recovery gave me what I needed to live again.”
A student facing an unexpected financial emergency remains enrolled because of support from the Dean of Students Fund.
A first-generation student, veteran, or student seeking cultural connection finds mentorship and belonging through programs supported by the Student Success and Belonging Annual Fund — including our newly opened First-Generation and Limited-Income Services. Your gift helps create meaningful opportunities for students to engage and succeed academically, personally, and professionally.
A student leader gains hands-on experience through the Undergraduate Student Success Fund, strengthening programming and leadership skills through the Wisconsin Union.
Another finds movement, confidence, and community through the Recreation and Wellbeing Fund, which removes financial barriers to participating in intramurals and wellness programs.
And through the Wisconsin Union Annual Fund, student-led programming continues to bring thought-provoking speakers and entertainment to the heart of campus. Most recently, that support helped bring The Well to life —a dedicated, alcohol-free space at Union South for students to connect, study, relax, and participate in wellness-related programs.
Students are arriving at UW–Madison with increasing financial need, rising mental health concerns, and diverse life experiences that require meaningful support. Student Affairs ensures they have the resources, relationships, stability and opportunities to move forward with confidence.
On April 14–15, support the Student Affairs fund that resonates with you. Together, we can sustain the programs that help every Badger flourish.