The W Project: A First Glimpse into Being a Badger

Written by Mia McCauley, Student Affairs Intern

While almost anyone can throw up a celebratory W, there’s much more to the Wisconsin Experience than meets the eye. Every year, thousands of new freshmen and transfer students gather at Camp Randall Stadium to celebrate The W Project: Bucky’s 5th Quarter, aka a crash course in being a Badger. This year, the event will be held on Thursday, August 29 at 6:00 p.m. at Camp Randall Stadium.

First-year students, along with UW mascot Bucky Badger and Chancellor Mnookin form the shape of an iconic Motion W as part of the W Project on Barry Alvarez Field at Camp Randall Stadium. — First-year students, along with UW mascot Bucky Badger and Chancellor Mnookin form the shape of an iconic Motion W as part of the W Project on Barry Alvarez Field at Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Sept. 1, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Miller / UW–Madison)

Just as every great club or society has a set of traditions to establish its identity, so does our Badger community. The W Project introduces new students to time-honored chants and songs that are not only a blast, but prepares them for events attended throughout their time at UW–Madison.

First-year students create the letter "W" with their hands during the W Project on Barry Alvarez Field at Camp Randall Stadium. — First-year students create the letter “W” with their hands during the W Project on Barry Alvarez Field at Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Sept. 1, 2023. (Photo by MK Denton / UW–Madison)

At such a large university, events like this are truly special, as they allow a space for all new students to gather together. Incoming freshmen and transfer students can take this opportunity to connect and celebrate with fellow classmates, as well as enjoy appearances by Dean of Students Christina Olstad, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Fernie Rodriguez, Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin, and Bucky himself! To end the evening, students step onto the field to form the very “W” the event is named after. Attendees can even get a free copy of the new W Project poster when they attend New Student Convocation on September 3.

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin takes part in the tradition of Jump Around along with first-year students during the W Project at Camp Randall Stadium. — Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin takes part in the tradition of Jump Around along with first-year students during the W Project at Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Sept. 1, 2022. To end the event, students form a Motion W on Barry Alvarez Field. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW–Madison)

By participating in the W Project, new students ensure the continuation of rituals we all hold close to our hearts. So, rep our university proudly – and deck out in your favorite Badger red gear! We need the support of all our Badgers.

The W Project: Bucky’s 5th Quarter is a featured event hosted via Wisconsin Welcome and the Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement as part of Student Affairs. This multi-week celebration invites new freshmen and transfer students to discover Madison, meet fellow Badgers, and find their campus community. Visit go.wisc.edu/welcome for additional information and events.