Welcome back to UW–Madison—we missed you! And for those newly joining us, we are excited to welcome you into our vibrant campus community.
Spring semester instruction begins Tuesday, Jan. 25, but there is still plenty of time to relax and get to know the spaces and places that make our campus so lively. During the first four weeks of spring semester, we invite you to join Winter Welcome, events and activities designed for students to meet new people and find community.
“We are excited to welcome students through a variety of events that embrace winter in Wisconsin, and help orient students to campus, meet other students, and learn to see UW–Madison as their home,” says Carren Martin, director for the Center for the First-Year Experience (CFYE). Winter Welcome is a fun, exciting time of year and we hope every student is able to enjoy some of the festivities.
Each semester, CFYE in Student Affairs works with campus partners to welcome (and welcome back) all Badgers to campus.
Learn more below about just a few of the 55 Winter Welcome events that will be offered:
MLK Symposium: An Evening with Nikole Hannah-Jones — Jan. 25
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Student Affairs and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement (DDEEA) annually host a campus speaker for an evening of reflection. On Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m., join us in welcoming Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of The 1619 Project, staff writer at The New York Times Magazine, and co-founder of the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting. Hannah-Jones will reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the lens of her award-winning work investigating racial injustice.
This is an in-person event that will also be streamed online. Those attending the in-person event do not need a ticket; doors to Shannon Hall will open at the 6 p.m. for general admission seating.
Free Rec Well Group Fitness Classes — Jan. 25 – 31
Enjoy FREE group fitness classes for the entire first week of classes! Options include: Yoga, Zumba, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and more. All skill levels are welcome.
Spring Student Organization Fair — Feb. 1
The Student Organization Fair is an interactive fair full of opportunities to make connections with registered student organizations (RSOs) that align with any student’s interests. Becoming a member of an RSO can help build lifelong friendships and enhance your Wisconsin Experience! Stop by between 5–8 p.m. at the Kohl Center for this great opportunity to explore and meet different student organizations on campus.
Public Service Fair — Feb. 1
The Public Service Fair is an awesome opportunity for students to connect with local nonprofits doing work in social impact and public service. Organizations in attendance are eager to connect with students to grow awareness, find volunteers, and offer internship or service-year opportunities. Drop in anytime between 3–6 p.m. at Gordon Dining & Event Center, 2nd Floor.
Wisconsin Union Winter Carnival — Feb. 7–12
The Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival is a long-standing tradition on campus. From ice fishing and ice climbing to snowshoeing and mini-golfing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this year. Not up for the tundra? No worries! The Carnival also hosts movies, art projects, live music, and more.
Donuts & Drop-ins at the Career Exploration Center — Feb. 14
Grab a donut, learn more about the Career Exploration Center, and chat with a career advisor about your major and career questions!
Broke-n-Heart Bingo (for transfer students only) — Feb. 17
Play bingo with your friends and win prizes that consist of “things you need but don’t want to buy.” Food provided! Be there from 6:45–9 p.m. at Union South. Registration is required for this event, and you must be a transfer student to attend. Register at go.wisc.edu/brokebingo.
These are just a few of the many great events happening during Winter Welcome. Check out go.wisc.edu/welcome or download the app for more events and information, and use #WiWelcome on social media to stay connected.
If you have questions about Winter Welcome, please email newstudent@studentlife.wisc.edu.