A new academic year at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is here, and thousands of new and returning Badgers are beginning to arrive on campus from around the country and world. You can just feel the energy from students, faculty, and staff preparing for an exciting fall semester.
For any student on campus — first-year, transfer, or returning — now is the perfect time to explore our spaces, meet other Badgers, and make meaningful memories on campus. Student Affairs is so glad you’re here, and we will be here for you every step of the way, starting with the Wisconsin Welcome, August 28 to October 2
“We can’t wait to welcome new Badgers and welcome back our current students to UW–Madison,” says Dean of Students Christina Olstad. “We’ve planned events, programs, and activities to help students get oriented to student life, foster new connections, and enjoy our vibrant community. I’m looking forward to getting out on campus to meet our students and to have some fun!”
Use the mobile app or check the online calendar to find activities and events happening each day with ease.
“This is an opportunity for our students to build community and find their place on campus,” says Gabe Javier, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs — Identity & Inclusion. “We’re excited to offer opportunities to intentionally welcome and support all communities and celebrate the return to campus.”
Some not-to-miss events for new Badgers:
Sept. 1, 5-8 p.m.
W Project: Bucky’s 5Th Quarter
Camp Randall Stadium
Join thousands of your newest friends at Camp Randall to form a “W” on the football field with other new Badgers — including our new chancellor, Jennifer Mnookin. Learn our campus traditions, meet campus leaders, and hear your favorites from the UW Marching Band (and a DJ). You’ll have a chance to snag some giveaways and Babcock ice cream. (Psst: Wear red or white for the “W” photo!) Enter Gate 5 on west side of the stadium.
Sept. 2, 3-6 p.m.
Playfair: The Ultimate Campus Icebreaker! (And BBQ!)
Library Mall
You asked and now it’s here: Super-fast, easy, and fun ways to connect and build relationships with other incoming students at UW–Madison. Join other new Badgers from across campus for some fun and games from 3-4:30 p.m., followed by a BBQ until 6 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9-10 p.m.
Wisconsin’s Own Comedian Charlie Berens: Midwest Survival Guide Tour
Memorial Union, Shannon Hall (doors open at 8:30 p.m.)
Get a taste of Midwest culture with comedian Charlie Berens, a comedian, New York Times bestselling author, Emmy-winning journalist, musician, and creator of the Manitowoc Minute.
Sept. 6, 1:30-3 p.m.
New Student Convocation
Kohl Center
New Student Convocation is UW–Madison’s formal welcome ceremony for all new freshmen and transfer students. At Convocation, you’ll hear remarks from Chancellor Mnookin and other members of university leadership, a student speaker, a professor, and several others.
You will see all your fellow classmates together for the first time! At the end of the ceremony, you’ll receive a copy of this year’s Go Big Read book too!
And some not-to-miss events for new and returning Badgers:
Sept. 7, 6-10 p.m.
MCOR: Multicultural Celebration of Organizations & Resources
Union South, Varsity Hall
Join the multicultural community on campus to kick off the start of the semester with a multicultural showcase of performances, an opportunity to meet and connect with over 60 student organizations and leaders, and a chance to mingle, build community, and grab a bite to eat!
Sept. 9, 5-7 p.m.
Multicultural Welcome Block Party
East Campus Mall
Food, music, lawn games, fellowship, and more! Meet new folks and reconnect with familiar faces to celebrate the new school year at a special welcome back party thanks to Student Affairs and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement.
Sept. 13 and 14, 5-8 p.m.
Student Organization Fair
Kohl Center
The Student Organization Fair is an interactive fair for students to find out information about and make connections with over 400 registered student organizations (RSOs) that align with their interests.
Sept. 12, 14, 20, and 22
Multicultural Student Center (MSC) and Identity Centers: New Student Welcome Receptions
Reception dates and locations:
- Indigenous Student Center (ISC) – Sept. 12, 5-7 p.m. / Lake Mendota Room in Dejope Hall
- Latinx Cultural Center (LCC) – Sept. 14, 6-8 pm at the MSC Lounge
- Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Student Center – Sept. 20, 6-8 p.m. / MSC Lounge
- Black Cultural Center (BCC) – Sept. 22, 6-8 p.m. / BCC Classroom
Come learn about UW’s cultural centers, connect to campus resources, and build community. There will also be FOOD and exclusive NEW MERCH from each of the identity centers. Whether you’re a first-year student – undergrad, grad, even masters – or a returning student and new to the MSC community, we hope to see you all there!
Brad Lanza, coordinator of Wisconsin Welcome programming, concluded, “The point of these events is to get out of your comfort zone, build relationships, and learn what it means to part of the Badger community. I encourage all incoming students to check out the many events in our app (300+!), invite a new friend to join you, and enjoy all our beautiful campus has to offer!
If you have questions about Wisconsin Welcome, please email newstudent@studentlife.wisc.edu.