The University of Wisconsin-Madison has moved to remote instruction for the remainder of the fall semester. As the UW community learns, works and gathers remotely, we encourage you to stay connected to fellow Badgers virtually. #BadgerAtHome
#BadgerAtHome Stories
Moments in Time 2020
Say what you will about the year 2020, it was filled with examples of resilience. University Communications photographers compiled a visual record of the year as it unfolded on campus.
Celebrate with winter 2020 graduates during virtual commencement ceremony
UW–Madison will confer nearly 3,000 degrees this Sunday at its winter 2020 commencement ceremony, to be held virtually beginning at 11 a.m. and recorded for later viewing on the commencement website.
Virtual Finals Frenzy
The Wisconsin Union’s Finals Frenzy is still on! Check Wisconsin Union's social media accounts frequently. Also, if you stop by Memorial Union or Union South, you just never know what fun, free surprises might await you at your dining or study area.
Fight Stress with Healthy Habits
Shorter days and colder temps can bring extra stress and anxiety. You are not alone. Campus resources are available to help you finish out the semester strong, including these 8 healthy habits from UW Student Affairs.
Libraries adjust for break and finals
As UW prepares to move to remote instruction, the Libraries are making some changes in access to facilities and services. While the entire campus makes this shift, the need for onsite services such as study space, research access, and library support will remain a priority.
Student survey results being used to improve fall, spring semesters
The two student surveys sought to help university administrators better understand what has worked well and what has been challenging during a year upended by a global pandemic.
Native November: In new First-Year Interest Group, students connect with the land through Indigenous lens
Instructor Dan Cornelius is "trying to help students connect to place, so that no matter where they are, they’ll think more deeply about the land and its history.”
Students Offer Tips for Online Classes
In this Students on the Street video, Joel Rondón turns to the students to find the best ways to excel in the world of remote classes: The key word to remember? “Schedule.” Take a look.
2020-2021 OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF COLOR HONOREES ANNOUNCED
The thirteenth cohort of Outstanding Women of Color awardees was recently announced. The honorees will be honored at a reception on Wednesday, March 3 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn more about this year's winners.
100-Hour Challenge Starts November 12
The 100-Hour Challenge is going virtual this year. Using materials they can easily find in their dorm room, apartment, or home undergraduate students pitch a new product idea. The 2020 contest launches November 12.
STUDENT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS OPEN
The Office of Student Financial Aid is seeking nominations for Student Employee of the Year. Scholarships will be awarded to the top three student employees at UW–Madison. Students must be nominated by their supervisors. The deadline to nominate outstanding student employees is Friday, Nov. 20.
First-years in SoHE’s Political Textiles Seminar Answer Election Anxiety with Art & Design
Students in Dr. Marina Moskowitz’s First-Year Interest Group (FIG) course explore American political history through textiles and offer fellow students and Wisconsinites a point of connection through their collective final project.
Resources, discussions to help campus reflect on election
To help the campus community navigate the days and weeks ahead, university officials will be offering several opportunities to engage in civic dialogue, build community, and discuss the election both before and after the vote.
Talking with your roommate(s) about COVID-19
One of the places you need to feel comfortable and secure is in your room or your home. That can be hard if your roommate or others who share your home aren’t on the same page. Here are a few ways to start the conversation.
A GUIDE TO WEARING A MASK WHILE EXERCISING
As you get back into your in-person workout routine, check out these tips from RecWell for working out in a mask.
Bucky plans virtual Homecoming for 2020
Although COVID-19 will prevent in-person events, the Wisconsin Alumni Association is still creating ways to celebrate — from a star-studded pregame event to the finest flamingo traditions.
Virtual Happenings – Connect with your fellow Badgers (Oct. 8-14)
Student Affairs is on week four of providing events, opportunities, and activities that Badgers can join online. Building community is key to finding your home on campus. We encourage students to engage with others, and find people who connect with at UW-Madison.
Additional changes coming for UW season opener
Given the significant increase of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across Wisconsin, UW–Madison is taking new steps to limit attendance and game day activity around Badgers football.
Badger FARE, other resources for students experiencing food insecurity
UW-Madison offers a variety of support services for those who could benefit from assistance. Take a look.
Where can you go on campus to attend a remote course, study, and more?
As part of a phased reopening, campus operations have started to resume after a two-week pause. Here are some tips for where you can go on campus to participate in a remote class, take an online exam, study or pass time between classes.
Virtual events explore science of well-being
The Center for Healthy Minds is offering a weeklong series of free virtual events on the science of well-being, sharing knowledge and guidance on managing stress and emotional health during times of hardship. “The World We Make 2020” will take place Oct. 5-9.
Explore over 100 virtual events at the 10th annual Wisconsin Science Festival
Activities will include experiments, live Q&A with scientists, demonstrations, performances, podcasts, behind-the-scenes tours and more — along with up-to-the-minute information on what researchers are learning about COVID-19.
Campus to Resume Some In-Person Activities
Beginning Sept. 26, UW–Madison will start to resume campus activity, phasing it in as the university continues to track COVID-19 infections.
Free Flu Shots for Students and Employees
University Health Services (UHS) is currently offering free flu shots for all UW students and employees. Flu shots will be offered at various places on campus. If you are in quarantine or isolation, you must wait until your quarantine/isolation period ends to get a flu shot.
F.H. King group provides students, local community with fresh produce despite pandemic
The student organization's goal is to connect students with the land they live on and the food they eat, including combating food insecurity and fighting against social injustice in the food system.
Go Big Read goes virtual
Go Big Read’s mission has always been to bring the campus community together through a shared reading experience. A pandemic doesn’t change that, although it does alter the logistics.
Visiting students can find a Badger path through college during the pandemic
As the pandemic disrupts education plans, UW–Madison invites visiting students who have not yet started or completed an undergraduate degree to be a Badger online and earn college credit this fall.
OPENING DATES SET FOR SHELL, NTS, NICHOLAS RECREATION CENTER
The Shell and Nielsen Tennis Stadium (NTS) will reopen to students, faculty, and staff on Monday, August 17. The Nicholas Recreation Center is expected to open in a limited capacity on Monday, September 14.
For Students: Planning Your Start to Fall Semester
Vice Chancellor Reesor shares important information and resources with students as they prepare to start the fall semester.
An At-Home Artistic Terrace Experience
Keep those Terrace summer vibes going at home with our new, free, downloadable Terrace-themed coloring pages!
31 Days of Women Leadership Learning kicks off August 3
A virtual learning series for UW-Madison employees, 31 Days of Women Leadership Learning, will launch on Monday, Aug. 3, with a keynote address by Gloria Ladson-Billings. Each day of August will feature one learning opportunity from a woman leader. Registration is free.
THE 7 ASPECTS OF WELLBEING: WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW CAN YOU PROTECT THEM?
We believe that every individual has a unique definition of what wellbeing means to them, and may find certain aspects to be more important than others. Whatever your own definition, it’s important to think about how you can protect your own seven aspects of wellbeing.
Student to student: Adjusting to remote education, pandemic
This summer, plenty of UW-Madison students have shown resiliency in adapting to remote instruction, as well as weathering other changes caused by the global pandemic. They’ve learned to adapt to this new method of learning, and found some positives in it.
UW–Madison establishes free, campus-wide COVID-19 testing to support campus reopening
Two campus labs are coming together again in support of efforts to provide free COVID-19 testing to the entire campus community. The goal is to identify infections, isolate and care for those who are sick, and limit the spread of the disease.
Gradual reopening includes select facilities
After being closed since March due to the COVID-19 outbreak, some University of Wisconsin–Madison facilities are reopening on a limited basis, with new safety requirements such as masking and physical distancing.
Chancellor Blank: “This is an unwise and terribly disruptive policy”
Chancellor Rebecca Blank spoke to PBS News Hour Thursday about proposed changes to international student visas. "I hope we can actually get ICE and the administration to really rethink what they're doing," she said.
Chancellor Announces New Commitments to Combat Racisim
In a message to campus, Chancellor Blank shares how UW–Madison is responding to calls for greater equity and inclusion.
How to Cope with the Sense of Loss during the Pandemic
COVID-19 has changed our lives and many of us feel like we’ve lost something. In the latest Badger Talks, Richie Davidson, founder and director of the Center for Healthy Minds, explores how to cope with that sense of loss.
What to Know About Food and COVID-19
We sat down (virtually) with Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Dr. Tara LaRowe to answer questions related to grocery shopping and dining out during the pandemic.
Students Share Favorite Summer Study Spots
Summer Term students are hard at work completing coursework, participating in online discussions, conducting research and writing papers. But studying in the summer has some advantages, as evidenced by these photos …
Summer is still summer, so make the most of it
Even though there is a global pandemic happening outside it is still summertime. UW-Madison students have to get creative this summer and find new ways of having fun, whether it’s painting, going for walks or learning new skills.
Wearing Masks to Reduce Covid-19 Transmission
As the U.S. grapples with surges of new COVID-19 infections, everyone is looking for ways to slow the spread of the disease. In this Badger Talks video, Professor of Population Health Sciences Ajay Sethi says that we should continue to turn to an old standby: masks.
Badgers on Track Virtual Workshops
Badgers on Track virtual workshops can help you take your next steps in your job and internship search. Current students and recent grads can learn from Career & Internship Specialists and advisors at these online sessions. Check out recently recorded workshops and the listing of upcoming live workshops.
A PHOTO TOUR OF THE PLACES YOU'VE MISSED
It’s been 100 days since many of us began working from home. Campus remains as beautiful as you remember it, as you’ll see in this survey of the buildings housing UW–Madison’s schools and colleges. We hope it will help revive your sense of place as planning to reopen campus unfolds.
ALPS NOW OFFERING VIRTUAL TEAM BUILDING WORKSHOPS
Adventure Learning Programs (ALPS) virtual teambuilding workshops are simply an online version of our teambuilding (ground) workshops. You will find the same engaging, educational, and fun teambuilding initiatives as you would if we could meet in person.
How to nurture your network during a pandemic
A UW–Madison career counselor shares four strategies for connecting with your network in unprecedented times.
Welcome To The Summer 2020 Terrace
This summer we have to do things differently so you can still safely enjoy it. The Terrace will be more like a traditional restaurant, by reservation only, to ensure everyone is safe and socially-distanced.
JOIN MADISON’S JUNE 19TH VIRTUAL 2020 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Kujichagulia Madison Center for Self Determination is inviting all local citizens to join us for the annual celebration in Madison of the historic event – the emancipation of all slaves in America.
"Smart Restart" plan will guide campus reopening in fall
Students will return to campus as scheduled on Sept. 2 for the start of fall classes. To ensure a “Smart Restart” amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we are developing a comprehensive plan for resuming campus activities.
Top 3 Summer Term study tips for remote learners
Even though students are starting to master the art of remote classes, that does not mean that we all cannot use a few tips to help us. Here are three easy tips that can help students stay more organized and on top of their summer classes.
Update on Rec Well Facilities and Summer Operations
Recreation & Wellbeing have virtual programs happening this summer. While we prepare for a safe return to campus, here are a few updates and reminders about our facilities and summer operations.
Want to be an ally but not sure how? Here are resources
The fight to dismantle systemic oppression is going to take the efforts of everyone, including White allies. Here is a roundup of resources, including articles to read, podcasts to listen to, movies to watch and much more.
Resources to help you make the most of Summer Term
Wondering how to get the help you need as a Summer Term student? UW-Madison has plenty of resources to help students with advising, technology, health services and more.
Statement from your Dean of Students - We're Here for You
Recently, I have witnessed moments of great pain and violence, as well as inspiring acts of people coming together to confront racism and inequality. I am committed to engaging with students and staff, so we can do better, together. We're here for you.
A Message to Our Community
Chancellor Blank responds to the death of George Floyd, protests and violence in Madison, calling on the UW community to reject racism, hate and violence.
Virtual Learning Opportunities Expanded for UW Employees
Learning and Talent Development is continuing to add more instructor-led courses and other virtual learning resources to its Virtual Learning web page. All virtual learning opportunities are available at no cost to UW–Madison employees.
SuccessWorks summer initiative to help students, recent alumni pursue career goals
Badgers on Track is a series of remote summer programs and opportunities to help students foster resiliency, build networking skills, gain experience, and secure jobs and internships with employers in Wisconsin and around the country.
COVID-19 canceled their variety show; students raised $341,000 for charity anyway
A student-run philanthropic organization at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has donated more than $340,000 to charity despite having to cancel its spring variety show due to COVID-19.
The winners: Cool Science Images 2020
Eyeball-licking geckos, wiggling brain cells and a whole planet’s worth of weather are among the winners in the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s 10th Cool Science Image Contest.
Badger Talks: Coping with the ‘Quarantine Blues’
Host Veronica Rueckert talks with Karen Smith, a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Psychology, about ways to cope with the stress of spending so much time at home during the COVID-19 crisis.
The W Challenge: Show Us Where Your Ws Roam
The W roams everywhere on campus—cemented on buildings, emblazoned on hats, thrown up by our very own hands. While we can’t be on campus right now, with a little imagination, we can still find (or create) the Ws at home. Use your creativity and share your entries with us!
VIDEO: End-of-Year Message from Student Affairs
Dean of Students Christina Olstad and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Gabe Javier share a message to new graduates and returning students. “While this year isn’t ending as we imagined or hoped, we want you to know that we're proud of you,” Olstad says.
UW Employees Can Receive Free Professional Coaching
The UW’s Certified Professional Coach Program is offering free coaching services to university employees to help them during the COVID-19 pandemic. The confidential sessions will be conducted over the phone or via video.
A virtual party heard ’round the world
Camp Randall wasn’t in the cards for commencement this spring, but UW–Madison students and speakers made the most of a virtual celebration. Author James Patterson told the graduates: “There’s never been a better time to make use of everything you learned in school. You are prepared for this.”
Join us online for Spring Commencement 2020
After postponing in-person commencement, the UW will host a virtual celebration for graduates on Saturday, May 9, at noon (CDT), with prolific author James Patterson delivering the keynote speech. The ceremony can be streamed on the commencement website.
Seniors to make most of online commencement
The Class of 2020 will celebrate its achievements virtually on May 9. Says senior Alyssa Birkeland: “I’ll be celebrating with my family at home, hopefully with some steak and cheesecake. I’ll also be Zooming with my friends to watch the ceremony together.”
Calming an anxious world with meditation
Richard Davidson, director of the UW’s Center for Healthy Minds, is leading guided meditations on YouTube to help viewers cope with an uncertain time. “When you gather two thousand people from around the world to practice together, you recognize that you’re not alone,” he says.
Many miles apart, UW roommates stay connected
When the UW suspended in-person instruction, two roommates returned to their homes — one to New York, the other to California. Some 2,700 miles apart, they’re finding ways to stay connected and finish the semester strong.
In uncertain times, you can lean on rocks … and The Rock
What happens when you ask actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson about his favorite kind of rock? Professor Stephen Meyers and his introductory geology class found out through a Twitter campaign.
Best Wishes from the Wisconsin Union
Union South and Memorial Union aren’t the same without you. Read a special message from the Wisconsin Union team, and enjoy a video with recent footage of the spaces we hope you’ll visit again when we can all be together.
Making work-at-home work: A little more help
This new normal still doesn’t feel all that normal but hopefully some of these ideas can help or remind you that we’re all still adjusting to changes in work and home life.
Students use video game to re-create campus online
UW students are building a perfectly scaled replica of campus within the video game Minecraft to “retain a sense of campus community.”
Robots still roll on nearly empty campus
With in-person instruction suspended and campus buildings closed, campus is a quiet place. But University Housing’s food-delivery robots continue to serve students who remain in residence halls.
Photo essay: A day in the life of a student at home
UW sophomore Brian Huynh documents daily life after returning to his parents’ house. “While the coronavirus may have distanced the world, it has also brought my family closer together,” he writes.
‘What online learning taught me about staying connected’
UW senior Kayla Huynh reflects on her new academic routine. “They may be different than before, but our daily classes now give us something to look forward to,” she writes.
UW students share their social-distancing activities
From workouts and puzzles to mask-making and pet snuggles, UW students are practicing both self-care and social distancing at a critical time.
UW student recounts COVID-19 recovery
While recovering from COVID-19, UW student Amy Shircel shared her experience on Twitter and went viral. Her message to her peers? Stay home if you can.
What’s stay-at-home like for researchers?
Like many of their peers, researchers at the Currie Lab are working from home. Research assistant Julia Buskirk sent out a survey to learn about their experiences—and then illustrated their answers.
Athletic facilities #LightItBlue to honor front-line workers
You typically see red at Camp Randall Stadium and the Kohl Center. But the UW’s athletic facilities joined the #LightItBlue campaign to honor pandemic workers.
UW employees adapt to home workspaces
Working from home, UW faculty and staff are discovering tricks for making their multipurposed surroundings more bearable — or even pleasant — and efficient.
Tutoring, advising support go online for students
Tutoring, advising, and career services have moved online to continue support for students remotely. It’s a challenge, advisers say, but they share a message: “We are ready to help.”
Campus quickly transitions to online instruction
UW–Madison moved some 7,700 spring courses online in less than two weeks. “A spirit of ‘we are all figuring this out together’ goes a long way,” says Professor Sara McKinnon.
We’re Here for You
We know that “home” has changing contexts and different meanings depending on your life circumstances and relationships. Some in our Badger community experience homelessness or housing insecurity. Many still can’t return home or find it to be a source of anxiety and instability. Whatever your situation is right now, we hope that the Badger community can provide a sense of home and support for you.
Events and Activities
Upcoming Events
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- %l:%m %p Intro to Wheel Pottery
- %l:%m %p Hand Building Ceramics
- %l:%m %p 95th Annual Student Art Show
- %l:%m %p Team Trivia at the Sett
- %l:%m %p Team Trivia at the Sett
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- %l:%m %p Coco with Hoco
- %l:%m %p Intro to Backcountry Nutrition & Ration Planning
- %l:%m %p Intro to Wheel Pottery
- %l:%m %p Intro to Vietnamese Cooking
- %l:%m %p 95th Annual Student Art Show
See our Badger at Home Festival events and performances that took place the week of April 27–May 1.
#BadgerAtHome Social
Making the most of learning and working remotely? Share your experiences on Instagram with #BadgerAtHome, and you might see your post below!
Prior Events and Performances
Features
RED Talks
Cozy up with a bowl of Babcock ice cream for a 2020 Wisconsin Film Festival showing of a short comedy produced by UW–Madison students. Also featured, check out some of our favorite RED Talks (like TED Talks, but a bit more Badger).
A Cappella Showcase
Enjoy a remote concert from your favorite campus a cappella groups and the Wisconsin Singers.