Preston Schmitt

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 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!

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.