Lori Berquam, Dean of Students, Division of Student Life
Preparing for the Year Ahead
I hope that both you and your student have had an enjoyable summer. There is a flurry of activity taking place on campus, all designed to welcome students back to UW–Madison. I’d like to ask your family to also do a little preparation for what we hope will be another successful year in Madison.
Here at the Division of Student Life, we believe that parents and family members are the greatest allies and resources in our efforts to support the success of our students. Beyond simply packing or buying supplies with your student, I hope you will help us get off to a great start by bringing yourself up to speed on several important campus matters, and by talking with your students before he or she returns to campus.
- Take a few minutes to talk to your student about what he or she is doing outside of the classroom. There are significant opportunities for students to integrate in-class and out-of-class learning experiences through their active, creative, and entrepreneurial engagement in real-world problems — something we call the Wisconsin Experience. Urge your student to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to avoid missing out. For more information, visit the Center for Leadership & Involvement.
- Encourage your student’s commitment to UW–Madison’s academic rigor. A good starting point for resources is www.wisc.edu/ academics. Additionally, we expect honesty and integrity from our students. Information about academic misconduct polices and procedures (UWS Chapter 14).
- As you know, the number-one problem on college campuses across the country is high-risk drinking. Consequences can range from missed classes and poor grades to long-term health risks. Talk about this with your student, reflecting your own family’s values and expectations, and revisit the topic throughout the semester. For more information about starting the conversation, visit the PACE Program.
Madison is generally a safe community in which to live and work, but it isn’t immune to the challenges of a growing city, including crime. UW–Madison views safety as a shared partnership among students, staff, police, and our community. We ask that you remind your student to walk with friends or use SAFE Nighttime Services, let others know where he or she is going and when to expect him or her to return, always lock doors and windows, and carry a cell phone. For safety resources and information, visit www.safeu.wisc.edu.
Your student is a part of the Badger culture, one committed to upholding the values of the Wisconsin Experience and the university. Badgers are ethical and curious in their academic work, seeking opportunities to engage critically and deeply. Badgers show respect for the dignity of others, pursuing opportunities to learn and grow. And lastly, Badgers incorporate their education into their lives, applying the knowledge they learn and sharing it with the world. I am excited that your student is a part of this growing legacy!
Please keep in touch with us, and don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s anything we can do to help. I have a newly redesigned Web page that I’m launching in early fall at www.students.wisc.edu. Be sure to stay up to date with the latest news and information at www.parent.wisc.edu.
Thank you for being a partner in reinforcing these important messages with your student. Together, with your student, we can make it a safe and successful year!
Lori Berquam