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The First-Year Experience

Wisconsin Welcome

Photo: Students enjoy lunch on the Kohl Center lawn after a welcome event for new students.

Wisconsin Welcome, scheduled for August 30 through September 15, is the perfect way for your student to become familiar with campus traditions, meet new people, and rekindle friendships made during SOAR. Designed for both new and returning students, it offers a chance to get lingering questions answered, learn about academics, find one’s way around campus, learn about Wisconsin history and culture, and discover all the campus has to offer. Among hundreds of events, your student can attend the Chancellor’s Convocation on September 1, academic orientations, a Student Resource Fair, a New Student Night at the Overture Center featuring local and national performing acts, an introduction to the UW’s Fifth Quarter, and a traditional tailgate. Students can visit the Wisconsin Welcome website to create a personalized calendar of activities.

It’s Time to Move In
Campus will be buzzing with activity in late August when thousands of UW–Madison students will move into the residence halls. Move-in for Sellery and Ogg Halls will take place the weekend of August 27 and 28, and move-in for all other residence halls will occur August 30 and 31.

Although the process may seem overwhelming, the University Housing staff does everything it can to make the transition as smooth as possible. Residents are scheduled to arrive during a two-day period, divided by floors within the same hall. “Badger Buddies” will be on hand to help students move belongings and set up lofts.

During the second week of August, an e-mail will be sent to your student’s WiscMail account. It will include information on where to check in, the unloading process, parking, and where to ship belongings.

Students who have been hired for housing jobs can move into residence halls on August 28. Here are a few tips and resources to ease the move-in process:

Parents’ Weekend: November 4–6
Parents’ Weekend, hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Association and scheduled for November 4–6, is an opportunity for parents to visit campus and participate in activities that are part of the student experience. Parents are encouraged to develop their connections to the university by exploring the campus; asking questions; learning about opportunities; connecting with other parents, staff, and faculty; and attending a Wisconsin football game against Purdue.

The Parents’ Weekend package includes special lectures, a question-and-answer session featuring a panel of campus experts, a Badger Huddle tailgate ticket, and a football ticket.

After the sessions on Friday, November 4, join the Parent Program for a parent social featuring opportunities to talk to deans, directors, and parent program staff while enjoying our famous Babcock ice cream.

For online registration and more information, including accommodations, visit the Wisconsin Alumni Association website.

Web Chat for Parents of New Students
If you are the parent of a new student, you’ll want to mark Thursday, August 11, from noon–1 p.m., on your calendar. The Parent Program will be hosting a special Web chat to help answer questions about your student’s initial transition to campus life. If you need a refresher after completing your sessions at SOAR — or other questions have come to mind — this lunch hour chat is for you. Topics will include housing move-in, homesickness, academics, health and safety, and financial aid. To sign in, and for more information, visit the Parent Program website.