Parent and Family Program
Connecting parents and families to the university

About

The University of Wisconsin–Madison recognizes that you are a very important partner in your studentʼs success. The Parent and Family Program helps you stay connected to campus and serves as your ongoing resource throughout your studentʼs college career.

The Parent and Family Program launched in 2007 as part of an institutional priority to improve and centralize communications with parents and families of UW–Madison students. The program — which started with an informational website, hotline for phone calls, and dedicated email address — has now expanded to include the Badger Family e-newsletter, printed publications, organized campus events, virtual Q&As with campus experts, Chinese (中文) and Spanish (español) websites, and many other resources.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Parent and Family Program is to connect parents and families of UW–Madison students to the university so that they may support their studentʼs success.

Contact Us

Toll-free: 877-262-3977
Local: 608-262-3977
Email: parent@uwmad.wisc.edu
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Goals for parents and families

Defining “Parent and Family”

For the purposes of this program, “parent and family” includes, but is not limited to, parents, stepparents, extended family members, chosen family members, foster parents, and legal guardians.

  • Parents and family members recognize their important role as mentors and coaches. They help their student progressively take on more responsibility for academics, out-of-classroom experiences, and all other aspects of their lives.
  • Parents and family members have an open dialogue with their student about ways to promote personal health and balance, including coping with stress, alcohol/drugs, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and relationships. They empower their student to identify problems, develop a plan, and work toward solutions independently.
  • Parents and family members understand that there are limitations regarding access to student information as outlined in the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
  • Parents and family members know about and take advantage of opportunities to engage with the campus and surrounding community.
  • Parents and family members generate goodwill for the university by helping spread the word about the resources and discoveries at UW–Madison, impacting both their student and society at large. They advocate for personal, state, and federal investments in higher education.

Reaching Out

The UW–Madison Parent and Family Program serves as your central contact for important and timely information. Just by your student deciding to attend UW–Madison, you are automatically a member of our program. Additional support members may contact us to check to see if they are a member or join the program. As a member of our program, you will be invited to participate in a number of campus events, as well as stay informed through the following communications and services: