Parent and Family Program
Connecting parents and families to the university

Badger Family Forums

Badger Family Forums are virtual events that bring together a group of campus experts who answer your questions about a particular topic. Topics range from health, safety, study abroad, academics, and more. Check back here for schedule and topic updates and make sure you’re subscribed to our Badger Family Newsletter for the latest announcements.

Graduating Family Forum

Join us on Thursday, April 11 at 3 p.m. CDT for a Badger Family Forum that overviews information for graduating Badger families. Our experts will share ceremony information, career tips, and how students can stay connected to UW after graduation.

These events are streamed to the Parent and Family Program Facebook page and Youtube. If you can’t join us live, the sessions are always recorded and available for you to view any time.

Upcoming Schedule

Thursday, April 11: 3-4 p.m. CDT
Graduating Family Forum

Join us on Facebook
Join us on Youtube

2024 Forum Archive

Graduating Family Forum

Thursday, April 11: 3-4:00 p.m. CT

Join us for a Badger Family Forum that overviews information for graduating Badger families. Our experts will share ceremony information, career tips, and how students can stay connected to UW after graduation.

 

Support for First-Gen Families

Friday, March 1: noon- 1:00 p.m. CT

Join us for a conversation with UW staff who share personal insights and professional advice for first-generation families and their students. We discuss campus resources, ways students find community, and share key information on navigating the university.

 

2023 Forum Archive

Building Badger Futures: Career Services at UW-Madison

Friday, November 3: noon- 1:00 p.m. CT

At UW-Madison, we understand the importance of empowering your student’s academic journey with the tools needed to launch a successful career. In conjunction with the celebration of National Career Development Month in November, we’ll embark on a journey into the world of career services, ensuring that your student’s future shines as bright as Bucky Badger’s spirit! Our panelists include representatives from the various career services offices on campus and we’ll cover career exploration, job search strategies and everything in between.

 

Insights on Campus Safety

Friday, October 6: noon- 1:00 p.m. CT

This Badger Family Forum covered the landscape of safety, both on and off-campus. We discussed safety in all its dimensions including high-risk behaviors among students, prevention efforts, how campus responds when safety incidents occur, emergency alerts, resources for students, and more. Our panelists included UW Police Department Chief Kristen Roman and Jenny Damask, Assistant Director of High-Risk Drinking Prevention with University Health Services.

 

SPECIAL EDITION BADGER FAMILY FORUM
Helping Students Find a Home Away from Home for 2024-2025

Thursday, September 28: 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Many students, parents, and families are feeling the pressure to secure housing for the 2024-2025 academic year. We understand this pressure and are here to help. This special edition Badger Family Forum, in partnership with University Housing’s Off-Campus Housing Services, was held on September 28 from 4:00-5:00pm. During the forum, we shared tips and advice to help your Badger make an informed housing decision. Listen in to our panel of campus and off-campus experts discussing several topics, including returning to the residence halls, how to navigate the off-campus housing market, when to look, what to expect during the off-campus housing search, budgeting, understanding the lease, tenant rights, and what makes a good tenant.

Navigating the Fall Semester

Friday, September 8: noon – 1:00 p.m. CT

Are you ready to equip your student for a successful and thriving fall semester at UW-Madison? The transition to a new school year can be both exciting and challenging for students as they settle into their new routines and academic pursuits. This month’s Badger Family Forum addressed the key topics that often arise during this period, ensuring that your student has the tools and knowledge needed to excel and enjoy their time on campus.

First-Year Family Forum

Friday, August 4: noon- 1:00 p.m. CT

The Parent and Family Program team and campus partners answered families’ lingering questions about the upcoming fall semester. We also shared how your student can make the most of their first few weeks on campus and celebrate being a new Badger! 

Commencement & Continued Connection

Friday, May 5: noon–1 p.m. CT

Congratulations, graduating families! For our next monthly Badger Family Forum, the Parent and Family Program team and our campus partners are ready to answer your lingering commencement questions and share how to stay connected after graduation.

Badgers Beyond Borders: Supporting Your Student’s Study Abroad Experience

April 7, 2023

Staff from the UW–Madison Parent and Family Program and International Academic Programs discussed all things study abroad and how you can support your Badgers as they live and learn around the globe. Live, professional captioning also provided.

Ask Us Anything!

March 3, 2023

Staff from the UW–Madison Parent and Family Program took questions on any topic — you could truly ask us anything! We also shared additional ways you can engage with the Badger community as parents and families. If you’re looking for an overview of UW–Madison resources, this is a great forum for you.

Belonging, Becoming, & Being

February 3, 2023

Campus experts discuss the many ways Badgers can find community, get involved, and take care of themselves. Topics include student organizations, leadership opportunities, and other opportunities outside of the classroom that make up the Wisconsin Experience.

2022 Forum Archive

Finishing Strong

November 10, 2022

Campus experts discuss common challenges students encounter as the semester comes to a close and what family members can do to support them. Topics include finding community, academics, and coming home for winter break. Panelists include representatives from academic advising, the Center for the First-Year Experience, University Health Services, and University Housing.

Campus Safety

October 6, 2022

A conversation with campus and city police leadership where they discuss safety on- and off-campus, the various safety resources available to students, and families’ questions about safety in general.

A Community of Care on Campus

February 2, 2022

As your students navigate the start of spring semester, they may be realizing that the support they need now looks different than it did before. Perhaps they are looking for strategies to support their mental health and well-being during these cold winter months. Maybe they are still searching for community and a sense of belonging. Or perhaps you are wondering how to recognize if your student is struggling and provide support without being overbearing.