Student Involvement and Community
At UW–Madison, the opportunities to connect, engage, and grow are endless! This section showcases various support services and opportunities to make the college experience meaningful and unforgettable.
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Get Involved
There are numerous ways for students to connect, make friends, and build a sense of community on campus. Here are some great options to start college on the right foot.
Wisconsin Welcome
Wisconsin Welcome is a multi-week celebration at the start of each semester with hundreds of events to help students:
- Explore Madison
- Meet new friends
- Find activities that match their interests
Event details are in the Wisconsin Welcome app. Encourage your student to join—it’s the perfect way to start their college experience!
Student Organizations
With 1,000+ student organizations at UW–Madison, students can:
- Explore interests and build leadership skills
- Search for groups on the Wisconsin Involvement Network (WIN)
- Attend the Student Organization Fair each semester to meet 400+ groups
Volunteering
The Morgridge Center for Public Service helps students:
- Volunteer in the community
- Join programs like Badger Volunteers and Wisconsin Idea Fellowships
- Meet with peer advisors to find opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to build connections and give back to the community.
Community Building and Support
Belonging to a community is a vital component of overall wellness. UW–Madison offers many spaces where your student can connect with groups that align with their identities, interests, and experiences.
Associated Students of Madison (ASM)
UW–Madison’s student government represents 50,000+ students, including your student. ASM elected leaders:
- Help decide how student fees are used ($50 million annually)
- Manage the Student Activity Center and bus pass program
- Advocate for student-focused issues
Center for Interfaith Dialogue (CID)
The CID supports religious and spiritual diversity at UW–Madison through education, resources, and dialogue. It welcomes your student wherever they are in their beliefs—whether they identify with a particular faith, are exploring, or don’t identify with any religion.
The center promotes religious literacy, interfaith cooperation, and mutual respect, while offering programs and leadership opportunities that foster understanding across diverse beliefs and traditions.
The Center for Interfaith Dialogue is a unit of Student Affairs at UW–Madison.
First Generation Badgers
If your student is the first in your family to attend college, First Generation Badgers is designed with them in mind. The program offers:
- Events and programs to connect with peers
- Campus services tailored to first-generation needs
Fraternity and Sorority Life
UW–Madison has nearly 70 fraternities and sororities with more than 6,000 members (approximately 15% of undergraduates). Fraternities and sororities offer opportunities to:
- Build friendships
- Develop leadership skills
- Engage in service
- Receive academic support
Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC)
The GSCC supports all students and allies through education, advocacy, and community. GSCC offers welcoming space, resources, discussion groups, leadership opportunities, and vibrant events that foster connection and improve campus climate across diverse and intersecting identities.
The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center is a unit of Student Affairs at UW–Madison.
International Student Services (ISS)
If your student is coming from outside the US, the ISS is here to help them adjust to life at UW–Madison. They provide Visa and immigration advising, support orientation and cultural programs, and host workshops and events for academic and social success.
Multicultural Student Center (MSC)
The MSC is a welcoming hub—a home away from home—for all students to find connection, community, and support. Through cultural centers, programming, leadership opportunities, and community-building, the MSC helps your student explore their identity, build belonging, and thrive at UW–Madison.
The Multicultural Student Center is a unit of Student Affairs at UW–Madison.
Transfer Transition Program (TTP)
The TTP supports transfer students, especially during their first year at UW–Madison through:
- Events and peer connections
- The Transfer Engagement Center for socialization, studying, snacks, and printing
University Veteran Services (UVS)
If your student is a veteran, service member, or military family member, UVS is here to help them navigate university life. They provide education benefits and military leave assistance, host social events and networking opportunities, along with support for the Student Veterans of America (SVA) organization.