Thank you to everyone who joined us for Virtual Family Weekend 2020. We appreciated taking your questions, seeing your Bucky Badger drawings, and providing you with opportunities to engage with campus resources.

If you were able to join us, we’d love your feedback. Please take our survey, which will close on November 9.

Missed the live events? Not a problem! Our content is still available for you and your Badger Family to engage with any time. Visit our webpage to gain new strategies for well-being and connection, learn how to draw Bucky, or find out more about “Hamilton: An American Musical.” We’ve also highlighted a few signature events below.

Welcome from Chancellor Blank »

Chancellor Rebecca Blank shares an overview of the latest happenings at UW–Madison.

Attending College During a Pandemic: The Mental Health Impact and How We Can All Help »

Director of Mental Health Services, Dr. Sarah Nolan, discusses mental health trends on campus, resources at UW, and ways that family and friends can support students during this unique time.

Learn How to Draw Bucky Badger with Wheelhouse Studios »

Taylor Franklin, Program Director of Wheelhouse Studios, teaches Badger Families how to draw Bucky Badger! All you need is a piece of paper, a drawing utensil, and a good attitude. Taylor breaks down the drawing lesson into easy steps for the whole Badger family to enjoy.

Life on Purpose: Three Questions Only You Can Answer »

Dr. Christine Whelan talks about how to do the next right thing in a time of uncertainty, and find purpose in your life during these trying times.

Insights from Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor »

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Lori Reesor, shares her insights here as both as a parent of a UW–Madison student, and as an administrator and educator.

Strategies for Well-Being and Connection »

How do we support and affirm our students as they process all that has happened this year — from racial injustice to a global pandemic? How do students find community in a COVID-19 environment, whether they live at home or on campus? Campus experts share guidance and strategies from a trauma-informed perspective.

Hamilton: How a Musical About History is Making Musical History! »

Hear how the musical Hamilton is making history! With a soundtrack and script that fuses classical musical theatre and poetry with elements of popular music and hip hop, its storytelling both builds on the past and looks to the future.

Sponsor Spotlight

Each year, the flu causes students to miss an average of five days of class, and studies have shown that flu symptoms can have a significant impact on a student’s academic progress. To help keep UW–Madison students healthy, University Health Services (UHS) offers free flu shots during the fall semester. The cost of the flu shot is covered by student health fees.

Here are a few reminders to share with your student:

• A flu shot helps protect you and those around you. Find a day, time, and location that works for your schedule at https://schedule-my-flu-shot.as.me/uw-madison.
• Get vaccinated as soon as possible. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.
• Save time and complete your registration/consent form when you schedule your appointment.
• Bring your insurance card to your flu shot appointment.
• Wear a face covering to your flu shot appointment.
• Flu shots help reduce the transmission of the virus if more people are immunized; the flu won’t spread as fast in a highly immunized population.

Watch this video on how to get a free flu shot from UHS:

2020 Winter Commencement will be held virtually on Sunday, December 13 for all fall graduates. The continuing public health crisis has limited our ability to hold in person events such as commencement. While it is important to us to celebrate the achievements of every graduate, we are doing many of the same touchpoints with graduates this fall — in a new way.

Graduates will have the opportunity to have their portrait taken, by submitting a photo onto a virtual background. Celebration kits are being prepared for each cap and gown rental as a way to celebrate the moment — wherever you are — and to commemorate this important occasion. Graduates are encouraged to share their experience on social media using #UWGrad.

The virtual commencement experience will include information about how to receive a printed program, a 2-year membership opportunity with the Wisconsin Alumni Association, a Graduate playlist, as well as the ceremonial aspects of speakers including the Chancellor, a graduating student, and an alum in addition to our keynote speaker, Rose Lavelle, ’17. Schools and Colleges will also be identifying unique ways to celebrate graduates with live and pre-recorded events with faculty and staff within the departments. Diplomas and a UW diploma cover will be mailed to each graduate after grades are submitted, approximately 6–8 weeks after commencement.

More information will be shared with graduates in November, including what to expect and when to tune in for the festivities. Be sure to stay informed by signing up for ceremony updates, and checking out our website at commencement.wisc.edu. Congratulations to all of our graduates, and On, Wisconsin!