2,000 freshman parents expected this weekend

More than 2,000 parents are expected to converge on campus for Freshman Parents’ Weekend, organized to allow moms and dads to catch up with their kids’ lives after their first weeks in Madison.

Along the way, parents will have a chance to attend a chemistry lecture titled “Solids Are Like People,” explore the UW Arboretum, and walk in their children’s shoes for a while. Guided tours and other activities are planned for the special weekend, which is sponsored by the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

The goal is for parents to immerse themselves in campus life at UW–Madison. They are encouraged to tour the campus, go to a Badger football game, address the provost with any questions, and attend their sons’ and daughters’ regular classes.

Bucky Badger will greet parents Friday at the Below Alumni Center, 650 North Lake Street, before the festivities get under way for the weekend.

Freshman Parents’ Weekend is a part of UW–Madison’s Parents’ Weekend. The Wisconsin Alumni Association has been serving UW–Madison and its graduates since 1861. WAA provides an array of services, including On Wisconsin, a quarterly alumni magazine; a national council to foster multicultural diversity; a career database program; and an extensive student relations program.

Here is the Freshman Parents’ Weekend itinerary:

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22:

— 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., registration at the Below Alumni Center, 650 North Lake St. Parents can pick up all available registration material, including football tickets.

— 10 a.m.-2 p.m., optional campus walking tours given by the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board from, leaving from the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

— 10 a.m.-2 p.m., tours of the Allen Centennial Gardens, located on the corner of Babcock Drive and Observatory Drive.

— 11 a.m.-2 p.m., UW Arboretum tours. Shuttle service will be provided, leaving from the front of Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St. Tours will leave every hour from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will take parents back to the Memorial Union.

— 2:30-3:20 p.m. and 3:30-4:20 p.m., classes with distinguished faculty. Art Ellis, professor of chemistry, and Harold Scheub, professor of African languages and literature, will deliver lectures to parents in Bascom Hall. Parents are encouraged to attend their kids’ regular classes during the day.

— 4:30-6 p.m., Student Services Resource Fair and Reception, On Wisconsin Room, Red Gym. Dean of Students Alicia Chávez will give a welcome address to parents at 5 p.m.

— 4:30-6 p.m., guided tours of the Red Gym will run every half-hour, leaving from the Media Room.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23:

— 7:30-10:30 a.m. Registration, Gate B, Kohl Center.

— 7:30 a.m., Parents’ Brunch, Kohl Center. First seating, 7:30-8:30 a.m.; second seating, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Students can join parents in this portion of the program.

— 9:30-10:30 a.m., Provost John Wiley will address parents and hold a question-and-answer session.

— 11:10 a.m., Wisconsin versus Northwestern football game, Camp Randall Stadium.