Undergrads learn the Badger way at Wisconsin Welcome
The mat is out and it says “welcome” to all Badgers new and returning to UW–Madison in fall 2004.
About 28,000 undergraduates are expected for the fall semester. Katherine Kruse, Wisconsin Welcome coordinator in the UW–Madison Office of Orientation and New Student Programs, says that the annual event, a fixture since 1989, takes a holistic approach in helping students make the transition to university life.
The centerpiece of Wisconsin Welcome this year will be the New Student Music Fest, on Sunday, Aug. 29.
“It’s going to be a really cool nonalcoholic atmosphere,” she says. “We’ll have more than 15 bands, pizza from 10 different vendors, a raffle, and provide an opportunity for students to make their own CDs and music videos.”
The fest opens at 9 p.m. in Union South.
Other activities this year include:
* “Get to Know Madison by Bike” tours, Monday, Aug. 30, 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Southeast Recreational Facility (SERF) main entrance. These hour-long treks help students map out the best bike routes to the city’s must-visit spots.
* “Put the Pieces Together: How to Have a Complete College Experience,” Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2 p.m., On Wisconsin room, Red Gym. This session will help students find out-of-the-classroom experiences through student organizations, programs and community-service opportunities.
* Memorial Union Bash, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 9 p.m., Memorial Union. Music, film, food, comedy and more will introduce the campus staple that is the Union.
* Chancellor’s Convocation for New Students, Wednesday, Sept. 1, noon. Chancellor John Wiley and Dean of Students Luoluo Hong make the welcome official.
* Multicultural Orientation and Reception, Friday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m., Wisconsin Union Theater and Memorial Union Great Hall. Music and dance from African-American, Asian-American, Chicano and Puerto Rican cultures and a multicultural organization fair welcome all students to campus.
* Hypnotist Steve Atwood, Saturday, Sept. 4, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., Wisconsin Union Theater. Atwood in one of the country’s premiere hypnotists. No one will be getting sleepy during his shows. A student ID required.
“Wisconsin Welcome strives to create an atmosphere that minimizes anxiety and welcomes students to the campus community,” Kruse says. “And, the best thing about it is that it really takes the whole campus to make it happen.”
The aforementioned Wisconsin Welcome events are just a sample. In addition, events await put together by student organizations, University Housing, private residence halls, UW–Madison’s Greek chapters and others. For a complete schedule, visit http://www.wisc.edu/sop/wwelcome/wwsched-category.html, call (608) 263-0367 or send e-mail to orientation@redgym.wisc.edu.