wisconsin madison college visits

Experience Wisconsin Open House

Welcome to the University of Wisconsin—Madison! Please explore the drop-down menus below to make the most of your Experience Wisconsin Open House day.

Lunch will be on your own, but click on the “Dining” drop-down below for a convenient list of options on and near campus, including our University Housing dining facilities.

Need Help Navigating Campus?

Get walking directions to and from program locations.

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Directions to Check-In

Check-in will occur from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at Gordon Dining and Event Center. Please check-in prior to the 9:00 a.m. session. Check-in will be outdoors. In the case of severe weather, check-in will move inside.

• Campus Check-In – Gordon Dining and Event Center, front lawn (770 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53715) Google Maps /  campus map

If you arrive after 9:00 a.m., you can check in at any of the satellite information tables (see below).

Satellite Information Tables

Information tables will be available throughout the day should you need assistance, directions, or have any questions.

• East Campus Information Table – Office of Admissions and Recruitment, first floor (702 W Johnson St, Suite 1101, Madison, WI 53715) Google Maps / campus map
• North Campus Information Table – Memorial Union, first floor (800 W. Langdon St., Madison, WI 53715) Google Maps / campus map
• West Campus Information Table – Union South, first floor Box Office (1308 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53715) Google Maps / campus map

These information tables will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

October 20 Parking

October 20 parking instructions.

Event parking will be available at the Alliant Energy Center (1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713) and is highly recommended, as parking on campus is very limited. Please enter the Alliant Energy Center at the Rimrock Gate on Rimrock Road and park in the North East parking lot (the first parking lot to your right).

The cost for all-day parking is $8.00 (cash or credit card – Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express). For more information about traveling to the Alliant Energy Center, click here .

Shuttle buses will bring students and their families from the Alliant Energy Center to campus (and back) throughout the event at no charge. The shuttles will run from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The shuttle stop on campus will be in front of the Kohl Center (601 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53715), just one block from Gordon Dining and Event Center check-in.

Parking on campus is permitted but will be extremely limited due to the high volume of visitors. We strongly suggest the parking option at Alliant Energy Center for secured parking and transportation to and from campus.

If you decide to park on campus, we strongly suggest you allow at least 45-60 minutes to find parking arrangements. Do not park in two-hour parking or at meters during your visit.

Full-day parking is about $15.00. Be aware of special events on campus, as they may impact parking availability and travel times. Please feel free to park in campus lots, public lots, or private lots, if available.

Please check Visitor Parking Availability to see real-time parking availability before arriving on campus. You can find a campus parking map on the UW–Madison transportation website.

As an alternative to driving and parking on campus, we strongly recommend taking a taxi, hotel shuttle, or ride-sharing service, if possible.

Recommended parking lots

Near Gordon Dining and Event Center check-in

• Lot 7 (Grainger Hall Garage)
• Lot 46 (Lake & Johnson Ramp)
• Lot 83 (Fluno Center Garage)
• State Street Campus Garage*
• Lot 29 (North Park Street Ramp)
• U Parking Garage * (privately owned garage)

Downtown Madison (near the Capitol Square – 20 to 30 minute walk to campus)

• Overture Center Garage * (public City of Madison garage)
• State Street Capitol Parking Garage * (public City of Madison Garage)

Near Union South

• Lot 17 (Engineering Ramp)
• Lot 20 (University Avenue Ramp)
• Lot 80 (Union South Garage)

*These parking garages are NOT listed on UW-Madison’s “Visitor Parking Availability or “Campus Parking Map” webpages. 

If you are interested in applying for and purchasing a UW-Madison parking pass in advance of the event, please learn more here .

Staying in Madison

As Wisconsin’s capital city, Madison tops many “best” lists, including best place to live and work, best college sports town, one of America’s safest cities, and a top green city. Visit the  Destination Madison website for more information on what to do, where to stay, and what to eat while you’re in town.

Places to Stay

• Wisconsin Union Hotel & Club Suites
• Fluno Center
• Graduate Madison
• Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Madison
• Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown
• Hampton Inn & Suites Madison
• AC Hotel Madison Downtown
• Best Western Premier Park Hotel
• Madison Concourse Hotel
• The Edgewater
• Accommodations in the Greater Madison Area
• Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association

Bus and Shuttle Options - October 20

Campus buses.

While walking is the easiest way to get around campus, UW-Madison offers a free bus circulator service with Madison Metro. These can be especially useful when traveling to the far west-end of campus. Routes 80  and  84 provide free daytime service and run every 7-15 minutes. View routes and real-time bus location information on the  official UW campus map . Routes 80 ,  81 , and  82 also provide free nighttime service. Service calendar for Routes 81 and 82 . Click on the route number for schedules and maps. Please note that all other route numbers charge a fee to ride.

Shuttle buses will be provided to bring students and their families who park at Alliant Energy Center to campus at no charge. The shuttles will loop all day from the Alliant Energy Center to the front of the Kohl Center (601 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53715). Please note, the shuttles will run from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Guests who arrive before or after shuttle operations will need to find alternative transportation or parking for the event.

Gender-Inclusive Facilities

For a map of all of our all-gender and gender-inclusive restrooms, click here .

Madison is ranked as a top city for foodies, and there are endless opportunities for tasty meals around the UW–Madison campus and in the city of Madison. Below are dining options both on campus and in the downtown Madison area.

University Housing

University Housing offers six-convenient dining locations with an all-you-care-to-eat format (buffet style). This means diners will pay for their meal upon entry to the market. Nutrition information is provided for all offerings. There are many options to accommodate dietary and allergy needs , including vegan & vegetarian diets and food allergies. Please note all our Dining Markets are cashless. Accepted forms of payment include Wiscard, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. For a list of locations and day-of menus, please click here.

Carson’s Market (Carson Gulley Center) 1515 Tripp Circle Carson’s  is a smaller dining option in the Lakeshore Neighborhood located by Tripp, Adams, and Slichter Halls. It features hearth bakes custom pizza, made-to-order sandwiches and wraps, and Tex Mex and international cuisine.

Four Lakes Market (Dejope Residence Hall) 640 Elm Drive Four Lakes  is a large dining marketplace that serves the Lakeshore Neighborhood. Located in Dejope Residence Hall it also features the Bean & Creamery and the Flamingo Run convenience store. It includes nine venues from BBQ, mashed potatoes, and macaroni & cheese to international cuisine from all corners of the globe. With beautiful patio seating, you’ll be able to eat and enjoy the view of Lake Mendota.

Gordon Avenue Market (Gordon Dining and Event Center) 770 W Dayton Street Gordon  is a large dining marketplace that serves the Southeast neighborhood. With 12 different venues, Gordon has a large variety of food options from homestyle comfort food, to pizza, calzones, and breadsticks, to freshly grilled burgers, veggie burgers, and chicken sandwiches. It also features the Flamingo Run convenience store, to grab a quick snack or treat for the day, and The Southeast Café which features custom smoothies and acai bowls.

Liz’s Market (Waters Residence Hall) 1200 Observatory Drive Liz’s is located in Waters Hall right on Observatory Drive, Liz’s specializes in serving food free of shellfish, tree-nuts, and peanuts. It features a large variety of low-fat, vegan, and vegetarian food options and also offers a large cold bar with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Lowell’s Market (The Lowell Center) 610 Langdon Street Lowell is located within The Lowell Center right on Langdon Street. This market features four venues featuring fresh baked goods, muffins, bagels, and pastries, made-to-order deli sandwiches, wraps, and paninis, bountiful salad & soup bar, and homestyle made-from-scratch meals.

Rheta’s Market (Chadbourne Residence Hall) 420 N Park Street Rheta’s  is centrally located on campus and housed within Chadbourne & Barnard Halls. It features eight venues to choose from for fresh American & International fare and a build-your-own stir-fry venue which allows you to pick what you want and have it cooked on the spot for you.

Starbucks (Smith Hall) 35 N. Park St Starbucks , located in Smith Hall, features all your favorite Starbucks drinks, coffee beverages, and teas. In addition it serves grab-and-go favorites like sandwiches, cookies, and other treats.

Wisconsin Union’s Union South

1308 W Dayton Street

Prairie Fire Prairie Fire serves specialty coffee and bakery items in a multi-level space featuring a cozy fireplace and quiet balcony. Delicious tapas are also available in the evenings.

The Sett The scientific name for a badger burrow, the Sett serves a variety of pub fare. The Sett Recreation, in the lower level, houses multiple recreational activities, including bowling, billiards and indoor rock climbing, and additional food options.

The Daily Scoop Ice cream from UW–Madison’s Babcock Hall Dairy is served by the dish and cone at the Daily Scoop and is considered an essential part of a UW–Madison visit. Malts, sundaes and fresh-baked cookies are also available. Follow the smell of warm cookies to this campus destination. 

South Cantina The South Cantina serves up Southwest-inspired fare using fresh ingredients. Create your own burritos, tacos and bowls. 

Ginger Root At Ginger Root , a variety of stir-fries and dim sum can be combined in a bento bowl (the restaurant’s most popular offering), or you can build your own custom stir-fry at night and wash it down with a selection of beverages.

Badger Market This convenience store offers sandwiches, snacks, groceries, and sundries, as well as Wisconsin Union and Badger apparel and souvenirs all at your one-stop Badger Market shop.

Harvest Grains Harvest Grains features an assortment of delicious pasta dishes. The Wisconsin Union team works to incorporate local ingredients in its menu items

Wisconsin Union’s Memorial Union

800 Langdon Street 

Der Rathskeller With frequent live music and game watches, der Rathskeller is one of our community’s favorite places to gather and indulge in some delicious eats. Enjoy traditional pub fare from der Rath’s menu, which is guaranteed to please every palate.

Strada What’s better than pizza and pasta? Strada , the Wisconsin Union’s take on an Italian bistro, offers wood-fired, made-to-order personal pizzas and mouthwatering pasta bowls. The menu includes many crowd favorites while also allowing for customization of your own dish with a wide assortment of fresh and seasonal toppings to please your palette. Strada includes a gluten-free pizza crust and vegan options.

The Daily Scoop It’s no secret. Babcock Dairy ice cream is as delicious as it gets. Come on in to the Daily Scoop , and enjoy all of your favorite flavors. During the summer, take the sweets outside, and stay for the beautiful Terrace views!

Carte Carte is a made-to-order salad and sandwich shop showcasing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and salad greens from Central Wisconsin grown by aquaponics. Carte also offers a large selection of freshly crafted grab-and-go items for anyone looking to grab a healthy bite and refreshing beverages throughout a busy day.

Peet’s Coffee Looking for a place to study, enjoy a bakery treat or sandwich, or just get a quick caffeine buzz? Peet’s Coffee in Memorial Union provides an escape in the heart of campus with inviting seating, large windows, and tons of delicious, customizable options to order, including vegan options. 

Badger Market Designed for convenience, Badger Market is located just inside the main first floor entrance of Memorial Union. Whether you’re in a hurry and need a quick bite or beverage or you’re looking for a way to keep a little piece of the Terrace with you, Badger Market can help. Here, you can find grab-and-go lunches, drinks, snacks, small grocery items, school supplies, and Terrace gear terracestore.union.wisc.edu . 

Der Stiftskeller As an extension of der Rathskeller, der Stiftskeller offers perfect snack accompaniments to your beverage of choice.

DISCOVERY BUILDING

330 N Orchard Street

Aldo’s Cafe Aldo’s Cafe offers fresh made sandwiches, salads, and bakery items featuring local, seasonal ingredients from area farms.

Steenbock’s on Orchard Steenbock’s on Orchard offers a full-service menu of innovative entrees. Located in the southeast corner of the Town Center, this establishment includes a preservation kitchen with windows into the food preparation area. The menu emphasizes nutritious, sustainable and locally sourced foods.

Babcock Hall Dairy Store

1605 Linden Drive

A trip to UW–Madison wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Babcock Hall Dairy Store, the oldest university dairy plant in the United States. Best known for ice cream, Babcock also makes cheeses and locally produced milk. Visitors may view dairy plant observations via the second floor observation deck.

Library Mall Food Carts

731 State Street, near Lake Street and East Campus Mall

Our food carts are #1 according to MSN. Located near State Street and the bottom of Bascom Hill, these food carts are a popular lunch stop and feature cuisine from around the world including falafel, pot stickers, empanadas, spring rolls and smoothies. *Many carts are cash only*

State Street and Off-Campus

This pedestrian street connects our campus to the state capital and is lined by restaurants where students go to grab a bite after class or on the weekends. You can find a comprehensive list of dining options in the downtown area at  Madison’s Central Business Improvement District website .

Accessing Your Open House Agenda

You can access your full schedule for your Experience Wisconsin Open House agenda by logging in to your Visit Bucky account.

Once you have logged in, choose “My Reservations” from the navigation bar. There you will find your most up-to-date schedule, including times, locations, and additional information.

Paper agendas will not be provided. If you wish to have a paper copy, please be sure to access your Visit Bucky account prior to your visit and print a copy.

Connecting to Wi-Fi at UW–Madison

During your visit to campus, you are welcomed to connect to the UWNet  network on your computer or mobile device.

When you first attempt to load a webpage, you will be automatically redirected to the  UWNet  registration page. The page will offer two options for registration. Choose the second option for guests of the university.

To register, simply enter your full name and email address. Once you have read and agreed to the Terms of Use, click  Create Guest Account  to submit your information.

After submitting your email address, you will be taken to a resulting page that will assign you a username and passcode. You will need to make note of these credentials, as they allow you to access UWNet with other devices you may have, such as a smartphone. You are allowed to have up to five concurrent sessions (i.e. five different devices connected at the same time). When you are brought to the UWNet registration screen on another device, you should enter use those credentials in the NetID login fields used by affiliates.

Note: Once you have completed guest registration, you will not be able to do so again, as the system will report that your email address is already in use. If you lose or forget your temporary UWNet credentials, please contact the  DoIT Help Desk .

Other Activities in Madison - October 20

Sticking around after Experience Wisconsin Open House? Check out the event calendar in Isthmus, Madison’s alt-weekly newspaper.

Please note, that the Experience Wisconsin Open House shuttle to the Alliant Energy Center parking stops at 5:30 p.m.

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

Your future starts here

We have many opportunities for you to learn about programs and campus, as well as ways to connect with us to get all of your questions answered.

Explore our campus

Information sessions.

Join a virtual or in-person College of Engineering Prospective Student Information Session and learn more about what it’s like to be a Badger engineer. You’ll learn about our college, how to apply and what direct admission to a program means, as well as the many ways we support student success. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation.

Email questions to our College of Engineering advising team at [email protected] and someone will get back to you soon.

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Admissions & Aid

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UW–Madison is a world-renowned academic institution, dedicated to making the college experience attainable and affordable for every talented scholar. Being a Badger means dreaming big — and then doing something bigger.

Affording college

Bucky’s Tuition Promise is about so much more than just the bottom line. It brought me to UW–Madison and opened my eyes to a world I didn’t know existed.

Choose from our top-ranked professional schools

UW–Madison's professional schools combine rigorous curricula with real-world experiences to jumpstart your career.

• School of Business
• School of Medicine and Public Health
• School of Pharmacy
• School of Veterinary Medicine
• Search professional programs

Join a community of lifelong learners

Badgers never stop being curious. And that’s why UW–Madison offers opportunities to help you grow as a professional and a person.

• Adult Career and Special Student Services
• Badger Precollege
• Continuing Studies
• Grandparents University
• The Odyssey Project
• Online degree programs

Madison, WI: The ultimate college town

This is where big-city opportunities meet small-town conveniences. Where vibrant streetscapes lead to lakeside retreats. Where a Big Ten college and capital city blend together, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Welcome to Madison.

• Tour campus virtually
• Explore Madison in every season

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous three calendar years. UW–Madison will provide a paper copy upon request: contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department at [email protected] .

Download the most recent report (PDF)

Voluntary System of Accountability

UW–Madison participates in the Voluntary System of Accountability (VSA), a program designed to provide accountability through accessible, transparent, and comparable information for more than 260 public colleges and universities.

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Campus Tours

Guided tours are filled with facts and what to expect from your academic and student life. You’ll also meet with an admissions representative. Preview programs include a campus tour and meeting with folks from student services offices, admissions, academic departments, and possibly current students.

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• Alternative Breaks
• Daytime Activities
• Distinguished Lecture Series
• Global Connections
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Campus And Visitor Relations

UW-Madison campus tours begin in Union buildings and are run by the UW Campus and Visitor Relations (CAVR) department.  CAVR serves as the central access point for visitors, students, faculty and staff for answering questions, locating information and navigating UW–Madison and the surrounding community.

The CAVR office has welcome desks at Memorial Union and Union South. CAVR’s friendly and knowledgeable student staff can assist you with locating campus and community information or resources.

Campus And Community Information Welcome Desks

Memorial Union 800 Langdon St.

Union South 1308 W. Dayton St. All prospective student visits and campus walking tours begin at Union South.

For more information on tours and all visitor services, see the UW Campus and Visitor Relations web page , or contact CAVR at (608) 263-2400 or askbucky@uwmad.wisc.edu . For questions about the Wisconsin Union, please contact the Wisconsin Union team at union@union.wisc.edu . 

Campus Virtual Tours

UW-Madison Campus Virtual Tour

Visit East Campus & Downtown, Bascom Hill, Academic Buildings, Athletics, Residence Halls and Dining, Student Unions, and Transportation & Safety.

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Interactive Virtual Tours on Google Earth

Uw-madison campus for ece students.

UW-Madison's 933-acre main campus is located on the shores of Lake Mendota and includes four National Historic Landmarks. Visit the Engineering Hall, Union South, and the Discovery Building!

• Click to open campus virtual tour on Google Earth More

City of Madison

Madison is one of the best places to live selected in many surveys. Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol, Monona Terrace, State Street, and Memorial Union!

• Click to open Madison virtual tour on Google Earth More

• Current Students

Spring Pow Wow at Madison College honors Native American traditions and culture

The Madison College Annual Spring Pow Wow promises to be a vibrant celebration of Native American heritage and culture. Set for April 27 at Madison College's Truax Campus, the event will bring together singers and dancers from tribal nations across Wisconsin.

The lineup of invited drummers, including Wind Eagle, Fire Nation, Twin Tails, Ho-Chunk Station, and Little Priest Singers, along with the award-winning host drum Hay Creek promises to have the Redsten Gym rocking. Dancers will showcase their skills and have the opportunity to earn prize money while competing in dance styles, including men’s dance, women’s dance, applique special, singer championship, potato dance, and bells.  The color guard presentation by Lac du Flambeau Veterans will pay homage to the community's military service.

“The pow-wow isn't solely focused on singing and dancing; it's a holistic experience with art, food, and a silent auction,” says Madison College Student Program Advisor Katie Ackley. “With over 20 vendors offering traditional crafts and apparel, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Native American culture.”

Organized by Madison College's Native American Student Association (NASA), in collaboration with the Madison College Intercultural Exchange and the Division of College, Culture and Climate the event underscores the college's commitment to fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity.

For anyone interested in experiencing the beauty of Native American traditions firsthand, the Madison College Spring Pow Wow is a must-attend. And the best part? It's free and open to the public, welcoming everyone to join in the April 27 festivities. The pow-wow afternoon session will begin at 1 p.m. and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit Madison College’s Native American Student Association Facebook page.   

MADISON COLLEGE EVENT

WHAT:  Madison College Annual Spring Pow Wow, free and open to the public

HOSTS : Madison College Native American Student Association (NASA), Madison College International Exchange, and the Madison College Culture and Climate department.

WHEN:  Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. with grand entry times at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

WHERE:  Madison College Truax Campus, 1701 Wright St. Redsten Gym. Free parking.

• Faculty Experts
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Wisconsin Idea Database reveals UW–Madison’s positive impact across all 72 counties

Latest data from the Wisconsin Idea Database project show how UW–Madison provides educational opportunities, builds the workforce and economy in every county in the state. Photo: Jeff Miller

Key takeaways:

• To accomplish its educational and research missions, UW–Madison partners with more than 3,000 state businesses and organizations yearly, spending at least $360 million on goods, services and grants.
• The 16,700 Wisconsin-resident undergraduates at UW–Madison receive $103.8 million in institutional financial aid. Just over 14% receive financial aid that covers the full amount of tuition and fees.
• Nearly 184,000 UW–Madison alumni live in Wisconsin; 49,000 of them graduated within the last ten years.
• You can view county-level impact on the Wisconsin Idea Database website .

From urban Milwaukee to rural Washburn County, the University of Wisconsin–Madison is making a significant impact on Wisconsin students, communities and health care, according to the latest available data from the Wisconsin Idea Database project. The project, which highlights connections between UW–Madison and the State of Wisconsin, outlines county and statewide enrollment trends, alumni counts, community partnerships and projects, financial relationships and more.

“The Wisconsin Idea, UW–Madison’s tradition of influencing lives beyond campus, has been integral to the university’s culture and mission essentially since its founding,” notes Charles Hoslet, vice chancellor for university relations. “The database project demonstrates in fine detail how consistently the university fulfills that promise to people and communities across the state of Wisconsin in ways large and small.”

Here’s an overview of UW–Madison’s statewide impact. Data comes from the 2022-23 academic year unless otherwise specified.

Expanding access to higher education

As of fall 2023, there were at least 16,716 undergraduates from Wisconsin enrolled at UW–Madison. Of those students, just over 14% — or about 2,390 Wisconsin undergraduates — were receiving aid covering the full amount of tuition and fees through either Bucky’s Tuition Promise or the Badger Promise . Overall, the university awarded about $103.8 million in financial aid to Wisconsin resident undergraduates in 2022-23. More than 65% of all UW–Madison students who graduated in 2022-23 graduated debt-free.

UW–Madison is creating new ways for Wisconsin residents to access a world-class education. This past fall, the university began awarding aid under Bucky’s Pell Pathway , which covers the full financial need for Pell-eligible students, including tuition, housing, food and other expenses. Beginning in fall 2024, the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise program will guarantee scholarships and grants to meet the full in-state cost of attendance for Wisconsin residents who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree and are enrolled members of federally-recognized Wisconsin Indian tribes.

Overall, nearly 184,000 (183,927) UW–Madison alumni currently live in Wisconsin, in every county in the state. More than 49,000 of them, or 27% of all living alumni in the state, graduated within the last ten years.

According to the most recent First Destination Survey , 72 percent of undergraduates who graduated in the 2022-23 academic year received job offers before commencement. 100 percent of survey respondents had participated in internships, co-op experiences, employment or volunteer work during their time at UW–Madison. And 84 percent agreed that their education at UW–Madison prepared them for the next step in their career path.

Bolstering PK-12 education across the state

The School of Education is helping ensure a quality education for the state’s PK-12 students through the Wisconsin Teacher Pledge . UW–Madison teacher education students who pledge to work at a Wisconsin public or private school for three to four years after graduation are awarded the equivalent of in-state tuition and fees and any testing and licensing costs. This year, 354 teachers who participated in this program are teaching in classrooms across 88 Wisconsin public school districts and 14 private schools. As of spring 2024, 773 students had taken the Teacher Pledge.

Training the state’s future healthcare professionals

UW–Madison partners with more than 500 healthcare facilities around the state to provide critical on-the-job training to UW–Madison medical, nursing and pharmacy students. This total includes statewide and regional healthcare systems and retail pharmacies, non-profit and public sector institutions of all sizes, small hometown businesses and clinics and everything in between.

Many graduates stay in state and continue to provide high-quality care. As of October 2023, more than 18,700 alumni of UW–Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health, School of Nursing and School of Pharmacy live in Wisconsin — in all 72 counties.

Building Wisconsin’s economy

Between July 2022 and June 2023, UW–Madison partnered with 3,100 Wisconsin businesses, individuals and organizations, paying out more than $360 million in contracts for goods and services and other contributions (such as grants). These transactions include everything from major ongoing vendor relationships to one-time purchases.

Employers from across Wisconsin seek out professional development opportunities at UW–Madison. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, employees at more than 650 Wisconsin businesses and organizations benefited from course offerings from Interdisciplinary Professional Programs (InterPro) , the UW–Madison College of Engineering’s advanced training center. In that same period, 236 state businesses sent employees to the Center for Professional and Executive Development in the Wisconsin School of Business.

UW–Madison remains central to advancing Wisconsin’s world-class dairy and cheese-making reputation. Thirty-seven different cheese manufacturers employ master cheesemakers , as certified by the Center for Dairy Research, at 45 Wisconsin facilities.

Local collaborations, research and outreach

The Wisconsin Idea Database website details hundreds of individual collaborations between UW–Madison and Wisconsin communities, including a report for each county .

For more than a century, the UW Division of Extension has supported local leaders and volunteers all over the state in focus areas that include agriculture, health and well-being, families and finances and natural resources. They work year-round with well over 2,000 distinct partners that serve anywhere from one to all 72 counties.

Badger Talks is a unique program that connects UW–Madison experts with local communities around the state, engaging Wisconsin residents on topics they care about. Between July 2022 and June 2023, Badger Talks facilitated 205 individual talks hosted around the state, in 45 counties and 93 cities, towns and villages, from Spooner to Beloit. 116 individual speakers hosted 162 in-person talks and 42 online, sharing the latest UW research at the local level. These free talks are initiated by Wisconsin schools, businesses, associations, and professional and civic organizations, who can request a speaker online.

Another example is the UniverCity Year program, in which UW–Madison students and faculty partner with Wisconsin counties and local governments to help solve their real-world problems through coursework. Participating students get valuable experience and local communities benefit from their work. As of April 2024, UniverCity has partnered with 35 Wisconsin local governments, including 18 counties and 17 cities, towns and villages.

About the Wisconsin Idea Database project

The Wisconsin Idea Database project, managed by staff in UW–Madison’s Office of Strategic Communication, demonstrates the ways the university benefits every part of the state through career preparation, economic development, innovative partnerships and workforce development. It is part of a broader campus commitment to improving the lives of all Wisconsinites through world-class academics, research and service.

Subscribe to Wisconsin Ideas

Want more stories of the Wisconsin Idea in action? Sign-up for our monthly e-newsletter highlighting how Badgers are taking their education and research beyond the boundaries of the classroom to improve lives.

Tags: The Wisconsin Idea

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For news media.

Media contact:  Jason Gohlke, University Communications, [email protected] , 608-262-5680

Former Wisconsin standout Chucky Hepburn announces he is transferring to Louisville

MADISON – Former Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn has committed to Louisville and first-year coach Pat Kelsey.

Hepburn, a three-year starter at UW, arrived in Louisville late Wednesday and announced his commitment on Thursday.

According to college basketball sources, Louisville was the first team to reach out to Hepburn, who entered the transfer portal on April 18 . Hepburn could earn as much as $750,000 next season at Louisville.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday at the Kohl Center before his team's season-ending banquet, UW coach Greg Gard explained Hepburn called a little more than a week ago to inform him he was leaving the program.

"There was no meeting," Gard said. "There was a phone call."

Hepburn started all 103 games he played at UW.

He averaged 7.9 points and 2.3 assists per game as a freshman to help UW secure a share of the Big Ten regular-season title and a No. 3 seeding in the NCAA Tournament.

He averaged 12.2 points and 2.8 assists per game as a sophomore and this past season averaged 9.2 points and 3.9 assists to help UW secure a No. 5 seeding in the NCAA Tournament.

Gard added he understood why Hepburn and AJ Storr transferred because they were able to triple what they were paid at UW.

Storr committed to Kansas and, according to college basketball sources, could receive $1 million next season.

"I understand the business side of this," Gard said. "We all understand where we are right now in this climate."

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Feel the magic of UW–Madison. Bustling pedestrian malls lead to serene lakeside views, and modern facilities blend in comfortably with historic landmarks. The city’s vibrant arts scene attracts the world’s top talent, and changing seasons regularly afford unexpected experiences. Come see for yourself.

Find a visit option that’s right for you

Whether you join us in person or from the comforts of home, you can experience all that UW–Madison has to offer. Check out our many options for exploring campus.

Campus events for prospective students

Explore UW–Madison through a variety of events specifically for prospective and admitted undergraduate students and their guests. Choose from open houses, admissions information sessions, campus tours, transfer visit days, academic-specific sessions, and more.

Specialty group campus tours

Campus walking tours are available for school and adult groups visiting campus. Discover UW–Madison’s history, traditions, academic excellence, campus landmarks, dynamic and diverse student life, and more.

Cultural landscape tour

The First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour provides an introduction to the 12,000 years of human history along the shores of Lake Mendota and the relationship between the Native Nations and Teejop (the area now known as Madison).

Virtual events for prospective students

Experience UW–Madison from afar by joining a virtual information session, campus tour, and discussion session about your interests inside and outside of the classroom. In a Q&A panel, learn what it’s really like to be a Badger from a current student.

Visual tour of campus and the city

Embark on an immersive visual tour of UW–Madison, previewing life as a student. Get a firsthand glimpse of facilities, scenic spots, academic spaces, and more.

Madison through the seasons

From vibrant fall foliage along the lakeshores to winter wonderlands draped in snow, this comprehensive journey captures our city’s ever-changing beauty throughout the year.

Take a student-led tour using our app

Discover UW–Madison using our free mobile app featuring a student-led narrated tour. The tour includes information about buildings, academics, transportation, housing, and all things surrounding the student experience.

• Download iOS app
• Download Android app
• Learn more about the app

Explore our favorite places on campus

Find something fun to do.

• Find an event

Ready to visit? Start building your itinerary

Transportation.

UW–Madison is located in the capital city of Madison, in south-central Wisconsin. Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), on Madison’s northeast side, provides regional and national air service to and from Madison. Additionally, long distance intercity bus services provide scheduled service to and from Madison, connecting to Milwaukee and Chicago airports and to Amtrak in Chicago.

• Travel by bus
• Fly into Madison

UW–Madison offers accommodations for guests attending university-related functions or conducting university business. Check individual websites for current rates and guest eligibility guidelines.

• Wisconsin Union Hotel
• The Fluno Center for Executive Education

Discounted private hotel partner options are also available for campus visitors at the DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown (15% discount) and Hyatt Place (20% discount). Campus visitor rates are based on availability. If available, the discount will appear for your designated travel dates.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
• Hyatt Place

Looking for more options? Destination Madison has complete listings. Availability may be limited when there are large events and conventions being held in the city or on campus.

Where to park

Visitor parking is available in university garages and in city-run ramps and lots. Please note that parking on or near campus is limited. Give yourself 45–60 minutes to park and arrive at your destination. Street parking near campus is usually restricted to two hours.

• Real-time parking availability
• Visitor parking rates
• Accessible parking options

Where should I park when visiting campus?

Hourly parking is available in campus gated lots (garages/ramps) and some surface lots on campus. The campus map shows locations of public parking on campus , including a realtime count of open spots in each public lot.

You can also check online for current parking availability in campus ramps and garages, or visit the Transportation Services drive-through location at 21 North Park St. upon arrival.

If you plan to visit a welcome center, we recommend the following campus parking lots:

• Union South - Lot 17 , Lot 20 , or Lot 80
• Discovery Building - Lot 17 , Lot 20 , or Lot 80
• Memorial Union - Lot 6

What options are available to avoid parking on campus?

Consider door-to-door service by taking a taxi, shuttle, or ridesharing service to your destination.

While on campus, get around for free on the campus circulator bus (routes 80, 81, 82, or 84). Routes 80 and 84 provide daytime service, and routes 80, 81, and 82 provide nighttime service. Find information about routes and schedules on the bus page .

If you prefer to park off campus, a full list of city parking options are available on the City of Madison website .

Who can I contact with parking questions?

If you have questions, check out the visitor parking help center or contact Transportation Services .

Places to eat

Campus and the surrounding Madison area offer a wide selection of dining options.

• Campus dining
• Madison restaurants

Campus information

If you have any questions or need assistance, Campus and Visitor Relations is available to help.

• Welcome centers
• Visitor guides & publications
• Submit a question

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