Badger Retrospective

Many events that have shaped UW–Madison’s history are well documented while others are more obscure. In this issue, we reveal some happenings from years gone by that may have missed the headlines, including a student worker strike, ski jumping on Bascom Hill, hockey on Library Mall and a rare campus snow day. January, 1914 – …

Beyond the Conference Room: Creative Meeting Spaces on Campus

When winter settles in and budgets tighten, it can be daunting to consider gathering with colleagues outside of your divisional or departmental conference room. But getting out of your office and into a new space on campus can be energizing and inspiring. Whether you are looking for a one-on-one conversation or a formal team retreat, …

Academic Staff Profile – Cori Splain | Division of Enrollment Management

Name: Cori Splain Workplace: Division of Enrollment Management Role: Chief of Staff & Director for Strategic Initiatives What are your role and job responsibilities at UW–Madison? Being a chief of staff is kind of like being a utility player at times. I provide oversight, guidance, and collaborative problem solving for projects of high importance that …

Beyond the Desk: New Ways to Recharge on Campus for the New Year

While typical resolutions often focus on what we should stop doing, the New Year is a perfect opportunity to explore what we can start doing right here at UW–Madison. From exploring a new craft to conquering the stairs of our tallest buildings, our campus is packed with talented instructors and world-class facilities designed to help …

Keeping Up with Changes to Federal Funding

You might not know it, but federal funds constitute the largest share of UW–Madison’s budget. With the October 1 government shutdown adding more uncertainty around federal funding, look to the following campus resources to understand how these changes may impact your work. The Office of Federal Relations has updates and resources relevant to campus in …

Elevating your Impact

Meet the dedicated committee championing academic staff growth Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of volunteer academic staff is working to elevate your career.  The Professional Development and Recognition Committee (PDRC), a standing committee of the Academic Staff Assembly, is composed of passionate members from across campus who collaborate with university leaders to create meaningful …

Campus Construction Season

There’s a joke in Wisconsin that the state has two seasons: winter and construction. The same might be said for the UW–Madison campus, where construction cranes seem to sprout like coneflowers, and the bumblebee hum of heavy machinery rises along with the warming temperatures. As the built environment of campus grows from one year to …

Go Big with Books This Fall

This Year’s Go Big Read Selection: James by Percival Everett The 2025 Go Big Read book, James, reimagines Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man. The 2024 National Book Award winner for fiction, James invites reflection on race, freedom, and storytelling. Through Go Big Read, campus provides plenty …

Discounts make the Union a year-round destination for Academic Staff

Summer at UW–Madison is synonymous with the Memorial Union Terrace. The familiar sunburst chairs mark an annual passage that ushers in warm temperatures and lakeside relaxation. While those chairs may be going into hibernation soon, that shouldn’t mean the end of fun at the Union. There are a number of ways that academic staff can …

A Sampling of Madison Activities in the Summer

Madison is a vibrant city that comes alive in the summer, offering a wide range of activities and events for all ages. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or lively entertainment, there’s something for everyone living and working on the isthmus.    The City of Madison manages over 280 parks and over 6,000 acres …