The Wisconsin Experience

A Note from Dean of Students Lori Berquam:

You may have heard an incredible statistic about UW-Madison: the university is a leader in the nation in the number of its graduates who are CEOs of S & P 500 corporations, as well as Peace Corps and Teach for America veterans. As I travel around campus and the state, talking to students, families and alumni, people frequently ask me how one institution can demonstrate so much leadership in the seemingly disparate worlds of business and community service.

Is it something in the water of Lake Mendota or Babcock ice cream? Or a toughness forged out of climbing Bascom Hill in the howling winds of a Wisconsin winter?

I believe that our success is grounded in the Wisconsin Idea, the concept that the university exists to serve the state, nation and world. The Wisconsin Idea is committed to the idea that the research, resources and knowledge of the university should extend to the borders of the state and beyond. I believe it goes beyond that; that we all take what we learn and apply it in ways that have a significant and positive impact on the world and humankind. We make our actions matter by intentionally seeking out meaningful activities, and through careful self-reflection, making meaning of what we do.

The Wisconsin Idea also shapes our campus learning environment where student life is linked to learning. It’s an idea called the Wisconsin Experience. Students, as well as faculty, have numerous opportunities to engage in experiences that link them to the “real world” beyond the borders of campus.  Our undergraduates engage in research, study abroad, are exposed to international and diverse cultures, participate in community service and volunteerism and, as a consequence, are provided ample opportunities to take on leadership roles.

Studies consistently show that students who have these sorts of experiences earn better grades, are more satisfied with their education, and are more likely to stay in college than those who do not. They also give the gift of time and talent to the community and learn and grow as a result.  And ultimately, they are more attractive to employers.

Of course, what you do matters to you personally, but it also matters to the greater community. An excellent way to make certain that this happens is to become engaged in the campus community. You have countless opportunities for leadership and involvement from classroom activities, to student government and sororities and fraternities, to more than 750 student organizations. Your Wisconsin Experience is not something that will simply happen to you — you will define it by how you spend your years here on campus.

So, make the most of your Wisconsin Experience. The Division of Student Life is here to support you on this journey. Go, Badgers!

Best Wishes,
Lori M. Berquam
Dean of Students


The Wisconsin Experience comprises the following Inquiry-Based, High-Impact Practices:

The nature of these opportunities and how we offer them makes UW–Madison unique in higher education. The resulting Wisconsin Experience is characterized by close integration of in-class and out-of-class learning experiences; by active, creative and entrepreneurial engagement in real-world problems; and by offering students leadership in their learning. Here are few examples of these opportunities:

We urge you to explore these opportunities and more by visiting http://www.learning.wisc.edu/