UW-Madison will conduct its official student census on the tenth day of classes. Roughly 8,400 first-year students and another 1,400 transfer students are expected to enroll this fall, the university estimated in late August. Over 70,000 applicants sought a spot in the incoming class.
Author: gbump
Liberal education is the best vocational training in Wisconsin — Donna Silver
Letter to the editor: Roughly 20 years ago I was very active in a Universities of Wisconsin System committee that advocated for liberal education at all System campuses. The initiative was wildly successful, but its success was short-lived.
Wisconsin football’s beloved tradition still a hit with Badgers fans
Paul Soltwedel and Shawn Theesfeld remember well the beginning of the University of Wisconsin’s “Jump Around” tradition.
Both were members of Wisconsin Marching Band when the tradition began during the Badgers’ 1998 football game against Purdue.
A look inside the first night of beer sales for Wisconsin football at Camp Randall
The line at a drinks-only concession stand outside Section I at Camp Randall Stadium in the second quarter Friday night stretched nearly to the other side of the concourse.
This Labor Day, Wisconsin wages are up, unemployment is down
Wisconsin’s workers saw record-matching wage growth last year and sustained low unemployment through 2024, according to an annual labor report from a think tank at UW-Madison, though many inequalities within the labor market remain.
27 ejected, 10 arrested during Badgers season opener Friday night, UW police say
UW-Madison police reported that 27 people were ejected from Camp Randall Stadium and 10 people were arrested during Friday night’s season-opening football game between the Badgers and Western Michigan.
Dr. Gary Philip Williams
He moved to Madison, Wisconsin and did a two-year pediatric residency at the University of Wisconsin. Gary then began working at the General Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and was Associate Professor of Pediatrics with expertise in pediatric dermatology.
UW-Whitewater gymnast killed Friday remembered as ‘the light in everyone’s dark days’
Astandout gymnast going into her senior year at UW-Whitewater who was shot to death Friday is remembered by friends, mentors and fellow gymnasts as a sunny, bubbly presence who took her athletic passion to heart.
Madison considers allowing taller buildings to expand student housing
At its Aug. 26 meeting, the commission also reviewed a new study on student housing in Madison, which surveyed 46,000 undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and found many students struggle to afford rents.
Former croplands could be ‘sweet spot’ for renewable-energy production
Tyler Lark, research scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and one of the report’s co-authors, said some lands have been restored to natural ecosystems. Others, those perhaps currently populated by invasive species, could be the answer to big questions the country is facing about where to house increasing renewable-energy development.
“We ideally want to avoid our best and most productive ag lands but we also don’t want to encroach on pristine or native ecosystems,” Lark explained. “Formerly cropped lands might hit that sweet spot in the middle.”
UW law professor: Chrystul Kizer verdict exposes immense pressure to plead guilty
Column by John Gross, a clinical associate professor of law at the UW-Madison Law School and director of the Public Defender Project.
Wisconsin sees record pay growth, especially for Black, Hispanic women
As inflation calmed last year, Wisconsin workers’ buying power grew at a record rate, according to a new report from the High Road Strategy Center, a University of Wisconsin-Madison think tank.
The center’s annual “State of Working Wisconsin” report shows what’s changed for workers of different races and genders in the last year.
Complete Cap Times Idea Fest program has something for everyone
We will be using seven separate venues this year, though most of our big national speakers will appear as usual in Shannon Hall, the largest theater space in the Memorial Union on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.
New protest rules at UW-Madison: Keep it quiet, and don’t block commencement photos
Just days before the start of a new school year — and with it the likely resumption of pro-Palestinian protests on campus — UW-Madison has revised its rules on student protests, including several new restrictions on where and how loud demonstrations can be.
Adult summer camps bring you back to fun, simple moments of childhood
“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated loneliness among adolescents, young adults and older people,” said Bradford Brown, UW-Madison professor emeritus of human development.
Wake boats divide Wisconsin lake lovers. Should the state step in?
Bill Banholzer, a professor of chemical engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a wakesurfing fan, said there is a body of research indicating that waves created by high winds are more powerful than any generated by boats.
UW-Madison creates freedom of expression videos as part of DEI deal
As first-year and transfer students start classes this fall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, they must watch a new presentation about freedom of expression on campus.
Wisconsin football updates season ticket sales for challenging 2024 home schedule
Hosting three home games against preseason top-10 teams has helped the University of Wisconsin sell out football season tickets in the general and student seating sections.
New Wisconsin assistant has been around the football world to end up miles from his hometown
Eric Raisbeck’s coaching career has taken him to six states and two foreign countries, all to find himself less than 7 miles away from where he went to high school.
Middleton company trying to make your phone operate faster wins Madison Pressure Chamber competition
SixLine was founded in 2022 by Katy Jinkins, a former materials science PhD graduate from UW–Madison. Jinkins focused her academic work on integrating carbon nanotubes—straws of carbon atoms, ten thousand times thinner than a human hair—into electronics. Her work began in Professor Mike Arnold’s lab in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and led to multiple papers and patents that cover alignment techniques and the integration of carbon nanotubes into electronics, which is the basis of SixLine.
Wisconsinites can now file state and federal taxes for free online
Clare Dahl, a financial and life span educator with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, supports the change.
“Any time that access to free tax filing is expanded, it’s good news for everyone,” said Dahl, whose division supports the volunteer-run Richard Dilley Tax Center.
Will independent presidential candidates swing Wisconsin results?
“I think all of these non-major party candidates are quickly shrinking away (in voter support),” said Barry Burden, a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
UW-Madison students feel the heat of move-in day
As Madison sweltered under an excessive heat warning Tuesday, thousands of UW-Madison students arrived at campus residence halls for fall semester move-in.
Madison film series honors late UW film scholar David Bordwell
It became clear early on to UW-Cinematheque program director Jim Healy that one summer wouldn’t be enough time to honor David Bordwell.
Study: Less than one-third of UW-Madison off-campus housing considered affordable
The study confirmed what is largely already known through reams of anecdotal evidence: Nearly 70% of rentals are too expensive, costing individual students $1,000 or more in rent each month per student, often hundreds of dollars above what the students consider affordable; the cheapest apartments are often furthest from campus and more run down; and UW-Madison is one of the most expensive off-campus housing markets in the Big 10 conference.
UW-Madison faces deadlines from pro-Palestinian encampment deal
When protest organizers and leaders at the University of Wisconsin-Madison reached a deal to end a pro-Palestinian encampment on Library Mall in May, they agreed to take a series of steps in the days and months ahead.
UW volleyball’s Carter Booth, like her dad, at the top of her game
Whenever Carter Booth is packing for a road trip to see family and friends in Colorado, the University of Wisconsin volleyball player makes sure to take her bling.
Harris, Trump in a tug-of-war for Wisconsin union voters
Historically, union leaders have been closely aligned with the Democratic Party, said Barry Burden, a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. But the modern rank-and-file members, much like those at Local 180 in Racine, are more split, Burden said.
“There’s a little bit of a gap, I would say, between where unions as organizations stand relative to the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris, and where average union voters are,” he said.
UW poised to join studies of pig organ transplants in people
UW-Madison researchers have been working with eGenesis, one of two companies that supplied gene-edited pig organs for four transplants on the East Coast in critically ill patients who died within a few months. The companies are seeking federal approval to start larger clinical trials, and UW could be a site.
Sandra Deanna Paske
Then in 1986, she was hired by UW-Madison, General Library System where Sandra remained until she retired with emeritus in 2011 as Head of Microimaging Services. During Sandra’s tenure with the UW-Madison library system, she played a key role in the establishment and development of the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections Center.
OUR VIEW: Tear down ugly, failing monstrosity in heart of UW-Madison campus
The Universities of Wisconsin last week listed the demolition and replacement of the Humanities Building as one of its top priorities for the next state budget. The UW Board of Regents approved the request. Now Gov. Tony Evers should include it in his budget request to the Legislature next year.
UW study asks: How much of an inner voice do you have?
Gary Lupyan, a UW-Madison psychology professor, is looking at why some people report high levels of inner speech and others have little or none. In a recent study involving UW students, those with more inner speech did better at two language tests than those with less inner speech, but there was no difference on more visual and math-oriented tasks.
Slippery red lanes? More answers to Madison bus rapid transit questions
How many of the UW bus 80s are being replaced by bendy buses?
Upon full roll-out, most buses running on UW campus will be our all-electric vehicles. But, our standard 40-foot buses will also be utilized on this route as needed.
Duane Anderson
He managed National Food stores in Madison for many years and then was employed by University Housing until his retirement in 1990.
Bicyclist critical after colliding with vehicle Downtown, Madison police say
The crash is the third in which a bicyclist has been injured at the crossing in the 600 block of West Washington Avenue in the last month, according to data compiled by the UW-Madison’s Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory. The others occurred on July 29 and Aug. 11.
What’s new at Camp Randall for Wisconsin football games this season
The Badgers have the same challenges of trying to reverse a decrease in attendance figures at Camp Randall as they did last season. They still have to balance needs and wants of a broad spectrum of ages in customers.
See updates on new premium seating going in at the Kohl Center
New rows of premium seats that will be used for hockey and basketball games are mostly in place. Two rows of cushioned black seats with a Motion W logo were added along the sidelines in some areas. Other areas that are still in construction have tables and will get tall chairs.
Mary Jane Ayer
She earned her nursing degree at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, her Bachelors degree 1959, Masters in 1964 and Ph.D. in 1966, all three at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Jane was a Professor and Associate Dean in the School of Education retiring in 1992.
Watch Wisconsin volleyball unveil another NCAA Final Four banner
University of Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh and UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin led a countdown that ended in a big reveal Tuesday night.
Another banner is hanging from the rafters of the Field House, this one celebrating the Badgers volleyball team’s 2023 appearance in the NCAA Final Four.
Alliant Energy seeks approval for landmark Columbia Energy Storage Project
Development of the Columbia Energy Storage Project is led by Alliant in partnership with WEC Energy Group, Madison Gas and Electric, Shell Global Solutions US, Electric Power Research Institute, UW–Madison and Madison Area Technical College.
Alcohol sales at Field House for Wisconsin volleyball draws divided opinions
Wisconsin added the Field House and Camp Randall Stadium to the party this season. The debut for football is Aug. 30, a Friday night game against Western Michigan. Volleyball got a bit of a soft launch Tuesday night for the exhibition.
University of Wisconsin president wants $855 million in new funding to stave off higher tuition
President Jay Rothman said during a brief Zoom news conference Monday that his administration plans to ask regents on Thursday to approve asking for the money as part of the 2025-27 state budget. The request is only the first step in a long, winding budget-making process.
UW system pledges no tuition increases for 2 years if state aid increases by $855 million
Universities of Wisconsin schools would keep in-state undergraduate tuition steady for the next two academic years if lawmakers hike state aid by $855 million of state dollars as part of the upcoming budget cycle, UW system President Jay Rothman said in a budget request Monday.
Legendary UW track coach recalls the Shell’s past, questions future
The photograph is the essence of former University of Wisconsin men’s track coach Ed Nuttycombe, who won 26 Big Ten championships (13 indoors, 13 outdoors) over 30 years.
Razing UW-Madison’s Humanities building among top priorities for 2025-27
The Universities of Wisconsin’s top priorities in its next capital budget are tearing down and replacing two failing 1960s-era monstrosities: Cowley Hall at UW-La Crosse, and the towering concrete fortress known as Mosse Humanities building at UW-Madison.
UW Baraboo campus to downsize from 5 buildings to 1 in effort to stay open
The UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County campus will consolidate its operations from five buildings to one, leaving the four remaining buildings for other uses, in an attempt to remain viable as other Universities of Wisconsin branch campuses close.
Wisconsin may start testing babies for this rare, fatal disease
Now that Krabbe is on the RUSP, “my guess would be that it would be approved” in Wisconsin, said Dr. Jennifer Kwon, a pediatric neurologist at UW Health who is on the federal committee that voted early this year to add it.
Opinion | Loss of two-year campuses hits low-income families
Letter to the editor: As the retired, long-time campus executive of the Fox Cities (Menasha) campus, the Cap Times editorial on branch campus closings (“Stop closing Universities of Wisconsin campuses,” Aug. 14) could not be more timely. I and another campus retirees are organizing our community to deal with our campus’ impending closure.
Wisconsin DOT Secretary Craig Thompson to step down; deputy secretary to take over
Thompson, who took on the role as Wisconsin DOT secretary five years ago as one of Evers’ first department head appointees, will leave the agency on Sept. 11 to take a position at UW-Madison, Evers said. On Sept. 16, Thompson will begin his new role as vice chancellor for university relations at UW-Madison, university officials announced Friday.
Karlee Lillian “Kay” Babcock
Kay worked the majority of her career in cancer research at the University of Wisconsin. Over the years she became the “lab mom” by her description. She spent 47 years working at the UW’s McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research.
What’s happening to personalized bricks bought by Wisconsin fans?
The hall of fame plaques are moving to a new, unconfirmed location when the building they’re on, the Camp Randall Sports Center, is demolished later this year. Fences are up around the building to start that process.
Lake Street near campus to be restricted to 1-way traffic during construction
North Lake Street on the UW-Madison campus will be restricted to one-way traffic going south beginning Monday so that a contractor can continue work replacing a sanitary sewer, the city’s Engineering Division said Friday.
‘Hard to imagine’ Wisconsin hockey games at Wrigley Field, but they’re coming
The University of Wisconsin men’s and women’s hockey teams will play a doubleheader at Wrigley Field on Jan. 4 as part of a Big Ten event, which BadgerExtra previously reported.
UW’s Olympic women athletes make Wisconsin proud — Daniel Grant
Letter to the editor: While all Americans can be proud of the Team USA athletes in a variety of sports, I felt the results for women’s rugby bronze medalist Alev Kelter (who played women’s soccer and hockey at UW-Madison), women’s volleyball silver medalists Dana Rettke and Lauren Carlini (both standouts for UW volleyball) and especially women’s soccer gold medalist Rose Lavelle (perhaps the greatest UW women’s soccer player of all time) were particularly notable.
Royal Thai Pavilion’s restoration is a step closer to completion
The second phase, which began in March, involved cleaning, painting and applying decorative gold leaf, and repairing and replacing glass beads and tiles that add to the elegance of the pavilion. The project is being funded by UW-Madison, which was gifted the pavilion more than 20 years ago.
Nasal spray flu vaccine by Madison company boosts protection in seniors, study says
An experimental nasal spray flu vaccine being developed by a Madison company, based on UW-Madison research, boosted immunity in older adults who also got a flu shot, compared with those who got only a shot, a study found.
Jason T. Jonely
After graduation, Jason continued his service to the University, transitioning to a full-time role in 1997 as an advisor in the International Student Services Office (ISS). Over the next two decades, Jason rose to the position of Associate Director of ISS, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the international student experience at UW-Madison. His leadership extended to various campus-wide committees, including the Exchange Coordinators Committee, the International Student Recruitment and Marketing ad hoc committee, and the Behavior Intervention Team (BIT).
Don’t scavenge during ‘Hippie Christmas,’ Madison official says
This spring, UW-Madison diverted over 162,000 pounds of material from the landfill as students moved out of residence halls, including 7,515 pounds of futons and nearly 4,000 pounds of food.
To do this, the university recruits hundreds of student and staff volunteers and collaborates with various departments and community organizations, according to Malorie Garbe, sustainability coordinator for University Housing. Nonperishable food was donated to The River Food Pantry, Goodman Community Center and the on-campus Open Seat food pantry. Sergenian’s Floor Coverings and Reynolds Urethane Recycling took carpet and mattress toppers, Garbe said.
Letter | GOP has undermined UW system
Letter to the editor: Why on Earth would this not be supported? It benefits the schools and students. My siblings and my son went through this system. The difference between them was my siblings graduated without debt, while my son has debt. I’m especially disturbed reading that over 30 tenured faculty are slated to be laid off. Majors have been cut.
New Madison charter school would teach skilled trades, personal finance
In 2011, the Madison School Board rejected the proposal for what has now become One City Schools. The board rejected a different charter proposal in 2017 for what now is the Isthmus Montessori Academy.
Both those schools, and the Milestone Democratic School, now operate through a charter with UW Office of Educational Opportunity.