For the first time this year, Camp Randall Stadium opened its doors to the public on Saturday, providing a glimpse into what football could look like for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2025.
Category: Campus life
Stop to smell the roses: UW’s Earth Fest showcases sustainability, creativity
First established as a national holiday in 1970, Earth Day offers a moment to reflect on the health and beauty of the natural world. It is an excellent reason for millions of Americans to step outside and breathe in the fresh air. For University of Wisconsin students, it can be much more. This week heralds UW’s second annual Earth Fest, a week-long celebration of the Earth.
‘We aim to entertain’: UW-Madison A Cappella group to host spring showcase this Friday
If you don’t have any plans for this Friday, check out the spring showcase for the UW-Madison A Cappella group, Fundamentally Sound.
No citations for underage drinkers seeking help in Madison under new policy
The policy also gives immunity to someone who’s a victim of a crime, such as sexual assault or violence.
There’s already a similar policy in place at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The ABCs of aquaponics, and spring paddling
Aquaponics is a system in which the waste of fish provides nutrients for plants which purify the water. To learn more, we talk to Johanna Oosterwyk, instructional manager of the D.C. Smith Greenhouse on the UW-Madison campus.
‘Spring Awakening’ provides a mirror into society’s treatment of teenage sexuality
The Department of Theatre and Drama at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is performing the Broadway smash “Spring Awakening” through April 27 at the Mitchell Theatre, highlighting intimacy and sexuality in the face of social taboos.
Another UW-Madison international student gets court protection from deportation
A second University of Wisconsin-Madison student from overseas who had their visa revoked by the Trump administration has won a victory in the courts.
The class of 2025 can’t find jobs
Elliot Novak is about to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in art education, but it’s a hard time to start as a teacher. President Donald Trump issued an executive order to close the Department of Education, and there have been mass layoffs within the department.
Physical media is making a comeback and UW-Madison is joining
Having millions of songs at our disposal through mobile devices propelled the initial decline in vinyl records and then CDs. However, UW-Madison students are part of a larger resurgence in physical media use among younger audiences. As early as 2007, global vinyl record sales started increasing every year. In the U.S., more than 43 million vinyl records were sold in 2024.
Mnookin talks SEVIS terminations at University Committee meeting
The University Committee — the elected shared governance body for University of Wisconsin faculty — met with Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, Graduate School Dean Bill Karpus and other university and student leaders to discuss student SEVIS record terminations.
Inside the rivalry: Wisconsin women’s hockey vs Ohio State
The University of Wisconsin-Madison and Ohio State University are no strangers in women’s hockey, playing together in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) since 1999
DEI uncertainty at UW weighs on student mental health, sense of belonging, ASM leaders say
As diversity, equity and inclusion programs face increasing scrutiny and cuts across campuses nationwide, students at the University of Wisconsin are confronting a growing sense of uncertainty — not just about resources or representation, but about their mental health and sense of belonging in a predominantly white institution.
Visa terminations are ‘deeply troubling,’ seem ‘arbitrary and unjust,’ Mnookin says in newspaper column
In a column published in the Wisconsin State Journal, Mnookin addressed the recent visa terminations of UW-Madison students and alumni. As of Tuesday, the university is aware of the termination of 27 total records, which includes 15 current students and 12 alumni.
They’re back! Terrace chairs return to Memorial Union
On Friday, Memorial Union hosted their annual Terrace Chair Return party, celebrating the start of spring and return of Madison’s iconic Sunburst-style chairs on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.
‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin
UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin discussed the many issues facing the university, including concerns over federal investigations, funding cuts, and international student visa revocations, as well as the 2025 state budget cycle.
What it takes to be Bucky
Donning a white bucket hat with a red “W” emblem, Caleb Hunnicutt stepped on the volleyball court at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Field House to demonstrate the skills others would need to perform as Bucky Badger, the university’s beloved mascot.
Protesting everywhere but in person: The changing face of activism at UW-Madison
Dr. Kathy Cramer, a political science professor at UW-Madison, told the Cardinal institutions like UW-Madison have become more strict with pushing back on student activism in recent years.
“I think it’s part of a broader public trend where there’s just so much less trust in political institutions and institutions across the board,” Cramer said. “I think students feel that, too.”
In the 608: Wisconsin Football Spring Showcase Saturday
The Wisconsin Football Spring Showcase, presented by UW Credit Union, is set for Saturday, April 19 at Camp Randall Stadium. The open practice event will provide a preview of the 2025 season and a chance for fans to meet the team.
UW-Madison finally breaks ground on hard-won engineering building
UW-Madison officials’ sense of relief Thursday was almost palpable at the official groundbreaking for the new engineering building.
Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay to deliver spring 2025 commencement address
Jason Gay, a 1992 University of Wisconsin-Madison alum and acclaimed sports and culture columnist for the Wall Street Journal, will return to his alma mater to deliver the keynote address at the Spring 2025 commencement ceremony.
Academic unions rally against Trump, demand action from UW-Madison leaders
More than 250 people gathered on campus to rally against the Trump administration and demand action from UW-Madison higher-ups. The local unions representing university faculty, academic staff, and graduate students organized the demonstration, joining countless others today across the country as part of the National Day of Action for Higher Ed.
Faculty call on UW-Madison to help fight Trump’s attacks, support international students
Over 100 faculty members, teaching assistants and activists rallied Thursday on Library Mall to oppose the Trump administration’s attacks on higher education, demanding the University of Wisconsin-Madison provide support for international students facing visa terminations and join other Big Ten universities to pool money for a shared defense fund.
Evers, campus leaders break ground on UW-Madison engineering building after years of political conflict
Campus leaders and Gov. Tony Evers broke ground Thursday on a new engineering building at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, after long delays and a protracted political funding battle.
‘This is not a drill’: UW-Madison scholars warn of long-term, unprecedented threats to higher education
A panel of University of Wisconsin-Madison professors and academic experts discussed the significant challenges facing higher education Wednesday in the wake of the Trump administration’s sweeping budget cuts, emphasizing the critical role of federal funding in public health and scientific advancements.
What to know about a University of Wisconsin student’s legal fight over visa termination
There have been at least 58 visa terminations at Wisconsin colleges and universities as of April 17. The terminations include current students as well as alumni who were legally working on their student visas after graduation through a program called Optional Practical Training.
Officials at UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee said they did not believe the terminations at their schools were related to free speech or protests. Some other students nationally have been targeted for their participation in pro-Palestinian protests last year.
IN PICTURES: Challah making at UW-Madison
‘Funny Because It’s True’ chronicles the history, local impact of The Onion
The University of Wisconsin-Madison in the 1980s was the perfect breeding ground to create the self-described “single most powerful and influential organization in human history.”
Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration’s termination of UW-Madison student’s visa
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the cancellation of a 21-year-old University of Wisconsin-Madison undergraduate student’s visa and any actions in relation to that by the Trump administration.
Visa terminations have ‘chilling effect’ on UW international students, protest organizers
Recent visa terminations are making international students in Wisconsin worry about their future, and take precautions like removing social media and not participating pro-Palestinian organizing.
Walking tour illuminates Ho-Chunk history at UW-Madison
When former University of Wisconsin-Madison director of tribal relations Aaron Bird Bear was hired in 2003, he was shocked at the lack of representation and resources for Native American students. He saw Native American students’ need for support.
UW-Madison names Percival Matthews special advisor for access and community
Percival Matthews, professor and associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion in the University of Wisconsin School of Education, has been appointed to a new role as a special adviser to Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and Provost Charles Isbell focused on access and community, the university announced in a press release Tuesday.
Federal judge bans Trump from deporting UW-Madison student or canceling his visa
A federal judge has barred the Trump administration from deporting a UW-Madison international student whose student visa was canceled April 4 just weeks before he was set to graduate.
Badgers-loving columnist Jason Gay to deliver UW-Madison spring commencement address
Award-winning sports columnist Jason Gay will deliver the keynote address at UW-Madison’s spring commencement, the university announced Wednesday.
Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay named UW-Madison spring commencement speaker
Jason Gay, a UW-Madison alumnus and sports columnist for the Wall Street Journal, will be back in Madison for an encore presentation as the university’s spring commencement speaker.
National business leaders grapple with AI’s future at TEDxUW-Madison
At Memorial Union’s Grand Hall, a room of 100 University of Wisconsin-Madison students gathered to hear 14 speakers from the worlds of tech, medicine and business share business tips and their views on the evolving application of artificial intelligence (AI) in their industries.
Memorial Union welcomes back iconic sunburst chairs
On Wednesday, April 16, the Memorial Union will welcome back the famous orange, yellow and green starburst chairs to the terrace.
Judge says UW-Madison international student with terminated visa can’t be deported for now
A federal judge barred the government from taking any action against a University of Wisconsin-Madison engineering student from India, delivering a temporary blow to the Trump administration’s sweeping campaign to revoke international student visas.
Judge: UW-Madison international student can’t be deported for now
A federal judge has put a hold on immigration officials’ move to deport an international student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Visa cancellations sow panic for international students, with hundreds fearing deportation
On Tuesday, a federal judge in Wisconsin issued a similar order, ruling the government could not take steps to detain or revoke the visa of a University of Wisconsin-Madison gradate student.
Judge temporarily halts deportation of University of Wisconsin student after Trump visa cancellation
A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily halted the removal of a University of Wisconsin-Madison student from India whose visa was terminated from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) database.
Letter to the editor: Sifting and winnowing requires evidence, shared governance requires responsibility
Co-authored by James H. Stein, MD and Robert Turell Professor of Cardiovascular Research at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and Chad Alan Goldberg, PhD and the Martindale-Bascom Professor of Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
UW-Madison boosts aerospace engineering program with focused class for freshmen
Pioneering doesn’t always come with a lot of flash.
In a darkened auditorium on the UW-Madison engineering campus Friday, a bright green laser beam shone over a model airplane wing.
Earth Fest at UW-Madison celebrates sustainability, climate justice
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will host its second annual Earth Fest from April 21 to 29, a celebration of the planet over the week of Earth Day prioritizing environmental education, sustainability practices and climate justice.
UW Madison students protest revocation of international student visas under Trump administration
Nearly a hundred students and community members protested the federal government’s termination of University of Wisconsin-Madison student visas and alumni visa employment extensions in a protest on Library Mall Saturday, urging the university to do more to protect its students.
UW-Madison international student speaks out on visa terminations
International students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison say many of them are still trying to figure out why their visas are being terminated by the government and how to protect themselves.
UW joins other Big Ten schools in implementing fiscal controls amid federal funding cuts
The University of Wisconsin will implement fiscal controls for the remainder of the 2025 fiscal year including hiring reviews, reductions in non-essential spending and the development of 5% and 10% budget reduction scenarios for fund 101 — a fund dedicated to state tax, federal indirect cost and tuition allocation.
Education Minnesota, Wisconsin join 19 states in suing Trump administration over canceled student visas
At least 40 student visas have been revoked at schools within the University of Wisconsin school system, with more than two dozen from UW-Madison alone.
A spokesperson from UW-Madison wrote, “As of April 9, UW-Madison is aware of the automatic sevis termination of 26 total records. This includes 15 current students and 11 recent alumni on employment authorization … A sevis record termination generally means that a nonimmigrant individual no longer holds lawful nonimmigrant status and should depart the U.S. immediately.”
Passover begins at UW: A celebration of community, tradition, student leadership
For many students, being away from home can be especially challenging during major holidays — and Passover is no exception.
But, thanks to the efforts of student leaders like Sophie Genshaft, the engagement intern and holiday chair at UW Hillel, Jewish students at the University of Wisconsin can look forward to a warm, welcoming and meaningful Passover experience this year.
‘Really unprecedented situation’: More UW-Madison student visas canceled by federal government
At least 40 student visas across the UW System have been terminated as of April 10, according to university officials. The number has doubled since April 7.
Trump administration cancels visas for more than 40 University of Wisconsin
The number of University of Wisconsin students whose visas were canceled by the Trump administration has risen.
According to a spokesperson for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as of April 9 a total of 26 students have now had their visas revoked. Fifteen current students and 11 recent alumni on employment authorization were impacted.
‘We are outsiders already’: International students fear for future in America amid deportation threats, program cuts
Between cuts to research funding and crackdowns on students participating in campus demonstrations, some international students at University of Wisconsin-Madison plan to find education elsewhere.
UW-Madison celebrates 85th anniversary of Engineering EXPO
University of Wisconsin-Madison engineering students are inviting the public to learn more about the field at the upcoming Engineering EXPO 2025.
More international student visas revoked, worrying UW-Madison students
As the number of international students facing visa terminations swells this week, student leaders at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are growing more concerned.
Do UW–Madison students vote even when the candidates are uncontested?
University of Wisconsin-Madison students contributed to a record-high turnout for uncontested local candidates in the spring 2025 elections, boosted by the marquee state Supreme Court race.
UW Marching Band, Jordy Nelson, bike parade, national anthem singer announced for NFL draft festivities at Lambeau
The NFL has announced a round of entertainment and other activities planned for the draft in Green Bay, but specifics are still to come on some on concert performers and other participants.
‘I’ve been nothing but transparent’: Former UIC student speaks out after his visa was revoked
At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a student one month away from graduating seemingly had her visa revoked for a previous traffic violation. In Florida, a student from Colombia was taken into custody by immigration agents after he was stopped by Gainesville police with an expired registration and driver’s license. He signed his self-deportation and returned home.
5 takeaways from a conference on free speech in higher ed
Michael Wagner, who leads the Center for Communication and Civic Renewal at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, said that universities could make a greater effort to get the work of misinformation researchers into the public’s hands.
Universities must do “a more aggressive job of promoting the work, even when it highlights partisan asymmetries, even when it highlights other kinds of things that might leave universities open to attack from those who don’t like the fact that universities exist,” said Wagner, who noted that his center has been subpoenaed by Congress. “[That] is something they need to do a better job of, to help the researchers who are trying to do this stuff get their work out there to folks so that they can engage with it and decide how they want to incorporate that information into how they live their lives.”
UW Botany Greenhouse prepares for spring plant showcase
Managed by the Department of Botany, the greenhouse plays a crucial role at the university, assisting with classes and research initiatives. It is now under the leadership of UW’s Living Collections Manager III, Cara Streekstra, who has been with the department for over 12 years.
“We help further botany, education and teaching,” Streekstra said. “That’s the main focus of what we do in the botany greenhouses, teaching support. We grow plants specifically for use in lab courses and for horticulture, agronomy and also art classes and English classes.”
UW fails to uphold multiple terms of its agreement with Students for Justice in Palestine
Last Spring, the University of Wisconsin chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine led an encampment protest on Library Mall that lasted from April 29 to May 10, 2024, which UW temporarily disrupted using police force on its third day.
Letter to the Editor: Speech for me, but not for thee: How disruption has replaced campus dialogue
The disruption of Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s (’75 MPA) talk reveals a growing trend of selective free speech among pro-Palestinian activists.