What is Convocation?
New Student Convocation is the official welcome to campus. All new students are invited to join Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin, campus leadership, faculty, and staff for this kick-off to the fall semester. This Wisconsin Welcome event is hosted by Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin and the Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement.
Note: This event is intended for new freshmen and transfer students only.
New This Year!
Get a free, exclusive poster featuring this year’s “W” photo taken at The W Project: Bucky’s 5th Quarter.
Are You a Badger Family Member?
Experience Convocation, courtesy of UW–Madison’s Parent and Family Program.
Convocation Day Schedule
Pre-Convocation Events
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Academic Programming and Orientation for Schools & Colleges
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Chancellor’s Welcome Lunch held on the Sellery Residence Hall basketball courts
New Student Convocation
12:30 p.m.
Kohl Center Doors Open for New Student Convocation
1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
New Student Convocation Ceremony, followed by Go Big Read and W Project poster distribution at the Kohl Center
Post-Convocation Celebrations
3:00 — 4:30 p.m.
Free Ice Cream Social at Alumni Park, Hosted by the Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association
4:00 — 8:00 p.m.
Badger Welcome Dinner at Gordon Dining Center and Four Lakes Dining Market, Hosted by University Housing
New Student Convocation Program
“Wisconsin Traditions,” Performance by the University of Wisconsin Marching Band
“Our Shared Future” Video
Procession of Academic Leadership
Color Guard Presentation of Colors
National Anthem
Welcome from Provost Charles Lee Isbell Jr.
Remarks by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor
Remarks from Amanjot Kaur, Student Speaker
Remarks by Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence LaVar J. Charleston
Closing Remarks by Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin
“Varsity”
Go Big Read and W Project Poster Distribution
Sign language interpretation provided by McBurney Disability Resource Center.
Featured Speakers
Other Information for Students
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Directions & Menu for Chancellor's Welcome Lunch
Chancellor’s Lunch will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m and will be served on the basketball courts behind Sellery Residence Hall. Please enter via East Campus Mall and W. Johnson Street. Once you receive your lunch, find a spot outside Gordon Dining and Event Center or on the Kohl Center lawn. Click the arrow on this Google Map to the find your way there. Doors will open for Convocation starting at 12:30 p.m.
Menu:
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BBQ Smoked Pork Sandwich
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Marinated Grilled Chicken Sandwich
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Black Bean Burgers
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Sliced Watermelon
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Individual Bagged Chips
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Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Bottled Water
Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
Convocation Carry-In Policy
In order to expedite entry into the Kohl Center, students are encouraged to limit the number of items they bring.
Metal detectors will be in place. As students enter the Kohl Center, they will not need to remove personal items such as cell phones, cameras, keys, wallets, or coins from their pockets before going through the metal detectors. They will not need to remove clothing or accessories such as hats, jewelry, belts, shoes, or jackets.
The carry-in policy and venue policies will be the same as for Badger football games. In general, bags of any kind are discouraged. The size and type of bags that may be carried in will be regulated. Each attendee is allowed one small clutch purse (6.5” x 4.5”) and one large clear bag, either a one-gallon clear gallon-sized storage bag or a 12”x6”x12” clear tote bag.
All items and spectators are subject to search. Storage facilities are not available for checking prohibited items. Items left at gates will be disposed of accordingly.
Changes in national, regional, or local security levels may affect security procedures and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation with any last-minute changes.
Accessibility & Accommodations
General access and accommodation features provided at New Student Convocation include:
- On-screen captioning
- Onstage American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, broadcast via main video boards
- Wheelchair accessible seating platforms with companion seating at entry level (Sections 103, 105, 125, 127)
- ADA elevator access to main floor seating (Gate A)
- Lower stimulus, distraction, and volume levels in Suite 104A
The McBurney Disability Resource Center will also host an Accessibility Suite in the Nicholas Club, located at the entry level, near Gate A. The Accessibility Suite will include:
- Space for standing, movement, and breaks
- Wheelchair access
- Flexible seating
- Sight line to main video boards
- On-screen ASL interpreters broadcast from the stage via additional monitor
- Captioning via additional monitor
- Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) available through Guests Services upon entry to the Kohl Center
You do not have to contact the McBurney Disability Resource Center to utilize the Accessibility Suite. You are also welcome to invite fellow students to accompany you in the space. For questions regarding accommodations and accessibility at New Student Convocation, please email info@mcburney.wisc.edu or call 608-263-2741.
Meet Your New Campus Community
"Our Shared Future"
UW–Madison occupies ancestral Ho-Chunk land. Today’s "Our Shared Future" introduction will not only encourage you to be good stewards of the land, but of one another as well. Both people and place create our multifaceted community.
UW Marching Band
Whether at a Badger game or the famous 5th Quarter, you can find the UW Marching Band performing for 50,000+ fans each week. You'll get a taste of this tradition before Convocation begins!
"Varsity"
Badgers have sung our famous school song for over 100 years. Then, in the 1930s, former Wisconsin Band Director Ray Dvorak introduced the iconic arm swaying. You’ll sing this song with your new classmates today and again at Commencement.
Go Big Read
Get your FREE copy of "Sitting Pretty" by Rebekah Taussig following New Student Convocation! By exploring this truth in poignant and lyrical essays, Taussig illustrates the need for more stories & more voices to understand the diversity of humanity.
Orientation Times for Schools & Colleges
No events returned.
Questions or Requesting Accommodations?
Please contact commence@chancellor.wisc.edu.