What is The W Project?
Join thousands of new Badgers for a Fifth Quarter celebration at Camp Randall! Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin, Bucky Badger, and other familiar faces will teach you our campus traditions. Not to mention, enter giveaways, learn Badger gameday traditions, and recreate the annual “W” photo with your fellow new students!
Note: This event is intended for new freshmen and transfer students only.
Highlights from The W Project
What Students Need to Know
How Do I Get to Camp Randall?
UW campus bus routes are fare-free for students, faculty, employees, and visitors. The Route 80 bus runs daily – including late nights and weekends – and has stops near most residence halls. Use Google Maps to easily plan your route to the Johnson at Orchard temporary stop.
When & Where Do I Enter?
Doors for The W Project open at 6:30 p.m. Students should enter through Gate 5 located on the north end of the stadium near Breese Terrace. ADA Access is available at Gate 4 (also located on the north end of the stadium near Breese Terrace).
What Should I Bring to the Event?
First, grab your Wiscard!
Then grab your floor, roommate, and any other new student you find along the way!
Remember to wear red for the annual W Project photo.
Bottled water in clear containers is permitted. Bags are not allowed at The W Project.
Event Program
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Opening from Wisconsin Welcome
Welcome from Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin
Remarks from Christina Olstad, Dean of Students
University of Wisconsin Marching Band
W Project Photo on Camp Randall Field
Attend New Student Convocation on September 2 to get a FREE poster with this year’s W Project photo, plus your copy of the 2025-26 Go Big Read book.
Featured Speakers
Additional Information & Resources
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Accessibility & Accommodations
General accommodations at The W Project include:
- On-screen closed captioning through the Badger Gameday App and Camp Randall scoreboard
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation – Available upon request
- Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) – Available upon request
- ADA access available through Gate 4
- Hard-of-hearing section available through Gate 4
- Smaller, lower-stimulation space to view the event available through Gate 4
Need additional accommodation? Please contact Brad Lanza, Coordinator of Welcome Programs, at brad.lanza@wisc.edu.
W Project Carry-In Policy
Items Permitted: Water in clear container
Items Prohibited (Including, but Not Limited To): Bags larger than 8.5” x 11” (including backpacks), food, beverages, containers, drones, laptops, video recorders, monopods, tripods, selfie-sticks, laser pointers, weapons, banners, flags, signs, noisemakers, inflatables, strollers, or any items deemed dangerous or inappropriate.
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.
Have questions or need accommodations?
Please contact Brad Lanza, Coordinator of Welcome Programs, at brad.lanza@wisc.edu.