GRADUATE STUDENT LIFE 2018–2019 Graduate Student Life 2018–2019 2018–2019 edition of Graduate Student Life was updated and published in May 2018 as a service to graduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Table of Contents Introduction Welcome to Graduate School at UW–Madison 1. University of Wisconsin–Madison ........................................................................5 UW–Madison History, Getting Started, Studying, Planning Ahead 2. City of Madison ....................................................................................................18 Weather, Government, Staying Informed, Getting Involved, City Events, Accommodations for Visitors, Beyond Madison 3. Student Services and Organizations ..................................................................28 Graduate Student Involvement, The Wisconsin Unions, Diversity and Multiculturalism on Campus, Students with Disabilities, Family and Parent Resources, Food Resources 4. International Students.........................................................................................41 International Student Resources, New International Students 5. Finances and Employment ..................................................................................51 Tuition, Student Accounts, and Bills, Graduate Student Funding, Financial Information, Help with Money Management 6. Housing ................................................................................................................61 Campus Area Housing, Campus Housing 7. Transportation ......................................................................................................69 Cars, Bicycles, Mopeds and Scooters, Madison Metro, Walking, Taxis, Travel Out of Madison 8. Shopping, Services, and Dining ..........................................................................76 Basics, Groceries, Clothing, Pharmacies and Drug Stores, Books and Supplies, Dining Out 9. Recreation and Entertainment ........................................................................... 89 The Outdoors, Sports and Active Recreation, Museums and Galleries on Campus, Performing Arts, Nightlife, Movies, Fun Things to Do Around Madison 10. Living Well ........................................................................................................102 Health and Wellness, Athletic Facilities, Safety, Community Involvement, Spirituality 4 Graduate Student Life Welcome to Graduate School at UW–Madison Congratulations on your admission to the University of Wisconsin–Madison! The Graduate School experience at UW–Madison opens doors as you open your mind to new opportunities and experiences. The Graduate School offers support and resources to help you transition to life as a graduate student. One of these essential resources is Graduate Student Life. Graduate Student Life holds information on important things like where to find housing, where to shop, what to do for recreation and entertainment, and tips for staying healthy while you’re here. Graduate Student Life is a valuable resource throughout your time at UW–Madison! Contributors and Editors Graduate Student Life has been compiled over time by many graduate students and coordinat- ed by the Graduate School Office of Professional Development and Communications and former Graduate Student Collaborative. Front cover photo by University Communications © 2018 Board of Regents CHAPTER 1 The University of Wisconsin–Madison Photo: UniversityPhoto: Communications Students relax and study on Bascom Hill as the trees begin to take on a golden hue during autumn. 6 Graduate Student Life Congratulations! You are now an official graduate student at UW–Madison. This chapter contains useful information for new grad students about the university, the Graduate School, and life as a UW–Madison student. UW–MADISON HISTORY critically, preserve and transmit the knowl- edge, wisdom and values that will help The University of Wisconsin–Madison has insure the survival of this and future genera- long been recognized as one of America’s tions and improve the quality of life for all.” great universities. A public, land-grant The university achieves these ends institution, UW–Madison offers a complete through innovative programs of research, spectrum of liberal arts studies, professional teaching, and public service. Throughout its programs, and student activities. Many of its history, UW–Madison has sought to bring programs are hailed as world leaders in the power of learning into the daily lives of instruction, research, and public service. its students through innovations such as residential learning communities and service- Origins learning opportunities. Students also partici- The university traces its roots to a clause in pate freely in research, which has led to the Wisconsin Constitution, which decreed life-improving inventions from more fuel- that the state should have a prominent public efficient engines to cutting-edge genetic university. In 1848, Nelson Dewey, therapies. Wisconsin’s first governor, signed the act that formally created the university. The first The Wisconsin Idea class, with 17 students, met in a Madison Students, faculty, and staff are motivated by school building on February 5, 1849. a tradition known as the “Wisconsin Idea,” From those humble beginnings, the described by university President Charles university has grown into a large, diverse Van Hise in 1904 as the compelling need to community, with over 40,000 students carry “the beneficent influence of the univer- enrolled each year. These students represent sity . to every home in the state.” The every state in the nation as well as countries Wisconsin Idea signifies the general principle from around the globe, making for a truly that education should influence people’s lives international population. beyond the boundaries of the classroom. It permeates the university’s work and helps Mission forge close working relationships among UW–Madison is the oldest and largest university faculty and students and the state’s campus in the University of Wisconsin industries and government. System, a statewide network of 13 compre- hensive universities, 13 two-year colleges, and an extension service. One of two GETTING STARTED doctorate-granting universities in the system, Visit the Graduate School website (grad.wisc. UW–Madison’s specific mission is to provide edu) for information about academic pro- “a learning environment in which faculty, grams, graduate school policies and proce- staff and students can discover, examine dures, deadlines, professional development 7 Graduate Student Life Photo: UniversityPhoto: Communicaitons opportunities, forms, publications, upcoming workshops, events, funding opportunities, and more. Graduate School 217 Bascom Hall 500 Lincoln Drive Madison, WI 53706 grad.wisc.edu Campus and Visitor Relations Campus and Visitor Relations (CAVR) serves as the front door to UW–Madison, providing personalized information, experiences, and connections for the Memorial Union is a popular spot to study on campus. campus and community. Friendly and enthusiastic staff members will answer Contacting Programs your questions and help you find the infor- Your program office is usually the best place mation you need while making the campus to find information on anything relating to and surrounding area easier to navigate. You your academic career. Most of these offices may reach them by phone (608-263-2400), offer orientation activities to help you chat, or e-mail, or by stopping in at one of acclimate to your new campus home. To get three information and welcome centers: the contact information for your program, visit Town Center Welcome Desk at the the Graduate School’s list of all graduate Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery (330 N. programs online (grad.wisc.edu/ Orchard St.), or the Campus and Community academic-programs/). Information Desks at Memorial Union (800 Beyond your program office, the Langdon Street) and Union South (1308 W. Graduate School (grad.wisc.edu), located in Dayton Street). For more information, visit Bascom Hall, is the hub of information for info.wisc.edu. grad students on campus. Your first contact Campus and Visitor Relations also with the staff in the Office of Admissions is coordinates UW–Madison’s Campus Area when you apply. The staff in the Office of Housing Listing Service. Visit the website Academic Services is there to help students (campusareahousing.wisc.edu) for up-to-date understand and follow Graduate School listings of private housing vacancies, includ- policies for satisfactory progress toward ing apartments, houses, roommate options, graduate degrees and manage the official and cooperative living arrangements. See records for all graduate students. The Office Chapter 6 for more information on housing of Diversity, Inclusion and Funding coordi- both on and off campus. nates fellowship programs. If you have a Finally, learn more about UW–Madison’s question that your program cannot answer, rich history and traditions by taking a go to the Graduate School. For steps to general campus walking tour. Tours leave prepare your doctoral dissertation, go to from Union South and are offered daily. grad.wisc.edu/current-students/ Tours are not offered on holidays or football doctoral-guide. Saturdays. For a schedule, or to register for a tour, visit admissions.wisc.edu/visitbucky. 8 Graduate Student Life Activating Your NetID Wiscard Office is located in Union South. One of the first things to do even before you For more information, call 608-262-3258