Engaging Wisconsin Residents Through Research and Learning

UW Connects is a University of Wisconsin-Madison statewide engagement unit with the dual purpose of unifying outreach activities on campus, while serving as a one-stop-shop for people around the state looking for UW information and resources.

The goals of the unit are to:

  • To support faculty, staff, graduate students,  programs, and departments who engage with audiences around Wisconsin
  • Unify outreach programming, messaging and impact to align with strategy
  • Gather comprehensive data on program impact around the state— whether it’s well-seasoned outreach teams, or a graduate student in a lab taking on a new outreach activity.
  • Support and advance UW interactions and communication with Wisconsin legislators
  • Enhance the University’s overall reputation at a time when higher education is viewed less positively, especially outside of larger cities
  • Provide a single connection point for internal and external entities; “UW Concierge Office”
  • Reaffirm our institutional commitment to the Wisconsin Idea

UW Connects is housed in the Office of State Relations and Statewide Outreach.

UW Connects Programs

UW Connects is home to three programs: Badger Talks, which brings UW experts to communities around the state on topics important to them; Bucky’s Classroom, an outreach program committed to promoting the value of higher education among 7th grade students across the state of Wisconsin; and Badger Ambassadors, UW students who share their Badger spirit through tabling at events with Wisconsin organizations, groups, schools, and businesses.

Badger Talks

Bucky’s Classroom

Badger Ambassadors