Tenzin Gyatso’s trademark chuckle echoed through Madison’s Overture Center for the Arts Wednesday, during what he, the 14th Dalai Lama, described as a “peaceful atmosphere” to simply “talk with another human being.” The 78-year-old Tibetan holy figure, who was adorned in his Buddhist monk robes and a baseball cap, was… Read more »

A childhood fear was that Adolf Hitler would ask him to play a trumpet solo. For five years life became a lesson in survival and was consumed by order, song and seasonal uniforms. In 1940, University of Wisconsin German professor, blond and blue-eyed Jost Hermand, was 10 years old. Living… Read more »

For many on campus, Rebecca Blank, acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce, was an economically-focused choice for the University of Wisconsin’s chancellor recommendation, an angle that has raised some concern for the future of the university. After 13 members of UW’s Associated Students of Madison released their endorsement for chancellor finalist… Read more »

For many on the internal board of University of Wisconsin’s student government, communication and collaboration remained critical issues up for discussion in the group’s Monday meeting. Associated Students of Madison’s Coordinating Council convened after passing a new constitution for referendum in last week’s Student Council to deliberate members’ own internal… Read more »

The governing body of University of Wisconsin’s student government convened Monday to address how each chair will use the remaining 92 days of their term, which include a renewed effort for a substantial review of UW System policies on student fees. Student Services Finance Committee Chair Ellie Bruecker said her… Read more »

Members of the University of Wisconsin community began the search for the university’s next chancellor this semester in effort to find a replacement for Interim Chancellor David Ward by July 2013. The Chancellor Search and Screen Committee, representing a diverse array of faculty, community members and students, was formed in… Read more »

A University of Wisconsin economics professor played “If I were a dictator” Wednesday evening, presenting his take on the impending “fiscal cliff,” ultimately examining the unique economic opportunities such a national crisis could present. John Karl Scholz, who previously served as an economic advisor and tax analyst under President George… Read more »

A meeting intended for semester reflection quickly transformed into a conversation on internal communication, as a University of Wisconsin’s student government board convened Tuesday evening. Members of Coordinating Council expressed concern and frustration with Monday’s press release of the May 4 Music Festival Proposal, a plan hoping to provide a… Read more »

The University of Wisconsin’s Chancellor Search and Screen Committee met with members of the city’s business community Wednesday as the group reaches a transitional point in its process to find a replacement for Interim Chancellor David Ward. The committee met with the boards of Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and… Read more »

In wake of the semester’s second student suicide last Wednesday, student government officials met with the dean of students to highlight campus initiatives on mental health and other issues.  University of Wisconsin Dean of Students Lori Berquam joined Coordinating Council last night to update the board on her office’s four… Read more »

Sex questions were answered and relationship advice was given Monday evening as syndicated columnist and activist Dan Savage joined students and community members on campus to address one of society’s more taboo subjects: sexuality. Savage, who is the author of sex advice column Savage Love as well as the co-founder… Read more »

With tensions escalating between Palestine and Israel over the past week, a student organization’s rally in support of Palestine Friday afternoon was met with pro-Israel student attention. The rally, organized by the University of Wisconsin’s Students for Justice in Palestine, began with a speaking circle in Library Mall, outside of… Read more »

Closing the University of Wisconsin’s Shared Governance Week of Action, a panel of representatives from the UW System and student government convened Thursday to address issues about tuition and fees, prompting debate about the future of the UW System. Student Services Finance Committee Chair Ellie Bruecker and UW System Board… Read more »

In continuation of the Shared Governance Week of Action, University of Wisconsin’s student government hosted a Transportation Forum, in effort to both educate the community as well as gain feedback for the future of campus transportation. Associated Students of Madison Student Transportation Board welcomed Bethany Whitaker, representative from the transportation… Read more »

University of Wisconsin’s student government released its judiciary decision to deny funding to Collegians for a Constructive Tomorrow after the organization was denied eligibility earlier this year. Student Judiciary announced its decision yesterday evening, after the group appealed to the branch on the grounds of a Student Services Finance Committee… Read more »

Starting Monday, Madison Metro will begin to enforce an existing policy in effort to address the growing issue of bus pass fraud within the city. According to a University of Wisconsin statement, Madison Metro will begin implementing a policy requiring students to produce a university-issued photo ID with the use… Read more »

A committee of University of Wisconsin’s student government convened Thursday night in a meeting where representatives expressed confusion over an organization’s contract status before ultimately postponing a budget decision. The Student Services Finance Committee met to take on the budget decision for Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group, a decision which was… Read more »

Jacob Wood graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2005 with a double major in business and political science. The former UW football player and U.S. Marine Corps veteran is the founder of a disaster relief veterans’ service organization, Team Rubicon, which applies the military experience of veterans to fast-response… Read more »

The University of Wisconsin’s student government convened last night to debate and vote on the budgets of two student organizations, ultimately making some adjustments before passing both. Associated Students of Madison’s Student Services Finance Committee deliberated the budgets of F.H. King and Sex Out Loud Thursday evening. Witte Hall House… Read more »

With the presidential election less than a week away, conservative think tank leader Ed Whelan spoke on the University of Wisconsin campus last night, highlighting his thoughts on religious liberties under President Barack Obama’s administration. Badger Catholic, UW’s chapter of the Federalist Society and the Wisconsin Union Directorate hosted Whelan,… Read more »

Chairs of the University of Wisconsin’s student government voted to pass the internal budget Tuesday before opening debate to the entire representative body, highlighting what may become contentious budgetary issues. Associated Students of Madison’s Coordinating Council convened Oct. 23 to amend, debate and vote on the internal budget, ultimately passing… Read more »

The University of Wisconsin’s Homecoming is taking on a new light this year with the Volunteer Campus Clean-Up Kickoff Sunday, as the planning committee prepares for a week focused on community outreach. Activities for the 2012 Homecoming kicked off Sunday with the cleanup, a new event committed toward this year’s… Read more »

Four University of Wisconsin freshmen are preparing to join student leadership on campus after the Student Council unveiled the winners of the Associated Students of Madison elections Wednesday night. ASM Student Elections Commission Chair Mickey Stevens announced Callen Raveret, 291 votes, Michael Quesnell, 368 votes, AJ Hipke, 389 votes and Carissa… Read more »

A nationwide study, conducted in part by the Wisconsin Center for Education Research, has begun work analyzing the nation’s decrease in science, technology, engineering and math undergraduate degrees, despite a relatively opposite trend seen at the University of Wisconsin. According to a report from the President’s Council of Advisors on… Read more »

The University of Wisconsin’s student government presented its 2013-14 internal budget for the first time Tuesday, sparking contention over the presence of Homecoming Week and All-Campus Party in the internal budget. Associated Students of Madison Chair Andrew Bulovsky presented the internal budget to the Coordinating Council, demonstrating an overall budget… Read more »

After closing People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ case against the University of Wisconsin only last week, a letter from a former UW animal lab veterinarian may prompt the federal government to re-assess their decision. United States Department of Agriculture Spokesperson, David Sacks, said in an email to The… Read more »

A former University of Wisconsin animal lab veterinarian came forward in a letter to the federal government Friday in an effort to confirm the ethical research problems People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals raised in a campaign against the University of Wisconsin earlier this year.Richard Brown, former Senior Program… Read more »

The federal government has determined they cannot identify ethical problems in research that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals raised in a campaign against the University of Wisconsin earlier this year.  The United States Department of Agriculture released the inspection report of three visitations conducted by the Animal and… Read more »

Journalist, activist and Pulitzer Prize winner Jose Antonio Vargas spoke to his “double coming out” as part of a lecture series in commemoration to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month. Vargas, an openly gay man and undocumented immigrant, shared his own story of self-acceptance to a crowd at the Pyle… Read more »

In effort to appeal to more students, Freakfest event planners have presented a campus-wide Battle of the Bands competition for this year’s Halloween event. The side stage of Freakfest will be hosting music voted on by the public this year with the introduction of a Battle of the Bands competition.… Read more »

After flames flared up in Memorial Union this morning, the Madison Fire Department was called to the building and brought the two-alarm fire under control. A fire was reported in the Memorial Union theatre this morning and was called into the MFD immediately, Wendy Von Below, project manager for Memorial… Read more »

The University of Wisconsin’s student government finance committee continued its funding eligibility process Thursday, hearing requests from a new student organization and an organization that has faced controversy in the past. The Student Services Finance Committee heard eligibility presentations from Collegians For A Constructive Tomorrow, which was denied funding for… Read more »

President Barack Obama stood between an inflatable Bucky Badger and Bascom Mall’s Abraham Lincoln statue yesterday as he took to Bascom Hill to address the campus just one day after the first presidential debate.A crowd of 30,000 students and community members received the president for a campaign speech aimed at… Read more »

In continuation of University of Wisconsin Interim Chancellor David Ward’s “Year of Innovation,” the university is looking to expand its summer educational programming. According to UW Registrar Scott Owczarek, the university is beginning talks to expand the summer courses offered on campus as a part of an initiative promoting educational… Read more »

Pulitzer Prize-nominated Lauren Redniss is the author and illustrator of Radioactive: Marie and Pierre Curie, A Tale of Love and Fallout, an “unconventional” biography of Marie Curie. This year, Interim Chancellor David Ward announced her book as the 2012 Go Big Read common reading program selection. Redniss, who is currently… Read more »

A principal adviser to President Barack Obama joined a roundtable discussion on national energy policy Wednesday on the University of Wisconsin campus to speak on the policies, technologies and incentives influencing the future of energy. Nancy Sutley, chair of the Council on Environmental Quality and Obama’s principal environmental policy adviser,… Read more »

The student government’s main fee allocation committee continued their push through a long list of proposals for different student organizations to receive segregated fee funding at a Thursday night meeting. The Student Services Finance Committee approved eligibility for Working Class Student Union without any contention with 13 votes in favor… Read more »

A University of Wisconsin student center unveiled Wednesday a series of celebratory programming intended to bring the campus community together to commemorate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month in October.UW’s LGBT Campus Center is hosting a myriad of speakers and theater performances to celebrate this year’s National Coming Out… Read more »

As University of Wisconsin’s Interim Chancellor David Ward readies to end his two year term, UW system President Kevin Reilly announced the 25-member committee yesterday that will be responsible for the search and screen of the university’s next chancellor. According to the UW System statement, Reilly appointed 13 UW-Madison faculty… Read more »

A student government committee received updates on city issues as Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, and Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, joined the table for Monday evening’s meeting. Speaking with Associated Students of Madison’s Legislative Affairs Committee, Verveer and Resnick gave an overview of important city measures that impact students… Read more »

The University of Wisconsin has returned to a list of the nation’s most Military Friendly Schools. According to a UW statement, Victory Media’s 2013 list named the top 15 percent universities, colleges and trade schools in the country that are most supportive to veterans and other military service members. The… Read more »

The student government continued to hear cases for direct services funding from two student organizations at a Thursday night meeting. Both Campus Women’s Center and Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán presented to the Student Services Finance Committee with details on how they would use SSFC funds. CWC Support Services Coordinator Gethsemane… Read more »

University of Wisconsin graduate Will Harper is a child protection adviser for Save the Children, a humanitarian organization. A 2009 UW master’s degree graduate in counseling psychology, Harper has been based in Amman, Jordan, at the Zaatari Refugee Camp for four weeks. In a Skype interview with The Badger Herald,… Read more »

Conservative radio talk show host Vicki McKenna told a packed room she “feared no liberal” at the University of Wisconsin College Republicans’ kick-off meeting Tuesday night. Hosted by College Republicans, McKenna was chosen as the opening guest for being a champion of conservatism in Madison and Dane County, according to… Read more »

A 225-year-old document brought together a panel of University of Wisconsin political science professors yesterday, as they commemorated Constitution Day with a dialogue on constitutional issues in present-day politics. Hosted by the American Democracy Forum, which was launched under the UW Political Science department two years ago, the panel was… Read more »

The University of Wisconsin increased in rank throughout the past year, moving up in line as one of “America’s Best Colleges” in the eyes of U.S. News and World Report. The magazine released its annual report Wednesday and listed UW up one spot from last year’s rankings. UW is currently… Read more »

A divide developed among the members of the Associated Students of Madison as they convened Wednesday to deliberate their new constitution, a contentious piece on their agenda that was ultimately not passed.After releasing the new constitution to the legislative body back in February, ASM met last night to debate over… Read more »

The parents of murdered University of Wisconsin student Brittany Zimmermann announced a newly-named “Brittany Run” in remembrance of the 2008 killing of their 21-year-old daughter.Zimmermann’s parents are hosting the formally named Brittany Zimmermann 5K Run/Walk in conjunction with Madison Area Crime Stoppers, according to a UW statement.Crime Stoppers, a privately-funded… Read more »

With the release of a UW Alumni study, questions may have been put to rest about whether the state of Wisconsin can keep the graduates of its flagship university.A study conducted by the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute showed 62 percent of respondents perceived a “brain drain” at UW, UW spokesperson… Read more »

As students return to campus, they will find the west wing of Memorial Union closed for construction, a project which has impacted many of the building’s historic paintings and murals. The two-phase historical renovation and restoration project of Memorial Union, which is currently in the beginnings of its first phase,… Read more »

Nearly 20 students joined Mayor Paul Soglin at Gordon’s Event and Dining Center Tuesday, as he shared his interests and past experiences in social justice. Hosted by University of Wisconsin’s Multicultural Learning Community, Soglin began with a history lesson that provided context to the current politics of the university campus and… Read more »

University of Wisconsin students were welcomed by hundreds of pink flamingos perched on Bascom Hill Tuesday in a unique advertisement by UW Housing. Bascom Hill, which historically has been used as a platform to publicize events and raise awareness due to its heavy foot traffic, was covered in nearly 400 pink… Read more »

Residential students from both Lakeshore and Southeast will finally be able to enjoy several new facilities this year with the opening of Dejope Residential Hall and the Gordon Dining and Event Center. “Dejope,” a term meaning “four lakes” in the native Ho-Chunk language, is phase one of a two-phase Lakeshore… Read more »

University Health Services showed a pre-screening of a revamped violence prevention program targeted at first-year students in an effort to involve faculty and staff working with the freshman class. Spearheaded by the End Violence on Campus (EVOC) Coordinating Council and the Division of Student Life, the online program, ‘Tonight,’ is… Read more »

A University of Wisconsin assistant professor of African studies was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior on Aug. 1 after allegedly exposing himself to a former student. Kennedy Waliaula, 47, was reported to the UW Police Department on July 10, after allegedly exposing his genitals to five women passersby, including one former student,… Read more »

In the aftermath of the death of a recent University of Wisconsin graduate who drowned in Lake Mendota, officials are continuing to recommend safety measures on the lake while the victim’s family says there is more to his story than may initially be apparent. Twenty-two year-old Matthew Roelse, a May… Read more »

A survey observing college and university leadership positions has found there is less job security for college leaders now than compared to a few years ago, bringing leadership at University of Wisconsin into focus. The survey conducted by the American Council on Education followed more than 1,600 college and university… Read more »

The Wisconsin Chapter of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity received a two-year suspension Thursday, closing investigations on the alleged member misconduct reported in March. The Committee on Student Organizations, who facilitated the decision, released a comprehensive report May 23 that outlined the incident and subsequent investigation proceedings. According to the report,… Read more »

Around 20 students gathered Thursday evening for the Second Congressional District candidate forum, as the four candidates shared their past experiences and views on politics and finance. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, cyber and electronic security consultant Dennis Hall, Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, D-Madison, and local attorney Matt Silverman all took… Read more »

Following a recall effort largely motivated by the repeal of collective bargaining rights for public employees, Democratic gubernatorial candidates have shifted the race’s platform to zone in on job creation as their primary looms in the near future. Former Dane County Executive and gubernatorial candidate Kathleen Falk and Milwaukee Mayor… Read more »

Messages of solidarity and unity were the themes of the annual May Day Rally Tuesday evening, as hundreds of community members gathered on the Capitol steps to promote workers’ rights. The May Day rally was held in commemoration of the 1886 May Day Haymarket massacre, during which workers took part in… Read more »

Efforts to recall Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, after he opposed a mining bill — which failed to pass the Legislature last session — hit the midpoint this week and are “right on track,” according to organizers. The Recall Bob Jauch Committee hit the 30-day midpoint last Wednesday, according to committee… Read more »

Three Wisconsin schools gained recognition from the federal government for their excellence in promoting a healthy and environmentally sustainable learning environment. The U.S. Department of Education issued the first Green Ribbon School awards to a total of 78 institutions in the country, spanning across 29 states. Dimensions of Learning Academy… Read more »

Gubernatorial candidate and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett pledged Thursday that if elected governor in a June recall election, he would call a special session of the Legislature to reinstate collective bargaining rights for public employees. Joined at the Capitol by Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, and Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, Barrett… Read more »

The Madison Police Department and Mifflin neighborhood residents again pushed for what they said were much needed changes to the annual Mifflin Street Block Party at a city meeting Thursday night. The Public Safety Review Committee convened Thursday for city reports from MPD and the Madison Fire Department, which presented… Read more »

Two Republican U.S. Senate candidates unveiled further details of the policy reforms they would pursue if elected in November.Vying alongside two others for the GOP nomination to take on retiring Democrat U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl’s seat, former Gov. Tommy Thompson and U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann both updated their plans for… Read more »

As a tribute to the passing of renowned journalist and University of Wisconsin alumnus Anthony Shadid, a journalism ethics award will be presented to a recipient in April. According to a UW statement, the Center for Journalism Ethics will present Steve Lovejoy, journalist and editor of the Racine Journal Times,… Read more »

A new national figure that suggests total student debt is now more than $1 trillion has led many in the University of Wisconsin System to express concern over the implications the hikes may have on students. According to the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the nation’s total outstanding student debt has surpassed… Read more »

A former aide to Gov. Scott Walker during his tenure as Milwaukee County Executive pleaded not guilty to all four felony charges of disorderly conduct in public office as part of an ongoing John Doe investigation Tuesday. Kelly Rindfleisch, Walker’s former deputy chief of staff in Milwaukee County, has been… Read more »

A recently-released letter communicating between teachers’ unions encouraging opposition to legislation allowing financial concessions for unions has drawn ire from Gov. Scott Walker’s office. The original letter, addressed to the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association and sent jointly by the executive directors of unions in Madison, Kenosha, Racine and Green Bay,… Read more »

A non-profit organization released a report Tuesday outlining benefits the collective bargaining act had on the state since its implementation last year, but critics said the findings do not give an accurate long-term forecast.  The Education Action Group’s report outlines case studies throughout Wisconsin that show the legislation saved the… Read more »

University of Wisconsin System employees presented a grim picture of financial aid problems facing universities, at a Board of Regents meeting Thursday. UW Financial Aid Director Susan Fischer said the financial aid program is no longer staying true to its mission of addressing a “family’s ability to pay” as the… Read more »

A Republican senator came out against a compromise bill Wednesday meant to streamline the permit process for opening a mine put forward by fellow Republican legislators, jeopardizing passage of the bill in the Senate. Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, called for further compromise on an already compromised mining bill, as… Read more »

University of Wisconsin officials expressed early optimism about changes incoming students can expect for this summer’s Student Orientation, Advising and Registration program at a recent forum, including placement testing alterations and a revamped advising schedule. About 50 members of the UW community gathered Thursday for the third session of the… Read more »

Claiming the current Republican administration has committed ethics violations, Democratic legislators introduced a package of bills Thursday, prompting their Republican counterparts to accuse them of hypocrisy. The introduced bills deal with a wide range of issues such as placing caps on fundraising during recall campaigns, requiring judges to recuse themselves… Read more »

All four Republican senators who face recall elections filed challenges against the legitimacy of petition signatures with state election officials Thursday. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, Sen. Terry Moulton, R-Chippewa Falls, Sen. Pam Galloway, R-Wausau, and Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, filed their challenges by the 5 p.m. deadline, according… Read more »

With small bands of protesters and rallies calling for the governor’s recall acting as fixtures at the Capitol building, Democratic legislators are criticizing the policies for gatherings, saying they restrict free speech. Proponents say these policies aim to guarantee safety for employees. A Feb. 1 letter sent to the Department… Read more »

The words “trust” and “respect” seemed to be on a loop Thursday night during a lecture led by a historic Wisconsin politician which commemorated a former University of Wisconsin professor. Nearly 100 people gathered at Union South to hear the lecture, held in honor of former UW professor John Commons,… Read more »