My greatest memory of 2009: It’s All-Campus Idol and Kari Rongstad is on stage, beaming. She’s just finished an unbelievable song to wild and enthusiastic applause. How many students get to perform from the stage of the historic Orpheum Theater?
Only a few weeks later, I sat and watched the Madhatters perform to thousands of audience members at the same place!
No matter where I go, I can’t help but think to myself how lucky I am to be a part of this amazing university, where students go on to do incredible things each and every day.
You, the students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, have amazing talents and passions. You have so many choices before you. You, as a learner, have this amazing opportunity to create your own education. I challenge you to believe good knowledge is the goal of your education. That’s what we do at Wisconsin. We believe in learning for the sake of learning, both inside and out of the classroom.
Whether you are new to UW-Madison or are a returning student, you are about to embark on a year of unforgettable experiences in a vibrant community full of exciting prospects. Take advantage of the many opportunities that present themselves to you at UW.
Find your niche and passion and explore the many possibilities that await you. I’m proud that our university has a history of graduating students who become extraordinary citizens and leaders. Help us continue this legacy, one we call the Wisconsin Experience, by becoming an active participant in your education from day one.
Looking ahead, I am excited to begin a new year with new perspectives and voices. I look forward to hearing from you on my Facebook page and you can even follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/LoriBerquam! I hope these tools will serve as a forum for additional student input on our large campus.
The Associated Students of Madison has strong leadership this year with Tyler Junger and Tom Templeton as the chair and vice chair. I want to thank them for their commitment and enthusiasm, even prior to the school year starting. ASM is an important tool on campus — the student government is your key to campus governance. They’re recently coming off the successful Move-Out Night initiative and have more in store. Check them out at http://www.asm.wisc.edu.
So have you gotten this far? If you have, you are taking an important step in making the most of your Wisconsin Experience. Now, here is some of the fine print about the year ahead.
In our first year of implementation of the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates, I am anxious to look at the student services side of this opportunity. The input from the Student Oversight Committee will help guide us in improving services to all students on campus. Visit http://madisoninitiative.wisc.edu/ for more info.
Also, you may be aware of changes to UW System Administrative Codes 17 and 18, relating to student misconduct. One major change relates to off-campus behavior. Under previous policy, the university always had the ability to adjudicate off-campus cases for specific student behavior. The new revisions have expanded the jurisdiction with which there is substantial university interest. For further information about the changes in the UWS Codes 17 and 18, please see http://students.wisc.edu/saja/misconduct/misconduct.html.
Finally, I want you to have a safe and successful 2009-10 academic year. We are here to support you every step of the way. The Offices of the Dean of Students provide a wide range of services, including assistance and support for students of almost any need. For more information, visit http://students.wisc.edu and please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I hope to find you living out your passions on campus and in the community. Choose your own adventure. Create your own education and have a wonderful journey.
Welcome to UW-Madison! Go Badgers!
Lori M. Berquam
Dean of Students
