UWisLit

Founded last year, the University of Wisconsin Literacy Initiative, otherwise known as UWisLit, provides free campus training for students, faculty and community members who are interested in being volunteer tutors for English as a Second Language and basic literacy, said President Rachel Wang, a UW sophomore

UWisLit teams up with Cultural Linguistic Services and Literacy Network and they reach out to the community whose English needs improvement, Wang said.

With more than 40 tutors and 1,800 logged hours last year, UWisLit is a great opportunity to be more connected to the community, Wang said.

The Caroling Club

Brand new to UW this year, the Caroling Club held their first meeting two weeks ago, but new members are always welcome said founder Abby Solom, a UW junior.

The group gets together to learn songs and then performs by the Salvation Army red kettles on State Street. Instead of ringing bells, they sing, Solom said.

Everyone is encouraged to join and students of different religions, beliefs and backgrounds welcomed, Solom said.

“It is a way to use skills to better the community and serve as great representatives helping the Salvation Army,” Solom said.

1-UP Original Student Stage and Screen Production

1-UP Original Student Stage and Screen Production provides hands-on experience for students hoping to make their own production while encompassing all parts of the creative process, said the group’s vice president, UW senior Kelsey Davison.

The organization started this semester and is already successful, having had two showcases and original screenplays, Davison said. A showcase can consist of plays, short films and comedies.

Davison said 1-UP gives a unique opportunity to students interested in creating screen productions, making a movie or writing a play and gives people a chance to see a wide range of work.

Gluten-Free Badgers

Founded this semester, Gluten-Free Badgers helps unite people on campus who have Celiac disease, intolerance to gluten or eat gluten free because they want to, said founder Christy Dimond, a UW junior.

The organization provides support and resources for members, allowing them to share information restaurants and menus that cater to the gluten-free lifestyle, Dimond said.
“[The group] raises awareness to the community, local eateries and grocery stores for the need of gluten-free items, while helping students who face this challenge,” Dimond said.