I want to thank the Badger Herald for taking a keen interest in the Offices of the Dean of Students (ODOS) and student life in general and take this opportunity to clarify some of the statements in Monday's article "Get up, stand up" by Nick Penzenstadler. It seems as though some people may have misinterpreted my comments about student protests and the war in Iraq, so I'd like to expand upon the message I intended to convey in that article.

The four components of the Wisconsin Experience, a concept grounded in the Wisconsin Idea, most simply means that we expect that what we do here matters and that together we can solve any problem are: research experiences, global and cultural competences and engagement, leadership and activism opportunities, and volunteer and service learning. It is my goal and the goal of ODOS that every student at the University of Wisconsin lives the Wisconsin Experience and takes part in the many opportunities this university has to offer during his or her time here.

Leadership and activism are important factors of student learning outside of the classroom. As dean of students, I encourage activism on campus and support students taking a stand for what they believe in. I want all our students to be active and engaged members of our community and to be passionate about topics and issues that speak to their own worldview. Historically, UW-Madison has been viewed as an institution where students actively raise their voice on a multitude of issues. Peaceful protests, marches and rallies are part of the fabric of this university. With that being said, I am surprised that we haven't heard more from our students about the war in Iraq, whether they are in support of it or not; we aren't really hearing anything.

I would like for students to get up, stand up and raise their voices for any cause that is important to them. This is much broader than just a focus on the war in Iraq. What I want most for all members of our community is for people to feel empowered to speak up for what they believe in. So as your dean, I urge you to get out and get active in something, anything really, that you value and support. Being active will contribute to your Wisconsin Experience.

Lori M. Berquam

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