What to Expect
As of 2023, it has been 4 years since I started the Badger Ready program. I still distinctly remember how scared I was, like, what if I mess this up too? Thankfully, the crew at Badger Ready really do try to set you up for success.
Post-admission
Individualized program plan
If you are offered admission to join Badger Ready, your customized pathway will continue to form based on our 1:1 meetings and academic planning.
Online orientation
The online orientation serves as a primer for the upcoming term, providing critical information to support your academic transition. It is self-paced (asynchronous) and should be completed before the group orientation. The activities assigned during the online orientation, including introducing yourself to your peers, will lay the groundwork for building relationships and fostering a sense of community.
Group orientation
About a week before the term begins, you will gather with other new Badger Ready students for an in-person orientation, generally held on campus. For a portion of the orientation, you will be joined by past and current Badger Ready students. This will allow you to ask them questions and hear about their experiences as students. Additionally, you’ll participate in engaging workshops about campus resources.
In the program
One-on-one Monthly meetings
Badger Ready students are required to meet with their academic advisor at least once a month for 30 minutes. Your monthly meetings can be used to ask questions, discuss current courses, plan for future terms, talk about unexpected events, and more. Transparency in communication is the backbone of your monthly advising meetings. Of course, you are welcome to meet with your advisor more than once a month if you would like!
Community building events
Optional events will be offered for both current and seasoned Badger Ready students. At a large, decentralized university like UW–Madison, it can feel like you’re the only returning adult student, but you are not alone! These events promote healthy socializing and sustained connection with your peers.