Community and Belonging
The Graduate School Office of Access, Engagement and Funding (OAEF) focuses on the needs of graduate students from an array of life experiences and backgrounds to support them in their educational journey and encourage a sense of belonging on campus.
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Bridge and Build Community
The Bridge and Build Community series aims to support graduate students at UW–Madison from an array of life experiences and backgrounds overcoming hardship and challenges in their educational opportunities. Bridge and Build Community events are open to all UW–Madison graduate students dedicated to fostering a thriving community of inclusive excellence.
The Bridge and Build Community series offers community building and networking opportunities to promote academic, professional, and personal growth through development of supportive peer networks to help graduate students successfully navigate graduate studies.
This community has sustained me over the years, providing a safe space to eat, laugh, study, and learn with grad student peers from across campus and diverse disciplines. I always tell new grad student friends that Bridge & Build is an incredible resource for fellowship and good food, then they tell their friends and the community grows and strengthens.
Fall Welcome & Spring Celebration
Our Fall Welcome occurs every September and is an opportunity for new students to become introduced to the Bridge and Build Community. At the end of each year, we gather to reflect on the past year, honor our most active community members (see Community Champions), and celebrate graduates.
Monthly Luncheons
Within the Bridge and Build Community there are monthly meals provided by local businesses. Luncheons are hosted in the Red Gym’s Multicultural Student Center (MSC) Lounge on the second floor. Meals are combined with networking opportunities and info sessions about graduate student resources and opportunities.
Community Building Events
We organize activities and events in collaboration with Student Affairs that provide space for graduate students to build community, such as at the Multicultural Student Center whose mission it is to cultivate a sense of belonging and community while strengthening all students’ capacity to learn, lead and thrive. We host other events around campus in collaboration with the Graduate Research Scholars communities.
Upcoming Bridge and Build Community Events
Community Champions
Students who attend three or more events in a year are declared Community Champions and are awarded for their contributions to the OAEF community. Those who attend the most events receive special honors. OAEF understands that graduate students are particularly busy, which is why the Community Champions Program has been instituted to give thanks to our community members. Award ceremonies are held at the end of year celebration.
Graduate Research Scholars Communities
These communities bring students together across their graduate careers through a variety of social, academic, professional development, and research-related activities. In addition to community-building, GRS Communities provide valuable support to participants through individual advising and referrals to campus resources.
Campus Cultural and Identity Centers
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Gender and Sexuality Campus Center
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McBurney Disability Resource Center
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Multicultural Student Center
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Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Student Center
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Black Cultural Center
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Indigenous Student Center
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Latine Cultural Center
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University Veteran Services
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Inclusion in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute
Reporting incidents of bias or hate
The University of Wisconsin–Madison values a diverse community where all members are able to participate fully in the Wisconsin Experience. Incidents of bias or hate affecting a person or group create a hostile climate and negatively impact the quality of the Wisconsin Experience for community members. UW–Madison takes such incidents seriously and will investigate and respond to reported or observed incidents of bias.
If an emergency has occurred please call 911.
Questions?
The Graduate School
217 Bascom Hall
500 Lincoln Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Front Desk Hours:
Fall and Spring Hours
(September – April):
Monday – Friday
10 am – 3 pm
Summer Hours (May – August):
Monday – Friday
10 am – noon
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