Graduate School Dash & Bash

About the Event

The Graduate School invites the graduate education community to celebrate the start of the academic year at the Graduate School Dash & Bash.

Whether you plan to “Dash” to the finish line, handcycle the route, take a scholarly stroll, or join the “Bash” activities just for the fun of it, all are welcome and encouraged to participate in this free event – new and current graduate students, faculty, staff and family members.

You will meet new people, enjoy our beautiful campus, and come away with a free giveaway. And the best part is, however you participate, you’ll get a diploma at the finish line.

Accessibility

Library Mall, the location of the Dash start/finish line and the Bash celebration, is at street level with paved sidewalks and some large grassy surfaces. The nearest accessible bathrooms are located in Memorial Union, which opens at 7:00 a.m., and in Memorial Library, which opens at 9:00 a.m.

Dash routes follow paved sidewalks and Lakeshore Path, which is a crushed rock surface that is bumpy but hard enough for caster wheels to roll over. If there has been a large amount of rain, small parts of the path may wash away, and grooves or holes could make navigating in a wheelchair more difficult. All transitions between surfaces are flat or include a curb-cut, and with the exception of crosswalks, the route is not directly on any city streets. Bathroom access along the route is limited to campus buildings. See maps for more information about elevation changes for the Master’s Mile and elevation changes for the Doctoral Derby.

The Master’s Mile route has one water station at the halfway point, and the Doctoral Derby has access to three water stations spaced throughout the route. Water and sports drink will also be available on Library Mall.

We want our event to be as accessible as we can make it for all participants. If you require any accommodations to join this event, please let us know by emailing gspd@grad.wisc.edu as soon as possible.

Participation Details

The Dash

1. Registration has closed. If you have already registered and wish to participate in the Dash, you will need to check in to receive your bib and t-shirt. Please bring your campus ID or other photo ID (except children). Raceday check-in opens Friday, August 30 at 7:15 a.m. under the tent on Library Mall. You must complete check-in 15 minutes prior to the start of your race.

The Bash

1. Show up on Library Mall on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
2. Meet Bucky, play games, enjoy snacks, and network with fellow graduate students.

That’s it! Advance registration for the Bash is not required. The first 200 attendees will receive a t-shirt or other giveaway.