The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Funding (ODIF) is your resource for social networking, learning, and professional development. Housed within the Graduate School at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, we focus on the needs of underserved graduate student populations such as graduate students of color and first-generation graduate students.
Subscribe to our mailing to stay connected
Graduate Student Inclusion & Engagement Events
ODIF hosts a dozen events each semester for UW–Madison’s diverse graduate student population. Students can expect to meet peers across disciplines, find community, and be introduced to various campus and community resources. The ODIF community invites you to join us in any of the following types of events we offer.
Fall Welcome & Spring Celebration
Our Fall Welcome occurs every September and is an opportunity for new students to become introduced to our office and the vibrant ODIF community. The End of the Year Celebration occurs every May and includes a recap of the year, honoring of our most active ODIF community members (see Community Champions), and a celebration of graduates.
Monthly Luncheons
ODIF hosts a monthly meal provided by local Black/Brown-owned 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.
Affinity Group Events
We organize events in collaboration with campus partners that foster community and provide space for various Affinity Groups. Current Affinity Group Events are provided for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA), Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ graduate students; however, these events are open to all students. Events are hosted annually.
Activity-Based Events
Graduate students can join us for various activities throughout the year. Some of our most popular events include trivia nights, yoga sessions, Wheelhouse Studios craft classes, pumpkin carving, hiking, movie nights, bowling, and many more! Every semester has a different mix of activities, and we are always open to new recommendations.
Upcoming ODIF Events
No events returned.
UHS Grad Student Support Group
A licensed mental health therapist from University Health Services who is a person of color facilitates support group meetings. Topics are selected by group members. This is a gently-facilitated, non-therapeutic support group. All grad students are welcome, especially those seeking community and space to process their experiences as minoritized students on the UW campus.
Community Champions Program
Students who attend three or more events in a year are declared Community Champions and are awarded for their contributions to the ODIF community. Those who attend the most events receive special honors. ODIF 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.
Awards
Graduate School Bucky Awards
The graduate student Bucky Awards recognize stellar mentorship as well as commitment to engagement and activism. Learn more about the awards and past winners.
Graduate Student Service Scholarships
The Graduate Student Service Scholarship recognizes and honors the graduate students who volunteer to take on service roles in addition to their research, work, and family obligations.
Helpful Resources
DACA/undocumented student support
As a student population in the U.S., there are unique challenges for dreamers who may be DACA-mented, undocumented. The Multicultural Student Center (MSC) is a place where students may seek support, resources, and community building opportunities.
The Office of Student Assistance and Support has a resource page for students who are undocumented.
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.
Email diversity@grad.wisc.edu for additional questions.