The Office of Access, Engagement and Funding (OAEF) is your resource for social networking, community building, and professional development. We focus 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 Graduate School hosts various events and programs, including the Bridge and Build Community series. Bridge 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 graduate students dedicated to fostering a thriving community of inclusive excellence.
The Bridge and Build Community series offers community building and networking opportunities through workshops, seminars, and events. It promotes academic, professional, and personal growth through development of supportive peer networks that help graduate students successfully navigate graduate studies.
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. The End of the Year Celebration occurs every May and includes a recap of the year, honoring of our most active community members (see Community Champions), and a celebration of graduates.
Monthly Luncheons
Within the Bridge and Build Community there are monthly meals 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.
Community Building Events
We organize activities and events in collaboration with campus partners that provide space for graduate students to build community, such as 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. Some of our most popular community building events include trivia nights, yoga sessions, Wheelhouse Studios craft classes, hiking, movie nights, bowling, and many more!
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 Bridge and Build Community 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 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.
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 access-engagement@grad.wisc.edu for additional questions.