Grandparents University® is an intergenerational learning experience for children aged seven to 14 who are accompanied by a grandparent(s) or older adult relative(s) who is not a parent. We recommend one to two children per adult. Children must be between the ages of seven and 14 during the GPU session. Adults do not need to be UW–Madison or UW System alumni to attend; however, one member of the family — extended or otherwise — must be a Wisconsin Alumni Association® (WAA) member, or recognized in Van Hise Society, Bascom Hill Society, or 1848 Society to register. WAA membership is open to everyone, and you may join today! You can learn more about becoming a member or renew your membership at uwalumni.com/membership.
Program Schedule
Day 1 (July 11, 18, and 25)
Day 2 (July 12, 19, and 26)*
*Note: For Grandparents University 2024, there will not be a Wednesday evening program check-in.
Location
GPU is held on the UW–Madison campus. Program Check-in will take place at Ogg Hall, and Thursday-morning field trips will depart from Gordon Dining and Event Center. Ogg Hall serves as the official residence hall for GPU. All meals are at Gordon Dining and Event Center. Bus transportation is provided to all program locations that are not within easy walking distance of Gordon Dining and Event Center. Participants will need to walk short distances to board buses and to reach the dining hall.
Please contact the GPU team if you have mobility concerns by calling 608-308-5585 or emailing gpu@uwalumni.com.
Cost
Prices per participant for 2024:
- One Night of Housing: $290
- Two Nights of Housing: $340
- Commuting (Program Only): $230
Some optional program elements have additional fees, such as UW parking permits. More information about optional program elements is available on the Hospitality page.
Only credit card payments can be accepted. We cannot accept checks.
Some financial assistance is available for the GPU program. Please contact the GPU team at gpu@uwalumni.com for the scholarship application. The application is due Friday, March 15, 2024. If you have questions, please contact the GPU staff at 608-308-5585.
Parking
- Two-day parking permit: $30
- Three-day parking permit: $45
- Parking permits will be mailed in June 2024 to the primary grandparent’s address provided during registration
Cancellation Policy
You must cancel your registration by Friday, May 31, 2024 to receive a refund, minus a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations received after this date will not be eligible for a refund. In the event of a family emergency, however, special arrangements will be considered.
Questions
If you have any questions about GPU, please email gpu@uwalumni.com or call program staff at 608-308-5585.
GPU mailing address:
Grandparents University
c/o Wisconsin Alumni Association
650 N. Lake Street
Madison, WI 53706-1476
Health and Safety
COVID-19: Masks may be worn, but are not required for participation in Grandparents University. Please be respectful of others’ decisions regarding masking. If, during or prior to GPU, a member of your group develops COVID-19 symptoms, tests positive for COVID-19, or is exposed to someone with COVID-19, please follow the CDC isolation and quarantine guidelines, and contact the Grandparents University team at 608-308-5585 or gpu@uwalumnni.com for cancellation and refund options. Participants must also comply with campus COVID-19 protocols, which can be found here. Dane County testing sites can be found here.
*Some majors require masks in specific buildings or activities. Those who are participating in one of the majors that has an activity with a mask requirement will be contacted individually.
No guns or weapons are allowed on the UW-Madison campus. We cannot guarantee that locations off campus have a weapons-free policy.
No illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages are allowed during the GPU program. GPU staff members reserve the right to evict participants who are under the influence or prohibit them from participating in the GPU program.