Welcome, Recent Grads!
When you graduate from UW–Madison, you become part of an alumni community that’s more than 480,000 strong. The best way for proud Badgers to unite and stay connected to the UW is to turn to the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA).
Keep in Touch
Now that you’re a graduate, stay connected to the UW by updating your contact information. It takes only a few minutes to ensure that the university and fellow Badgers feel as close as ever.
Make sure you provide your preferred contact information (including your primary, non-wisc.edu email and mailing address) now.
Congratulations, Graduate!
Now that you’re a full-fledged Badger, here are some important things you’ll want to do:
Activate your complimentary two-year WAA membership.
It’s our way of saying, “Congrats, grad!” Fill out this form so you can start enjoying two years of exclusive Badger benefits and perks — including access to Badger football tickets, exclusive alumni travel programs, discounts at the UW Alumni Store and Fiserv Forum, free pontoon boat rides on Lake Mendota, and more!
Show off your alumni pin.
The alumni pin is a rite of passage for UW–Madison graduates. Yours will arrive in the mail from WAA within a few weeks of graduation. Wear it proudly for all to see. You’ve earned it!
Enjoy alumni events.
Whether you’re attending a panel on current issues, toasting at brunch, or splashing into Lake Mendota at Recent-Grad Weekend, there are countless alumni experiences to enjoy year-round.
Start having big Badger fun!
Check out your local WAA chapter or affinity group for game-watch parties, volunteerism outings, and other events.
Be social.
Follow WAA on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know about news, fun events, photo challenges, and more. Plus, check out our Social Badgers program for a chance to win cool merch each month! Prefer to keep it professional? Follow us on LinkedIn to make connections with other alumni, get advice, and advance your career.
Flaunt your Badger pride online.
To keep your U-Rah-Rah going, download spirited digital goodies like virtual backgrounds, GIFs, social media frames, and more. They’re all free, and they’ll help you feel like you’re right back at your alma mater.
Upcoming Recent Grad Events
Check out the Recent-Grad Council.
Want to get even more involved? Consider joining the highly engaged Badgers who serve as peer voices and advocates for recent graduates living around the country and the world.
How do you want to make a difference?
There are countless ways to have a positive impact on your university and the world. Take this quick quiz to find out which one best suits you based on your interests.
FAQ
WAA Glossary
Advocacy Coalition — a group of dedicated UW–Madison alumni who advocate on behalf of the university, especially regarding budget issues and policies effected by our government. Advocates are encouraged to participate at their own comfort level, whether that means communicating with legislators, signing petitions, or simply staying informed on the issues. Visit uwalumni.com/advocacy-coalition to join today.
Affiliate Groups — spirited alumni groups that unite Badgers who participated in the same campus organizations or activities, such as UW band members, house fellows, artists and performers, and others.
Affinity Groups — identity-based communities where alumni can connect, celebrate those who make a difference, support students during their time on campus, and more.
Alumni — people who have been (but are no longer) registered students at UW–Madison. Graduation is indicated by degree years (e.g., Tommy Thompson ’63, JD’66). For alumni who leave without completing a degree — or for students who have not yet graduated — degree years are marked with an x to indicate when they would have graduated or will graduate (e.g., Lorraine Hansberry x’52).
Badger Flockstar — people who make gifts during both Fill the Hill and Day of the Badger in a single school year. These individuals receive our collectible Badger Flockstar decal!
Chapters — geographically based alumni groups that offer Badgers a variety of social, professional, educational, and philanthropic opportunities to stay connected and make a difference where they live.
One Alumni Place (OAP) — the visitor center and event space beside Alumni Park on the shore of Lake Mendota. It features seating by a cozy fireplace, a collection of books and artifacts that highlight the alumni experience, a rooftop deck, and an outdoor gathering space with spectacular views of the park and the lake.
Philanthropy — a gift or an action to promote the welfare of others. This often is a donation of money to good causes, but it can also take the form of volunteerism and advocacy, among other things.
Recent-Grad Council — a dedicated group of Badgers who serve as peer voices and advocates for recent graduates living around the country and the world.
Recent Grads — anyone who is within five or six years of graduation. These alumni are often aged 22–28 but may be of any age.
Wisconsin Alumni Student Board (WASB) — a student organization associated with WAA that is dedicated to connecting Badgers past, present, and future. WASB hosts a variety of spirited events and programs throughout the year to connect alumni with current and prospective students.