Start your semester with purpose, people and a sense of place. Whether you’re brand new or almost finished, our fall all-student orientation is the perfect opportunity to casually build community and confidence as you navigate life as a student in Madison.
Join us for a full day of shared experiences — from field trips to casual hangouts — designed to help you:
- Connect with other students, staff, and faculty
- Learn what’s available to you at Nelson and across UW–Madison
- Explore Madison and the landscapes that shape our work
- Understand your place in this interdisciplinary community — and in the world
All Nelson Institute students are encouraged to attend. Wondering if that’s you?
- First-year and transfer students
- Newly declared majors or certificate students
- Returning undergrads, master’s, and doctoral students
- Certificate students, including the CHE, EAP, and graduate sustainability certificates
- Student workers, researchers, and affiliates with Nelson Institute’s four research centers
Itinerary
A detailed schedule will be sent to registrants. The event will start and end at Science Hall, with field trips on campus and around town.
- 9 a.m.: Breakfast, games, Dean’s welcome, and introductions
- 10 a.m.–noon: Pontoon tours of Lake Mendota or sustainability tour of the Lakeshore/Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
- Noon–1 p.m.: Lunch at Science Hall (provided, Forage Kitchen)
- 1:30–4:30 p.m.: Henry Vilas Zoo sustainability tour, UW Arboretum hike (undergrads), Waubesa Wetlands tour and discussion (grad students)
- 5 p.m.: Return to Science Hall