Wisconsin Idea Seminar, 2010
The Wisconsin Idea Seminar is a five-day bus tour that immerses forty faculty and academic staff members in the educational, industrial, social, and political realities of Wisconsin. Started in 1985, the seminar introduces and promotes the Wisconsin Idea, the commitment to use university expertise and resources to address the problems of the state.
The 2010 seminar will include visits to the Aldo Leopold Shack, Baraboo; Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, Waterloo; Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, Green Bay; Door County tourism; Oshkosh Correctional Institution; a manufacturing industry; and a Milwaukee public high school.
What your colleagues say about the Seminar:
"Don't miss this chance to meet so many interesting colleagues while taking a 'crash course' in the state and its 
resources." John Niles, College of Letters and Science
"I now have a plethora of associations with the term 'The Wisconsin Idea,' ranging from ecological preservation to dairy farming to steel fans to casinos to prisons to high schools to nuclear power plants, not to mention the faces I can associate with those images." Julie Allen, College of Letters and Science
"Of course we met dozens of wonderful Wisconsin residents....
The seminar gave me a much better understanding of the kinds of communities from which my students come and the kinds of issues they face." Eric Camburn, School of Education
" It has strengthened my resolve to make a difference, and my sense of how urgent and important it is to do." Matt Allen, College of Engineering
"It made me think of different ways I could be involved in community-based research and service, and gave me new contacts to develop these ideas." Patricia Kokotailo, School of Medicine and Public Health.
"GO, go go!! Yes, it's a big chunk of time; but you'll never forget the trip or regret the time commitment." Jeri Barak, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Who may apply
- New faculty members
- Recently tenured faculty members
- New deans and department chairs
- Lead academic staff with statewide responsibilities
Selection process
By March 1, all nominations are due in the Dean's Offices. Space is limited and early nominations are encouraged. After nomination forms are submitted, the Dean recommends candidates for selection to the Graduate School. By mid-April, approximately 40 people from a cross-section of schools and colleges and disciplines will be selected to participate.
To apply or nominate
Complete the nomination form and submit to your dean by March 1. Early applications are recommended.
Funding
Funds are provided by the deans of the Schools and Colleges and by a grant from the Evjue Foundation.
Additional information
For additional information, look at our flyer or contact seminar staff below.
Miriam Simmons, Assistant Dean
UW-Madison Graduate School
333 Bascom Hall
Phone: (608) 262-9970 Fax: (608) 262-5134
email: msimmons@bascom.wisc.edu
Joyce Crim, Senior Outreach Specialist
(608) 265-5416 jcrim@bascom.wisc.edu
For assistance during the seminar dates, contact the Dean's Office: (608) 262-1044