Wisconsin Idea Seminar: A traveling anthology featuring inspiring stories of collaboration
Big Lake Journey: May 11-15, 2026
The 2026 Wisconsin Idea Seminar set off on the Big Lake journey to follow a 900-mile circular path around Wisconsin focusing on the state’s great waterways. Three dozen University of Wisconsin—Madison faculty and staff, many of them new to campus, were on a mission: to meet fellow Wisconsinites in communities along the route and hear about their perspectives on the places that hold deep meaning to them.
Throughout the Big Lake journey travelers considered how we are all shaped by the Great Lakes and how communities are collaborating to care for the waters that define Wisconsin. Along the way, they met farmers, food sovereignty leaders, tribal members, artists, watershed managers, high school musicians, fishery biologists, faculty from UW-Stevens Point’s College of Natural Resources, UW–Madison alumni, and many others.
The Wisconsin Idea Seminar is a five-day study experience that offers UW–Madison faculty and staff the opportunity to learn firsthand about the social and cultural contexts that shape the lives of many of our Wisconsin students and to see what the Wisconsin Idea looks like in practice. Since its beginning in 1985, the Wisconsin Idea Seminar has been an expression of the university’s commitment to serving Wisconsin and partnering with communities to co-create solutions that will benefit and enrich the lives of the people of Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.
Who May Apply
- New faculty members
- Recently tenured faculty members
- New deans and department chairs
- Lead academic staff with statewide or community-engaged responsibilities
- University staff whose responsibilities include community engagement, student services, or other kinds of outreach
For more details about eligibility, visit our FAQ page.
Selection Process
Deans of schools, colleges, and divisions recommend candidates for selection to the Provost’s Office. By mid-April, approximately 40 people from a cross-section of schools and colleges and disciplines will be selected to participate.
To Apply
- Submit the application form.
- Circulate the application form for required signatures.
- Your Dean’s office will forward the completed application to the Provost’s office.
- Nominations due February 15, 2026.
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