Wisconsin Idea Seminar

Woman sitting on rock at the Wolf River.

Forest + River Journey: May 12–16, 2025

Along our Forest + River route we will visit the land and people shaped by Wisconsin’s waterways. Wisconsin Idea Seminar travelers—faculty and staff from the University of Wisconsin-Madison—are students of Wisconsin life, deepening their understanding of the state and reaffirming their commitment to public service and the Wisconsin Idea.

We will visit a forest, meet environmental stewards and business owners, spark ideas with Universities of Wisconsin colleagues, and see the spaces and places where many of our UW students come from. Experts and practitioners from across the state will join the journey at various points along the way to enrich our learning throughout the week.

Learn more

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.

Take a look back at the 2024 River route

Group photo at a Milwaukee river. — On the final day of the Wisconsin Idea Seminar’s RIVER journey, participants pause on the terraced steps along the Kinnickinnic River at Pulaski Park in Milwaukee. (Photo by Catherine Reiland / UW-Madison)

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, 2024.