Big Lake Journey: May 11-15, 2026
Travelers on the Big Lake journey will visit some of the great waterways that define Wisconsin and learn how communities across the state are engaging the Wisconsin Idea. Along the route we will pause at lakeshores throughout Wisconsin to meet and hear residents describe collaborative partnerships that improve their communities and how they are planning for the future.
Wisconsin Idea Seminar travelers—faculty and staff from the University of Wisconsin-Madison—are students of Wisconsin life, who dedicate a full week to listening and learning from the people of Wisconsin.
We will visit a lakeshore forest, meet environmental stewards and business owners, walk through a dairy farm, spark ideas with Universities of Wisconsin colleagues, and experience the 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.
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.
More >>
Recent News
"Good learning stirs you up."
Kathy Cramer, Professor of Political Science, reflection on her 2001 Wisconsin Idea Seminar experience