Parent Resources
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Parent Program serves as a key resource for parents and family members as they support their student through their college career. In addition to the services offered by our program we have highlighted a few other resources that are of interest to parents.
Parent Program Resources
The Parent Program, in collaboration with other campus offices, sponsors several webchats throughout the year. Topics include how to make housing decisions, learning about financial aid resources, and more. You can access the archives for past webchats here.
Video: Parents' Weekend 2011 Sessions
A 2012–13 Calendar and Handbook for Parents and Families. Request a FREE copy of the calendar or download the PDF version. (6.7 MB)
Badger Parent Newsletter, published five times per year and e-mailed to all members of the Parent Program. Join the Parent Program to begin receiving newsletters or view past issues.
Talk Like a Badger: Your Guide to UW–Madison Vocabulary
This list, which appeared in the August 2011 Badger Parent Newsletter, includes terminology that’s unique to UW–Madison. Designed for parents who want to be able to speak the same language as their students. Also available in printable PDF format.
International Parent FAQs
Sending your student to a new country is an exciting process that comes with its own set of questions and resources. The University of Wisconsin–Madison recognizes the unique contributions international students make to our community, and we hope to better support your student by providing you with this information. Remember, if you have any additional questions, you can always email, call, or chat with the Parent Program in English.
The First-Year Experience — Information for Parents of First-Year Students
The transition from high school to college is an important milestone in the life of your son and daughter. While every student is different, we offer advice and conversation starters to help you anticipate things that your son or daughter may experience and provide the tools for you to support him or her through this transition.
Ideas for What to Bring to Campus
Your child’s first year in college is often his or her first time living away from home or sharing a room. Although what students choose to bring often comes down to personal preference, we have outlined some suggestions for what to bring to campus. Keep in mind that after moving in, students can always purchase or bring additional items from home. Finally, they should remember that along with packing essentials, they should bring a sense of self, a sense of purpose, and a sense of humor.
Parent to Parent
Listed below are “words of wisdom” recently provided by parents of UW students:
- Encourage your student to get involved and take advantage of affordable access to many opportunities.
- Keep in touch, whether through phone conversations, e-mail, or texting.
- Remember not to criticize when you don't approve of some of the things your student might be trying—there are important lessons in these experiences.
- Don’t get upset when you student changes majors; this could happen more than once.
- Emphasize that while UW offers tremendous opportunities, students must take the initiative to pursue these opportunities.
- Encourage the use of all resources available to ensure success. Students shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when they need it. Remind them to be persistent and to not give up.
- Be mindful not to let your own likes or dislikes influence your student’s career choices.
If you would like to offer advice or provide us with a story that we can share with other parents, please send it to parent@uwmad.wisc.edu.
First-Year Parent Blog
Never Been there, Never done that: Diary of a first year Badger Mom is an insightful and interesting blog sponsored by the Wisconsin Alumni Association that tracks the triumphs and challenges of a first-year parent.
Resources Recommended by Badger Parents
Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller
Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Today’s College Experience by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger
The Parent’s Crash Course in Career Planning by Marcia B. Harris and Sharon L. Jones
You’re On Your Own (but I’m here if you need me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years by Marjorie Savage
Additional recommendations:
- Almost Grown: Launching Your Child from High School to College by Patricia Pasick
- A New Beginning: A Survival Guide for Parents of College Freshmen by Kaye B. McGary
- Millenials Rising: The Next Great Generation by Neil Howe and William Strauss
- The Truth About College: 50 Lessons for Parents Before They Start Writing Checks by Will Keim
- When Your Kid Goes to College: A Parents Survival Guide by Carol Barkin
- When Kids Go to College: A Parents Guide to Changing Relationships by Barbara Newman and Philip Newman
The Parent Program does not directly endorse the books listed, however we have read and reviewed them and found that they contain valuable tips for parents. If you have favorite books that helped you prepare to be the parent of a college student, please e-mail us so we can share additional titles with other parents.
College Parents of America
College Parents of America is a national organization dedicated to providing resources for both future and current college parents. Its mission is to empower parents to best support their children throughout their college experience. Resources provided on the Web site are not directly endorsed by the Parent Program, but may be provide useful ideas and information.
Campus Publications
Wisconsin Week is the official newspaper of record of UW–Madison. This publication is distributed to all faculty and staff on a biweekly schedule throughout the fall and spring semesters.
It serves as a policy communication tool for administration, schools and colleges; as a way for campus units to publicize and promote their activities; and a medium to recognize the achievements of faculty and staff among their peers.
University Communications produces Wisconsin Week and its electronic counterparts, including Wisconsin Week Wire.
View archive copies of Wisconsin Week Wire online.
The Wisconsin Alumni Association publishes On Wisconsin, in partnership with University Communications and the UW Foundation. On Wisconsin reports on key research projects and events at UW Madison as well as alumni news. It’s a great way to keep connected with the campus.
Wisconsin Engineer magazine, a charter member of the Engineering College Magazines Associated, is published by engineering students at UW–Madison.
Illumination: The Undergraduate Journal of Humanities is a publishing venue for undergraduates at UW–Madison. The journal publishes art, fiction, poetry, essays, and articles about outreach projects on campus.
Association of Higher Education Parent/Family Program Professionals
UW–Madison is a proud member of the Association of Higher Education Parent/Family Program Professionals (AHEPPP)