We strive to ensure that all policies, programs, procedures and initiatives encompass a wide range of perspectives and experiences by partnering with and supporting a variety of constituents within the Wisconsin Athletics department, on campus, in the Madison community, and around the country.
The Inclusion & Engagement department is one of the first departments created in the nation to intentionally focus on diversity, inclusion, and engagement within college athletics!
We embrace the differences among our student-athletes, staff, administration, and coaches as we work to fuel access, opportunity, and reach within Wisconsin Athletics.
Our four pillars include:
- Education
- Providing learning opportunities about the countless dimensions of diversity
- Competency
- Establishing platforms that build insight and understanding
- Advocacy
- Communicating the importance and value of embracing inclusive excellence
- Collaboration
- Inspiring inclusive connections between everyone, every day
Group and individual engagement opportunities and programming for student-athletes include:
- Students Equally Supporting Others (SAESO)
- Badger Affinity Groups for underrepresented populations
- Cultural Competency Training
- Nationally Recognized Conference Participation
- Study Abroad Program
- Participating in campus partnerships and initiatives
- Alumni Connection
- "Off the Court" personal development investment
- Diversity & Inclusion Group (DIG)
- AreaRED
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"Meeting new people, listening to their stories, struggles, and experiences has shown me so much about perspectives that I never would have even considered possible before becoming so involved with the department."
- Matt Aronson,
Men's Swimming & Diving
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Badger Affinity Groups
The Badger Affinity groups creates a comfortable, exclusive space for historically underrepresented student-athlete populations to get together to share commonalities, learn from differences and create community in familiar environments.
- Minority Student-Athlete Union (MSAU)
- Badger Pride – LGBTQ Student-Athletes
- Badgers Beyond Borders – International Student-Athletes
DIG (Diversity Integration Group)
Diversity and Inclusion Group (DIG) assists with the collaboration of diversity and inclusion efforts within the Athletic Department while continually striving to meet campus goals and initiatives in relation to diversity and inclusion. Learn more about DIG here.
Events
Badger Family Reunion Tailgate & Watch Party
A one of a kind event, that brings multicultural alumni, students, student-athletes and community members together during homecoming weekend!
- Partners: The Inclusion & Engagement department partners with the W Club, the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievemnt (DDEEEA), the Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association (WFAA) and the Black Cultural Center
- Photos: To be added ...
Badger Kickback
Annually, the W Club, the Inclusion & Engagement department and the Office of Academic Services partner to host a diversity barbeque for student-athletes during the summer. Individuals invited include student-athletes, 100 Black Men of Madison, W Club members and additional community leaders. The event includes a Southern style barbeque and networking.
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Our Wisconsin
UW Athletics intertwines the on campus ‘Our Wisconsin’ program with the first year Life Skills Course, with the aim to improve the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s campus climate, making sure that regardless of one’s background or how they may identify, they should feel safe, valued, supported, and welcomed. Learn more about the Our Wisconsin Campaign.
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Student-Athlete Conference Opportunities
Student- athletes have the opportunity to participate in various conferences pertaining to inclusion as well as take part in summer study abroad programs in unique and enriching environments around the world.
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Badgers attend Black Student-Athlete Summit
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Diversity – Human Resources
The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison dedicates itself to the mission of providing athletic opportunities to a wide range of students and an environment in which all student-athletes can achieve their academic and competitive goals. The Division strives to provide equitable opportunities for all student-athletes and staff, regardless of gender or ethnic backgrounds. Visit Diversity & Inclusion: Human Resources for more information.
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Black History – UW Athletics
Explore UWBadgers.com History & Traditions: Black History. We look forward to updating this section in the near future!
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Archives
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