Into the WUDs – Finding your Place on Campus
Finding your place, the place that feels like home can feel overwhelming at college. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, though, an organization headquartered in the University’s campus living room helps students find their way: the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD). WUD leads the creation and promotion of more than 1,000 events at the spaces that makeup the campus living rooms, called Memorial Union, the Memorial Union Terrace, and Union South. WUD includes 11 committees and six outdoor clubs, called the Wisconsin Hoofers. WUD student leaders learn, gain friendships and build their professional networks as they create experiences on campus, from art exhibitions to outdoor adventures.
Students can join WUD at any time throughout the year, but now is a special time for current and aspiring student leaders; right now, UW-Madison students can apply to serve as officers, directors or summer coordinators. Officer and director positions include academic stipends, the summer coordinator roles include financial remuneration. UW-Madison students can apply here. Below, some of our student leaders share what their WUD experiences have meant to them.
“Running the Hoofer Sailing Club is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I get to interact with students and community members on a daily basis. I get to help program, manage and organize a club that I am super passionate about and am invested in helping grow.”-Austin Suvari, UW-Madison junior majoring in mechanical engineering and Hoofer Sailing Club president
“As a transfer student, being in involved with Hoofers has allowed me to meet like-minded students and really take advantage of the benefits of UW-Madison’s campus! Whether it’s learning to windsurf on Lake Mendota or attending a day hike at Devil’s Lake, there’s always something fun going on. I’d encourage anyone who’s looking to connect or find their place on campus to check out WUD clubs – you’ll make some great friends and learn something new along the way.”-Marie Tuchscherer, junior majoring in wildlife ecology, Hoofer Outing Club member and Hoofer Council vice president of administration
“The Hoofer Outing Club is where I met many of my closest friends in college. Through trips and events with the club, I’ve traveled around the country and met people who’ve done amazing things around the globe. The skills I’ve learned have given me incredible opportunities and the connections I’ve made will last a lifetime.”-Forrest Ahrens, senior majoring in mechanical engineering and Hoofer Outing Club president
“WUD Cuisine is a place for everyone. You don’t need to know anything about cooking to be a part of cuisine, it’s a place to just be together with others who are looking to learn and appreciate all different aspects of a variety of food cultures. Cuisine is dedicated to providing a platform for food related issues, representing a variety of food cultures, and teaching others how to appreciate the multifaceted nature of food. Cuisine invites everyone to the table to participate and get involved in all Wisconsin Union and food-related organizations across campus. I really owe WUD Cuisine and WUD in general for all the professional development opportunities it has given me. Now, I work multiple jobs, have developed amazing relationship with industry professionals and campus organizations, and truly feel like a student leader on campus. Most importantly, WUD Cuisine and the Union has provided me a place and resources to explore my passion for food insecurity on campus and food justice issues, which is not an opportunity that colleges or students get during their undergraduate career.”-Stratford Vandlik, senior majoring in genetics and genomic Sciences and global health and WUD Cuisine Committee director
“WUD has given me amazing opportunities to explore my interests outside academics. Through my involvement in the Film Committee, I’ve interviewed both independent and Hollywood directors and attended Sundance Film Festival!”-Ashling Quinn, junior majoring in physics and WUD Film Committee director
“During a hard time, I was able to find people to talk to, engage with and play with. The [WUD] Games Committee has allowed me to connect with people while engaging with a hobby I am passionate about, and has allowed me to grow and develop relationships to help me get through the hardest times.”-Liam Granlund, senior majoring in biomedical engineering and film and Wisconsin Union president
“WUD Music is an incredible committee, because it not only gives students the opportunity to practice real professional, applicable skills, but to connect with their peers and favorite artists on a personal level not really possible in any other setting. It’s been the jumping off point for countless committee members going on to work in the music industry and has a culture of continued attention and support once a member graduates. The committee has connected me to some of my best friends, provided me with many of my best college memories, and has very likely changed my entire life and career path for the better.”-Sam Eklund, senior majoring in industrial engineering and WUD Music Committee director
