Welcome to the pack: Highlights from Badger Ready orientation 2026
New, current and former Badger Ready students gathered at Allen Centennial Garden on the UW–Madison campus for orientation day.
If you walked along UW–Madison’s Lakeshore Path on August 28 and noticed a group letting out a collective scream toward Lake Mendota, don’t worry. It was for a great reason!
That day, incoming Badger Ready students joined current participants and alums to share practical advice and encouragement about returning to college as an adult. The shoreline “scream club” was part of Badger Ready’s day-long orientation, designed to melt away anxiety and celebrate the excitement of the new academic adventure ahead.
Now in its ninth year, Badger Ready provides a supportive pathway for adult learners who want to complete an undergraduate degree but face transfer barriers due to past academic history. Students work side by side with a dedicated advisor, earning at least 12 credits with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher before applying to transfer into a degree program. To date, 57 students have successfully transferred to UW–Madison through Badger Ready, with 38 earning their degrees so far.
Orientation offered new students a welcoming space to learn directly from those who walked the path before them.
Discussion during the day covered everyday campus logistics — navigating campus, managing course loads and finding tutors — alongside real-world adult learner experiences like balancing full-time work and setting an academic example for family members. Current students and alums also emphasized prioritizing mental health and utilizing accommodations through the McBurney Disability Resource Center.
Explore photos and key insights from the day below.
An atmosphere of nervous excitement filled the room as students signed in. Here, incoming student Jose Dracko Villarreal fills out his nametag before joining peers for introductions and a buffet breakfast.
Participants enjoyed a scenic stroll along the Lakeshore Path toward Allen Centennial Garden. The walk gave incoming students a chance to explore campus while connecting casually with peers, staff and alums.
To break the ice and release first-day jitters, Badger Ready Advising Manager Autumn Sanchez (center, arms raised) led participants in a lakeside “scream club” at the Memorial Union Terrace.
Incoming student Tisha Butler (right, in green) chats with alum Amie Swanson (left, in red) during the walk. Swanson later advised students to build relationships with professors and career advisors to unlock internship opportunities, adding: “It felt good to go back to school to show my kids that it can happen. It doesn’t matter how old you are; you can start or restart any time.”
Alum Norman Canestorp (center, black shirt) shared how he balanced full-time work with his degree: “My employer was flexible… When you get used to the pace, it’s like running on top of water. It’s easy as long as you keep it up.”
Current student Becks Prosch reflected on her initial doubts and how far she’s come: “The ability to communicate with Badger Ready staff has been awesome. This program is great.”
Together as one: Orientation concluded with students creating a collaborative mural, bringing their individual talents, creativity and goals into one shared masterpiece.
They’re Badgers now! Incoming students Darnell Wilson and Jose Dracko Villarreal are all smiles outside the Pyle Center.
Thank you to our current students and alums for sharing your wisdom and energy! To our new students: Good luck on this exciting journey. Badger Ready is in your corner every step of the way, and we are so proud to welcome you to the UW–Madison community.
Ready to finish your degree? Explore the Badger Ready website for more information. You can connect with Autumn Sanchez, academic advising manager, by email at badger.ready@wisc.edu.
Post written by Jill Schaefer.
Published on Sep 24 2026
Categories: Badger Ready, News, University Special Student Services
Tags: adult learners, advising, bachelor’s degree, resources & tips
