
The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a wide range of student organizations and clubs, catering to various interests and passions. With nearly 1,000 clubs and organizations on campus, students can easily find like-minded individuals and build a strong sense of community. The large campus and diverse student body provide endless opportunities for students to get involved and pursue their hobbies, whether it's through academic societies, cultural groups, or recreational clubs. The university encourages student engagement and supports the creation of new organizations, fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. From the arts and health to education and sports, there is something for everyone at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Approximate number of student organizations | 800+ |
| Types of organizations | Academic, athletic, social, cultural, honorary, pre-professional, recreational, performing arts, media, Greek life |
| Examples of organizations | Wisconsin Hoofers, UW–Madison Forensics Team, Pre-Occupational Therapy Student Organization, Dance Department Student Organization, Art History Society |
| Support for student organizations | Center for Leadership & Involvement, Multicultural Student Center, UW–Madison School of Education, Honors Program |
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What You'll Learn
- The University of Wisconsin–Madison has nearly 1,000 student clubs and organisations
- Students can start their own Registered Student Organisation (RSO)
- The UW–Madison School of Education is affiliated with many student groups
- The Honours Program supports student organisations like the Forensics Team
- The Wisconsin Union houses the Wisconsin Hoofers club

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has nearly 1,000 student clubs and organisations
The University of Wisconsin–Madison boasts nearly 1,000 student clubs and organisations, catering to a wide range of interests and passions. With such a vast array of options, students are sure to find a community that suits their needs and helps them feel at home. The large campus offers something for everyone, from the nature lover to the city dweller, and the university prioritises building a strong sense of community.
The UW–Madison School of Education alone is affiliated with numerous student organisations in the arts, health, and education. For instance, the InterMission Theatre showcases the talent of UW students by producing professional-level theatrical performances and promoting Madison's theatre community. The Art History Society is a casual club where students with a love for art can get together to discuss art, go on field trips, and attend events. The WUD Art Committee, on the other hand, focuses on bringing novel and challenging art exhibits to the Wisconsin Union, advancing visual arts in the Madison community.
For those interested in health and medicine, the Pre-Occupational Therapy Student Organisation helps students learn about careers in the field, prepare for further studies, and build their resumes. The Sports Medicine Interest Group at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health offers similar benefits, providing medical students with opportunities to gain experience and exposure to sports medicine. The School Psychology Student Association creates a welcoming community for graduate students in the UW–Madison School Psychology Program, promoting their academic and social well-being.
Students with an interest in education can explore organisations like the Dance Department Student Organisation, which seeks to promote dance in higher education and enhance performance opportunities. Teatro Décimo Piso is a unique Hispanic theatre group dedicated to preserving the heritage of performance in the Department of Spanish & Portuguese. The Theatre and Drama Graduate Student Organisation provides professional development and production opportunities for graduate students interested in theatrical production and scholarship.
Beyond these examples, the university hosts a Student Organisation Fair in September and January/February, where students can learn about the myriad of Registered Student Organisations (RSOs) on campus. Students can also start their own RSOs if they don't find an existing organisation that aligns with their interests. With so many options, UW–Madison truly embodies the idea that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom.
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Students can start their own Registered Student Organisation (RSO)
The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a wide range of student organizations and clubs, with nearly 1,000 options to choose from. The university encourages students to get involved and build community through these groups, which offer something for everyone, from academic and professional development to social and cultural pursuits.
If you don't find a group that aligns with your interests or passions, you can start your own Registered Student Organization (RSO). The process is straightforward, and the university provides resources to help you get started. Here's what you need to know:
Finding Your Niche
Before starting an RSO, it's essential to ensure that a similar organization doesn't already exist on campus. The university's Center for Leadership & Involvement maintains the RSO Directory, a comprehensive list of all Registered Student Organizations. You can browse this directory to see if there's already a group that aligns with your proposed mission. Additionally, attending the Student Organization Fair, held in September and January or February, can provide insights into existing RSOs and their activities.
Understanding the Requirements
To start an RSO, you'll need to meet certain expectations, eligibility requirements, and policies set by the university. These guidelines are in place to ensure that your RSO aligns with the university's values and mission. They cover various aspects, such as the registration process, membership criteria, and any necessary approvals or permissions. Understanding these requirements is crucial to successfully establishing your RSO.
Developing Your Mission
When starting an RSO, you should have a clear and unique mission that sets your group apart from others. Think about what gap your RSO will fill in the campus community. Is there a specific interest, hobby, or cause that you're passionate about and want to share with others? Defining your RSO's purpose will help attract like-minded individuals who share your passions and goals.
Taking the First Steps
Once you've confirmed the uniqueness of your idea and understood the requirements, it's time to take the first steps toward making your RSO a reality. This may involve recruiting initial members, drafting a constitution or bylaws, and registering your organization with the university. You can find detailed information on the Center for Leadership & Involvement website, which outlines the process and provides resources to support you in this endeavor.
Benefits of Starting an RSO
Creating an RSO allows you to pursue your passions, develop leadership skills, and build a community around your interests. It also enables you to leave a lasting impact on the university by providing a platform for others to connect and engage in activities that may not have existed before. Your RSO can become a valuable part of the campus community, fostering new friendships, collaborations, and opportunities for personal growth.
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The UW–Madison School of Education is affiliated with many student groups
The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers its students a wide range of clubs and organisations to join, with nearly 1,000 clubs and organisations across campus. The UW–Madison School of Education is affiliated with many student groups, including those in the arts, health, and education.
One such group is the InterMission Theatre, which produces theatrical performances at a professional level to service the underutilised talent base at UW and promote Madison’s theatre community. The group offers shows to the public and plans group outings to see local productions. The Art History Society is another art-focused group, offering a casual club setting for students to get together and discuss art for fun. The group takes field trips, attends events, and discusses pop culture, and is open to all students, regardless of their degree programme.
For students interested in health, the Athletic Training Students for Brain Safety (ATSBS) organisation was formed by students with the Department of Kinesiology’s Athletic Training programme. The group aims to educate the UW–Madison campus and surrounding communities about concussions. The Pre-Occupational Therapy Student Organisation is another health-focused group, offering students the chance to learn about a career in occupational therapy, prepare for school, and build their resumes.
The UW–Madison School of Education also has groups focused on education. The School Psychology Student Association, for example, aims to create a welcoming community for all graduate students in the UW–Madison School Psychology Program. The group builds connections through social events and activities and promotes the academic and social well-being of members. Men in Education is another student organisation bringing together men across various teacher education programmes for friendship and professional development through educational activities, roundtable discussions, volunteering, and hosting distinguished male educators and alumni.
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The Honours Program supports student organisations like the Forensics Team
The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a wide range of student organizations and clubs, with nearly 1,000 options to choose from. The Honours Program is one such program that supports several student organizations, including the Forensics Team.
The Forensics Team at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has a rich history, with notable successes in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1989, the team finished first in Division I at the National Forensic Association National Tournament, and in 1990, they placed second, accompanied by five individual event national champions. Unfortunately, budget cuts forced the team to disband in 1991. However, thanks to the dedication of students Christopher Klundt, Brian Schaefers, and Lindsay Barone, the program was restarted in 2001. Despite financial challenges, the team has persevered and achieved notable successes, such as a third-place finish in the state and 16th place at the National Forensic Association National Tournament (Division I) in 2007.
The Honours Program's support for the Forensics Team is part of its commitment to providing academic, social, and service opportunities to its students. The program serves over 1,300 students in the College of Letters and Science, offering an enriched undergraduate curriculum, professional advising services, and research opportunities.
The Forensics Team, also known as the Speech and Debate Team, provides a unique platform for students to develop essential skills in critical thinking, communication, and persuasion. Through their participation in tournaments and competitions, students enhance their public speaking abilities, build confidence, and learn to think on their feet. The team's coaches, Ben Jedd and Ben Rolsma, provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering their growth and success.
The Honours Program's support for student organizations like the Forensics Team demonstrates its dedication to holistic student development. By encouraging students to pursue their passions and engage in extracurricular activities, the program enhances the overall educational experience and empowers students to become well-rounded individuals. The Forensics Team, in particular, fosters a culture of analytical thinking and effective communication, equipping students with valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers.
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The Wisconsin Union houses the Wisconsin Hoofers club
The University of Wisconsin–Madison boasts nearly 1,000 clubs and organizations for students to choose from. One of the oldest and largest of these is the Wisconsin Hoofers club, which is housed by the Wisconsin Union.
The Wisconsin Hoofers is a group of outdoor recreational clubs with nearly 2,000 members. It was first established in 1931, though its roots can be traced back to 1920 when a group of Norwegian exchange students built a ski jump on the UW-Madison campus. The club was originally called the Badger Ski Club, and its current name is derived from the term "heelers" used for new members of the Dartmouth club, implying "getting there under your own power".
The Wisconsin Hoofers club includes several interest groups, such as the Hoofer Outing Club, Hoofer Riding Club, Hoofer Sailing Club, and Hoofer Scuba Club. Each of these clubs offers a range of activities and lessons for members of all skill levels. For example, the Hoofer Outing Club organizes wilderness excursions like canoe trips, backpacking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The Hoofer Riding Club caters to both beginners and advanced riders with horseback riding lessons and shows. With over 120 boats, sailboards, and kites, the Hoofer Sailing Club provides lessons and social events for its members, making it the second-largest inland sailing club in the country. The Hoofer Scuba Club also offers year-round trips, training sessions, and social events, including underwater activities like pumpkin carving and Christmas tree decoration.
In addition to these clubs, the Wisconsin Hoofers also encompass a Ski and Snowboard Club, a Mountaineering Club, and a Canoe Club. The Ski and Snowboard Club organizes various trips, from local Midwest excursions to famous resorts out west, and hosts annual events like the Rail Jam freestyle competition. The Mountaineering Club takes on climbing adventures near and far, including international trips to Portugal, Arizona, and Nevada. The Hoofer Canoe Club, which was active from 1952 to 1957, folded into the Hoofer Outing Club, contributing to a range of paddling activities.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 800 registered student organizations or clubs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has a wide variety of student organizations, including those focused on the arts, health, and education. There are also student organizations affiliated with specific departments or schools, such as the School of Education and the School of Medicine and Public Health.
You can find a list of all the registered student organizations at the University of Wisconsin–Madison through the RSO Directory. The university also holds a Student Organization Fair in September and January or February, where you can learn more about the various student organizations on campus.











































