Bay Tour enlightens campus faculty and staff
The WI Idea Seminar is an annual program and tour put on by the Provost Office. Originally scheduled for 2020, the Bay Tour was postponed due to the pandemic and recently occurred from May 16 – 20, 2022. Started in 1985, this was the first time since its inception that the tour had to be rescheduled, but according to those in attendance it was well worth the wait.
About 25 – 30 faculty and staff from across the university took part in the 2022 Bay Tour, including Associate University Registrar for Academic Services Will Lipske. The purpose of this near week-long event was to allow members of the university to see the Wisconsin Idea at work across the state and how UW–Madison, and its mission, interact within the state and its residents.
“As a born and raised Wisconsin resident, this tour helped me to experience Wisconsin like I never have before. I felt like I was being invited into people’s homes and communities. I was able to hear people’s stories, which is not something that you get when you go on tours by yourself or take trips to those areas. I felt so honored.”
There were many amazing outcomes outside of simply visiting these communities. Will commented on how the tour created a sense of community amongst all those traveling and gaining these experiences together. Additionally, the diverse nature of the tour also allowed faculty and staff the opportunity to better understand the lived experiences of many UW–Madison students through a multitude of activities. Whether learning about LGBTQ+ leadership and civil rights, speaking with members of the Oneida Nation, visiting a Latinx art project/installation, touring the K12 school district in Algoma, or hearing shared visions from UW – Green Bay chancellor and deans, those in attendance were in awe of what the state has to offer and the breadth of experiences many students come to campus with.
“It was a truly unique event that I will not forget anytime soon. I was able to spend a week with some amazing people – including those hosting us and traveling with me – getting to experience some even more amazing parts of the state I wouldn’t have been able to in any other way. We live in a remarkable state. I leave the experience with a greater sense of pride for the Wisconsin Idea.”
16 May, 2022.
Will Lipske from the Office of the Registrar holds our “Hello, Wisconsin” sign during a visit to Ukwakhwa: Tsinu Niyukwayay^thoslu, an Indigenous farmstead founded by Becky Webster and her family on the Oneida Reservation. A number of participants hold their cornhusk flowers they made in a workshop led by Becky Webster earlier in the day. (Photo by Catherine Reiland / UW–Madison)