UW crest UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON
Lifelong Learning: News & opportunities from the Division of Continuing Studies.

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April 2025

Adult Career and Special Student Services learner Brian Goodman and his family posing with Bucky Badger.

Welcome to the first issue of Lifelong Learning!

We’re excited to share stories, research, courses, events and insights that highlight our remarkable learners and reflect our commitment to the Wisconsin Idea.

Our learning community is diverse, spanning every stage of life. We support precollege students, Summer Term undergraduates, professionals advancing their careers, senior guest auditors and learners seeking new opportunities — whether through degrees, certificates, skill-building courses or new knowledge. Their dedication to learning inspires us, and we hope it will inspire you, too.

You’ll also see how lifelong learning extends beyond individuals. It transforms families and communities — driving innovation, boosting economies and empowering people to navigate change with confidence.

Welcome, and thank you for being part of our learning journey.

Dean of Continuing Studies, Jeffrey Russell.

Jeffrey Russell
Vice Provost for Lifelong Learning
Dean of Continuing Studies

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Ricard Vargas

The power of professional coaching

Ricardo Vargas began his coaching journey with a pivotal realization: Leadership isn't about providing directives but guiding others to uncover their own solutions. After completing UW’s Certified Professional Coaching program, Vargas, a senior director for Target Corporation, says he better understands “how I learn about my team, how I support their career development and how to transfer coaching principles into leadership.”


Clipart of people climbing a bar chart

Adult learning and AI

As an adult learner, you juggle multiple responsibilities — work, family and other commitments — making efficiency and personalization key to your success. AI can be a valuable tool to help streamline your learning process, develop new skills and even advance your career.

More stories from Continuing Studies

Featured course

Psychological Health & Safety at Work

Starts May 20 | Live online

Data shows that feeling psychologically safe at work correlates with team success. This continuing education course explores the three pillars of psychological health and safety you can apply to your team to help support innovation, build resiliency, overcome barriers and prevent burnout.
Learn more & register >>

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Coming up

May 1 Deadline to register for Badger Precollege summer programs
May 7 Odyssey Project Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony
May 15 Application deadline for UW–Madison Online summer semester start
May 27 Italian 1 course begins
May 28 Graduate program informational webinar: Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology Capstone Certificate
June 1 Priority application deadline for fall admission to degree-completion program Badger Ready

From the archives

Three women watching the UW-Extension’s noncredit foreign language course on television
Women in Clintonville, Wisconsin, in 1955, watching the UW-Extension’s noncredit foreign language course, Conversational German, broadcast over WHA-TV. Television brought a new dimension to remote learning, offering courses to students around the state. Read more >>