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

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August 2025

Kristy Jorgensen

UW–Madison Online degree opens doors for recent grad

As a first-generation college grad, working mom and Wisconsin National Guard member, Kristy Jorgensen earned her bachelor’s degree through UW–Madison Online — and transformed her career and confidence. “I feel a lot of endless pride to be a Badger,” she says.

Kristy shares how UW’s flexible online degree program helped her pivot from the automotive industry to a role in wealth management, and how her experience as a returning adult student prepared her for change. She’s now mentoring others and planning her next steps, including earning her Certified Financial Planner designation.

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Aerial view of rural small town

Rural routes to college success

Students from small towns face unique challenges—but also bring valuable strengths to campus. In this personal and practical guide, a UW–Madison advisor shares tips and insights to help rural students thrive in college, from finding support to starting local.


UW student leading First Nations Cultural Tour

Photo: Althea Dotzour,
UW-Madison

Summer Term students lead First Nations Tour

When they’re not studying for summer courses, Abbey and Mariah guide UW–Madison’s First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour. For over 20 years, the tour has shared Indigenous histories and perspectives with students, visitors and staff. Discover how these student guides help bring important campus history to life.

More stories from the Division of Continuing Studies

Featured Continuing Education course

Coaching Fundamentals

Starts Oct. 7 | Live online

This introductory course provides an accessible starting point for anyone interested in applying coaching approaches to support learning and growth, inspire action and help others navigate challenges and achieve meaningful goals.
Learn more & register >>

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Coming up

Sept. 3 UW–Madison Online virtual information sessions begin
Sept. 3 Fall semester enrollment opens for Senior Guest Auditors
Sept. 11 Continuing Education course Mastering Modern Presentation Skills begins
Sept. 15 Deadline to apply to UW–Madison Online for Sept. 2025 start
Sept. 19 School for Workers Centennial Symposium
Sept. 23 Continuing Education course Establishing a Foundation for Motivational Interviewing begins
Sept. 24 Webinar: Course insights into the fully online MS in Clinical Nutrition
Oct. 9 Graduate programs virtual open house
Oct. 13 Deadline to register for Badger Precollege virtual College Ready program
Nov. 1 Priority application deadline for fall admission to degree-completion program Badger Ready
Nov. 6 Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions fall conference

From the archives


Two women sitting at a table on the Memorial Union Terrace in the 1940s.

Photo: 2018s00300 from UW Archives

The Terrace sunburst chairs made their first appearance in the 1930s, about a decade before this photo was taken. Why were the three colors — John Deere green, Allis Chalmers orange and sunshine yellow — chosen for these iconic fixtures? See if you can answer this and other questions in our Summer Term quiz. Test your knowledge >>