Center for Leadership & Involvement
Define your direction. Get Involved.

Involvement Opportunities

The Center for Leadership & Involvement connects you with diverse opportunities to get involved and develop your leadership. You can learn new skills, enrich your knowledge and abilities by getting involved!

 

Student Organizations

An image of students outside of the Kohl Center during the student organization fair.

The Wisconsin Involvement Network (WIN) is the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s platform for students to explore and engage with campus organizations and events.

Students can also participate in the Student Org Fairs held during the Spring and Fall semesters to discover various organizations and find opportunities to get involved.

Crowded room with students at the Student Organization Fair

To find organizations that align with your interests, you can use WIN’s Interest Matching tool. This feature helps you discover groups and activities that suit your preferences, enhancing your campus experience.

First-year students Nora Zaveri and Eliza Eyman look at the map of student organizations during the Fall Student Organization Fair at the Kohl Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on Sept. 8, 2023. The two-day fair is an opportunity for students to learn about special-interest groups, activities and services offered by more than 400 represented student organizations on campus. (Photo by Taylor Wolfram / UW–Madison)

With nearly 1,000 clubs and organizations, you can explore countless opportunities to connect with groups and activities that match your interests, making the most of your campus experience.

Volunteering & Service

Studies show that volunteering benefits not just the community but also boosts your own well-being. It can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and increase happiness by giving you a sense of purpose and connection.

It’s a great way to gain new experiences, build social connections, and make a real impact—while also feeling good about what you’re contributing!

On April 29, 2015, members of the UW Nepal Student Association hand out candles as Madison and UW-Madison community members gather near the State Capitol for a candlelight vigil hosted by the UW Nepal Student
Laurent Heller, vice chancellor for finance and administration, scoops ice cream to serve during an employee appreciation ice cream social held for second- and third-shift staff on Aug. 1, 2018 at 11 p.m., in Varsity Hall in Union South at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Morgridge Center for Public Service: A University of Wisconsin–Madison initiative dedicated to connecting students with volunteer opportunities that foster civic engagement and strengthen communities. It offers diverse ways to get involved, including service-learning courses, community-based research, and direct volunteering in Dane County and beyond.

VolunteerYourTime.org: A databank which houses volunteer opportunities in Dane County listed by date and area of interest.

McBurney Disability Resource Center: Volunteer opportunities involving working with UW-Madison students with disabilities.

University League: Volunteer opportunities on or close to campus endorsed by a local non-profit organization.

Badges with "badger volunteer" written on them
Volunteers help carry out the Wisconsin Union's iconic sunburst chairs to the Terrace

Whether it’s mentoring youth, participating in environmental projects, or supporting arts and culture initiatives, there are countless ways to tailor your volunteer experience to reflect your passions and values.

Greenhouse crew member Danielle Smith waters the flowerbeds on a summer morning in front of Ingraham Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on August 20, 2021.
Pictured here, UW alum Meghan Hickey (left) and Tiffany Fritz (right), director of parent and family programs at the University of Oregon, fill boxes with canned goods. The service project was a collaboration between both universities ahead of the 2020 Rose Bowl Game.

Recreation & Wellbeing

Rec Well Home: Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Recreation & Wellbeing.

Intramural Sports: Whether you’re a veteran athlete or a first-time participant, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the Intramural program.

Club Sports: Club Sports bridge the gap between intramural sports and intercollegiate athletics by providing competition at various levels, participation in tournaments and opportunities to practice.

Rec Well Job Opportunities: Get involved in the behind-the-scenes aspects of Rec Well programs, facilities, and services.

Rec Well Events

Various treadmills being used by students in the gym (the Nick)
5 lanes of a swimming pool occupied with swimmers showcasing different strokes at the Nick
Student jumping high to reach the basketball net with the ball to score a point
A griup of people working out at the field doing different cardio exercises.

Study Abroad

International Academic Programs: Interested in studying in another country? UW-Madison offers more than 180 study-abroad programs in 51 countries around the world in every discipline on campus.

IAP Study Abroad YouTube Channel: Explore inspiring study abroad experiences through the IAP Study Abroad YouTube channel! Watch videos showcasing diverse programs in countries like Spain, Japan, and Australia, and learn how you can immerse yourself in new cultures while earning academic credit. Subscribe for insights, tips, and stories to start your global adventure.

LEADAbroad Program: Spend your summer experiencing leadership and service abroad with Global LEAD in Ecuador, Greece or Cape Town. LEADAbroad combines adrenaline adventures, upper-level class credit and hands-on service work for an incredible summer experience. Contact: Carolyn Prebil

The world map engraved in a wooden wall with the continents being wood and the water bodies painted in blue.

Internships

Department Specific Summer Internship Opportunities: Explore internships tailored to specific UW-Madison departments, providing hands-on experience in your field of study during the summer.

MSC Internships: Gain valuable professional experience through internships offered by the Multicultural Student Center, focused on diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

ASM Internships: UW’s own student government in a great place to look for a for credit internships that focuses on government, advocacy or public polices issues.

Sustainability Related Internships: Discover opportunities that align with your passion for sustainability, offering practical experience in environmental and social impact initiatives.

On Campus/Madison area Internships: Access internships located right on campus or in the Madison area, allowing you to gain professional experience while staying close to the UW community.

SuccessWorks at UW Madison: Offered by the College of Letters & Science, SuccessWorks is a dedicated career center that provides personalized advising, workshops, and resources to help students explore career paths and internships, ensuring success both during college and beyond.

International Internship Program (IIP): A campus office that both offers cultivated internship opportunities for UW-Madison students and general advising on international internships. They can help with questions about resources, programs, credit, insurance, funding, visas, and more. With IAP study abroad they offer the Worldwide Internship Program to offer credit for students interning abroad.

The career exploration center written on a glass window
Representatives from Uline, a shipping and business supply company based in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, talk with students during a School of Computer, Data and Information Sciences (CDIS) career fair held in Varsity Hall inside Union South at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on Feb. 15, 2022.

On Campus Jobs

Campus and Visitor Relations (CAVR) information guide Sung Han, an accounting major, displays a “Welcome to Campus” brochure at the Campus & Community Information Welcome Desk in Union South at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on July 14, 2022.
Incoming first-year undergraduates check in for the Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) program at Union South at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Matt Blasinski, tech service consultant in the Department of Information Technology, works on his computer in the Computer Sciences Building at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on April 25, 2016.
Caleb and Kristen, tour guides with Campus and Visitor Relations, talk to a group of prospective students and parents on a sunny spring day at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on March 21, 2022.
Standing, College of Engineering student-peer advisor Nicholas Kizewski works with incoming first-year undergraduate Karl Zimbauer, left, to register for his classes using a laptop computer during a Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) session at College Library in Helen C. White Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Aug. 9, 2017.
Campus and Visitor Relations (CAVR) tour guide Haley Sisel talks with a group of prospective and admitted students and their guests during a walking tour of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus on June 4, 2021.

UW Student Job Center: Listing of both on and off campus jobs.

Office of Student Financial Aid Work Study Program: On-campus jobs limited to students who qualify for Federal Work-Study as part of their financial aid package.

Non-Profit Employment Resources: The La Follette School of Public Affairs has resources for finding a job in the non-profit sector.

School of Business Career Center: If you’re looking to succeed in business, the Career Center is your first step.

Environmental Career Information: Information regarding environmental careers, internships and professional development for both undergraduate and graduate students.

RecWell Job Opportunities: Get involved in the behind-the-scenes aspects of the RecWell Program.

Research

Research at UW – Madison: The Research at UW–Madison portal is a searchable database showcasing the university’s research activities and scholar profiles.

Research Centers and Programs: Research takes on many forms and spans across many areas of academia.

Undergraduate Research Scholars: Engage in hands-on research opportunities designed for undergraduates, allowing you to collaborate with faculty and gain valuable research experience early in your academic journey.

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation: An independent, non-profit foundation chartered to support research at the UW-Madison and the designated technology transfer organization for the university. WARF is a separate entity from the university but partners closely with it.

Information for Undergraduate Students: Find resources, funding, and guidance for getting started with research at UW–Madison.

Teaching and Learning Research Opportunities: Explore a range of undergraduate research options, with support for connecting with faculty and projects aligned to your interests.

Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP): A diversity-focused initiative offering summer research experiences for undergraduates considering graduate studies.

Pre-Health Research Opportunities: Discover research opportunities tailored for students pursuing careers in healthcare and related fields.

Global Health Research Opportunities: Engage in global health research to tackle pressing international challenges and gain cross-disciplinary experience.