University of Wisconsin–Madison

Wisconsin Idea Week 2024: Uniting Communities and Universities for a Stronger Tomorrow

Following the groundbreaking success of last year’s event, the Morgridge Center for Public Service at the University of Wisconsin–Madison announces the return of the Wisconsin Idea Conference in 2024. Expanding beyond a conference, this year will feature a week-long celebration, Wisconsin Idea Week, April 8-16, which will showcase a diversity of community-university partnerships already at play in Wisconsin and create new opportunities for connection and collaboration. 

Building Capacity and Bridging Communities

Themed “Community University Partnerships for Stronger Communities,” Wisconsin Idea Week 2024 seeks to highlight and strengthen the collaborative efforts between community organizations and the university. These partnerships are vital in ensuring the development of engaged citizens who contribute positively to our society and support the public purposes of the university. 

Highlight of the Week: The Wisconsin Idea Conference

The centerpiece of the week, the daylong Wisconsin Idea Conference, will occur on Tuesday, April 9 at Union South. The conference aims to:
  • Strengthen relationships among those doing community-university partnerships
  • Encourage collaboration and provide excellent learning opportunities around community-university partnerships
  • Celebrate diverse knowledge forms and new community-university projects.

Diverse Session Formats

The conference will feature a variety of session types including lightning talks, partnership highlights, facilitated discussions, panels, and workshops, accommodating different presentation styles and audience engagement.

Extending Beyond the Conference

Wisconsin Idea Week 2024 is not limited to the conference. Various units and entities on campus and within the local community are invited to host events aligned with the theme. These events could range from open houses and partnership panels to film screenings. All events within the Dane County area that present opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing are welcome to join under the banner of Wisconsin Idea Week. Submit your sessions here.

Join us in Fostering Stronger Community-University Partnerships

Wisconsin Idea Week 2024 promises to be a landmark event in fostering community-university partnerships. We invite the community, students, scholars, and practitioners to join us in this collaborative effort to create a stronger, more resilient, and equitable society. For more information, session proposal submissions, or event participation, please contact Haley Madden at hmadden@wisc.edu.