At a time when national surveys show that 77 percent of Americans have few or no friends with differing political beliefs, UW–Madison is taking bold steps to foster connections across divides. The Wisconsin Exchange is a new campuswide initiative designed to strengthen civil discourse and deepen engagement across diverse perspectives.
This effort builds on the university’s long-standing commitment to free expression, academic freedom, and civic engagement. Through events, courses, and national partnerships, the Wisconsin Exchange will help students, faculty, and staff develop the skills to engage thoughtfully even when they disagree. The initiative connects and expands existing programs to foster a more vibrant and pluralistic campus culture. It encourages respectful debate, supports the development of future leaders, and positions the UW as a national model for dialogue across differences.
Your support helps make this work possible. The Wisconsin Exchange is generously funded by private gifts, reflecting our shared belief in the power of education to build bridges and bolster democracy. We invite you to follow this journey as we continue to prepare Badgers to lead with empathy, curiosity, and courage in a complex world.