PEOPLE Badger Sign-in Day: Celebrating UW Madison’s newest cohort

By Brenda Vazquez Carranza & Marcia Lovett

ITA seniors from Lac du Flambeau, Oneida, and Madison recently gathered at the ITA Spring Conference for a celebration: PEOPLE Badger Sign-in Day. This day was a pivotal moment for ITA students who have been accepted into UW-Madison for the Fall of 2024, providing a platform to honor their achievements as they prepare for a thrilling new phase on their educational journeys.

The day kicked off with students from Lac du Flambeau and Oneida joining their counterparts in Madison for the Saturday Session, where Madison students meet for their academic and technology courses held on campus. Meanwhile, our 20 seniors admitted to UW-Madison began to head towards Gordon Commons for a celebration of their achievement.

All ITA students admitted to UW-Madison & ITA staff, April 2024.
All ITA students admitted to UW-Madison & ITA staff, April 2024.

ITA seniors were welcomed by PEOPLE staff, and PEOPLE students from the Madison and Milwaukee sites. Students engaged in various activities designed to build community among the incoming PEOPLE college scholars. The activities ranged from snapping pictures, discussing possible majors and interests, to receiving UW and PEOPLE branded swag.

One of the day’s highlights was the personal introductions by each student, where they shared their names, the high schools they attended, and their intended majors at UW-Madison. This segment not only facilitated new friendships but also showcased the rich array of talents and aspirations within the ITA and PEOPLE communities.

Tribal Sites students Riley, Autumn, Halle and Cameron. April 2024.

The students also met with the PEOPLE College staff, who will play a crucial role in guiding and supporting them through their transition to UW-Madison students. The staff’s offerings, from academic advice to mentorship, provided the students with a preview of the valuable support they will receive in their upcoming academic journey.

Moreover, the day included a resource fair hosted by PEOPLE staff, where students could discover various resources and extracurricular activities available to them. A panel of current PEOPLE freshmen shared their experiences and insights about college life, managing schoolwork, and the transition from high school to college, answering any queries the new students had.

ITA and PEOPLE Staff, April 2024.

PEOPLE Badger Sign-in Day was a unifying event for the graduating seniors from both PEOPLE and ITA precollege programs, as they all stepped into their new roles as PEOPLE Scholars. This event represented the culmination of their dedication and hard work over the years. As they move forward, they do so with the support of their ITA and PEOPLE peers, the PEOPLE College support network, and the broader ITA community.

A hearty congratulations to the ITA students on their admission to UW-Madison!