6-12 and Youth Visits

Days and times

Tours are scheduled on most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

If you would like self-guided resources, our office can provide those to your group.

We look forward to scheduling your group’s visit to UW-Madison.

Description

Current student tour guides will lead a fast-paced, 60 or 75-minute walking tour that highlights UW–Madison’s history, traditions, academic excellence, our dynamic and diverse campus, student life, as well as services and programs that support student success.

Access to lecture halls and classrooms is dependent on the day and time of the tour, and the academic schedule. We are unable to enter and tour UW Residence Halls for the safety and security of our current students. Visit the University Housing website for information on taking a tour of residence halls.

Group size

Group size is limited to 100 visitors, including all students and adult chaperones. Large youth groups will be divided into smaller tour groups of 20 to 25 participants. An adult teacher, coordinator or chaperone must accompany each smaller tour group of students. Tour groups are led by one to two undergraduate student tour guides.

Check-in and arrival times

Tours leave from Union South unless otherwise indicated. Youth groups check-in at the welcome desk. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. We may not be able to accommodate a full tour if you are more than 15 minutes late due to our student tour guides’ class schedules.

Accessibility

Our campus tour is designed to be as accessible as possible for our guests. The tour operates mostly on flat surfaces, and is intentionally designed to be wheelchair accessible. 

Weather

Our tours take place rain or shine. Please note that if there is thunder or lightning within 10 miles of campus, University policy requires tour groups to shelter in place for 30 minutes. Campus and Visitor Relations has the discretion to decide if conditions are unsafe to proceed with an outdoor campus tour.

We recommend that guests dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Capacity is full for April tours, please only submit requests for May or later.

How to request a tour

Please complete and submit the Campus Visit Request Form at least three weeks before your desired visit date. Submission does not guarantee a scheduled campus tour.

Scheduling and confirmation

Within 5 business days of receiving your request, a Campus Visit Program student intern will contact you to schedule a tour. Please do not make travel arrangements until after you have received confirmation from us.

Campus Visit Agreement

Youth group visits require special coordination. To ensure a good experience, a Campus Visit Agreement (CVA) must be submitted before we will confirm your youth group visit. View an example of the agreement. We will email your personalized youth group’s CVA document to complete and submit once your campus visit date and time is scheduled.

Unscheduled campus visit

If you plan to visit campus on your own (either in person or remotely), we encourage you to download the UW Guide UW–Madison Campus Tour app. Designed especially for prospective students and families, this student-narrated tour includes information about buildings, academics, transportation, housing, and all things surrounding the student experience.