UW–Madison News: Budget Boost, Fall Events, Hemp Research, Football Camp, and 175th Anniversary Highlights

Good afternoon, Badgers! Today is Monday, August 11, 2025, and you're tuned into the latest campus news. Let's dive into what's happening at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In a significant development, the Wisconsin state budget for 2025–27 has been approved, bringing substantial benefits to UW–Madison. The budget includes a $240 million increase over two years for the Universities of Wisconsin, with $94 million allocated for pay raises. Additionally, the budget allows the university to proceed with key projects to accommodate our growing student population, including renovations of dining halls in Chadbourne and DeJope, and critical updates to the historic Science Hall. Mark your calendars! Wisconsin Welcome 2025 kicks off on August 25 and runs through October 5. This multi-week event is designed to celebrate the arrival of new students and help them discover Madison, meet fellow Badgers, and find their campus community. With nearly 400 connection-building events planned, there's something for everyone. Stay tuned for event details coming soon. For those interested in agricultural research, the Ellison Lab in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences is hosting a Hemp Research Field Day on August 20. The event will take place from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station. Attendees will learn about the latest advancements in hemp research, including variety trials and companion cropping. Coffee and donuts will be served starting at 8:45 AM. Football fans, get ready! The Wisconsin Badgers have kicked off their fall camp in preparation for the 2025 season. Practices are underway at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, with the team gearing up for the season opener against the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks on Thursday, August 28, at 8 p.m. at Camp Randall Stadium. Stay updated with the latest from fall camp as the team prepares for an exciting season ahead. UW–Madison continues to celebrate its 175th anniversary with events across the state. Recently, the university marked this milestone with a celebration in Waukesha County, highlighting the strong connections between the university and communities throughout Wisconsin. These events feature family-friendly activities, appearances by Bucky Badger, and, of course, Babcock ice cream. Looking at today's weather in Madison, it's currently cloudy with a temperature of 70°F (21°C). Expect cloudy conditions throughout the day, with temperatures reaching a high of 84°F (29°C) by mid-afternoon. There's a chance of thunderstorms later this evening, so keep an umbrella handy if you're heading out. That's all for today's update. Stay safe, stay informed, and as always, On, Wisconsin!