New ‘gateway’ to UW–Madison opens to public
The recent opening of a state-of-the-art Welcome Center at 21 N. Park St., just south of the new Newell J. Smith Residence Hall, signifies a concerted effort to provide visitors and tourists with a great first impression and a convenient, one-stop shop for both campus and community visitor information.
As a partnership between UW–Madison and the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), the new “gateway” to UW–Madison provides a comprehensive and complete resource.
Heidi Hackbarth, a UW–Madison undergraduate and information guide, demonstrates a touch-screen campus map at the Visitor and Information Programs’ new Welcome Center at 21 N. Park St.
Photo: Michael Forster Rothbart
Managed and operated by the office of Visitor and Information Programs (formerly known as the Campus Information and Visitor Center) in collaboration with UW Transportation Services and the GMCVB, the Welcome Center showcases both the campus and surrounding community through vibrant displays and informative literature. There are also conference rooms, a drive-up window for parking and general visitor information, and student staff on hand to answer questions. The reception area is open from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Sundays. Hours may vary during holiday and university break periods and are expanded for select university/community special events.
“We are excited to provide visitors and tourists with a universal facility that not only showcases UW–Madison, but also highlights our wonderful community,” says Steve Amundson, director of Visitor and Information Programs.
For more information about the Welcome Center, visit http://www.vip.wisc.edu/, call 263-2400 or e-mail askbucky@redgym.wisc.edu.