Goals
Although Basecamp trips take place outdoors, camping and canoeing are not the primary goals of the
experience. The Basecamp experience is designed to provide students with a welcoming experience to
UW Madison that will give them a chance to meet new friends, think about the coming years in college and
prepare themselves to succeed. The following goals guide all Wisconsin Basecamp trips:
- Goal 1: Provide student participants with social connections and provisions through an experiential education experience prior to their first semester at UW Madison. Through this experience, support the First-Year Goals as outlined by the Orientation and New Student Programs Advisory Committee.
- Goal 2: Increase the retention and graduation rate of all participants, as compared to the student body as a whole.
- Goal 3: Support the ability of student participants to make positive choices about alcohol, personal health and relationships.
- Goal 4: Provide students with leadership opportunities as trip leaders.
- Goal 5: Collaborate with faculty, staff, campus departments and Wisconsin communities to further the reach, quality and sustainability of this program's effectiveness.
- Goal 6: Help student participants, leaders, and faculty and staff volunteers value the importance of diversity and a positive climate at UW Madison.
- Goal 7: Help student participants, leaders, and faculty and staff volunteers value the inherent value of our natural environment and open spaces.
