Student organizations provide a vehicle for students to find community, build networks, gain leadership experience, develop professional skills, and build on personal interests. CALS sponsors more than 30 organizations that help students meet their professional and personal interests (see highlighted examples below), and there are more than 900 UW-recognized student organizations available to CALS students.
How to get involved?
Most CALS departments have an active student organization, and there are more than 900 campus-wide groups, including academic, professional, and social groups.
Why join a CALS student organization?
- Meet peers with similar interests and make a large campus feel smaller
- Develop leadership skills
- Make a difference
- Win awards and participate in national competitions
- Participate in fun and challenging activities
- Get noticed by employers
The People’s Farm
The People’s Farm: Students for Sustainable Agriculture is a student-run agricultural collective. They strive to connect land, food, and the Madison community, demonstrate alternative agricultural techniques, and advocate for sustainability in our community.
MANRRS
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) is open to all University of Wisconsin students and assists members with developing the skills and tools to succeed in the professional world.
Food Science Club
Food science students developed Trinipea, an innovative vegan merengue cookie, and competed with it at the International Food Technology Student Association & MARS Product Development Competition. UW–Madison was selected to compete in the finals, and the Trinipea team was awarded second place.
Food Recovery Network – Madison Chapter
The Food Recovery Network at UW–Madison was designed to reduce food insecurity. Students package leftover food from UW–Madison dining halls and students in need can obtain these microwaveable meals for free.
ASABE
The UW–Madison chapter of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) hosts an annual lawn mower and snow blower clinic at the Agricultural Engineering Lab as a fundraiser for their organization.
Covance values students who demonstrate a personal investment in their learning and development through participation in organizations such as MANRRS. In our experience, the diverse perspectives and experiences of MANRRS’ talent helps us to think in new, different and insightful ways, delivering innovation in every patient room, at every lab bench and every client meeting.
-Rebecca Verhulst, a senior manager at Covance
The only thing that looks more impressive to an employer, beyond demonstrating strong communication and leadership skills, is being an engaged member of the product development teams.
-Tracy Matteson BS’99, an associate principal scientist at the Kraft Heinz Company who spent several years as a company recruiter and who participated on food product development teams while at CALS
Office of Academic Affairs
116 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Office Hours: 7:45am – 4:30pm
For current & prospective student general inquiries:
Phone: 608.262.3003
Email: academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu