Related Links:
UW-Whitewater Learning Communities Web Page
 
Four student-athlete learning communities visited the University of Wisconsin last week to meet with Badger Athletics staff members and tour several of the athletic department's facilities.
 
The Leaders in Action, Powered by Tradition, Rising Warhawks I and Rising Warhawks II learning communities, which are split up by sports seasons, made the short trip to Madison late last week. Assistant softball coach Beth Bonuso (Leaders in Action), head gymnastics coach Jennifer Regan (Powered by Tradition), academic advisors Ben Prather (Rising Warhawks I) and Jordan Stine (Rising Warhawks II) are the instructors of the courses.
 
"We are excited to partner with the First Year Experience office each year to offer student-athletes the unique opportunity of being in a learning community," Director of Athletics Todd Garzarelli said. "These communities help our student-athletes develop leadership skills while exploring academic and career options they are afforded at UW-Whitewater. Learning communities are central to our commitment to the personal, social, career and leadership enhancement of our student-athletes."
 
Student-athletes were given the opportunity to tour several facilities, including Camp Randall Stadium, the McClain Center, UW Field House and several other buildings.
 
Attendees also participated in a discussion with UW Director of Camp Administration Tracy Chynoweth, who worked at UW-Whitewater for more than 10 years. During his time at UW-Whitewater, Chynoweth served as head men's wheelchair basketball coach from 1998-2008 and later was the Director of Continuing Education Services until joining the Badgers in 2013.
 
In addition to giving the group tour, Chynoweth took time to discuss careers in athletics and the differences between working at a Division I institution and a Division III school. Student-athletes also had the opportunity to ask any questions.
 
Learning communities are for first-year students to live and study with peers who share similar interests. Approximately 20 students live together, take courses together and have a faculty or staff member from their area of interest lead them through their first year.
 
Student-athletes for each of the four learning communities above are nominated by their head coaches for inclusion.