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Mail Home Issue 2020
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Mail Home Issue 2020
State guard aids in local testing
An independent student newspaper, serving the University of Wisconsin-Madison community since 1892
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Miguel Perez is a 20-year-old Wisconsin resident and student at the University of Minnesota pursuing a liberal arts degree. In his free time, Perez enjoys drawing, hiking and visiting his hometown. In May 2020, much of that changed. Perez, a member of the Wisconsin National Guard, was suddenly relocated to Madison to aid Governor Evers’ response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Guard, tasked with assisting medical professionals, began calling and delivering testing results to citizens who have been tested for COVID-19. Perez became a part of that mission. “I think being bilingual, and having actual language capabilities is really helpful, otherwise I’d be out in the sun in a hazmat suit, sticking q-tips in peoples’ noses,” Perez said. “So now I get to be here in Madison making calls to people all over Wisconsin.” The Wisconsin National Guard and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services have been driven to utilize and improve communitybased testing sites in the effort to meet Evers’ goals of testing a third of Wisconsin residents — almost three million people. Madison, home of the Alliant Energy Center testing site, became a key location for streamlining the state’s COVID-19 testing process. Perez was specifically assigned to contact people who were tested for COVID-19, verify their medical information and give them their results. Most results are negative. Still, Perez has delivered the news to
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when they answer the phone, so I make sure they are following proper precautions and being as safe as they can.” In addition to stationing guardsmen who speak multiple languages, the Wisconsin National Guard has rolled out an online registration platform for citizens to access prior to being tested, allowing for the collection of patient data. The program, titled the Dynamics Testing and Registration Application, also known as COVID Connect, was piloted at the Alliant Energy Center testing site. “The biggest effects are a faster testing process, allowing for a higher throughput at the point of collection, data accuracy and faster result notifications for the individuals being tested,” Maj. Russel Simonis, the officer in charge of the Wisconsin National Guard’s specimen collection team, said. Still, while the Alliant Energy Center has been an increasingly successful community testing site, test-
ing thousands of people every day, it may close down this fall without a continuation in federal funding. “The scary thing is, a lot of people have stopped hearing about positive COVID cases, and assume that the cases per day have gone down, but they’ve just plateaued,” Perez stated. “It makes me anxious to see things open up again. I’m nervous for the future.” Perez echoed guidelines from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Public Health Madison & Dane County, stating that citizens should continue to wear masks, socially distance and most importantly, continue to get tested. “In some sort of weird cynical way, I think about job security, which I would rather not have. I’d rather I had no job and have people be healthy and safe than having to call them and tell them the good or bad news. I’m just trying to do my part.” Perez reflects. The Alliant Energy Center testing site is expected to remain open until at least Aug. 31.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WISCONSIN NATIONAL GUARD
The Wisconsin National Guard has been called to test for COVID-19 cases
DNC held remotely due to COVID-19 worries By Hope Karnopp STATE NEWS EDITOR
Kavitha Babu • Emily Johnson • Erin Jordan • Riley Sumner • Anupras Mohapatra
many who tested positive. “I think in my personal experience, while still trying to be as professional as possible...It’s still kind of devastating...It’s fine. It’s not fun. It’s just really crappy news,” Perez stated. In addition to addressing language barriers, Perez has often dealt with citizens who believed the calls were scams. “There’s been times where I was told, ‘Go to hell,’” Perez recalled. “I did have one guy who was very upset that I called him on a Sunday morning. He asked me, ‘Do you know what day it is?’ Absolutely, I do. I woke up to do this. I’d like it to not be this day, but it is. Anyways, he didn’t want his testing information.” While Perez’s original orders were to travel around the state collecting samples, he’s found a place in Madison contacting and delivering information to citizens in their primary language. He found that many Hispanic workers in blue-collar jobs are often required by their workplace to be tested for COVID-19, which is easier when testing sites and call centers are staffed with Spanish speakers. Perez notes that while a majority of the translators speak Spanish, the center is also staffed with a German speaker, a Mandarin speaker and Hmong speakers. “I handle a majority of Spanish calls,” Perez said. “I see, especially with older adults that are my parents’ age, I understand their thought process about, perhaps, an uncertainty about what this means for them. I can’t help not hearing my mom
The Democratic National Convention, originally planned to take place in Milwaukee, was held remotely this week. ViceChair of the College Democrats of UW-Madison Lauren Yoder discussed her experience as a delegate during a highly unusual convention season. The mostly-virtual convention took place Aug. 17-20. Former Vice President and nominee Joe Biden did not travel to Milwaukee due to public health concerns and accepted his nomination from his home state of Delaware. California Sen. Kamala Harris, Biden’s running mate, was featured during Wednesday’s livestream. Convention organizers still wanted to highlight Wisconsin despite the shift to online programming. The convention was anchored from The Wisconsin Center, located in downtown Milwaukee. Members of the Wisconsin delegation, including Gov. Tony Evers and Sen. Tammy Baldwin, delivered remarks. Some visitors still traveled to Milwaukee, including protestors and the media. In-person events scaled back DNC organizers began discussing contingency plans in midMarch as COVID-19 concerns became serious. DNC Chair Tom Perez and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett continued to advocate for
a convention in Milwaukee. After the event was moved from July to August, delegates were told not to travel to Milwaukee and volunteers were scaled back. Tensions over the convention continued throughout the summer. The Milwaukee Bucks threatened to sue the Democratic Party after an in-person convention at the Fiserv Forum was ruled out. Wisconsin law enforcement agencies withdrew their commitments to staff the event. COVID-19 concerns loomed over the remaining Milwaukee events. Three Wisconsin Center workers tested positive for COVID-19 in early August and the City of Milwaukee Health Department rejected the convention’s request to close downtown restaurants and bars during the four-day event. Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman said the petition would clash with phased reopening plans. “For this outside group to come to town for what is an almost insignificant event at this point in terms of a physical gathering, and demand almost the entire downtown be shut down? What about the folks that live downtown? What about the people who still work downtown?” Bauman told WPR. Still, the convention committee asked any Milwaukee participants to avoid bars and restaurants. The shift to online events adds to the
struggles faced by hotels and restaurants during the pandemic. The virtual delegate experience Despite moving away from inperson events, convention organizers planned online programming for delegates. Lauren Yoder, a UW-Madison sophomore, is the youngest member of the Wisconsin delegation. Yoder did not travel to Milwaukee for the convention. She sent in her ballot before the convention, which is normally completed at the event. The ballot includes voting on the rules of procedure, the party platform and formally nominating Joe Biden. Yoder expressed her disappointment that the convention was not in-person, but said that moving online was the right decision. “It definitely is heart-wrenching to know that there was a possibility that I would be in the same place, associating with some of my biggest inspirations,” Yoder said in a phone interview. Yoder explained that she will miss the “collective Wisconsin identity” that would have formed during events like delegation breakfasts. She participated in Facebook groups and other group chats to build personal connections with other delegates. Yoder mentioned Tuesday that she was impressed with the first day of online events. She met speakers and participated in youth
delegate meetings via Zoom. Previewing November Milwaukee was chosen to draw attention to a key swing state. In a June press release, Biden Campaign Manager Jen O’Malley Dillon explained the party would highlight Wisconsin as a key battleground state during the convention. Biden is currently leading President Trump in Wisconsin polls. A Marquette University Law Center Poll released Aug. 11 shows Biden leading Trump 49 percent to 44 percent among likely voters. Last month’s polls showed Biden leading Trump 49%-41% among registered voters. While Biden did not travel to Milwaukee to accept his nomination, Vice President Mike Pence visited Wisconsin on Wednesday. Trump campaigned in Oshkosh on Monday, the first day of the convention. The Republican National Convention, set for Aug. 24-27, has also been affected by the pandemic. The convention has changed locations multiple times due to public health concerns, but is now expected to be mostly remote with some delegates casting votes in Charlotte, N.C. C OV I D - 19 affected Wisconsin’s spring primary election and the Democratic National Convention. The pandemic will continue to shape Wisconsin politics into the fall as vote-by-mail debates continue.
news Wisconsin activist leads march to D.C. dailycardinal.com
By Michael Parsky ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR
As demonstrations against police brutality and racism entered its 60th consecutive day in Milwaukee, protesters began mulling the option of extending their voices beyond the city’s borders — all the way to Washington D.C. For Frank Sensabaugh, who goes by Frank Nitty and is a prominent grassroots activist and a selfdescribed “beacon of hope” within the Milwaukee community, traveling to the nation’s capital by conventional means did not suffice. “[The other protesters] were acting like, ‘You catch the bus with us and your trip is taken care of,’” Nitty said. “I was like, ‘That’s cool. You know, I’m just going to walk there by myself.’” After prayer and thought, Nitty hit the open road Aug. 4 with a small group of his followers. Aside from planning the route and setting a target goal of walking 30 miles a day, the group lacked the funds and supplies to sustain the 750-mile trip. But through the use of social media and the spirit of lending a helping hand, Nitty’s march has been financed by donations through a mobile payment app and his following continues to grow — both physically and virtually — demonstrating the power a single act for social change can elicit. Amid a summer defined by widespread social unrest sparked by the tragic death of George Floyd while in custody of the Minneapolis Police, Nitty not only aspires to send a message to all Americans that Black lives matter, he also wants to prevent his efforts from being drowned out in order to cultivate meaningful and substantive reform across America.
Mail Home Issue 2020
“[The establishment] usually waits us out,” Nitty said. “We’re not getting tired this time. We’re going to do this and we’re going to get this change that we need, and we’re not going to stop until we get this change.” “Winging it” Once his epiphany surfaced, Nitty posted his decision on Facebook to his thousands of followers. His post “blew up,” but Nitty also felt doubt and skepticism toward the feasibility of undertaking such a trip. “I don’t think people took me seriously. I don’t even know how serious I took myself,” Nitty said from Warsaw, Ind., on Day 8 of his 24-day march. “But once I posted it, I knew it was something that I had to do.” Nitty said he raised no money. He didn’t attempt to fundraise supplies. With the company of a few individuals who Nitty said “would not let him walk alone,” an initial group of 20 participants sandwiched in between six cars acting as security began walking south toward Chicago. After a small send-off in Milwaukee, groups of Nitty’s followers residing in Kenosha and Racine Counties warmly greeted the participants. However, Nitty remained unsure if his demonstration would be recognized once he left his sphere of influence. Nitty could not have been more wrong. “All of a sudden people were joining us everywhere,” Nitty said. “All of these people knew who we were and where we were coming from. People from Chicago walked up to us and said ‘I saw you.’ I think that’s the most amazing thing I’ve experienced.” The support, adulation and frank awareness of his march
comes from Facebook Live, as Nitty broadcasts himself and his followers walking down highways and busy streets for hours every day. In addition to thousands of people virtually experiencing his demonstration and offering their praise across social media, Nitty also pinned his Cash App account where he has received countless donations from individuals in order to buy food, clothing, supplies and even hotel rooms for every one of his participants. “The fact that I’ve been able to take care of these people for eight days straight [by] basically riding the Cash App is [an] amazing show of support in my mind,” Nitty said. “It’s crazy that we’re literally in a world where you can take Facebook Live, frame it up to the world and have people pour in support for this movement.” Contributions also include the addition of participants to the march. While some local residents temporarily protested with Nitty and his followers as they passed through their communities, he also said every place the group visited, another person joined with the intention of reaching Washington D.C. This includes a Kenosha woman who started walking with nothing but the clothes on her back, individuals from Chicago and a Florida man who drove up to meet the group in Plymouth, Ind. The group — which is racially diverse — has more than doubled to around 45-50 people and the number of security and supply cars doubled to around 12 vehicles as of Aug. 11, according to Nitty. With the necessary funds, resources and manpower, Nitty’s impromptu movement founded on a whim and planned by the organization style of “winging it,” con-
tinues to spread to new audiences with much more room for growth. “This is a journey anyone can take. I want to call out individuals that felt like they were looking for a purpose of finding themselves to come [walk with me],” Nitty said. “We’re going to make it.” Walking into racism Nitty found a similar reception that he received in Wisconsin in the northern suburbs of Illinois and downtown Chicago. Residents approached Nitty and told him they saw his Facebook Live videos and the Chicago Police Department even escorted the caravan of participants “step-by-step” through the city. However, once they crossed the border into Indiana, a state with historical ties to racism and the Ku Klux Klan, the atmosphere soured. Residents cussed out the participants, using racial diatribes and tropes alluding to white power to deride their movement. Some locals stood with shotguns pointed at the demonstrators and shouted at them to go home. Hotels kicked out the demonstrators while they packed and required them to leave their premises. A Walmart store accused a female participant of stealing during a supply stop and did not even check her receipt before calling the police. Still, Nitty said participants kept their heads up and refrained from engaging in confrontations to maintain their peaceful disposition. “This group has been really resilient, and we haven’t responded, we don’t respond,” Nitty said. “We realize we’re marching for a lot more. We’re marching for Black people across the board.” At the same time, certain law enforcement officials in Indiana have accentuated this hostile envi-
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ronment. Nitty said police officers would block the entrances to gas stations and convince the owners to close their shops under the false pretense the demonstrators would destroy their property. One police officer exited his vehicle, pounded on one of the security vehicles’ car hood and accused the female driver of hitting her. The incident streamed on Facebook Live and the officer has since been disciplined. The officer was also forced to escort the group that same night, according to Nitty. “It was kind of frustrating with the police of pushing this narrative that Black people are just wild animals that break stuff,” Nitty said. “But one of the sheriffs and the businesses have said nothing but praise for how we’ve been polite and humble.” Nitty did highlight the Valparaiso and Warsaw communities as bright spots in being excellent hosts. However, he called the passage between the two cities as “the most racist experience I’ve dealt with in my life.” “Racism definitely still exists and until we change our country will have a lot of problems,” Nitty said. “I think as we go through all these things the most important is to tell people we won’t stop for nothing.” The road to D.C. As the protesters march down crowded interstates and highways with their security vehicles serving as their only protection, Nitty finds solace in blocking traffic, even as honking cars speed by and angered motorists look on. Asserting his “constitutional right” to protest, Nitty’s civil disobedience, however, took a turn for the worst one afternoon.
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State funds designated for COVID-19 testing on campuses By Jessica Sonkin CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR
Last week, Chancellor Rebecca Blank addressed the severity of the coronavirus-induced financial crisis UW-Madison is undergoing. “We’re facing some very serious issues and we’re working them out day-to-day,” Blank explained in a Rotary Club of Madison virtual presentation. Blank expressed the effects of the crisis cannot be fully determined at this time. Variable elements — such as the number of students who will remain enrolled and the extent of Wisconsin’s budget cuts — will be better assessed in the coming weeks. Even with a complete student population, Blank estimates a loss of approximately $150 million for the university — namely due to reduced dining and residence hall usage and the cancellation of the Big Ten fall sports season. Decreased budget amounts and employees furloughs will continue to culminate from monetary losses. However, these losses do not faze institutional efforts to make campus safety as effective as possible. Gov. Tony Evers has distributed $32 million from the CARES Act across the UW System to motivate a detailed COVID-19 testing program. Six million dollars have been
allocated toward safety gear for testing, $18 million is being utilized for COVID-19 tests across 12 of the 13 UW branches and the remaining $8 million will aid the purchase of 134,000 tests for the UW-Madison campus. At those 12 universities — consisting of 25 campuses — funding will accommodate bi-weekly COVID-19 tests for students living on campus and tests for symptomatic students. These funds will also be used to pay staffers and purchase flu tests. UW-Madison has independently formulated a Smart Restart plan complete with COVID-19 resources and protocols. Smart Restart includes a threepart testing plan that consists of oncampus testing centers, surveillance testing and target testing. The on-campus testing centers provide free, unlimited COVID-19 testing to all Badgers on campus — inclusive of faculty, staff and students. The testing center at Henry Mall opened on Aug. 6. and all other testing centers dispersed across campus aim to open before the start of the academic semester. The highly anticipated return to campus is just around the corner. For some, the transition to campus life has already begun. Navigating the preceding resources will require
guidance, but it will also call for personal accountability. Marah Williams — a UW-Madison junior who has worked with UW Housing since the second semester of her freshman year — is currently preparing to welcome incoming first-year students as a Witte Residence Hall House Fellow. Williams was recently given the opportunity to administer her own nasal swab test at the Henry Mall testing facility. Williams noted the UHS staff recognized COVID testing was a new experience for many people visiting the site, and gave detailed information when instructing how to administer the test. About 24 hours later, Williams received her test results. “It could take up to 72 hours to receive test results; however, I got mine back a little after 24 hours,” she reflected. “I was the only person taking the COVID test [at that time].” All students and employees in University Housing will need to receive the nasal swab test bi-weekly. In the case that an individual tests positive for COVID-19, they are expected to self-isolate and encouraged to contact UHS. UW-Madison has established both isolation and quarantine housing accommoda-
tions for students in residence halls. Precautionary measures and safety protocols established by University Housing do not end with regularly scheduled testing — University Housing has been finding ways to promote physical distancing and symptom monitoring as well. Williams has taken a different course of action in decorating her hall for residents this year — she is hanging posters on a “COVID19 Expectations” bulletin board. In her words, House Fellows are “informing students that this is a serious thing — it’s not a joke, it’s not an option.” Residents are advised to track their own symptoms, wear masks,
wash their hands and wipe down high-touch surfaces. “Residents will be reminded that they need to follow the mask policy and further action could be taken if they don’t follow,” Williams stated. University Housing still aims to host virtual house meetings and programs in an effort to introduce students to one another. “Make the most of it. Stay positive. There is a new normal,” Williams advised. The “new normal” is what the UW-Madison community must adapt to. The reopening of campus is an opportunity to acclimate, explore and understand how to utilize resources provided by the university.
TAYLOR WOLFRAM /THE DAILY CARDINAL
Henry Mall houses one of the COVID-19 testing sites set up on campus
arts ‘An American Pickle’ is pure lunacy
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Mail Home Issue 2020
By Dominic LeRose STAFF WRITER
Seth Rogen may be one of the most enjoyable comedians of our time to watch, yet his latest project is a set-back to his impressive resume that includes memorable roles in comedies such as “Knocked Up” and “This Is The End.” One of the first original films to be exclusively featured on HBO Max, “An American Pickle” tells the rushed, overbearing tale of Herschel Greenbaum (Rogen), a Jewish laborer in 1919 who immigrates to America with his wife for a better future. Herschel’s life takes a turn for the worst when one day at work, he collapses into a vat of pickles and is trapped for 100 years. Somehow, the brine preserves him perfectly and after making his way into modernday Brooklyn, he connects with his Great Grandson Ben — also Rogen. As Herschel struggles to learn the ways of life in 2019, he and Ben form a bond both tumultuous and comforting. What makes this movie so chaotic is that director Brandon Trust never gives us a moment to breathe. One scene after another, the film becomes more and more ridiculous and fails to ground the absurd silliness of the story in any way, authentic or clever. We’re just supposed to accept the madness of the story and not a single character
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seems to stop and pause for a moment to consider the craziness of what’s occurring. The rushed script that feels like it was written in an hour never allows us to truly understand both of Rogen’s characters, instead relying on recycled material that fails to deliver anything even slightly amusing. Written almost like a sketch-comedy, not a single moment in this film strikes a chord with the audience to make us want to follow the absurd journey of the characters. It is admittedly enjoyable at first to see two Seth Rogens on screen, yet the effortless attempts at storytelling prohibit the actor from expressing his true comedic powers. We’re expected to just go along with the continuous ridiculousness and silliness of the film without being rewarded with anything heartfelt or humorous. Perhaps the true reason the film struggles to succeed is that it doesn’t bother with properly developing the relationship between both of Rogen’s characters and rushes into one stupendous plot point after another. With absolutely no clear direction or attempt at creativity, “An American Pickle” is a complete flop whose chaotic and rushed story prevents anything special from generating. Final Grade: C-
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOPPER STONE VIA HBOMAX
Seth Rogen stars as two characters in the same family line in new HBO Max original film "American Pickle."
Artists grapple with new reality as tours turn digital By Emily Knepple ARTS EDITOR
As musicians grapple with the past few months that proved to be a pause on their regular scheduled programming, the silence has given them a chance to redefine
what it means to interact, or in this case, perform live. Gathering in a sweaty music venue and watching someone perform live is a hard thing to imagine right now. With numbers across the country still going up as thousands of stu-
PHOTO COURTESY OF WALLOWSMUSIC.COM
Wallows is one of many bands turning to virtual tours during this time.
dents return to college campuses, a slight return to normalcy serves as a dream. Local music venues are struggling to hold on as their main sources of income are at a halt. Patrons are encouraged to donate and support them in whatever way they can. For musicians, ways of keeping a steady revenue and also remaining relevant proves to be a bit harder. Without shows to headline and countries to travel, the pandemic has raised questions around the future of live music and what it will look like in the months to come. With Broadway making some of the industry’s hardest decisions first, artists have followed, starting to sell tickets for summer 2021, hoping to get fans excited about the future. It’s also been a unique time for the art of a livestream. Musicians have turned to Instagram Live or even the software Twitch to still have a chance to share their music and strengthen the relationship that live music cultivates. Just this past week, artists like Waxahatchee and the War on Drugs came together to promote voting with a virtual concert for HeadCount’s “Vote Ready.” By tying some sort of encouragement of social activism, the outreach proves to be bigger and hopefully carry more of a meaning in testing times. Even apps like TikTok are doing live streams with a series of new artists to reiterate the importance of live music for early-on industry exposure. Many are feeling the pressure to be relevant in
many different ways, as the internet continues to grow at the same rate as the virus, it seems. One of the pillars of the music industry is live shows. Without the chance to tour and reach people all around the world, some artists can feel as though the landscapes of their career have changed drastically. Artists are trying to keep up with the ways of the world and stay connected to those that fuel and contribute to their success. Wallows, whose frontman is Dylan Minnette, have just released a schedule of live-streamed shows, where tickets go for just $15. Those with a ticket will also be able to have access to the full show until the first week of October. While nothing can really replace hearing your favorite song by your favorite band live with hundreds of other people, these times are forcing creatives to be innovative. With the risk of COVID-19 being as serious as it is, we must reimagine our favorite pastimes. Things might be frustrating but there really is no blueprint for how things should look. Artists can engage with people in ways that they never have before. As people have more freetime now than they ever did before, people can take advantage of the fact that the soundtrack to someone’s Monday night might just be a live-streamed show from someone else’s living room. Along with his album release, set to drop on Sept. 4, British artist Declan McKenna is taking advantage of the new ways of performing live.
McKenna is currently selling tickets for his first-ever album’s debut show, where he’ll play the album in its entirety. While it’s not as ideal as McKenna might want it to be, it still allows people to not go through the motions that might prove to be dangerous of going to a release show. It’s easier for some to watch something from their bedroom, rather than get on a train, find something to wear, the list goes on and on. Costs are cut dramatically, soon enough, people might prefer to watch a show from their bed. It’s a testing time for everyone, all types of careers are shifting entirely. Working from home looks like a reality for people until at least early 2021. We need to think of new ways to interact with one another and Netflix can only go such a long way. Missing a live show is a feeling that won’t go away but can definitely be helped. Take time to look into what your favorite artists are doing and how they’re choosing to be creative during a time where things are far from normal. We might just find that live streams of shows aren’t necessarily a bad thing, but a new thing. It might be a long time until things are back to normal but this is a chance to redefine what the norms across the music industry are. There’s no longer a clear structure required to be a success. There’s an artist and audience for everyone. Right now, people are eager for things to catch their eye. Music is a great way to grab it.
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life & style Black-owned businesses in Madison
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Mail Home Issue 2020
By Elena Cata STAFF WRITER
As a non-Black UW-Madison student, I keep returning to this question: How can I be a better ally to my Black peers on campus? Furthermore, how can I be an ally in my community, my state, and my country? There is not one simple resolution to this inquiry as the answers are inexhaustible and wide-ranging. Genuine allyship should not be one-dimensional but multifaceted and well-intentioned. I have learned in the past few months that a powerful mechanism of allyship is using personal economic power to support Blackowned businesses. I spoke with Nalah McWhorter, the president of The Black Student Union, in early July and she introduced me to The Wisconsin Black Market. The Wisconsin Black Market is an Instagram page that showcases Black business owners in Wisconsin. The creators, Nalah McWhorter and Jalia Labre, hope this page will foster a prosperous Black market in Wisconsin. Both women have recently launched their own businesses; Nalah is the CEO of Silk & Honey Skin Care and Jalia is the CEO of The Labre Collection, a boutique specializing in lashes, apparel and accessories. The purpose of The Wisconsin Black Market page is to uplift other Black business owners and promote their products. Featured businesses include QPID Apparel, a clothing brand whose goal is to shed light on what self love is and why self love is important. The page also features a dessert shop, Sweetz 4 Dayz, that caters to both Racine and Madison, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Black Market also
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spread awareness about the nationwide economic blackout that occurred on July 7 and encouraged followers to join the Black Lives Matter movement in an effort to keep billions out of the economy. I had the privilege to speak with Jalia about The Labre Collection and learn more about her business venture. She told me that her motivation for creating The Labre Collection was to show customers that there are people who really care about their wants and needs. “My goal is to provide customers with the TLC they deserve therefore I am always looking for ways to improve,” said Labre, UW-Madison Class of ‘21. “Whether it is by changing certain procedures, policies, or prices. I want to make the shopping experience as pleasant and rewarding as I know it can be.” Jalia also spoke to the way in which social media presence is imperative for small businesses, especially during a global pandemic. Her business approach is rooted in quality customer service and she believes the creation of a Facebook and Instagram page for The Labre Collection is an effective way to stay connected with her supporters and clients. As a Black woman in business, Jalia is breaking down barriers and expectations that our society has imposed on her. She is a motivated and impressive college student who is determined to leave her mark not only on the UW-Madison campus, but the greater Wisconsin area as a successful businesswoman. Labre said “Throughout this journey, I have proven to myself that I can do anything that I put my mind to. My hope is that I can
inspire and move those that look like me to do whatever it is they have been wanting to try.” “I want them to know that they too can do anything they put their minds to. All in all, being a Black woman in business has been nothing short of amazing. I am so grateful for the outpour of love and support I have received from those in my community. I am beyond excited to see where the future takes me. This is only the beginning,” Labre said. I highly encourage following the Wisconsin Black Market on Instagram and taking the time to learn more about the innovative businesses that are featured. However, The Wisconsin Black Market is not the only forum that has compiled a list of Black-owned businesses in the Madison area. The list of Madison Black-owned businesses below is by no means exhaustive but it is a good start. Next time you get takeout, consider ordering from Marie’s Soul Food or Just Veggiez. Looking for a graduation photographer? Book an appointment with Arrowstar Photography. Supporting Blackowned businesses is a simple way that the non-Black community can shift their words of solidarity into action. Madison, WI Black-Owned Retail/Products -Marie Hunter Beauty -Adorn Chic Boutique -The Sophisticated Lady -Happily Ever After Children’s Resale Boutique -The Labre Collection -Perfect Imperfections 608 -CocoaBean Skincare -ALL Johnson Crafts -Swurly Curls -Village Girl Boutique -African and American Store
-Youngmajor Trend -Visions Boutique -Sweet Sorrel -Malcolm’s Royalty -Silk and Honey Skincare -Cey Boutique -QB’s Magnetic Creations Madison, WI Black-Owned Restaurants -David’s Jamaican -Savi Cafe and Catering -McGee’s Chicken -Kingdom Restaurant -Falbo Bros Pizzeria - Park Street -Buraka -Anointed One -Pa Pa’s BBQ -Melly Mel’s Deli and Catering -Just Veggiez -Marie’s Soul Food -Cafe Costa Rica -Ribmasters WI -Lorraine’s Cafe Madison, WI Black-Owned Catering Options -Les Délices de Awa LLC -Bartender 608 -Palate Pleasures LLC -Keur Fatou Catering -Madtown Food Service Madison, WI Black-Owned Dessert Options -Curtis and Cake -CocoVaa Chocolatier -Mo’ Betta Butter Cookies -Lushlife Vegan Bakery -Miss Ella’s Cake Bar -Sharifs Sweets and Pet Treats -Mac-A-Holics Macarons Madison, WI Black-Owned Hair Salons -Kali Jo Studio -Simple Cuts Hair Salon -Studio 262 Salon and Spa -Ashley Franklin - Hair Stylist -Fringe Salon Spa -Harper’s Hair Culture -Jason Glenn Salon -Decorous Designs Madison, WI Black-Owned
Barber Shops -The Edge of Freshness -Regent Cuts Barbershop -JP Hair Design, Inc. -Resilient Hair Design -Mr. Rudd’s Barbershop ‘ -Atwood Barber Shop Madison, WI BlackOwned Home Maintenance/ Landscaping -Cook’s One and Done Moving and Cleaning -Acme Household Services -Smart Cleaning Solutions -IRIE Plaster LLC -Class a Cleaning Madison, WI Black-Owned Services -Arrowstar Photography -Marla Bergh Photography -Blu Moose Photography -Indigo+ Photography -Reigny Day Photography -Krystal Images Photography -EQT by Design -Foster Funeral Home -Wood Violet Events and Styling -Motivational M.D. Publishing -Making the Heart Smile -Sheree Rayford Creative Services -Mitchell’s Dry Cleaning -DKL Printing Madison, WI Black Owned Fitness/Wellness -The Blast Muay Thai -Kickboxing Plus -Venus Inspires — Health Coach -Kneaded Relief Day Spa and Wellness -Ymassage — Bodywork and Natural Fitness -Silver Linings Taekwon-do -The Fit on Monroe -R’oujie Wellness -La’Karron Skin Boutique -Anesis Therapy Center
How you can take advantage of the 2020-’21 school year By Allie Sprink LIFE & STYLE EDITOR
Is that the sound of your alarm clock going off for class? Yes, you guessed it! It’s time to open those new notebooks, dust off your backpack and make sure to charge your laptop. Welcome back to a brand new school year, Badgers! Although we are back on our favorite campus, things obviously may be a little different. You may have a different class schedule or you may have some online classes. This year will be a lot different, but everyone is going to be adjusting to a new way of life on campus. However, there are things everyone can do to make this year just as memorable as any other. 1. Take advantage of the free time you may have. Obviously, many students were a bit disappointed to find out there will be no football to spectate this fall. Maybe some of your classes were moved online. The Unions may not be functioning the way seasoned Badgers remember them or the way new Badgers may have heard about them. Countless things will be different this year that may take some getting used to. Therefore, you may have more free time. However, there are many ways to put a positive spin on something you may have seen as nega-
tive. Instead of dwelling on these changes, find something new to participate in. For example, join a club or organization that you are willing to put time and energy into. You may find something that you are passionate about or make new friends on campus. You also could explore the city of Madison outside of campus. I never took the time to navigate my way around the area by the Capitol before this summer. There are cool restaurants and businesses that I never would have known about or taken advantage of if I didn’t take the time to explore! Lastly, you could find a job! Having extra spending money in college can come in very handy. If you have a few extra hours in your schedule during the week, make some money! 2. Stay active. In college, it can be hard to stay active and motivated. It is important to get rest and sleep, but it is also vital to keep on top of things! Making time in your day to exercise or get your body moving is very important. For a lot of students, walking to class may have been their primary form of exercise. However, some classes were switched to online instruction, so you may not be trekking up Bascom Hill to get your calf workout on your way to
class anymore. Therefore, finding ways to exercise daily that fit your schedule is very important. Keeping an active body can help you keep an active mind to stay on top of everything you will be juggling when classes finally start. For example, find a BCycle rack and ride around campus or the Capitol, take walks on the Lakeshore Path or even lift canned vegetables as weights once a day. Find something to keep your body moving that is not unrealistic for your schedule. Do whatever you are comfortable with! 3. Keep your fellow Badgers safe! In this uncertain time, it will be imperative to lean on each other. We are responsible for keeping our campus and all the students on it safe. Everyone has become so used to constant reminders of how to stay safe during COVID-19; however, the information stands true! Wear your mask and stay home if you feel sick. Take care of yourself and be cautious of other people. We are experiencing overwhelming events and information, including faculty and staff at UW. No one wants this school year to be different or for students to miss out on what there were looking forward to experiencing on campus. Therefore, if we take the essential
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The new school year is approaching, along with many new opportunities. steps now, hopefully, our beloved campus will be back to normal soon. We can do it, Badgers! Hopefully with advice, this
unconventional school year can feel as normal as possible. Happy 2020’21 school year, Badgers! We are all in this together!
opinion Madison’s ESL program: Reimagined dailycardinal.com
By Anupras Mohapatra OPINION EDITOR
Most of the articles I have written in my time as a contributor/ editor at The Daily Cardinal have been on topics that touch me deeply. Topics that I feel strongly about. However, none of my previous pieces have been so entangled in my own personal experience. As an international student, I had to prove my English proficiency to every American university I applied to. The entirety of my schooling was done in English but with most universities requir-
Mail Home Issue 2020
their English language proficiency is harder than the standard test doled out primarily to local students. Diagnostic tests that followed in both ESL 117 and 118 were just as hard, with near zero pass rates in my experience. For someone who speaks English as his first language, the result felt like an insult. Just because I wasn’t born on American soil, or in any English-speaking country for that matter, I found myself having to prove my proficiency even though my application and results spoke for themselves
But more than that, this speaks to a preconceived notion that most international students are less proficient than the required level, which just seems like too much of a one size-fits-all approach. Indeed, the whole program for undergrads could be reimagined to make it more effective. Firstly, second language level proficiency does not necessarily mean ineptitude. Most international students applying to universities in English speaking countries must already meet the minimum basic English requirement to even
I also do recognize that some students with a satisfactory TOEFL/IELTS score could still require more help than workshops or resources and would certainly benefit from courses like ESL 117 and ESL 118. In such a case, the courses could be restructured as pass/fail style modules — perhaps like AlcoholEDU or fabrication lab training — and made available to such students as a choice for their own benefit or need. Every student wants to do their very best to succeed and if someone wants to cut corners, they will end up having
PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF MILLER
Helen C. White Hall houses the English department and the English As A Second Language (ESLAT) program for international students. ing me to send proof of proficiency because I wasn’t schooled in an English-speaking country, I sent my TOEFL scores to all universities I applied to. According to the UW-Madison admissions policy, I probably should have qualified for a waiver, but I figured my score couldn’t hurt me. After all, I had received a 115/120 on the test — my score essentially placed me in the 99th percentile — and had transcripts reflecting that I had been schooled in English. But to my surprise, I had been requested to take the ESLAT — English As A Second Language Assessment Test — instead of the normal English test. At the time, I was eager to complete the placement tests to ensure a smooth transition to life at UW and figured it would be a mere formality, so I didn’t think much of it. But when I did face the test, I was surprised by its difficulty and upon receiving my results, I got a number which indicated the ESL course(s) I had to take on my way to satisfy my Comm-A requirement. I was also surprised by the fact that the English sample test was significantly easier than the ESLAT and that ESLAT didn’t have a single sample test online, like the English counterpart. It almost felt like international students were held up to unnecessarily high standards. Considering that the test primarily targets English speakers of second language proficiency, it seems odd to me that the test to determine
and I had nothing to prove. I brushed it all aside, excited to kickstart life as a Badger. I wanted to get the ESL classes out of the way and did so in my freshman year. I also joined The Daily Cardinal as soon as I could and found myself as an editor by the end of my very first semester. No placement tests deeming me to be a non-native speaker could stop me from engaging with the language in a native manner. Now, everything I have talked about so far seems to fit a diary more than the pages of The Daily Cardinal but I believe it is necessary to discuss my personal experience at length to build on the main points that need to be considered. The courses themselves were nice. The instructors I had were great to me and my fellow classmates, providing insightful feedback and genuine care to each of us. The classes also helped me better interact with international students from different countries and I can certainly admit that I did learn some things from the courses I took. I did also get easy As in the courses, with ESL 118 boosting my GPA. However, this doesn’t mean the ESL program for degree seeking undergraduates is perfect. A student like me should not have been a part of the program, and the time and six credits used for ESL could have been used better. Perhaps my seat in the classes could have gone to a student more in need than me.
gain admission and those who do meet the bar and get admitted are often multilingual, with English being one of the languages they are proficient enough in to be able to put together robust college applications. If students are able to clear the minimum bar, they do demonstrate enough skill to cope with — or get to grips with — the social and academic language expectations. A second round of testing that is significantly harder than the standard English test feels like overkill. Having only the standard test for Comm-A seems sufficient. Now, I am aware that international students come from a variety of backgrounds and have varying experiences with academic writing. I personally never wrote papers in my school days using APA citation and referencing. This is likely what drove the creation of ESL courses for degree seekers. The idea of equipping all of us with skills to succeed is great. But the knowledge needed to write papers in such a manner could be provided by the UW Writing Center alone. The Writing Center already offers tutoring through Writing Fellows and workshops exist too, which don’t cost students anything, unlike for-credit courses. Perhaps the resources used to keep the ESL undergraduate program going could be diverted to expand the Writing Center, which would serve all students, rather than segregating international students through unreasonable testing standards.
to deal with academic misconduct charges and that’s their responsibility. Having all bases covered with the Writing Center and modules means that every consideration has been made by UW, without enforcing blanket coursework on us. Either that, or the same forcredit courses are mandated for all students as Comm-A require-
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ments, regardless of background, to ensure that everyone — local, international or out of state — is held up to the same standards. Another factor to note is that the overwhelming majority of international students major in STEM or related fields, which are not known to depend on academic papers for coursework. Factoring breadth requirements, the overall university experience and the possibility of research though, the need for academic writing skills can be justified. But certainly not to the extensive levels seen in such courses. A lot of required guidance can be extended from the Writing Center. The courses can still exist in one form or another, but as an option for students who need/ want it. International students pay about thrice as much as in-state tuition, willingly. With limited access to aid and scholarships, the price doesn’t budge much but most of us see value in the Wisconsin Experience. However, it is hard to see value in paying about $5000 each for three credit courses that are enforced on us but can be reimagined as non-credit resources to create a better experience for everybody involved, without costing students extra tuition. The money and credits could be better utilized by us when not locked under rigid requirements, affording us the freedom of choice to make the most of our Wisconsin Experience. While I am just a student who passed through the ESL system and no expert in these matters, I hope that such points can be taken into consideration for the future, so that students can be best equipped to keep up the promise of the Wisconsin Idea, without feeling aggrieved.
Anupras is a Sophomore studying Computer Science. Do you think the ESLAT should be scrapped? Do you think the ESL program should be amended? Send all comments to opinion@ dailycardinal.com
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sports Big Ten Conference cancels fall sports season due to coronavirus concerns 10
Mail Home Issue 2020
By Joe Rickles SPORTS EDITOR
For the first time since 1888, the Wisconsin Badgers will not play a college football season this fall. The official announcement, made at 2:00 p.m. CST, states that the conference decided to cancel the season due to COVID-19 concerns. “The Big Ten Conference announced the postponement of the 2020-21 fall sports season, including all regular-season contests and Big Ten Championships and Tournaments, due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” reads the statement. “The Big Ten Conference relied on the medical advice and counsel of the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee.” This announcement comes just six days after the conference released a 10-week, conferenceonly football schedule that was slated to start in September. Teams were allowed under those protocols to begin practice last Friday, Aug. 7. Chancellor Rebecca Blank and Athletic Director Barry Alvarez released a statement immediately
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following the announcement, saying they, like everyone else, wanted college sports to return “to restore some sense of normalcy,” but acknowledged that the unfortunate decision “was the correct one.” “We are all going to miss the excitement of Saturdays at Camp Randall, cheering the volleyball team in the Field House as it was headed toward another run for a National Championship, the excellence of our cross country runners and the memorable experiences that come with men’s and women’s soccer,” the statement continues. University of WisconsinMadison players have already taken to Twitter to voice their extreme displeasure with the Big Ten’s decision. “Ain’t no way we play in the spring then turn around and play in the fall. Our bodies won’t last, stop getting people hopes up,” tweeted cornerback Faion Hicks. This sentiment has been echoed by many across the college football world; college athletes use the offseason to rest, recover, and prepare for the grind that is a college football season. Shortening that offseason by three to four months would undoubtedly have danger-
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The announcement means that all fall sporting events, including the Big Ten Championship, are postponed. ous impacts for players. Highly touted quarterback Graham Mertz’s tweet of one single ellipse encapsulates the disappointment and confusion from the University of Wisconsin football players. While it seems that Wisconsin Athletics will respect the Big Ten’s decision, other Big Ten programs
are not so eager to cancel their athletics. The University of Nebraska issued a statement saying they are “disappointed” with the ruling, and that they hope that “it may be possible for our student athletes to have the opportunity to compete.” The Big Ten’s decision to cancel the upcoming season is at odds with the medical experts of both
the ACC and SEC, who have stated that they each plan on playing a fall season. Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said there is “too much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks.” The ACC and SEC, which include a combined three schools in Florida, the virus’ epicenter, seem to have medical experts that believe otherwise.
What will college football look like in spring 2021? By Dexter McCann STAFF WRITER
When Kevin Warren announced that the Big Ten was cancelling all fall sports, he affirmed that to the media that “everyone associated with the Big Ten conference and its member associations is committed
to getting everyone back to competition as soon as it’s safe to do so.” So, what exactly does that mean? When exactly will it be safe to play? Well, some have suggested that might be the spring, and commissioner Warren has left
TAYLOR WOLFRAM/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Former Wisconsin Badger running back and legend Jonathan Taylor.
the idea of a spring 2021 football season on the table. Many are skeptics, given how unprepared the Big Ten appeared to be for the possibility of a fall cancellation. Others, however, truly believe that a limited football season in the spring could be a reality should the pandemic subside. That’s a big if, and one that looms large over not only college football but college basketball as well. Should a vaccine be made readily available by the early months of 2021, however, a spring football season might be possible. What exactly would that look like? Well, no one is quite sure, but Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm has a plan. His vision of a 2021 spring season begins on New Years Day with the opening of camp, with week one on Feb. 27 and week eight, the final regular season game, on April 17. His plan allows for a four team or six team playoff, depending on the number of conferences and teams participating. The championship would be played on May 15, just around when many colleges are concluding their spring semester. But, the changes wouldn’t stop there. The fall 2021 season would have its workout period truncated, and teams would play two fewer games, although it’s unclear whether teams would drop non conference or conference games. In his scenario, nonbowl teams would play 18 games in 10 months (1.8 games/month), up from the current 24 games in 15 months (1.6 games/month). Playoff/ Championship teams would play 22 games in 11 months (2 games/
month), up from 30 games in 16 months (1.875 games/month). Doesn’t sound so bad, right? However, it doesn’t take an epidemiologist to realize Brohm’s plan is extremely optimistic with regards to the course of the virus. If a vaccine isn’t available by early January, there’s simply no way to make his timeframe work. Wisconsin Athletic Director Barry Alvarez said that “his natural inclination would be six to eight games in the spring” if the logistics for a spring 2021 season could be worked out. If the course of the virus doesn’t line up with Jeff Brohm’s timeline, a six game season might be more viable. Even ignoring the virus for a second, there are a number of problems that immediately stand out with Brohm’s proposal and a spring season. But, what about the NFL? The NFL draft is typically in late April every year, and even if it can be pushed back, you’d likely see opt-outs from nearly every surefire NFL prospect. We had already seen WR Rondale Moore (Purdue), WR Rashod Bateman (Minnesota), and LB Micah Parsons (Penn State) opt out of a fall season prior to its cancellation, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some other big names, like Ohio State’s Shaun Wade and Wyatt Davis and Penn State’s Pat Friermuth, decline to play in spring. The weather is also a concern. February and March can be brutal months in Big Ten Country, and venues like Camp Randall, Northwestern’s Ryan Field, and Michigan’s Big House might simply be unsuitable for play. There would need to be extra BYE weeks arranged into the schedule should
a spring season be played, which makes the possibility of an eight game schedule even more unlikely. There’s too much uncertainty with the current trajectory of the virus to make any concrete plans for a spring 2021 football season. But, if it does become possible, a spring season would be most feasible if each team plays the six rivals in their division, then concluding the season with the Big Ten title game in Indianapolis. Trying to coordinate a national plaoff will be far too difficult given the variability of logistics between conferences, and an eight of ten game schedule is relying on too many things to go right with regards to the weather and potential injuries for kids who will be thrust into atypical workout routines. A six game season would allow for flexibility with regards to cancelling games, whether that be due to the weather, the virus, or another unforeseen variable. Still, teams would get to play their biggest rivals, albeit with rare exceptions (think Indiana-Purdue), and compete for a title at the end of the season. And, most importantly, a six game schedule could conceivably be played without interrupting the fall 2021 season, where it is critical a sense of normalcy is restored to the sport. The City of Sin does not look upon a spring 2021 season particularly favorably. The implied probability of spring games being played sits just a tad higher than 20 percent according to the oddsmakers. Still, the Big Ten should be doing everything it can prepare for football in the spring if it is at all possible.
sports Best quotes of 2019: Badgers remember fall football season dailycardinal.com
By Simon Farber SPORTS EDITOR
The cancellation of the 2020 Big Ten college football season has left many football fans with a hole in their hearts. While we will miss the hard hits, long throws, and for Wisconsin, 7-yard runs down the throats of opponents, we will also miss the personalities of the players. Here are some of the best quotes from the Badgers’ 2019 campaign. WEEK 7 (38-0 Win vs. Michigan State) “It doesn’t matter who we play. They’re just nameless, faceless opponents. So shutouts are not necessarily surprising to us.” -Senior linebacker Chris Orr, after No. 8 Wisconsin’s shutout of Michigan State at Camp Randall Stadium. The shutout was the defense’s fourth blanking of the season through six games, and the team’s third victory over a foe from the state of Michigan (No. 11 Michigan, Central Michigan, Michigan State). Orr recorded six tackles and a sack in the victory, en-route to an 11.5-sack senior season. WEEK 10 (24-22 Win vs. No. 18 Iowa)
“We wanted to put the ball back in Jonathan Taylor’s hands. With him being the best back in the country and our line being the best linemen in the country...I like our chances.” -Junior wide receiver Quintez Cephus, on closing out a victory over No. 18 Iowa thanks to strong blocking on the edges that allowed Taylor to run for 250 yards. Cephus missed all of the 2018 seasons due to sexual assault allegations, but was found not guilty of the charges and was cleared to rejoin the team last fall. He quickly established himself as the team’s primary weapon in the passing game with 901 yards and 7 touchdowns, including a score in the 2020 Rose Bowl Game. Cephus was drafted 166th overall by the Detroit Lions this April, but is not a guarantee to make the team’s active roster when the NFL season ultimately kicks off. WEEK 11 (37-21 Win at Nebraska) “I don’t think it’s a rivalry yet. Maybe it was before but it definitely isn’t anymore.” -Senior linebacker Zack Baun, taking a jab at unranked Nebraska before their Week 11 bout at Memorial Stadium last November. Wisconsin would cruise past the Cornhuskers a few days later, and Baun added two sacks of Nebraska QB Adrian Martinez to back up his pregame smack talk. Nebraska entered 2019 as the favorites to win the Big Ten West, but their lack of experience resulted in an under-
whelming 5-7 season (3-6 in Big Ten play). The Badgers have now taken the last seven matchups between the two teams, dating back to 2012. WEEK 12 (45-24 Win vs. Purdue) “In practice I’ve hit from 65 yards, so I knew I had the opportunity to make it.” -Senior kicker Zack Hintze, after drilling a Big Ten-record 62-yard field goal on the final play of the first half against Purdue in Week 12. Hintze was notorious for his booming touchbacks on special teams, but had only attempted one field goal before being called upon this particular Saturday. The ball held long enough in the air to sneak inside the far left post by just a few inches, sending Camp Randall into an uproar of disbelief. Wisconsin would go on to win the game and improve to 9-2 on the season. WEEK 12 “It’s a family atmosphere here at Wisconsin, I’m not just saying that. They’re fans but they’re family too.” -Zack Baun, after playing in his final game at Camp Randall Stadium on senior night. Baun battled through injuries to begin his career, but was dominant during two healthy years in 2018 and 2019. The edge rusher compiled 12.5 sacks in his final season, placing him third all-time on the Wisconsin single-season sack leaderboard. Baun was drafted 74th overall by the New Orleans Saints this past April and is expected to factor heavily into the franchise’s defensive scheme. BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP (34-21 Loss vs. No. 1 Ohio State) “I played with these guys throughout the season to earn the right to have a bowl game. And so especially after today, I want to make sure that I help these guys finish out right.” -Junior running back Jonathan Taylor, announcing postgame that he would not be sitting out Wisconsin’s invitation to the 2020 Rose Bowl Game prior to his inevitable selection in the NFL Draft. The New Jersey native established himself among the greats in college football history, compiling the most rushing yards in NCAA history (6,174 yards) through three seasons. Taylor gained 137 all-purpose yards in the Rose Bowl loss to No. 6 Oregon, his final game in a Wisconsin uniform. The Indianapolis Colts selected Taylor in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft this spring, and are expected to employ Taylor as the starting running back for the foreseeable future.
Mail Home Issue 2020
Where will your major take you? Apply to the Russian Flagship Program! 1. Link your language study to any major(s). No prior language study is required. 2. 3. Study abroad + complete a professional overseas internship. 4. Receive scholarships for study abroad + intensive summer language courses.
Enroll in Slavic 101 to begin Russian this fall virtually or on campus. GO.WISC.EDU/RUSSIANFLAGSHIP The Russian Flagship Program strives to create a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background.
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