Thank you for choosing to stay with University Housing! While you’re here, take advantage of the resources we offer for guests and all that Madison has to offer. And learn about our safety measures and policies to provide a pleasant experience on our campus.
Amenities
Wireless Internet is available in every resident room. Laundry facilities and vending and ice machines are located in most buildings. Guests can watch TV or socialize in our comfortable lounges. For the comfort of all guests, all campus buildings are smoke-free. For more information, see our Conference Services Brochure Note: Linens depicted in the Conference Services residence hall photos are for illustration purposes only. Actual bed linens supplied are based on your program’s linen plan, as well as the specific residence hall.
Bathrooms
In standard residence halls, men and women are typically housed on separate floors or wings with shared bath facilities for each gender. We assign rooms based on program preferences. The hall bathrooms have individual showers and dressing areas for privacy. For adults, Phillips Hall and Merit Hall rooms have private bathrooms. The bathroom facilities in Smith Hall serve two to three adjacent guest rooms while Dejope Hall, Leopold Hall, and Ogg Hall bathrooms serve four to five adjacent guest rooms.
Housekeeping
Room service and linen service are available to suit a variety of guest needs and budgets. Adult group rates typically include daily room service by request to refresh towels, make beds, and empty trash. For youth groups, we offer more economical packages with varying degrees of room service.
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Each Guest Room Includes
- Air conditioning
- Complimentary WiFi internet access
- One or two twin bed(s) with linens and pillows
- A small refrigerator
- Desk(s) and desk chair(s)
- A closet with hangers
- Window coverings
- Trash and recycling bins
What to Bring
When you think about your visit, we encourage you to daydream about those lake views or that Babcock ice cream. So, to help with the details, we’ve compiled a starter list on what to pack.
- Alarm clock (provided in Chadbourne and Ogg)
- Bathrobe, slippers/flip-flops
- Ethernet cable of 15-20 ft.
- Padlock (locking dresser drawer in most halls)
- Cell phone
- Toiletries and shower tote/bag (to carry items)
- Towels, washcloth, soap (provided for most adult conferences)
- Umbrella
- Water bottle
Desk Services & Computer Access
Our desk services are available as a great resource for all things Housing and Madison. Desk hours vary based on the residence hall. For information on what you can rent or buy from the desk and for specific hour information, please see our desk services page.
If you bring your computer, you can connect to the Internet through wireless access at no additional charge. For instructions regarding wired Internet service connection, please see our WiFi Guide.
Printers are available in some residence halls and are open to use for conference coordinators and guests.
Televisions & Telephones
There are lounges with Smart televisions throughout the residence halls. Guests room and common areas do not have telephones. We recommend you bring your own cell phone.
Technology
Internet
All rooms have free high-speed wired/wireless Internet access. For connection instructions, contact the hall desk or visit the WiFi Guide.
Media Center
The Media Center has 24-hour computer access. Black and white printing is free.
DoIT Help Desk
Providing high quality, efficient IT support services for campus administrative units.
608-265-6900
Hours
Monday-Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Rec & Sport Facilities
Recreational Facilities
Conference participants over the age of 18 can use recreation facilities on campus and may purchase a Conference Attendee Day Pass online or in-person. by showing their conference badge and a valid picture ID with birthdate. Cost $10/entry.
All participants must follow UW-Madison’s Recreation & Wellbeing policies and procedures. Participants using facilities are responsible for their own safety and conduct. Camps/clinics with participants under 18 must contact RecWell before using the facilities to discuss special arrangements.
Participants must provide their own towels and locks or rent these items. A towel rental is $1 per use and lock rental is $1 per visit. Lockers, without locks, are provided at the Shell and the Nick on a daily basis. Locks left on overnight will be removed by RecWell staff. The contents of the locker will be stored for 30 days before being donated/discarded. A $15 service charge will be assessed to retrieve belongings.
Division of Recreation & Wellbeing
Adults must purchase a Conference Attendee Day Pass at the Member Services office at each facility (Nick & Bakke).
Fitness Facilities
- Nicholas Recreation Center: (“The Nick” is in the Southeast campus)
Hours (May 15 – August 28*)
Monday – Thursday: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
*Closed May 28-30, June 19, July 2-4 - Bakke Recreation Center: (Located in the Lakeshore campus)
Hours (May 15 – August 28*)
Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: CLOSED
*Closed May 28-30, June 19, July 2-4
Safety & Emergency Procedures
Evacuation Plans
Please review your individual room’s evacuation route and plan as well as familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency exits and stairwell locations.
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Fire
A smoke detector is located in each student room and all common areas in the halls. In addition, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, pull station alarm covers, and fire doors are all designed to help with your safety.
In the event of an fire alarm:
- Close your window/s
- Turn on your lights
- Feel the door
If the door/doorknob is hot, open with caution. If heavy smoke is in the hall and you can’t find the exit, close your door and remain in your room. Contact 911 and the hall desk (if you have time). Place a towel along the bottom of the door, open a window and hang a sheet or towel out of the window to attract attention.
If the doorknob isn’t hot, close your door (don’t lock it) and lave by the designated exit; walk and don’t run or use the elevator. If smoke or fumes are coming up the stairway, use an alternate exit.
Tornado
Tornado watches and warnings, or other strong storms, are not uncommon in Dane County.
- Know the location of the nearest emergency shelter for your facility.
- Check with your facility manager or check building postings for the location of emergency shelters.
A TORNADO WATCH means conditions are right for a tornado to develop. Continue with normal activities, but continue to monitor the situation.
A TORNADO WARNING means radar or weather spotters have identified a tornado. The emergency sirens will sound a steady tone for three minutes or longer if there is danger in the immediate area.
In the event of a warning, take the following actions:
- Seek immediate shelter (individuals with disabilities, follow the same procedures). When the warning siren sounds, seek shelter, preferably in a basement or below ground evacuation location. A steel formed or reinforced concrete building will provide some protection.
- In a multi-story building, seek shelter in an interior hallway or a lower floor.
- Stay away from outside walls, exterior doors, and glass windows or partitions. Do not open windows.
- Basements and interior hallways or rooms on lower floors offer good shelter.
- In vehicles, get out and seek shelter in a nearby well-built structure. If you cannot find a structure nearby, seek out a ditch or ravine, which can offer some protection. Lie face down, with hands covering your head.
- After the all clear, leave badly damaged buildings if it is safe to do so. Elevators may not work in damaged buildings; the electrical power may be out or there may be damage to the elevator equipment.
- If you are surrounded by debris, be aware that removing some of it can cause other debris or part of the building to collapse. If it is not safe or possible to leave the area, stay there until assisted out.
- Do not attempt to return to the building unless directed to do so by UWPD.
- Do not attempt to turn on or off any utilities or other equipment.
- Report all injuries and damage to UWPD by calling 911.
Security
- Never prop open a building door or allow access to a stranger. University Housing has installed security cameras and monitors in its high-rise buildings, along with exterior locking and monitoring systems that notify staff when doors are ajar or propped open.
- Residents of University Housing are urged to keep their doors locked, especially when home or sleeping.
- If you feel uncomfortable confronting a person who is following you into a residence hall, alert your hall staff, house fellow or UWPD.
- Always carry your key when you leave your room.
- Do not open the door to someone who does not carry proper identification. University Housing custodial and maintenance staff members all wear identification tags with their photos and names.
- Report any crime or suspicion of a crime at once. If UWPD is contacted within the first five minutes, police have a better chance of finding a suspect.
Safety Violations
The following life-threatening behaviors may result in guests being asked to leave the residence hall:
- Possessing, using or selling illegal substances, including marijuana
- Tampering with fire equipment, e.g. fire alarms and extinguishers
- Tampering with the security system or elevators
- Possession or shooting-off firearms, firecrackers, fireworks, bows and arrows, or other weapons
- Throwing or dropping objects out of windows and off balconies, decks or roofs
This is not an exhaustive list of violations.
Police, Fire & EMS
911
UW-Madison Police Department
non-emergency
608-264-2677
Personal Safety Tips for Guests
- Do not open your room door to anyone you do not know.
- University Housing and contracted employees should be wearing name badges.
- Use the main entrance to come and go in your hall.
- Close and lock your guest room door at all times.
- Report all lost and found items to the hall desk immediately.
- When outdoors, travel with a group and remain attentive.
- Report any suspicious behavior or people to the hall desk.
This is not intended to be a complete list of precautions.
UW-Madison Police Department’s General Safety Tips, Navigating Campus.
Campus Reporting Policy
While you are living within University Housing, we want to ensure that we can best support you and your program. In order to provide prompt and appropriate support, all sponsors, counselors, program leaders and adult guests must immediately notify professional Housing staff (608-225-7118), or the University of Wisconsin – Madison Police Department (UWPD) (608-264-2677) of all crimes, misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking or dating/domestic violence that occur or reportedly occur in University Housing. Please understand that University Housing staff and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department are not confidential resources and may have an obligation to report to other professionals at the University. UW-Madison is obligated to notify the campus community of crimes that present an ongoing threat, so reporting immediately is important.
Policies
Below are two highlighted policies for our overnight conference guests. For a complete A-Z list of our policies, visit our full Conference Guest Policies page.
Smoke-Free Policy
In light of the clear health hazards associated with smoking for smokers and non-smokers alike, the University of Wisconsin-Madison adopted a SMOKE-FREE POLICY effective April 8, 1991. All areas, including lounges, hallways, guest rooms, restrooms and cafeterias are smoke-free, including electronic cigarettes. Smoking is permitted a reasonable distance (25 feet or more) from any exits and entrances of buildings.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages may be consumed by adults of legal drinking age (21 years old) in their rooms. Individual programs may have additional guidelines for their participants. Alcohol may be served by University Housing personnel at catered events.