Grandparents University
Grandparents University® (GPU) offers a unique opportunity for the young and young-at-heart to share in a love of learning. It’s a chance to create wonderful memories, strengthen connections, and enjoy hands-on activities in majors led by top UW faculty and staff.
How You Can Participate
Grandparents University is an intergenerational learning experience for children who are accompanied by a grandparent(s) or older adult relative(s) who is not their parent. We recommend one to two children per adult. Children must be between the ages of 7 and 14 during the GPU session. Adults do not need to be UW–Madison or UW System alumni to attend; however one member of the family – extended or otherwise – must be a Wisconsin Alumni Association member or recognized in Van Hise Society, Bascom Hill Society, or 1848 Society to register.
If you meet one or more of these criteria and would like to receive information about GPU, scroll to the bottom of this page and complete the form to join our GPU mailing list.
WAA membership is open to everyone, and you may join today! Learn more about becoming a member or renewing your membership at uwalumni.com/membership.
If you have questions, email the GPU team or call 608-308-5585.
Call for Counselors!
If you have a grandchild who is a previous GPU attendee and would be interested in helping other attendees to enjoy this enriching experience, encourage them to apply to be a GPU counselor! Counselors are the reason GPU works, and we would love to have previous attendees share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of Badgers. Grandparents University Counselors lead participants to campus locations and are available to offer general assistance to participants and GPU instructors. Counselors are with participants during the entire program and capture many of the program’s great moments on camera. You must be at least a senior in high school to apply. If you have any questions, please contact gpu@uwalumni.com.
Save the Date
Grandparents University 2025®
Registration Day is March 18 at 9 a.m. CDT
Session 1: July 10–11
Session 2: July 17–18
Session 3: July 24–25
