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College of Engineering
This Week in SWE - D&I Highlight!
Happy National Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
This past Monday was the start of National Latinx Heritage Month. This goes till September 15th to October 15th. The significance of starting it on September 15th was because it marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Soon after, Mexico (Sept. 16), Chile (Sept. 18), and Belize (Sept. 21) celebrate their independence days. This month is dedicated to recognizing the histories, cultures, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The Multicultural Learning Center (MSC) is hosting events for the month planned by the Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee which I’ve attached down below! Additionally come support our friends at SHPE (The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) with their event this upcoming Friday, SHPES ‘N SALSA from 6-9pm at Union South!!
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It’s Okay to Ask for Help
Something we talk about often is that college can be a lot. Between classes, deadlines, and life in general, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s one of the smartest things you can do.
Your Mental Health = Just as Important as Your GPA
Feeling stressed, anxious, or stuck? It happens. The key is recognizing when you need support before you hit full burnout mode.
Who Can You Turn To?
- Professors & TAs – Office hours exist for a reason! They actually want to help.
- Friends & Classmates – Study groups = a game-changer. You’re all in this together.
- Campus Counselors – If stress or anxiety is hitting hard, talking to a pro can help.
- Academic Advisors – Struggling with classes or workload? They can help you adjust.
- Online & Campus Resources – Many schools offer free tutoring, wellness programs, and mental health support. Don’t be afraid to use them! See campus resources here!
How to Ask for Help Without Feeling Awkward:
- Be specific – Instead of “I’m lost,” try “Can you help me understand this part?”
- Don’t wait too long – Struggling for weeks alone makes things harder. Reach out early!
- It’s okay to not be okay – Everyone needs help sometimes. It doesn’t make you any less capable.
Take Care of Yourself, Too
- Get enough sleep (yes, even during exams).
- Move your body—walk, stretch, dance—anything!
- Give yourself breaks (your brain needs them).
- Stay connected with friends, family, or a support group.
You’re not in this alone. Whether it’s school, stress, or life in general—help is there if you need it. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
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Gender Inclusive Bathrooms
- Engineering Centers Building, Room 2072
– 1550 Engineering Drive, Second floor
– Not ADA accessible - Engineering Hall, next to room 2103
– 1415 Engineering Drive, second floor on the east side of the building
– Next to Room 2103 (this room does not have its own number)
– Not ADA Accessible - Engineering Hall, Room 3118
– 1415 Engineering Drive, Third floor
– Not ADA accessible - Union South, Commuter Shower
– 1308 W Dayton, Third floor
– Ask Front Desk (first floor) to unlock
– ADA Accessible - Wendt Commons, Rooms 134 and 135
– 215 N Randall Ave., first floor (one floor below ground floor)
– ADA Accessible - Wendt Commons, Room 212
– 215 N Randall Ave., second floor (ground floor in the Makerspace)
– ADA Accessible
View a map of all gender inclusive restrooms on campus
Wellness/Lactation Rooms
- Engineering Hall, Room 2645
– 1415 Engineering Drive, Second floor (above Badger Market)
– Chair, sink, refrigerator, changing table, and outlets available
– Locked, request key from front desk of 2640 Engineering Hall (Dean’s Office)
– Contact Peggy Conklin at 608-265-4048 with any questions - Mechanical Engineering, Room 2061
– 1513 University Avenue, Second floor
– Chair, sink, refrigerator, changing table, and outlets available
– Lockable, contact WISELI (Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute) office at
(608) 263-1445 or stop by their office (room 3065) to obtain the access code
Land Acknowledgement
The University of Wisconsin–Madison occupies ancestral Ho-Chunk land, a place their nation has called Teejop (day-JOPE) since time immemorial.
In an 1832 treaty, the Ho-Chunk were forced to cede this territory. Decades of ethnic cleansing followed when both the federal and state government repeatedly, but unsuccessfully, sought to forcibly remove the Ho-Chunk from Wisconsin.
This history of colonization informs our shared future of collaboration and innovation. Today, UW–Madison respects the inherent sovereignty of the Ho-Chunk Nation, along with the eleven other First Nations of Wisconsin.
Meet the 2025-26 VP of Inclusion, Equity and Diversity!
Hello! My name is Tvishi (She/Her) and I am the Vice President of Inclusion, Equity and Diversity (IED) for SWE at UW-Madison. IED initiatives are being implemented across SWE to ensure that our community is ever increasingly inclusive and welcoming to all. I am always available for chat, feel free to reach out via email (tkrishnakuma@wisc.edu) with any questions, comments, concerns, suggestions, feedback, or anything else!
Meet the 2025-26 VP of Outreach!
Hi! I’m Brynn (She/Her), the Vice President of Outreach for SWE at UW-Madison. In my role, I focus on fostering relationships between SWE and the wider community by organizing events, programs, and partnerships that inspire the next generation of engineers. I’m always open for a conversation or to answer any questions—feel free to reach out
