eing Bucky" a documentary that followed the seven Wisconsin students who take on the role of Bucky Badger. The documentary was meant to show the life and background of being a mascot at a maj

teams' most recognized rivals are the Golden Gophers of the University of Minnesota and the Fighting Sioux of the University of North Dakota. Other rivals include the University of Denver, Colorado College, Michigan Tech, University of Minnesota Duluth, and St. Cloud State.
Mascot[edit]
The school mascot is an anthropomorphized badger named Bucky who dons a sweater affixed with the UW–Madison athletic logo (currently the red "Motion W"). Beginning in 1890, the university's first Bucky Badger was a live, temperamental and unruly badger who was quickly retired. Although the nickname of the Wisconsin teams remained the "Badgers", it was not until Art Evans drew the early caricature version of Bucky in 1940 that today's recognizable image of Bucky was adopted. In 1949, a contest was held to name the mascot, but no consensus was reached after only a few entries were received. In reaction, the contest committee chose the name Buckingham U. Badger, or "Bucky," for short.
At Wisconsin football games in the 1920s live mascots were used to inspire fans. The animals used included a black bear, a bonnet monkey, and live badgers. 1949 was the first year a student sporting a papier-mâché badger head appeared; this subsequently replaced the use of live badgers.[129]
The team's nickname originates from the state nickname. In the 1820s, many lead miners and their families lived in the mines in which they worked until adequate above-ground shelters were built, and thus were compared to badgers.[130]
In 2009, John Fromstein produced "Being Bucky" a documentary that followed the seven Wisconsin students who take on the role of Bucky Badger. The documentary was meant to show the life and background of being a mascot at a major university. "Being Bucky" won "Best Documentary Film" at the Wisconsin Film Fest and went on to play in local Wisconsin movie theaters.[131]
Student life[edit]

Over 750 student organizations or clubs register with the Center for Leadership and Involvement (CFLI) at UW–Madison each year.[132]
All-Campus Party (ACP) Every spring, the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) and the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board (WASB) put on a free, alcohol alternative, week-long series of events for the entire student body. They partner with local businesses, student organizations, and national corporations to sponsor All-Campus Party (ACP). This is a celebration of University of Wisconsin–Madison for students, created by students. The week includes featured events specifically designed and put together by members of WASB, in addition to many other events put on by the varying sponsors and student organizations. The featured events include:
Breakfast with Bucky- A free, continental, sponsored breakfast for all students. There are multiple locations on campus where breakfast is served to accommodate as many students as possible.
All-Campus Idol- With a format similar to the popular television show, American Idol, this singing talent competition searches for the best act on campus. Auditions are held looking for the top ten contestants to perform and compete on stage in front of a live audience. At the end of the show, the audience can text in their votes to determine the winner.
Wear Red Get Fed/ Bucky State Fair- Students are encouraged to wear red this day and receive free pizza in Library Mall. Rock wall climbing, Gladiator fighting, and other fun activities are there as well. Student organizations are encouraged to sign-up and host a booth in Library Mall and promote their organization as well.
Club Bucky – A live DJ, free food, and lots of dancing! A club atmosphere is provided for students as they dance the night away.
Buckystock – Previously known as