A large group of people sit at tables in an event space
UW–Madison Provost John Zumbrunnen addresses attendees of the Big Ten Academic Alliance Registrars’ Conference on Oct. 5, 2026. Photo by Mike Hollander.

UW–Madison hosts Big Ten registrars for annual conference

Registrars from across the country descended on Madison in early October to discuss and collaborate on the issues affecting higher education today.

The three-day Big Ten Academic Alliance Registrars’ Conference, held Oct. 4-6, brought together more than 60 professionals representing 17 Big Ten institutions plus the University of Chicago.

While each institution has different structures and challenges, several common themes emerged, including exploring responsible uses of artificial intelligence, responding to state and federal policy changes, and working with software vendors to implement new technologies that enhance the student experience.

The conference also provided opportunities to dive into topics like residency, compliance, degree audits, athletics, and transfer credit.

“There is intrinsic value in bringing colleagues from across the Big Ten together in person to collaborate, to share best practices and lessons learned, and to showcase the impact our public flagship institution is having on the next generation of global citizens,” says University Registrar Scott Owczarek. “It was wonderful to connect with people individually and as a group to work collectively in addressing the challenges facing higher education.”

A Wisconsin experience

Between sessions, attendees were treated to a truly Wisconsin experience, with some touring campus by trolley and others taking part in the highly regarded First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour.

Bucky Badger also made an appearance for breakfast on the final morning.

A group of people posing for a photo make the letter W with their fingers. Bucky Badger lays in front of the group.
Team members from the UW–Madison Office of the Registrar pose for a group photo with Bucky Badger on Oct. 6, 2026. Photo by Mike Hollander.

And of course, no trip to Wisconsin would be complete without celebrating the state’s dairy heritage.

The Monday evening reception, held at Four Winds Farm in nearby Fitchburg, Wis., featured a cheese tasting and cheesemaking demonstration led by the Center for Dairy Research’s Ian Kozaczek and Ken Monteleone, the owner of local cheese shop Fromagination.

Looking ahead

Each fall, a different institution hosts the event. Next year’s conference will take place Oct. 3-5, 2027, at the University of Washington.