Badger Promise rumored to have been discontinued in original form, now a threat

When it was introduced in 2017, the Badger Promise made it look as though UW-Madison was providing a major incentive for first-generation college students to call Madison home. The program, which originally offered two to four semesters of free tuition to first-generation college students transferring from two-year colleges around Wisconsin, is rumored to have been discontinued due to budget cuts and the fact that one of the university’s high ranking officials wants a new boat.

While this is bad enough, it gets worse. 

The program is not so much ending as much as it is completely changing its concept, while deceitfully keeping the same name. Now, students worry that the Badger Promise is a threat. Specifically, it is believed that those who sign up for the program under the assumption that they will save thousands of dollars will turn into literal badgers upon admittance — and that’s a promise.

The science behind this has been kept close to the chest — likely not because it’s a false rumor but to prevent the creation of an antidote. However, there are a couple very scientifically plausible theories:

1. UW-Madison has worked behind-the-scenes with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that admitted students who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine will be told they’re receiving a two-shot vaccine. In reality, each of the two shots will be half J&J and half badger sperm. Upon receiving the second dose, you will wake up in an open pasture significantly more hairy and smaller than you once were.
2. A time machine has been built for Bucky Badger. Bucky will go back in time and seduce your mother before your father has the chance. He’ll take her out for a nice dinner, meet the parents and, eventually, marry her in a quiet lakeside ceremony. One thing will lead to another and, bada bing bada boom, Bucky is now your father. You appear to be 100% badger, as Bucky’s genes are all dominant.

Presumably, special accommodations will be made for students once they become badgers. For one, they probably won’t be able to hold a pencil, so they will definitely need new laptops. Dining halls will likely also need to start serving rodents such as gophers, squirrels and woodrats. Those with more ideas should immediately contact Chancellor Rebecca Blank for further consideration.

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