UW-Madison students who have overcome a challenge during their time in Madison or who have had a life-changing experience meeting someone different from themselves can apply to tell their story to nearly 5,500 new students in the fall.

Chancellor John Wiley is seeking student submissions on these topics and others, including advice on what new students must know about their first year at UW-Madison.

Although Wiley will step down as chancellor in September, and may not be at the Chancellor’s Convocation on Aug. 29 at the Kohl Center, he will make the final selection.

In addition to speaking, the winner will meet Wiley’s replacement, meet Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, and receive a $100 gift certificate to the University Book Store.

Office of Orientation and New Student Programs employees and staff members will select a group of finalists for Wiley to choose from.

All essays, 1,000 words or less, are due May 2 by e-mail to chancellor@news.wisc.edu with name, year in school, major and hometown attached. To see past finalists’ essays, log on to http://www.chancellor.wisc.edu/convocation/essays.html.