View of Bascom Hall from bottom of hill

About UW–Madison

Since its founding in 1848, this campus has been a catalyst for the extraordinary. As a public land-grant university and major research institution, our students, staff, and faculty engage in a world-class education while solving real-world problems. With public service — or as we call it, the Wisconsin Idea — as our guiding principle, Badgers are creating a better future for everyone.

The Wisconsin Idea: Our commitment to public service regionally, locallyandglobally

Two students wear masks while crouched on their knees working in a garden plot.
a sepia toned photo showing UW madison campus with Lake Mendota behind it

Our milestones

At UW–Madison, we drive change by pushing beyond boundaries. From life-saving medical advances to barrier-breaking social movements, our campus continues to be home to history in the making.

Timeline: Explore UW over the years

Finding truth in our history

UW–Madison is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background. And we recognize that to create a better future, we must confront difficult parts of our past. That’s why we're investing in an examination of our history, forging new partnerships with the First Nations of Wisconsin, and more.

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