Founded in 1848, the University of Wisconsin-Madison maintains a fundamental commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility. Faculty and staff include many who are distinguished in their fields. The University is a leader in many areas, including foreign languages and international studies, cancer research, organ transplants, biochemistry, agricultural research, astronomy, environmental studies, education, and computer technologies. UW-Madison has ranked among the top ten universities in the United States in every survey of scholarly reputation conducted since the turn of the century.
In every sense, UW-Madison is a public university. Active in the dissemination of knowledge and information, the University is guided by the “Wisconsin Idea,” the belief that the boundaries of the campus are the boundaries of the State. A wide array of outreach and public service programs share UW-Madison’s resources with the citizens of Wisconsin, the greater Midwest region, the nation, and the world.
UW-Madison is home to over 40,000 students during the academic year. The university also has a large enrollment during the summer session. Instruction, research, educational support services, and student activities are in full operation during the summer term.