| Location | Madison, United States | Funding Type | Public |
|---|---|---|---|
| No of Students | 43107 | Establishment | University |
| Founded In | 1848 | Estimated Cost of Living | 12000 USD |
| Address | 500 Lincoln Drive Madison, WI, US |
Since its founding in 1848, this campus has been a catalyst for the extraordinary. As a public land-grant university and prolific research institution, our students, staff, and faculty members partake in a world-class education and solve real-world problems. We’ve changed the way the nation takes its vitamins and brought flamingos to Bascom Hill. We’ve inspired satirists and senators alike. We’ve fearlessly sifted and winnowed to find today’s truths. And with the Wisconsin Idea as our guiding principle, we’re not only changing the 936 acres we call home—Badgers are also creating a better future for Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.
History
The university had its official beginnings when the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature in its 1838 session passed a law incorporating a "University of the Territory of Wisconsin", and a high-ranking Board of Visitors was appointed. However, this body (the predecessor of the U.W. board of regents) never actually accomplished anything before Wisconsin was incorporated as a state in 1848.
The Wisconsin Constitution provided for "the establishment of a state university, at or near the seat of state government..." and directed by the state legislature to be governed by a board of regents and administered by a Chancellor. On July 26, 1848, Nelson Dewey, Wisconsin's first governor, signed the act that formally created the University of Wisconsin. John H. Lathrop became the university's first chancellor, in the fall of 1849.
With John W. Sterling as the university's first professor (mathematics), the first class of 17 students met at Madison Female Academy on February 5, 1849. A permanent campus site was soon selected: an area of 50 acres (20.2 ha) "bounded north by Fourth lake, east by a street to be opened at right angles with King street", [later State Street] "south by Mineral Point Road (University Avenue), and west by a carriage-way from the said road to the lake." The regents' building plans called for a "main edifice fronting towards the Capitol, three stories high, surmounted by an observatory for astronomical observations."
This building, University Hall, now known as Bascom Hall, was finally completed in 1859. On October 10, 1916, a fire destroyed the building's dome, which was never replaced. North Hall, constructed in 1851, was actually the first building on campus. In 1854, Levi Booth and Charles T. Wakeley became the first graduates of the university, and in 1892 the university awarded its first Ph.D. to future university president Charles R. Van Hise.
The breadth of UW–Madison is stunning. This really matters. A university is a place where students should have the world of learning before them. The range of classes here is amazing. This is a place where you can get the broadest possible education.
The size of UW–Madison also means that it’s incredibly diverse. You’ll meet students from every part of Wisconsin, the U.S., and the world. Our entering class this fall has students from 34 different countries. Much of your education will come not from your classes but from your fellow students. So a class with more and different students means a better education.
UW–Madison is not just a big teaching enterprise. It’s also one of the top research universities in the country, which most smaller schools can’t claim. Why should that matter to a freshman? In my experience (and contrary to the popular stereotype) world-class researchers are often the best teachers. They have a passion for their subject that is unmatched and often find innovative ways to help students learn about some of the most interesting and newest ideas in their field.
And research and instruction interact in important ways on campus. Getting involved as a research assistant on a project is one of the best ways I know of to learn how information is put together and analyzed. I promise that’s a lesson you can use no matter what career you pursue.
The big size of this place doesn’t mean that you’ll get lost. Some students and parents select small schools because of the perception that there will be more personal attention. If I may slip into economist-speak for a second, I have found that despite our macro size, UW–Madison offers very micro-level student services. Every day I continue to be impressed by the hard work, dedication, and time UW–Madison faculty and staff members commit to teaching and nurturing students. Yes, I know students occasionally slip through the cracks and don’t get the attention they need. But we’ve worked hard on improving our advising and our access to core entry classes, so students can get the courses and the assistance they need.
Madison really is a great place to live. It has good biking, a beautiful lakefront, great sports, lots of good hang-out space on campus, student groups that fill every possible interest, and a casual, friendly atmosphere. And Bucky Badger really is the best mascot in the country.
I’m a huge fan of the big public universities in this country and took this job because I want to do everything I can to make sure that the UW retains and builds on the things that make it great. So — unless your mom is the chancellor — you’re at the right place!
Uniagents do not charge any fee from the students for admissions, scholarships or any support services. Any agents or individuals who ask for any money on behalf of Uniagents must be reported to: grievance@uniagents.com
If you are a user of Plan Study Abroad or Global Reach. Our paid services are listed on the website and must be paid directly.