The Wisconsin Idea

First attributed to UW President Charles Van Hise in 1904, the Wisconsin Idea is the principle that education should influence and improve people's lives beyond the university classroom. For more than 100 years, this idea has guided the university's work. Read more about the Wisconsin Idea and its history.

See how the university continues to make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin citizens: Building Wisconsin's economy Advancing health and medicine Educating young and old Enhancing quality of life