A Path Forward for UW–Madison

The goal was to create a framing document that could identify clear shared priorities, position UW–Madison as a leader in addressing the challenges and opportunities of our time, and define the university’s mission for the years ahead. Althea Dotzour

Last year, UW–Madison began a collaborative, cross-campus process to envision its future through the creation of a new strategic framework. The goal was to create a framing document that could identify clear shared priorities, position UW–Madison as a leader in addressing the challenges and opportunities of our time, and define the university’s mission for the years ahead.

The strategic framework is grounded in the Wisconsin Idea — the notion that the university’s teaching, research, and service should extend far beyond the boundaries of campus — and guided by the Badger Way.

If the Wisconsin Idea is the UW’s “why,” the Badger Way is its “how.” It describes how the university approaches its work: with curiosity, humility, integrity, tenacity, civility, and a touch of playfulness. It also expresses the commitments that individuals make to one another in community: practicing civility; embracing complexity; fostering connection; and supporting all Badgers as they learn, grow, and pursue excellence.

Together, the Wisconsin Idea and the Badger Way are foundational to the framework and its four strategic priorities: delivering unrivaled educational experiences to prepare students for their future; discovering, creating, and innovating to change lives; convening and collaborating for the public good; and cultivating a culture of excellence to ensure a resilient future.

The framework is, by design, not a plan. It is intentionally high level, allowing the UW to adapt, evolve, and remain resilient in the face of change. The work of bringing the framework fully to life will happen through school, college, and division strategic plans; campuswide initiatives; and collaboration among students, staff, faculty, alumni, and partners.

The strategic framework came together with help from the Visioning Committee, a group of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and campus partners who helped shape a vision defined by the collective aspirations and needs of UW–Madison now and into the future. This group helped lead more than 40 community conversations, gathering input from many faculty, staff, and students on draft concepts that reflected UW–Madison’s strengths and opportunities.

Visit strategicframework.wisc.edu to learn more about the strategic framework as UW–Madison embraces its future.

Published in the Summer 2026 issue