“Core Values for Our Mission”

Danielle Lawry

UW–Madison has been working to address new federal directives for higher education, some of which are having a disruptive effect on campus. Like fellow institutions, the UW is facing reductions in research funding and challenges to diversity initiatives.

“As these federal orders, actions, and directives continue to roll out, some of them create deep concern for and potential conflict with our long-held values like evidence-based research, academic freedom, pluralism, diversity of identity and viewpoint, support for our community, and nondiscrimination, among others,” Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin and Provost Charles Isbell said in a February 28 statement. “These have been, and remain, core values for our mission and our institution.”

Mnookin has acknowledged that “every new administration arrives with its own priorities, and change is to be expected. It’s also critical that we at universities listen carefully to those who may have significant concerns about our activities and operations.”

At the same time, she noted, “some of these directives would have a major and very concerning impact on UW–Madison, our operations, and our fiscal circumstances.”

Campus leaders are tracking the ongoing changes to ensure that UW–Madison responds thoughtfully and effectively. They are also appealing funding decisions with agencies and participating in legal challenges to prevent wrongful cuts, grant terminations, and delays. You can learn more in “UW Advocates for Research Funding” and “A Resource Worth Fighting For,” and on the university’s federal relations website.

In the meantime, the summer issue of On Wisconsin offers concrete examples of UW faculty, students, and alumni contributing to the public good. You’ll read about breakthroughs in medicine and engineering. You’ll meet people who have advanced the fields of business and journalism. And you’ll discover innovative courses that are keeping campus at the forefront of the artificial-intelligence revolution.

This being UW–Madison, you’ll also have a bit of fun. Hear about a historian’s collaboration with pop star Bad Bunny; take a last nostalgic stroll through Paul’s Book Store; jog along with the annual Crazylegs Classic; and relive the 1985 UW film shoot for the Hollywood comedy Back to School. Even in an uncertain world, we hope this issue inspires a summer’s worth of smiles.

Published in the Summer 2025 issue