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Category: UW-Madison Related

Hack at UW, elsewhere exposes dangerous weakness in online education

Wisconsin State Journal

College students might imagine many nightmare scenarios during finals week:

  • A damaged laptop entombs an important essay.
  • The least useful member of a group project accidentally deletes the shared Google document.
  • A burrito consumed on the eve of a crucial presentation fulfills an untimely revenge.

But what if these horrors weren’t yours alone? What if all students and their professors found themselves living a shared nightmare at the worst possible time?

College graduates navigate the job market as AI continues to develop

NBC 15

Thousands of students will graduate from colleges in Wisconsin this month, and while concerns about artificial intelligence loom, a college dean and a Madison college student said personality and durable skills are irreplaceable.

Alejandra Beal is a student studying radiography at Madison Area Technical College. She also works as a peer coordinator specialist for the college’s career and employment services department, helping students navigate resources, schedule appointments and approve jobs on Handshake.

UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs: New UW-Madison study shows drinking water filtration systems may add months to lifespan

WisPolitics

As more than two billion people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water, new research from the La Follette School of Public Affairs investigates the effects of early-life exposure to citywide water filtration on longevity in the early 20th-century.

Nuclear fusion facility could come to Madison’s former Oscar Mayer plant

Wisconsin State Journal

A nuclear fusion company that got its start at UW-Madison is nearing the end of a nationwide search for the right place to advance the technology it hopes will power the future.

It didn’t have to look far.

After some promising successes using powerful magnets to shape plasmas, Realta Fusion is ready to build a prototype fusion device, which it will use to test whether the plasma inside will perform as expected at a commercial scale.

Tom Still: These ‘moonshots’ are grounded in engineering know-how

Wisconsin State Journal

The term “moonshot” most often reminds people of the Apollo space program that first landed astronauts on the moon in 1969 or April’s Artemis II mission, which was the first crewed flight beyond Earth’s orbit since 1972.

Devesh Ranjan, the new dean of UW-Madison’s College of Engineering, is hoping people will also associate “moonshots” with lofty research goals in the coming decade.

 

UW-Madison Chancellor Mnookin is leaving after 4 years. Here’s what she says went right — and what didn’t

Wisconsin State Journal

After four years leading UW-Madison, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin’s exit this week is like a graduation of sorts.

“Like many of our seniors, I feel like I am graduating after four years, and so I, too, know the enormous life-changing impact that a place like this can have,” Mnookin said during an interview Monday in Bascom Hall.

UW Madison holds graduation ceremony for doctoral, MFA and medical students

ABC 27

UW Madison hosted its first commencement ceremony of the year for doctoral, MFA and medical students on May 8.

Honorary degree recipient and UW graduate Speaker Tia Nelson spoke about her work in conservation and environmental protection. “The most complex problems we face will take more than persistence. They will take people with the courage to try something new,” Nelson said.

UW-Madison’s College of Computing and AI dean speaks with For the Record

Channel 3000

For the first time in 40 years, UW-Madison is launching a new college.

The university has named Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau as the founding dean of the College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, set to officially open on July 1.

As artificial intelligence continues to grow, so do its criticisms.

‘You are worthy’: Nearly 8,900 students graduate from UW-Madison

Wisconsin State Journal

UW-Madison’s class of 2026 was left with a resounding message at its commencement ceremony at Camp Randall on Saturday: Find your purpose through times of uncertainty.

“Purpose is not a perfect plan, it’s a compass,” UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said to a sea of black graduation caps and gowns in the stadium. “It helps you decide what deserves your time, what deserves your courage, and what you may need to walk away from.”

Lifelong Learner: Resources, support can help with returning to college

Wisconsin State Journal

Being a student at any age is a challenge, but returning to college as an adult with a job, caretaking roles and other responsibilities requires a special kind of balancing act.

Leslie Wright knows this all too well. After an attempt at college in the 1990s, she left and later earned her associate degree. Wright entered the workforce but stepped away to raise children. Through volunteer work and as a school board member in Oregon, she saw a need for mental health support in schools. She overcame obstacles to go back to school, and she’ll finish her bachelor’s in psychology this summer.

Madison Police Department oversight office calls out City of Madison for obstructing its independence, demands rejection of proposed revisions to its structure

The Badger Herald

The Office of the Independent Monitor, the agency responsible for independent oversight of the Madison Police Department, released a 31-page public memorandum lambasting the City attorney and Common Council members for obstructing the OIM’s independence April 21.

Some streets around Camp Randall closing due to commencement

Channel 3000

Some streets around Camp Randall will closed on Saturday due to the UW-Madison commencement ceremony.

Residents are asked to plan for extra time when traveling.

Starting at 6 a.m. the following streets will close to traffic and will reopen at 4 p.m. after commencement has finished:

North Breese Terrace, between Regent Street and University Avenue

Monroe Street, between Regent Street and North Randall Ave.

Run Madtown supporting UW-Madison’s Badger Challenge in 5K race

Channel 3000

Run Madtown’s Charity Chaser Runner beneficiary will be the Badger Challenge during a 5K race this month.

The Badger Challenge is a fundraising initiative supporting cancer research at UW-Madison.

A designated runner representing the Badger Challenge will start the Run Madtown Twilight 5K on May 23. Once the final participant crosses the start line, they will try to pass as many athletes as possible before reaching the finish line. For every 5K athlete passed, Run Madtown will donate $1 to the Badger Challenge.

Madison school district floats all-day cell phone ban for K-8 students

The Cap Times

The Madison school district unveiled its proposal for a new cell phone policy at a School Board meeting Monday, recommending an all-day ban for students in grades K-8 while allowing more leniency for high school students to use their phones during passing time and lunch periods.

At the meeting, some School Board members expressed trepidations about a full-day ban for K-8 students, while others questioned different aspects of the proposed policy.

Closures Contributed to Deep Cuts in April

Inside HigherEd

Officials at the public flagship said in a recent court filing that the university may have to lay off up to 160 employees if it doesn’t get clarity on federal funding in the near future, The Cap Times reported.

At issue is an effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to impose conditions on financial disbursements. USDA has asked states to agree to conditions to continue receiving funding, including ensuring federal money won’t be used to “promote gender ideology” or diversity, equity and inclusion practices. In March, 21 states sued the USDA over the preconditions; though UW Madison is not a plaintiff, the state of Wisconsin is.

Maria Woldt named director of Dairy Innovation Hub

WTAQ
On June 1, Maria Woldt will become the third director of the Dairy Innovation Hub, a state-funded initiative that brings together scientists, farmers, businesses, and educators to explore new ideas to ensure Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy sector remains globally competitive while advancing economic, environmental, and social sustainability.

UW-Madison plans pay raises for 548 faculty in high-demand fields By Becky Jacobs

The Cap Times

Nearly 550 faculty members at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are set to receive pay raises this month as part of efforts to attract and retain faculty in high-demand fields of study.

State lawmakers provided $27 million annually and created an annual appropriation to the UW system in the current state budget for the compensation. Over 2,300 faculty members across the state’s 13 public universities are receiving raises through the funding, said Mark Pitsch, a UW system spokesperson.

Opinion: How to fill 3 big university jobs in Madison | Our View

Wisconsin State Journal

The chancellor is leaving.

The president got fired.

The athletic director jumped before he could be pushed.

That’s a lot of turnover at the top for UW-Madison and the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin. It’s also an opportunity to reset priorities for higher education in Madison and across the state. The Regents and others who will help fill these jobs need to get this right.

MadHatters final performance of the spring happening this Friday

NBC 15

he MadHatters, an a cappella group at UW-Madison, will be performing their final show of the spring semester on Friday, May 1.

The group consists of 14 performers, using just their voices to sing and dance for performances.

“We really try and bring the energy so the crowd can feed off of that, and it can be this really fun night,” Kevin McNeil said. “Everybody just has fun, even apart from all the music, we’ve got some video skits with a little bit of dancing in there. We make our fair share of jokes, and we just really try to make sure everyone has a good time.”

UW system launches search for UW-Madison’s next chancellor

Wisconsin State Journal

The Universities of Wisconsin has launched a national search to identify UW-Madison’s next chancellor.

Acting UW system head Chris Patton and UW Board of Regents President Amy Bogost appointed a group of 23 faculty, staff, students and people from the Madison area to identify UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin’s successor.

UW-Madison students unveiling Madison Public Market website redesign

Channel 3000

UX Club at UW-Madison is hosting its final showcase for a redesign project in partnership with the Madison Public Market on Thursday.

Over the course of six workshops, students  conducted UX research, developed personas, built wireframes, and produced a fully interactive prototype for what will become Madison Public Market’s primary launch website.

UW-Madison research leader is among science advisers Trump dismissed

Wisconsin State Journal

President Donald Trump’s dismissal on Friday of the independent board that advises the National Science Foundation included UW-Madison’s top research leader.

Vice Chancellor for Research Dorota Grejner-Brzezińska was one of the 22 current members on the board that advises Congress and the president on the National Science Foundation’s operations. President Joe Biden appointed her in 2023 when she was working at Ohio State University.

UW-Madison Odyssey Project ready to see another class graduate

NBC 15

The UW-Madison Odyssey Project works to break the cycle of generational poverty through access to education.

The project has impacted two students who are about to graduate with goals of attending college.

For Lilibeth Sobrevilla, the mother of three emphasized the support she received from the project to help her educational goals.

UW-Madison names founding dean of College of Computing and AI

Channel 3000

UW-Madison named Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau as founding dean of the College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence as the school prepares to launch the new college on July 1.

Approved in December by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents, the college is the first academic division created at UW-Madison in more than 40 years.

University Of Wisconsin receives $100 million for its new AI college

Yahoo News/University Business

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has received $100 million in private gift commitments for its new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, which is set to launch on July 1, 2026.

The donations come from what’s referred to as the Catalyst Collective — a group of alumni, business leaders and corporate partners who have pledged major investments in the college. The alumni donors include Andy Konwinski, cofounder of Laude, Databricks and Perplexity AI; John Morgridge, former chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, and Tashia Morgridge, a retired special education teacher; Signe Ostby, a former marketing executive; and Jeff Tangney, cofounder and CEO of Doximity. The contributors also include Scott Cook, co-founder of Intuit; and Epic, a software company based in Verona, Wisconsin.

University Of Wisconsin Receives $100 Million For Its New AI College

Forbes

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has received $100 million in private gift commitments for its new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, which is set to launch on July 1, 2026.

The donations come from what’s referred to as the Catalyst Collective — a group of alumni, business leaders and corporate partners who have pledged major investments in the college. The alumni donors include Andy Konwinski, cofounder of Laude, Databricks and Perplexity AI; John Morgridge, former chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, and Tashia Morgridge, a retired special education teacher; Signe Ostby, a former marketing executive; and Jeff Tangney, cofounder and CEO of Doximity. The contributors also include Scott Cook, co-founder of Intuit; and Epic, a software company based in Verona, Wisconsin.

UW-Madison announces $100 million gift, dean for new AI college

Wisconsin State Journal

UW-Madison on Monday announced a $100 million donation and dean for the College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence that will hold its first classes next fall.

The investment comes from a group of alumni and industry leaders and is intended to help swiftly recruit and hire 50 new faculty, expand research and build programs for the college, which opens July 1.

UW–Madison’s reach throughout Wisconsin adds up to $38.9 billion a year

Wisconsin State Journal

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s core mission has long held that the work of the university should benefit the entire state. A newly released study now quantifies that commitment, estimating that the university, its affiliated organizations and the startup companies it generates contribute $38.9 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy.

Mifflin Street Block Party returns to Madison with record turnout

Channel 3000

The Mifflin Street Block Party is back in Madison this Saturday, and students showed up in numbers.

To celebrate the week before finals, Badgers at UW-Madison brought their party outdoors, spawning a sea of red across Mifflin Street.

Police at the event said this year’s record turnout is thanks to clear skies and sunshine.

According to Ethan Hafenbredl, it’s giving students the community boost they need to finish out their school year.

16-year-old UW student organizing fundraiser to fight celiac disease, which she’s lived with her whole life

Madison365

Kimaya Soin was diagnosed with celiac disease at age 4, but it took some pushing from her mother.

“My doctors actually weren’t really going to check me for it, so it wasn’t on their radars,” Soin said. “My mom had to research my symptoms. She looked them up, and based on the symptoms I had, it was either likely celiac disease or leukemia, and she had never heard of celiac disease, like most people haven’t.”

Madison officers hurt while breaking up State Street fight, managing busy weekend downtown

NBC 15

One Madison police officer was hurt and another was taken to the hospital after trying to break up a fight on State Street following a busy weekend of events.

The Mifflin Street Block Party brought thousands together Saturday, with crowds later migrating to State Street. Students said State Street had more people than usual, with lines around buildings and the roadway filled with people dressed in Badger gear.

UW-Madison’s new provost rejects reactive response to threats, challenges

Wisconsin State Journal

Around framed photos of his dogs and Badger merchandise, a paper name plate on John Zumbrunnen’s desk in Bascom Hall at UW-Madison has the word “interim” crossed out with a pen.

After nine months as interim provost, Zumbrunnen secured his role as the university’s chief academic officer and second-ranking official after a national search this winter. As provost, he oversees academic programs and budget planning.

Anjon Audhya assumes inaugural role of vice dean for research

WisPolitics

Anjon Audhya, PhD, will become the inaugural vice dean for research for the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health effective April 19. The role serves as the chief research officer for the school, charged with articulating the goals and vision of the school’s research enterprise to major stakeholder groups and planning for the long-term success and global impact of research activities.

Cardinal Call: Interim dean announced

The Daily Cardinal

Ellie Huber sat down with staff writer Henry Matson to discuss longtime UW-Madison faculty member Kristin Eschenfelder’s appointment as L&S dean amid broader leadership changes. In other campus news, student Democrats and Republicans debate foreign policy, free speech and political polarization, and Memorial Union’s sunburst chairs are back on the terrace.

UW retains top Peace Corps rankings

The Daily Cardinal

The University of Wisconsin-Madison ranked first on the Peace Corps’ 2026 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list, according to an April 7 Peace Corps press release.

The university also ranked first in 2025 and sustained its second place ranking for all-time volunteer-producing institution

UW-Madison fashion show ‘Becoming’ celebrates personal evolution

The Cap Times

College freshman Nandini Aluri spent a month “all day and all night” painting dozens of designs — a digital camera, the University of Wisconsin-Madison crest, an intricate design in the style of henna — on a matching set of brown corduroy pants and jacket.

She designed this wearable suit for “Becoming,” a fashion show hosted by The Vault. The Vault is a student organization at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that focuses on fashion, from design to marketing to business operations.

Crazylegs Classic to close multiple streets, detour buses in Madison

Wisconsin State Journal

Several Downtown and UW-Madison campus-area streets will be closed for a time on Saturday to make way for the annual UW Athletics fundraiser known as the Crazylegs Classic.

More than 9,000 people are expected to participate in the event’s 8K wheelchair race, 8K run or 2-mile walk, with the wheelchair race starting at 9:50 a.m., the run at 10 a.m. and the walk at 10:20 a.m.