The university plans to enhance freshman and overall undergraduate experiences through expanded seminars and orientation programs; expand programs in biosciences and foreign languages; and increase distance education opportunities.
Transformation of Teaching Through Technology
Technology is a powerful tool that can transform traditional approaches to teaching and learning. This program will provide a network that encourages and supports professors and other instructors in the development and implementation of information technology -- thus changing the way teaching and learning occur on campus and expanding education off campus.
Creation of freshman seminars and integrated learning initiatives
The first year at a university can often be the most challenging for a student on a number of intellectual and social levels. To help with that transition and ensure the ultimate success of our students, UW-Madison will create and expand programs for freshmen. New freshman seminars will explore the transition from high school to the rigors of university life. Integrated learning initiatives will create smaller collaborative learning environments of faculty and students within the larger university.
Pre-college programs: PEOPLE, Information Technology Academy
With additional funds from the Madison Initiative, UW-Madison will expand its successful pre-college programs, including the PEOPLE program and the Information Technology Academy. PEOPLE targets talented minority and disadvantaged high school students in Milwaukee, Racine and Beloit, and middle school students in Madison, to prepare them for college-level academics. The Information Technology Academy teaches computer, information technology and leadership skills to high school students of color in the Madison Metropolitan School District.
Initiative to Supply Undergraduates with Resources for Global Education
Known as SURGE, the initiative will restructure the international studies major to ensure that graduates possess a broad understanding of international issues and knowledge of specific countries and regions important to global commerce. SURGE will promote study abroad programs, internships and language training and advise students on careers in the global economy.
Student learning: Pre-college programs
Broadening student learning opportunities through programs such as the Pre-College Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) is one of the Madison Initiative's top areas of focus. Thanks to the university's successful pre-college programs, students can take advantage of opportunities long before they ever attend their first university lecture.
Read more about PEOPLE
Web sites
Learning Technology and Distance Education (Division of Information Technology)
Web-based teaching tools
PEOPLE program
Electronic Global Gateway (international opportunities at UW-Madison)
International Institute
Office of International Studies and Programs
Study Abroad
News articles
New tech program targets students of color (7/12/2000)
Milwaukee, Racine students come to campus (7/5/2000)
International Institute receives $6.1 million (5/25/2000)
Growth accelerates in study-abroad programs (3/22/2000)
Governor sees 'biotech revolution' in the making (12/9/1999)
Business course links students worldwide (11/23/1999)
UW-Madison awarded international business center (2/27/1998)