University of Wisconsin - Madison is the oldest and largest campus in the University of Wisconsin System, a statewide network of 13 comprehensive universities offering liberal arts education and beyond, 13 freshman-sophomore transfer colleges and an extension service. One of two doctorate-granting universities in the system, the specific mission of University of Wisconsin - Madison is to provide "a learning environment in which faculty, staff and students can discover, examine critically, preserve and transmit the knowledge, wisdom and values that will help insure the survival of this and future generations and improve the quality of life for all."

In achievement and prestige, the University of Wisconsin - Madison has long been recognized as one of America's great universities. A public, land-grant institution, University of Wisconsin - Madison offers a complete spectrum of liberal arts studies, professional programs, and student activities. Spanning 933 acres along the southern shore of Lake Mendota, the campus is located in the city of Madison.