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UW-Madison Regents Approve New College of Computing & AI

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 16:16 GMT by Channel 3000

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UW‑Madison Regents Green‑Light New College of Computing & Artificial Intelligence

On a sunny Wednesday, the University of Wisconsin‑Madison’s Board of Regents gave the green‑light to a bold vision that will reshape the campus’s approach to technology and innovation: the creation of a brand‑new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (College of CAI). The decision marks the culmination of a multi‑year effort that began with faculty and administrators outlining a strategic plan, followed by a public consultation and a series of feasibility studies. With the approval, the university will formally establish the College in the coming academic year, setting the stage for a fresh generation of degrees, research programs, and industry partnerships.

A Unified Vision for Computing & AI

The core idea behind the College of CAI is to break down the siloed way in which computing and artificial intelligence are currently taught and researched at UW‑Madison. “Computing and AI touch every field—from biology to business to the arts,” said Dr. Anna Geller, the dean of the new College, during a press conference that followed the Regents vote. The College will serve as an interdisciplinary hub, bringing together faculty from the School of Engineering, the College of Letters & Science, the School of Business, and the School of Medicine. This cross‑fertilization aims to foster new research collaborations that blend theoretical computer science with practical applications.

Academic Offerings That Reflect a Changing Landscape

Under the new structure, the College of CAI will launch a suite of undergraduate majors and graduate programs that are designed to prepare students for the future job market. The undergraduate lineup will feature majors in “Computer Science & AI,” “Data Science & Analytics,” and a joint degree with the School of Business that focuses on “AI & Strategy.” Graduate students will have access to master’s programs in “Artificial Intelligence” and “Human‑Computer Interaction,” and doctoral tracks that combine machine learning with domain‑specific research, such as AI for health care or AI for sustainability.

In addition to new degrees, the College will offer a broad range of certificate programs and short‑term courses that can be taken by professionals across the university. These include “AI for Healthcare Professionals,” “AI in Public Policy,” and “Ethics of AI.” The aim is to make advanced AI knowledge accessible to faculty and students in non‑engineering disciplines, thereby ensuring that the entire UW‑Madison community can engage with these emerging technologies.

Research Ambitions & Funding

One of the most striking aspects of the College’s plan is its research agenda. The College will serve as a focal point for interdisciplinary research centers that tackle pressing societal problems. For instance, the university will establish a “Center for AI & Environmental Justice,” a partnership with the College of Natural Resources, to develop machine‑learning models that can predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Another priority is “Human‑Centered AI,” which seeks to address bias and fairness in algorithms.

To fund these ambitious goals, the Regents have approved a phased budget that begins at $70 million for the first five years. The budget will cover new faculty hires, research infrastructure, and graduate student stipends. It also includes a dedicated seed grant for startup companies that emerge from the College’s research activities. The plan aligns with the university’s broader strategic initiatives that emphasize industry collaboration and knowledge transfer.

Industry Partnerships & Community Engagement

The College’s launch is not just an academic exercise; it is also an opportunity to strengthen ties with local and global industry. UW‑Madison’s board already signed a memorandum of understanding with several leading technology companies, including Microsoft, Google, and a regional semiconductor firm, to support internship pipelines, joint research projects, and real‑world problem‑solving challenges. These collaborations are expected to bring in additional capital and to give students exposure to industry‑grade data sets and tools.

In addition, the College will work closely with the Madison Metropolitan Area, which has a rapidly growing tech sector. Through community outreach programs, the College plans to host AI hackathons, open‑access workshops for high‑school students, and public lectures that demystify AI for non‑technical audiences. The university’s goal is to position Madison as a national hub for AI research and talent development.

The Approval Process and Next Steps

The Regents’ approval came after an intensive public review. Faculty members had proposed the College in a 2023 “Computing & AI Initiative” report, and the plan was subsequently refined through a town‑hall meeting in January that drew over 200 participants—including students, alumni, industry representatives, and local policymakers. The final plan, which incorporates many of the community’s suggestions, was submitted to the Board in February and approved in a 10‑to‑1 vote.

The next phase involves hiring a full dean and assembling a leadership team for the new College. The university has also appointed a task force to oversee the transition from the current departmental structure to the new college model. This task force will be responsible for aligning curricula, consolidating faculty hiring committees, and ensuring compliance with state and federal accreditation standards.

Looking Ahead

With the Regents’ approval, UW‑Madison is poised to become one of the first public universities in the United States to house a dedicated College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence. The initiative underscores the university’s commitment to preparing students for an increasingly digital and data‑driven world, while also providing a platform for interdisciplinary research that can address some of society’s most pressing challenges.

As Dr. Geller said, “We’re not just building a new college; we’re building a new way of thinking about how technology can serve humanity.” If the plan proceeds as envisioned, students, faculty, and the surrounding community can expect a vibrant, collaborative environment where the boundaries between computing, science, and society blur—creating a fertile ground for innovation that will resonate far beyond Madison’s borders.