UW-Madison Greenlights a New College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence
For the first time in 42 years, UW-Madison is creating a new college. The Board of Regents has approved planning for the College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, with an operational launch targeted for July 1, 2026. An official announcement is expected later this spring.
This move follows the university's 1983 addition of the School of Veterinary Medicine. Four decades later, the focus shifts to how computers perform tasks once handled by people-and how every discipline adapts.
What's being built
The new college will reorganize the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS), launched in 2019. It will draw on UW-Madison's strengths in computer, data, library and information sciences, and statistics.
Leadership signals a broad mandate: Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin emphasized preparing students for careers where technology intersects with every field-from patient care and teaching to biomedical research and the humanities. CDIS leader Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau underscored that the next workforce will benefit most from people who can combine computing and AI with domain expertise.
Why it matters for educators
AI is moving into more programs, offices, and classrooms. A 2024 Reuters report highlights a clear skills gap related to AI in the labor market, which colleges will be expected to address through curriculum and credentialing.
- Wisconsin institutions are already investing: Milwaukee School of Engineering announced a $76.5 million AI learning center earlier this year.
- UW-Eau Claire and Carroll University will offer new AI majors beginning fall 2025, signaling growing student demand and employer interest.
Program design and campus operations: Practical steps
- Build cross-disciplinary options: pair core domain courses (e.g., nursing, education, life sciences, social sciences) with applied computing/AI labs and ethics modules.
- Create stackable certificates and micro-credentials that recognize AI literacy, prompt practice, data fluency, and tool proficiency.
- Invest in faculty development: offer release time and incentives for course redesign with AI tools, assessment updates, and responsible-use policies. For quick upskilling by role, see curated options at Complete AI Training.
- Update academic integrity and assessment: define when AI tools are acceptable, require disclosure, and use authentic assessments that test process and judgment.
- Strengthen employer partnerships: co-develop projects, internships, and practicums that apply AI to real datasets and workflows.
- Modernize student support: equip advising, tutoring, and career services to address AI literacy across majors, not just in computing.
- Coordinate data governance and privacy: set clear policies for tool approval, model access, and student data protections.
Timeline to watch
- Spring (planning phase): governance, faculty consultation, and program frameworks.
- 2025: curriculum proposals, accreditation steps, hiring, labs and infrastructure.
- July 1, 2026: anticipated operational launch.
What to monitor as details emerge
- How the college is structured relative to existing departments and CDIS.
- New faculty lines, cluster hires, and shared appointments across disciplines.
- Shared computing resources, responsible AI standards, and statewide outreach.
- Credit transfer and articulation across the UW System and partner institutions.
Bottom line for education leaders
This is a clear signal: AI fluency is becoming foundational across programs. Start with a curriculum audit, identify a short list of high-impact courses for redesign, and stand up faculty training that meets departments where they are. Build partnerships early so your students gain experience with real tools and real data.
References and further reading:
Your membership also unlocks:
