UW–Madison 2025: Campus Safety, New Engineering Dean, Quantum Research, Top 5% Admissions Law & Student Forums

Hello, Badgers! Welcome back to campus for the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. Let's dive into the latest news and updates from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. We begin with a safety update. On Labor Day, a pier on Lake Mendota near the Memorial Union collapsed, resulting in several injuries. One individual was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while five others received on-site medical attention. The pier is currently closed, and the university is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. In leadership news, the College of Engineering has appointed Devesh Ranjan as its new dean. Ranjan, a mechanical engineer with extensive experience, becomes the tenth dean of the college. Turning to research, UW–Madison engineers have developed a new technique to map quantum phase diagrams in Weyl semimetals. This advancement could significantly impact the field of quantum materials. On the policy front, Governor Tony Evers signed a bipartisan law requiring UW–Madison to admit all high school students who graduate in the top 5% of their class. This initiative aims to retain top talent within Wisconsin and address workforce shortages. Looking ahead, students are invited to participate in community conversations to help envision UW–Madison’s future. These sessions, scheduled for mid-April, offer a platform to provide feedback on the university's strategic framework. Snacks will be provided, and participants will have a chance to win door prizes. That's all for today's update. Stay safe, stay informed, and as always, On, Wisconsin!