The mission of this system is to develop human resources, to discover and disseminate knowledge, to extend knowledge and its application beyond the boundaries of its campuses, and to serve and stimulate society by developing in students heightened intellectual, cultural, and humane sensitivities; scientific, professional, and technological expertise; and a sense of purpose. Inherent in this mission are methods of instruction, research, extended education, and public service designed to educate people and improve the human condition. Basic to every purpose of the system is the search for truth.

As institutions in the Doctoral Cluster, the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee share the following core mission. Within the approved differentiation stated in their select missions, each university shall:

(a) Offer degree programs at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels.

(b) Offer programs leading to professional degrees at the baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate levels.

(c) Conduct organized programs of research.

(d) Promote the integration of the extension function, assist the University of Wisconsin–Extension in meeting its responsibility for statewide coordination, and encourage faculty and staff participation in outreach activity.

(e) Encourage others in the University of Wisconsin System and in other state and national agencies to seek the benefit of the unique educational and research resources of the doctoral institutions.

(f) Serve the needs of women, minority, disadvantaged, disabled and nontraditional students and seek racial and ethnic diversification of the student body and the professional faculty and staff.

(g) Support activities designed to promote the economic development of the state.