UW Theme 2.0 is now available!
UW Theme 2.0 is now available to use in WiscWeb for new sites, or existing WiscWeb sites that want to build from scratch rather than migrate. If you manage your site outside of WiscWeb and wish to continue doing so, you may also download the theme. Visit the UW Theme 2.0 site to learn about blocks, patterns, and features of the new theme.
UW Theme Classic
UW Theme 2.0 is now available to download or use in WiscWeb. UW Theme Classic and UW Theme Lite are still available but no longer recommended for new projects. Visit Migrate to 2.0 to learn more about the transition.
You can still download UW Theme Classic, but support will end at the end of the 2026 calendar year.
1,700+ sites at UW–Madison use the UW Theme
Explore a few examples of sites that are built using the UW Theme on the WiscWeb WordPress service, a free campus service for creating and maintaining UW branded websites.
The Office of Strategic Communication recommends using the UW Theme on WiscWeb for most university websites to meet UW Brand’s minimum web standards. Sites on WiscWeb range from labs, research projects, resource websites, blogs, events/conferences, and more.
Key features
Mobile-friendly
Over 16 mobile-friendly page components, and five flexible column options for designing rich page layouts.
Google integrations
Integrations with Google Analytics, Custom Search, Tag Manager and Search Console
Accessible
Browser tested across devices, including assistive technologies to meet campus web accessibility standards and policies.
Actively supported
Ongoing support by the Office of Strategic Communication and WiscWeb with regular testing and updates.
UW branded
Built-in UW–Madison identity, colors, and type, plus a basic header, menus, and footer.
Browser compatibility
Browser compatible with Microsoft Edge, FireFox, Chrome, and Safari.
Get started
While customization is an option, to ensure continued compliance with campus web standards and accessibility policies, using the UW Theme on WiscWeb is recommended for most websites.
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WiscWeb (recommended)
Advantages of using the UW Theme on WiscWeb include:
- The WiscWeb team manages WordPress and plugin updates, reducing the amount of work and technical experience needed to securely maintain a site
- Sites using the UW Theme provide users with a consistent visual and interactive experience
- The UW Theme is regularly tested and kept up-to-date with the current version of WordPress, web accessibility standards, and UW Brand
- Any issues found with the UW Theme are addressed as quickly as possible and typically added to the next release of the UW Theme
Develop your own child theme
If you plan to develop, use custom code, or are working with a third-party vendor, you can use the UW Theme to create a child theme and build your website. The UW Theme Lite is helpful for those who want a more simple version of the theme to start with.
DoIT Shared Hosting is recommended if your department’s IT does not provide hosting services. While some hosting options have a monthly cost, DoIT Web Hosting provides database and Secure FTP access and allows you to fully customize CSS and install plugins.
For custom sites on campus, the unit that develops a custom design is responsible for maintaining it from that point forward, as well as ensuring continued compliance with the university’s minimum web standards.
Visit the Website Publishing Options guide to compare the differences between WiscWeb and DoIT Web Hosting.
Need help?
Email our team with questions, comments, ideas, or feedback. We’d love to hear from you.