Should An Algorithm Decide UW Student Success?
UW Madison has started tracking students who rank at the bottom of their classes. Starting this year, a select number of undergraduates have their academic progress tracked by administrators. They’re flagged if they rank in the bottom fourth of their class for two or more classes. They’re also flagged if they have assignments more than five days late. The idea is to find the students who need extra help and get it to them, while there’s still time for them to turn it around.
But some faculty worry that matters are being taken out of their hands. Some students are concerned that taking away responsibility for their own success could be counterproductive.
Cormac LaLiberté, college news editor for The Daily Cardinal, looked into the program.
Mentioned on the show:
“UW-Madison students enrolled in data monitoring experiment without ability to opt out” [The Daily Cardinal]
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
FTC Investigates Epic, Willy St. Businesses Struggle, and Madison Reddit Solves a Mystery
Are you struggling to make a dinner reservation at a restaurant this week? You’re probably experiencing the influx of people who are in M...
Indigenous Art Across Madison, Wonder Bar’s Future, and Your Hot Takes
The new Teejop Community Art Project is a citywide series of temporary art installations by seven Indigenous artists honoring Madison’s I...
Primary Results Explained, Ruiz Laid to Rest, and Preview of Men’s Shelter
Today, the family of Corey Ruiz will hold a funeral at the Fountain of Life Church, where Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy. City...
Pour One Out for Madison’s Best Bygone Bars and Restaurants
Is there a meal in Madison you used to get all the time, but that now you can only dream of because the restaurant closed? Maybe it’s a b...
Winners and Losers of the August 2026 Primary
Yesterday, voters in Wisconsin decided on primaries across the state. On today’s show, executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter...
New Info on Ruiz Shooting, Blood Donation Shortage, and Madison Black Restaurant Week
For the second time in the organization’s history, the American Red Cross has declared an emergency after the nation's blood supply dropp...
What You Need To Know for Tomorrow’s Primary Election
Are you ready to vote in tomorrow’s primary? Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos have you covered with the logistics, compet...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Madison
As much as you love Madison, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have compl...
How the Climate Is Changing Wisconsin Fish Fry
Our beloved Friday fish fry tradition isn’t disappearing, but thanks to climate change, it is changing. In this month’s cover story for M...
Ruiz Memorial May Be Gone, But the Protest Isn't Over
The memorial encampment at the intersection of Willy Street and Baldwin was forcibly removed early Tuesday morning by police and city wor...