Undergraduate Projects Lab

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The Undergraduate Projects Laboratory (UPL) is a computer laboratory in the Department of Computer Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is an environment for undergraduate students who wish to enhance their knowledge of computers through independent projects unrelated to coursework. It is maintained, administrated, and promoted entirely by students with support of the university's Computer Sciences Department.

The UPL was founded in 1985 by professor Bart Miller, who wanted to help give undergraduates space and computing resources they might not otherwise have to work on creative computer projects. The lab is run by a group of 12 volunteer undergraduate coordinators, who maintain the computer systems in the lab, hold "office hours" to make sure that the lab is open for other users, and provide help and collaboration on projects.

The lab is focused on giving undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue projects and research interests — activities that are usually reserved for graduate students.

Although the UPL is affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Computer Sciences Department, membership is open to all undergraduates at the university, regardless of major. UPL members study areas including not only computer science and electrical engineering, but also art and political science.