Frequently Asked Questions

The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available now. We encourage every eligible student to file the FAFSA. Even if you believe your student will not qualify for federal aid, many scholarship and grant programs require a FAFSA for consideration. Students graduating this year only need to submit a FAFSA if they plan to continue to a graduate program.

Students should log in to Scholarships@UW–Madison (WiSH) to match with, apply for, and accept campus scholarships. Applications for continuing students are available year-round, so encourage your student to check the deadlines often.

Wiscard is your student’s official UW–Madison photo ID. It provides access to libraries, recreation centers, and residence halls. It can also be used to make purchases around campus.

• How to add money: You can deposit funds online at the Wiscard website, by mailing a check with your student’s ID number in the memo line, or in person at the Wiscard Office in Union South.
• Where to use it: The Wiscard can be used to purchase food and school-related items at more than 60 locations, including dining markets, laundry in the residence halls, and more.

Bus Pass: All students can pick up a free bus pass from Transportation Services by showing their valid Wiscard. This pass provides unlimited access to all Madison Metro Transit routes. Campus routes (80, 81, 82, and 84) are free for everyone and do not require a pass.

Travel Home: Visit the Transportation and Parking website for information on buses, shuttles, and other options for traveling to and from Madison during breaks.

Your student is responsible for obtaining the 1098-T form, which covers tuition and educational expenses. You will need to coordinate with them to access it. For the most current information, please visit the Tax Reporting FAQs on the Bursar’s Office website.

UHS is the on-campus student health center. All students are eligible to use its services, which include medical care for injuries and illnesses, mental health counseling, wellness services, and violence prevention programs.

• 24/7 Support: UHS offers a 24-hour crisis line for mental health support.
• Cost: Most services are free.
• Insurance: Access to UHS is not a substitute for health insurance. Students who need coverage can enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

The Parent and Family Program will email you directly if there is an ongoing, critical campus incident. These emails will explain the situation and how you can support your student. (Make sure you are signed up for the Parent and Family Program to receive these.)

WiscAlerts is UW–Madison’s emergency notification system to provide information about emergency situations on campus.

• For Students: All UW–Madison students are automatically opted-in to receive WiscAlerts. Students have the option to add a second cell phone number (for a parent or family member) to receive the alerts.
• For Parents: Text UWALERT to 77295. This will enroll you for 6 months, and the system will text you a reminder when that period expires.

Students must notify their instructors as soon as possible if they will miss class due to illness, injury, or an emergency. Your student should email their professors to explain the situation and ask about a plan to make up work. Accommodations are at the discretion of the faculty member. If your student is incapacitated and unable to contact instructors, the Office of Student Assistance and Support (formerly the Dean of Students Office) can send a notice of absence on their behalf.

Advisors help students connect with resources, select courses, and create a graduation timeline. Every undergraduate is assigned an advisor in their area of interest or the Cross-College Advising Service (for undecided students). Students should meet with their advisor at least once per semester to discuss goals beyond just course enrollment.

Tutoring is available for a wide range of subjects and is free for students.

• General Support: The Greater University Tutoring Service (GUTS) and the Writing Center offer support for many subjects and writing projects.
• Specific Support: Departments often run their own centers, such as the Mathlab, History Lab, or Physics Learning Center.
• Course-Specific: Some large courses offer dedicated tutoring sessions

Yes. Summer Term offers flexible 3-, 4-, and 8-week sessions. Taking summer courses allows students to get ahead, lighten their course load for the fall or spring, and stay on track for graduation. The Summer Term website lists courses, tuition rates, and housing options.

The Dean’s List recognizes high academic achievement at the end of each semester.

• Publicity: The Office of the Registrar hosts a searchable website of honorees. The university also sends announcements to hometown newspapers based on the student’s home address on file.
• Notifications: Students generally receive a letter of recognition, and the honor appears on their transcript.

Adjustment takes time, but getting involved is the best way to build community.

• Residence Halls: Encouraging your student to talk to their House Fellow is a great first step. House Fellows are trained to help residents connect.
• Student Organizations: There are nearly 1,000 student organizations on campus. The Wisconsin Involvement Network (WIN) is a searchable directory of every club, from academic societies to hobby groups.
• Recreation: University Recreation & Wellbeing (Rec Well) offers intramural sports and fitness classes where students can meet peers with similar interests.

Commuter students may face unique challenges in feeling connected. Parents can encourage them to spend time on campus even when not in class—studying in libraries, attending events, or working a campus job. The Transfer and Student Success Center also provides resources specifically for off-campus and commuter students.

UW–Madison fraternities and sororities host recruitment (often called “rush”) at various times throughout the year. Some councils coordinate large recruitment events at the start of the semester, while others recruit individually. Detailed information is available on the Fraternity & Sorority Life website.

Your student can find a list of religious and spiritual organizations on the Wisconsin Involvement Network (WIN). The Be Well website also provides resources for spiritual wellness.

Career planning should start as early as freshman year.

Career Advisors: Every school and college has a dedicated career services office. Students can find their specific office at careers.wisc.edu. Advisors help with resumes, interview preparation, and internship searches.

Undecided Students: The Career Exploration Center helps students who are unsure of their major or career path assess their skills and interests.

Finding Internships: Career advisors connect students to internship listings and help them navigate the application process.

We recommend students check the UW Student Job Center website daily.

Tips: The start of the semester is the best time to look. If your student is eligible for Work-Study, they should note that on their applications.

Benefits: Campus jobs are flexible with student schedules and are a great way to meet people.

Handshake: The university’s primary online job and internship platform.

Badger Bridge: A professional network supported by the Wisconsin Alumni Association that connects students with UW alumni for mentorship and advice.

The Commencement website is your central resource for ceremony schedules, cap and gown orders, parking, and school-specific event details.