Student Services Resources

UW-Madison is a large campus with many resources available to students, faculty, and staff.

With so many different resources, it can be challenging to navigate eligibility and know where to go for what.

This page provides an extensive list of resources for students, faculty, and instructors.

Click the section titles in the boxes below to expand the box and view the answer. Click the section titles again to close the box.

Key Dates – Graduate

Semester: Fall 2025 – Grad Degrees

Aug. 25 – Fall Degree Window Period begins*
Sep. 02 – Fall Degree Window Period deadline*
Sep. 02 – Dissertator Eligibility for Fall 2025
Nov. 28 – Request for all Master’s and Doctoral Degree Warrants
Dec. 19 – Master’s Degree Deadline. Degree candidates must complete all
steps: https://grad.wisc.edu/current-students/masters-guide/
Dec. 21 – Doctoral Degree Deadline. Degree candidates must complete all
steps: https://grad.wisc.edu/current-students/doctoral-guide/

Semester: Spring 2026 – Grad Degrees

Dec. 22 – Spring Degree Window Period begins*
Jan. 16 – Spring Degree Window Period deadline for master’s students*
Jan. 16 – Dissertator Eligibility for spring 2026
Jan. 19 – Spring Degree Window Period deadline for doctoral students*
Apr. 17 – Request for all Master’s and Doctoral Degree Warrants
May 8 – Master’s Degree Deadline. Degree candidates must complete all
steps: https://grad.wisc.edu/current-students/masters-guide/
May 10 – Doctoral Degree Deadline. Degree candidates must complete all
steps: https://grad.wisc.edu/current-students/doctoral-guide/

Semester: Summer 2026 – Grad Degrees

May 11 – Summer Degree Window Period begins*
Jun. 12 – Summer Degree Window Period deadline for master’s students*
Jun. 12 – Dissertator Eligibility for summer 2026
Jun. 14 – Summer Degree Window Period deadline for doctoral students*
Jul. 31 – Request for all Master’s and Doctoral Degree Warrants
Aug. 21 – Master’s Degree deadline. Degree candidates must complete all
steps: https://grad.wisc.edu/current-students/masters-guide/
Aug. 23 – Doctoral Degree Deadline. Degree candidates must complete all
steps: https://grad.wisc.edu/current-students/doctoral-guide/

Semester: Fall 2026 – Grad Degrees

Aug. 24 – Fall Degree Window Period begins*
Sep. 1 – Fall Degree Window Period deadline*
Sep. 1 – Dissertator Eligibility for fall 2026

*Important Note: The “Window Period” is the time between the end of one degree period and the beginning of the next. You must have been registered for the previous semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer). If all degree requirements are met by the end of the window period, your degree will be granted for the following semester. However, you will not have to register or pay fees for the next semester.

Notes: Dates listed above are from the Degree Deadlines page linked from the Deadlines page of the Grad School website. For additional deadlines, see:

the Office of the Registrar’s Enrollment Dates and Deadlines page
the Grad School Masters Guide, Graduate School Degree and Dissertator Eligibility Deadlines table
the Grad School Doctoral Guide, Graduate School Degree and Dissertator Eligibility Deadlines table

Department Information, Forms, Handbooks, & Other Resources

Please note: The forms listed below are specific to departments in Russell Labs (Entomology, Plant Pathology, Forest & Wildlife Ecology). If you need approval through another department (Ex: enroll in research credits under supervision of a Zoology professor), please contact a representative from that department.

We recommend using the “Fill and Sign” feature in Adobe Acrobat to fill out PDFs and request electronic signatures.

For Word docs, right-click the link and choose “Save Link As” from the popup menu.

Click the links below to jump to the section you want to read.

Undergraduate Forms
Graduate Forms
Handbooks
Miscellaneous

Undergraduate Forms

All Undergraduate Majors

DARS Exception Request
- Request an exception to curricular requirements in Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS).
- Requests will be routed to the appropriate department curriculum committee. If approved, these changes will be reflected in your degree audit.
- Contact your academic advisor with any questions.
Enrollment Hold Release
- Remove “Must Consult with CALS Advisor” hold on enrollment

Entomology

Entomology B.S. – Independent Study Agreement
- Set up an agreement with a professor to receive research credits.
- Follow instructions on the form.
Entomology B.S. – Capstone Agreement
- Set up a capstone project with an Entomology professor.
- Form must be submitted to Academic Advising Manager to code into DARS/count towards degree requirements.

Forest and Wildlife Ecology

F&WE Forest Science B.S. – Independent Study Agreement
- Set up an agreement with a professor to receive research credits. Follow instructions on the form.
F&WE Forest Science B.S. – Internship Agreement
- Document internship experience and allow access to F&W ECOL 390: Learning to Action – Professional Development OR Independent Study credits.
F&WE Forest Science B.S. – Course Planning Guide – See advisor for latest version
- This guide is designed for Forest Science majors to assist in planning coursework for future semesters.
- It is meant to complement information found in the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS), Guide, and Course Search & Enroll tools.
- Should not be used a substitute for meeting with your academic and faculty advisors.
F&WE Wildlife Ecology B.S. – Independent Study Agreement
- Set up an agreement with a professor to receive research credits.
- Follow instructions on the form.
F&WE Wildlife Ecology B.S. – Internship Agreement
- Receive credit for internship experience in Wildlife Ecology through F&W ECOL 399.
- Must have approval from site supervisor and receive grade from F&WE faculty member.
F&WE Wildlife Ecology B.S. – Internship Evaluation
- Show progress in internship experience and receive grade in F&W ECOL 399 from F&WE faculty member.
F&WE Wildlife Ecology B.S. – Wildlife Ecology Course Planning Guide – See advisor for latest version
- This guide is designed for Wildlife Ecology majors to assist in planning coursework for future semesters. It is meant to complement information found in the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS), Guide, and Course Search & Enroll tools.
- Should not be used a substitute for meeting with your academic and faculty advisors.

Plant Pathology

Plant Pathology B.S. – Independent Study Agreement
- Set up an agreement with a professor to receive research credits.
- Follow instructions on the form.
Plant Pathology B.S. – Capstone Agreement
- Set up a capstone project with a Plant Pathology professor.
- Form must be submitted to Academic Advising Manager to code into DARS/count towards degree requirements.

Graduate Forms

Certification Forms

The “Certification Form”, otherwise known as a Program of Study, is a document signed by your committee certifying that your program of study meets minimum requirements set by the program and that we are documenting the approval of any prior coursework with the UW Graduate School. 

After forming your thesis/dissertation committee, completing this form should be your first milestone of graduate study. It should be completed after you have held your first committee meeting, generally by the end of your first year as a graduate student. Your faculty advisor and committee members are responsible for advising you on program requirements and course selection.

Entomology:
- M.S. Certification Form
- Ph.D. Certification Form
Forest & Wildlife Ecology:
Plant Pathology:

Handbooks

Entomology:
- M.S. & Ph.D.
Forest & Wildlife Ecology:
- M.S. & Ph.D.
- M.S. & Ph.D.
Plant Pathology:
- M.S.
- Ph.D.
- Ph.D. Minor

Miscellaneous Forms

Form Name	Applies to These Departments	Applies to These Programs
Annual Progress Report	All three departments	Ph.D.
Mentorship Progress Report	All three departments	Ph.D.
Course Substitution Form	All three departments	M.S. and Ph.D.
Course Waiver Form	All three departments	Graduate Programs
External Committee Member Request Form	All three departments	Graduate Programs
Qualifying Exam	Wildlife Ecology	Ph.D.
Warrant Request ¹	All three departments	Graduate Programs

¹ Request warrants (MS, prelim, or final PhD).Try to do this a minimum of 4 weeks before your defense date!

The web form initially comes to the Russell Labs Hub staff.
Hub staff will then request your warrant from the Graduate School.
Once the Grad School generates the warrant, you will be able to circulate it for signatures digitally.
Instructions for tracking digital signatures and warrant submission

Sortable List of Resources

Tips:

Click the column header to resort the table.
Use Control+f to search. (⌘+f on the Mac)
Narrow down the results based on these filters: (optional)

Audience :

Category :

Link Name :

Original Order	Audience	Category	Link	Comments
1	All	--> Start Here	Ask Allee Anything
2	All	--> Start Here	Course Search & Enroll	University requirements and course descriptions.
3	All	--> Start Here	Guide	University requirements and course descriptions.
4	All	--> Start Here	Resources Comparison Chart	For a comprehensive database of resources both on and off-campus, reference the Resources Comparison Chart Master Doc. This is a downloadable excel spreadsheet with information that is organized by scope, audience, and category.
5	All	Curriculum Resources	Course Rotation Schedule - Entomology	Lists department courses and when they are taught.
6	All	Curriculum Resources	Course Rotation Schedule - F&WE	Lists department courses and when they are taught.
7	All	Curriculum Resources	Course Rotation Schedule - PP	Lists department courses and when they are taught.
8	All	Curriculum Resources	Four-year Plan Example - Entomology	Additional four-year plan information can be found in Guide.
9	All	Curriculum Resources	Four-year and Two-year Plan Examples - Forest Science	Additional four-year plan information can be found in Guide.
10	All	Curriculum Resources	Four-year Plan Example - Wildlife Ecology	Additional four-year plan information can be found in Guide.
11	All	Curriculum Resources	Four-year Plan Example - Plant Pathology	Additional four-year plan information can be found in Guide.
12	All	Curriculum Resources	Course Planning FAQs - Forest Science
13	All	Curriculum Resources	Course Planning FAQs - Wildlife Ecology
14	All	Enrollment	Important Dates and Deadlines
15	All	Enrollment	Enrollment Holds	Unable to enroll for classes? Check your Student Center in MyUW for any holds on your record. The most common holds are for the Financial Responsibility Agreement, past due tuition, unpaid fees, and past due trainings. Occasionally, holds will be placed on a student’s records for other reasons. Most holds can be removed in a few simple steps. Visit this page for more information on enrollment holds: https://kb.wisc.edu/registrar/4139
16	All	Enrollment	Enrollment How-To tutorials
17	All	Enrollment	Enrollment - Request Permission
18	All	Enrollment	Enrollment Troubleshooting Tips
19	All Students	Advising	How to Contact Your Academic Advisor
20	All Students	Advising	How to Contact Your Faculty Advisor
21	All Students	Consulting	CALS Dean on Call	This is a fantastic resource for questions big and small, including information on late drops, withdrawals, and other urgent academic needs: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays – 1:00-3:00 pm In-person option: 116 Ag Hall Remote option:  Dean on Call form
22	All Students	Legal Resources	Lawyers for Learners	Non-profit organization that provides free legal help for UW-Madison students.
23	All Students	New Students	Autoclaves
24	All Students	New Students	Bathrooms
25	All Students	New Students	Biosafety Training
26	All Students	New Students	Bus Pass
27	All Students	New Students	Computing Help
28	All Students	New Students	Conference Rooms
29	All Students	New Students	Grad Student Orgs - Entomology
30	All Students	New Students	Grad Student Orgs - Forest and Wildlife Ecology
31	All Students	New Students	Keys and After Hours Passes – contact the Building Manager
32	All Students	New Students	Libraries - Main Site
33	All Students	New Students	Libraries - Steenbock (the CALS library)
34	All Students	New Students	Printing/Copying
35	All Students	New Students	Recycling
36	All Students	New Students	Teaching Assistants’ Assocation – TAA
37	All Students	New Students	Wiscard
38	All Students	Wellness Resources	Alternative Paradigms to Mainstream Diet Culture
39	All Students	Wellness Resources	Confidential ON-campus Support
40	All Students	Wellness Resources	Confidential OFF-campus Support
41	All Students	Wellness Resources	Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program
42	All Students		Big List of Campus Resources	Includes Quick Links, Calendars, Dining, Health and Wellness, Instruction, Research, Safety and Transportation.
43	All Students		Student Services FAQs
44	Faculty and Instructors	Campus Resources	International Faculty and Staff Services
45	Faculty and Instructors	Campus Resources	Office of Undergraduate Advising, Resources for Faculty Advisors
46	Faculty and Instructors	Campus Resources	Teaching and Learning, Office of the Provost
47	Faculty and Instructors	Course Proposals	Course Proposals - Overview
48	Faculty and Instructors	Academic Policies	Academic Policies, Grad School
49	Faculty and Instructors	Course Proposals	Check the Status of Your Lumen Course Proposal
50	Faculty and Instructors	Enrollment	Enrollment Information Overview	If you are authorizing a student to enroll in independent research (299, 699, 990, capstone, etc.), please email student-services@russell.wisc.edu for assistance.
51	Faculty and Instructors	Enrollment	Real-time Enrollment and Waitlist Tracking
52	Faculty and Instructors	Grading	Grades and Grading Policy (Grading FAQ for for students)
53	Faculty and Instructors	Grading - Final and Midterm	Grading FAQ for Instructors
54	Faculty and Instructors	Grading - Final and Midterm	Non-roster Grade Change
55	Faculty and Instructors	Grading - Final and Midterm	Registrar’s Knowledge Base
56	Grads	Department Program Info	Grad Overview - Entomology
57	Grads	Department Program Info	Grad Overview - Forest and Wildlife Ecology
58	Grads	Department Program Info	Grad Overview - Plant Pathology
59	Grads	Department Program Info	Funding - Entomology
60	Grads	Department Program Info	Funding - Forest and Wildlife Ecology
61	Grads	Department Program Info	Funding - Plant Pathology
62	Grads	Fees	Graduate Assistant Segregated Fee Policy
63	Grads	Grad School	Graduate School - Policies, Procedures, and Forms
64	Grads	Grad School	Graduate School - Information for Current Students
65	Grads	Grad School	Graduate School - Graduation Requirements
66	Grads	Graduation	MS and PhD Milestones and Steps to Graduation
67	Grads	Internships and Jobs	CALS Career Services Website
68	Grads - Plant Pathology	Travel Scholarship	Travel Scholarships - Plant Pathology	Students enrolled in the Plant Pathology graduate major can apply for business travel scholarships.
69	Undergrads	Department Program Info	Undergrad Overview - Entomology
70	Undergrads	Department Program Info	Undergrad Overview - Forest and Wildlife Ecology
71	Undergrads	Department Program Info	Undergrad Overview - Plant Pathology
72	Undergrads	Funding	Funding - Entomology
73	Undergrads	Funding	Funding - Forest and Wildlife Ecology
74	Undergrads	Funding	Funding - Plant Pathology
75	Undergrads	Travel Scholarship	Travel Scholarships - Plant Pathology	Students enrolled in the Plant Pathology undergraduate major can apply for business travel scholarships.
	Audience	Category	Link

New Student Information

Graduate Students

Welcome New Graduate Students!

For a complete list of program requirements, please review the Handbooks and Forms for your department listed in the Department Information, Forms, Handbooks, & Other Resources accordion panel above.

Additional Information:

Questions:

General questions: contact your assigned faculty advisor (if you don’t know who this is, look in your student center) or the major chair.
Issues with advising holds or need authorization for independent study: contact the Department Administrator.