Division of Continuing Studies
21 North Park Street, 7th Floor
Madison, WI 53715
608-262-1156
fax 608-265-2901
www.dcs.wisc.edu
Adult Career and Special Student Services
Summer Session
University Special Students
Independent Learning
Continuing Education Program
DCS Faculty
The Division of Continuing Studies provides services to adult students, offers continuing education classes and programs, supports evening and online courses, as well as coordinates Summer Session. DCS fosters professional and personal development by connecting learners of all ages with the resources of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Adult Career and Special Student Services
Adult Career and Special Student Services (ACSSS) serves adults returning to formal education and/or considering a career change. ACSSS provides career counseling, academic advising, and university information to adults through individual appointments and a number of career transition workshops and academic programs.
It is also the admitting and academic dean's office for University Special students. University Special students enroll in UW-Madison credit courses, but are not currently in a UW-Madison degree program. They often are individuals who need to fulfill prerequisites for graduate or professional school, enhance job skills, maintain or earn certifications or licensing, or change careers. Many take courses to satisfy a personal interest. Special students also may be part of pre-selected groups identified by departments for specific courses or programs. Undergraduate students from other institutions who wish to take a course at UW-Madison do so as University Special students in the classification of Visiting student.
Community adults or individuals who are no longer working on a degrees are eligible to access services with a career counselor. Through individual discussions, assessments and workshops, individuals may discover a path to a more meaningful and satisfying career or a future educational goal. This resource is available to community adults seeking personal or professional development, and one need not be a graduate of the University of Wisconsin to use these services.
ACSSS also provides workshops and programs on a variety of topics including career transitions, academic preparation, and returning to school. Many of these programs are free and open to the public.
For more information, call 608-263-6960 or visit ACSSS, 21 North Park Street, Madison, WI 53715. For list server or facebook information, send an e-mail to advising@dcs.wisc.edu or call 608-263-6960.
Summer Session
During the summer term, students may earn up to twelve credits, enabling them to graduate on schedule or, in some cases, graduate early. Each summer, more than 12,000 undergraduate students enroll in summer courses offered on-campus or on-line. They may choose from more than 1,000 credit classes in sessions lasting from one to 13 weeks. Students also may experience innovative programs available only in summer, including the University Summer Forum and language institutes.
UW-Madison undergraduates eligible to continue in summer from spring are sent Web enrollment information in March. Undergraduates not eligible to continue must obtain their dean's permission to enroll for summer session. Those applying for the first time or planning to reenter as undergraduates should apply for admission early and must abide by deadlines set by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. Visiting undergraduates from other institutions should apply for admission to Adult Career and Special Student Services by late spring.
Admission, enrollment, and innovative program information is published in Your Guide to Summer Session. This publication is available starting in late January from the Division of Continuing Studies, 21 North Park Street, Madison, WI 53715-1218; 608-262-1156; fax 608-265-2901; www.dcs.wisc.edu/summer.
University Special Students
Adult Career and Special Student Service provides academic advising, admission, records, and other support services for non-degree students enrolling as University Special students.
Students with bachelors' degrees may take courses to fulfill graduate or professional school pre-requisites, or to satisfy licensing or employment purposes, or to take university classes beyond the regular degree requirements. Undergraduate students visiting from other colleges and transferring credits to their home academic institution may enroll in classes for one term as visitors. Early applications are encouraged. Persons who have missed undergraduate deadlines or have been denied undergraduate admission are not eligible for admission as University Special students. In most cases, University Special students pay regular per-credit undergraduate fees and tuition and have access to most of the privileges of all other students enrolling for credit, such as use of recreational facilities, Metro bus pass, and health services.
One distinct classification is Guest student, for individuals who wish to audit UW-Madison courses for a reduced tuition rate and do not earn college credit. This option exists for those seeking personal or professional enrichment through UW-Madison credit courses and do not need college credits. Qualified Wisconsin residents over 60 years of age may audit lecture courses at no charge.
For information and to access the online application, see www.dcs.wisc.edu/info. For questions, contact Adult Career and Special Student Services, 21 North Park Street, Suite 7101, Madison, WI 53715; 608-263-6960; fax 608-265-2901; advising@dcs.wisc.edu.
Independent Learning
Students may earn undergraduate credits through Independent Learning courses arranged through UW-Extension. A wide range of online courses have been developed by UW faculty. Courses are self-paced and may be started at any time. Credits can be applied toward a bachelor's degree from any institution in the UW System. Confirm transferability by checking the online Transfer Information System (TIS). Before enrolling in Independent Learning courses, students should check with an advisor in their school or college to make sure the chosen course is appropriate for the degree program. Students currently enrolled at a UW System institution should follow the regulations governing Independent Learning. To obtain more information or to request a catalog, call 608-262-2011 (or 877-895-3276) or visit the Independent Learning Web site.
Continuing Education Program
Undergraduate students interested in supplementing their university credit classes with noncredit programs will find hundreds of opportunities through the Division of Continuing Studies departments of Liberal Studies and the Arts, and Professional Development and Applied Studies. The Continuing Studies Catalog is published three times a year and may be viewed online or requested from the Division of Continuing Studies, 21 North Park Street, Madison, WI 53715-1218; 608-262-1156; fax 608-265-4555; info@dcs.wisc.edu; www.dcs.wisc.edu/classes.
DCS Faculty
Liberal Studies and the Arts: Professors Auerbach (also English), Bowles (also Music), Nelson (also Art), Schulenburg (also Women's Studies).
Professional Development and Applied Studies: Professors Campbell, Cox (also Curriculum and Instruction), Orton, Paddock.