Academic Policies and Procedures Glossary

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The Graduate School Academic Policies and Procedures Glossary on this page serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures and are updated continuously. Note some policies redirect to entries in the official UW–Madison Policy Library.

The Graduate School Office of Academic Services is the Academic Dean’s Office for all graduate students. Forms requiring the dean’s signature should be submitted to gsacserv@grad.wisc.edu (for example, course change form, audit form, credit overload request form). This office also monitors satisfactory progress toward degree completion.

In situations where policies have changed during a student’s time of enrollment, the Graduate School and the academic program, together with the student, may elect to enforce requirements that are in the best interest of the student. Please contact Academic Services with any questions regarding Graduate School procedures and policies. The Academic Policies and Procedures Glossary reflects current policies and procedures of the Graduate School, the Office of the Registrar, the Office of the Bursar, the International Students Services (ISS), and other university units.

Students who hold Graduate Assistant positions (TA, PA, and RA) can refer to Graduate Assistant Policies and Procedures (GAPP), available from the Office of Human Resources, for employment-related policies and practices.

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Statement on Diversity and Respect

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background—people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

Inquiries concerning this policy may be directed to the appropriate campus admitting or employing unit, to the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement or to the Office of Equity and Diversity.