The Graduate School is committed to supporting graduate students in the many roles you hold, including as students, scholars, researchers, teachers, parents, and partners. Although COVID-19 has created challenges and changes that we all must contend with as a community, UW–Madison will continue to offer the exceptional graduate education, research experiences, and outreach for which we are known.
After Thanksgiving, all in-person undergraduate and graduate level classes will switch to a virtual format for the final nine days of instruction plus exams. Graduate student research activities (e.g. lab rotations and 790, 890, and 990 research) may be permitted to continue in-person after the Thanksgiving break if the advisor/program has received approval from the school/college dean, or if the research activity has been approved through and in compliance with Research Reboot protocols. Graduate students conducting on-site research, as well as graduate assistants, should consult their faculty advisors and supervisors for additional guidance. Read the full message from Dean William J. Karpus and Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Steven Ackerman on guidance regarding instruction after Thanksgiving break.
The university is committed to reducing the risk of COVID-19 for its students, faculty, and staff. The COVID-19 Response plan outlines the university’s approach to dealing with major issues such as instruction, health and safety, and more. For information on campus testing, see University Health Services’ information on COVID-19 testing for students and employees.
This page provides COVID-19 related information for graduate students.
Latest Updates
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October survey seeks employee input in spring plans
October 15, 2020 -
University Housing: Thanksgiving and end of semester planning
October 13, 2020 -
Reesor: Planning for Thanksgiving and beyond
October 12, 2020
Respect Statement
All members of the UW–Madison community deserve to feel welcome, valued and safe. We do not tolerate harassment and discrimination, and racist behaviors and stereotyping are inconsistent with the values of UW–Madison. The Office of Compliance and Dean of Students Office provide resources and reporting options for students, faculty and staff.
Campus COVID-19 Testing
Details about campus no-cost COVID-19 testing: accessing testing, preparing for testing, getting your results and what to do if you test positive.
UW–Madison COVID-19 Dashboard
The dashboard provides information to the campus community and the public about the results of COVID-19 tests among current UW–Madison faculty, staff and students.
Campus Operations
Check the Campus Operations webpage for up-to-date information on campus activities and spaces.
The directory of on-campus spaces for virtual learning provides information about campus rooms and related resources that are available this Fall semester to support students participating in remote courses and course activities.
Health and Safety
Testing availability and expectations if students test positive is the same for graduate students as it is for any other member of the campus community. If a graduate student tests positive for COVID-19, they should not attend class, work, or other activities in-person. Notify your instructors of any in-person classes that you will be unable to attend in-person, and notify your supervisor(s) that you will be unable to work on site for at least 10 days while you are in isolation. Graduate assistants (TAs, PAs, and RAs) receive a sick leave allocation depending on the length of their appointment that they may use if they become sick (see Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures – Leave Benefits).
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Will COVID-19 testing be mandatory for students living off-campus?
For students who live off-campus, unlimited, no-cost testing is available. It is not required but it is recommended.
How will the requirement to wear face coverings be enforced?
- We are using a robust public relations campaign to reinforce our messages about face coverings, physical distancing, handwashing, and other health requirements.
- Frequent verbal reinforcement and campus signage will help to remind everyone of these rules.
- Students are expected to sign a Badger Pledge indicating that they understand their important role in ensuring that we can control the spread of COVID so that the university can continue to remain open. The pledge includes a commitment to wear a face covering and adhere to public safety rules. Intentional and/or repeated violations may be subject to the student misconduct process.
- Employees are expected to comply with the COVID-19 Workplace Safety Policy and, if relevant, complete the COVID-19 Training for On-site Workers. These resources provide direction about policies, procedures, and expectations, including use of face coverings, as well as consequences of non-compliance.
Campus has issued guidance to help employees who may interact with fellow employees, students, and campus visitors know what to do when someone is not wearing a face covering. See Employee Guidance for Responding to Non-Compliance with the Campus Face Covering Requirement.
What should a student do if they develop symptoms? Whom do they notify? What if it’s at night or on a weekend, will testing sites still be open?
- If a student is in Madison and develops symptoms, they should contact University Health Services by phone before coming to the clinic. They should try to self-quarantine, practice good hygiene, sanitize high-touch or commonly used surfaces, and continue to monitor their symptoms until they can be evaluated by a provider for specific guidance.
- If a student contacts UHS outside of normal business hours, they will be connected to the 24/7 nurse advice line.
- All-campus testing is available at multiple locations from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm Monday through Friday for anyone in the campus community. To schedule a test appointment, log in to MyUHS.
- The Madison and Dane County public health office is also offering free testing. See information about days and hours of operation.
- We encourage students to use the UW–Madison symptom tracker which will provide further guidance from UHS if they report symptoms.
What support does a student who has to be isolated have?
For students who live off campus, contact tracing staff will be in touch with resources and guidance for self-quarantine. We encourage students who live off campus to create and share a plan with their roommates, friends, and family members in the event that they test positive for COVID-19.
What about isolation spaces for students living off-campus?
- Neither the campus nor Public Health Madison Dane County (PHMDC) has the capacity to provide quarantine/isolation spaces for students who are not living in University Housing.
- We recommend that these students speak with their roommates to develop, and agree on, how they will handle the situation if a roommate develops symptoms and/or has a positive COVID test. We recommend starting with guidance from PHMDC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers information for people living in close quarters and recommendations for cleaning shared spaces.
- Our off-campus students will have full access to University Health Services, and we will work with them, in cooperation with the local public health department, to conduct contact tracing.
How do students get medical care after hours or on a weekend?
- UHS is open during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
- UHS has a 24/7 nurse advice line and mental health crisis line for concerns that arise after hours. Call 608-265-5600.
- If a student has an urgent health concern in the evening or on a weekend, they can call the nurse advice line or, if they are dealing with an emergency, they should go to a local emergency room. There are three Madison hospitals within a 5-minute drive of the UW–Madison campus. Students are responsible for their own transportation.
- Graduate Assistants (TAs, PAs, and RAs) may also have coverage for medical care through employer-based health insurance.
How should students handle their classes if they become ill?
- Students should be in regular contact with their professors, as always, and should notify them in the event that they are unable to complete their course work as planned. The instructor will work with the student to provide alternative ways to complete the work.
- At the same time, the university will employ contact tracers and notify any person who might have been in contact with the student so that they can self-quarantine.
How will campus decide whether to pivot and close the campus again?
Campus is closely monitoring the city, county and state health situation, in cooperation with Public Health Madison Dane County. We will continuously evaluate a number of factors, including the ability for us to support our students and employees that might be infected and the capacity of the healthcare system. In addition, the surveillance testing we’re doing, combined with the regular testing of students living in the residence halls. This testing program will provide a very good picture of the prevalence of COVID on campus.
If campus pivots and closes the campus again, will research be able to continue?
Due to the surveillance testing campus is doing, all efforts will be made to individually deal with instances of COVID in campus research spaces without the need to shut down research broadly as happened in spring.
What safety measures will be in place for in-person classes?
- Cleaning supplies are available for people to use in the classroom and policy requires all students to wear face coverings. Classroom setups ensure 6 feet of space between work areas.
- In addition, classes have been moved into classrooms that can accommodate appropriate physical distancing. This means that some classes are scheduled in the evenings and on Saturdays.
Can my graduate student organization hold an in-person meeting at the Union or other areas on campus this semester?
Yes, graduate student organization meetings and events are possible if they stay within public health guidelines. Review the COVID-19 Policy for 2020-2021 Academic Year Events and Meetings and if needed, contact the Campus Event Service Office for more information.
Graduate School Operations
Graduate School front desk services are available remotely to graduate students, faculty, and staff. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, staff will be available for timely response to email (gsacserv@grad.wisc.edu), telephone (608-262-2433), and voice mail. The front desk is closed to in-person visits.
Graduate School services including admissions, academic services, and funding are available by email:
- Academic Services/General Inquiries: gsacserv@grad.wisc.edu
- If you need to submit paper enrollment change forms (course change requests, withdrawals, etc.), please scan the form or take a photo of it on a mobile device and email it to gsacserv@grad.wisc.edu. All forms are now acceptable only through electronic submission.
- Graduate Admissions: admissions@grad.wisc.edu
- Funding: offr@grad.wisc.edu
- Travel Grants: srgc-conference@grad.wisc.edu
Parking Options
Due to the ongoing public health situation and concerns about public transportation, UW Transportation Services has a variety of parking options to help fit the different needs of graduate students. Graduate students are able to purchase certain parking passes and permits directly at Transportation Services customer service locations. Some permit and pass options may be available to purchase online.
Permit and pass availability varies and may be limited. For more information, see the Graduate Student Parking Options for fall 2020.
Research and Lab Rotations
Research has been restarted gradually, with a focus on expanding on-site research and scholarly activities while minimizing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to our students, staff, faculty, and the larger Madison community.
For up-to-date information, visit the Research Reboot webpage.
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How do I get access to the library for research purposes?
Graduate students can use the UW–Madison Libraries Library by Appointment service and Pickup by Appointment service, which provide access to some of the library’s physical materials and locations. A limited number of patrons are allowed per day to reduce congestion and facilitate physical distancing. Access is by appointment only. Read more about the Library by Appointment service.
How will lab rotations work?
Like all campus activities, any in-person lab rotations must follow campus-wide guidance for research and instruction, including wearing a face mask, maintaining physical distance, and self-monitoring for symptoms before coming to campus. School and college guidelines may also vary slightly and have building-specific guidance. All PIs should have a plan for training students entering their labs on all protocols in place at that time.
Are in-person graduate research activities permitted after Thanksgiving break?
Graduate programs are strongly encouraged to design the necessary in-person activities of lab rotations and other research activities to occur before the Thanksgiving break.
Exceptions may occur in certain circumstances, including the following:
- Graduate student participation after Thanksgiving is in approved field placements critical for accreditation or licensing, such as clinical training, and the advisor/program has received approval for these activities from the School/College dean.
- Graduate student participation after Thanksgiving is in research activities that have been approved through and in compliance with Research Reboot protocols. These activities may include 790, 890 and 990-type enrollment.
If you have questions about your individual situation, consult your faculty advisor for additional guidance.
How often should I get tested during lab rotations or other in-person activities?
University Health Services recommends that you get tested if you have symptoms, and/or have known contact with a confirmed case.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.
See also COVID-19 testing information for students.
If campus pivots and closes the campus again, will research be able to continue?
Due to the surveillance testing campus is doing, all efforts will be made to individually deal with instances of COVID in campus research spaces without the need to shut down research broadly as happened in spring.
Enrollment, Courses, and Degree Milestones
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How do I submit paper enrollment change forms to the Graduate School?
If you need to submit paper enrollment change forms (course change requests, withdrawals, etc.), please scan the form or take a photo of it on a mobile device and email it to gsacserv@grad.wisc.edu. Graduate School services are available by email (preferred) and phone at 608-262-4322. (Graduate programs have received instructions about alternatives to paper warrant processing.)
Can I still get a pre-check for my doctoral dissertation?
Pre-checks are available by email. Doctoral students who wish to have an optional pre-check should email the doctoral degree coordinator, Alexandra Walter, alexandra.walter@wisc.edu.
What should I do if I am defending a thesis, taking a qualifying exam, or participating in some other milestone necessary for academic progress?
Dissertation and thesis defenses, preliminary exams, qualifying exams, and similar milestone activities are essential events, directly related to the academic mission of the university, and will continue. However, these are encouraged to be virtual. Accommodations should be made for graduate students or required committee members who are unable to participate due to illness or quarantine.
Students defending a dissertation or thesis can gather thesis committee members’ signatures electronically for their degree warrant.
Is there a time limit extension for doctoral candidates whose work has been disrupted by the pandemic?
Current Graduate School policy on time limits states that a candidate for a doctoral degree who fails to take the final oral examination and deposit the dissertation within 5 years after passing the preliminary examination may be required to take another preliminary examination and to be admitted to candidacy a second time.
To offer flexibility amidst the major disruption that COVID-19 may have had on doctoral candidates’ research and scholarship progress, students who achieved dissertator status by the end of the 2020 summer term have automatically had the 5 year time limit extended by 8 months. Dissertators given this 8 month extension who need more time due to continued COVID related disruption to their progress may request a further extension from the Graduate School. Decisions to extend the deadline beyond the additional 8 months are made on a case-by-case basis upon request of the student and their advisor. Students requesting an extension need to submit the request, along with a letter of support from their advisor, to gsacserv@grad.wisc.edu.
How will final exams work in courses where online exams are not possible?
Final exams will be delivered remotely. Instructors may adjust their syllabi to have alternative assessments if an online exam is not possible.
Will pass/fail still be an option in the fall because many classes will still have to be offered online?
There will not be a disruptive grading option for fall 2020. The university’s normal pass/fail option is available.
How can I get a disability-related accommodation for a class?
If you have an approved disability-related accommodation, please discuss with your instructors any COVID-related accommodation changes or adjustments. You can also reach out to your Access Consultant at the McBurney Disability Resource Center if you have questions or believe your accommodation is not being met by the instructor.
If you do not have an approved disability accommodation, you can still discuss with your instructor the desire for a COVID-related disability accommodation. While the instructor may have some flexibility in granting some informal requests for an accommodation, they may require that you work with McBurney’s process to obtain an accommodation VISA.
For more information, see the McBurney Center’s FAQs about virtual learning and accessibility.
Will segregated fees be reduced for students who are not on campus or enrolled in only online courses?
The university acknowledges the financial impact that the pandemic has had on our students and their families. However, since the campus COVID-19 pandemic response began in March, campus has made sure all students continue to have virtual access to many of the services funded by segregated fees. That will continue to be the case in the fall semester: University Health Services (UHS) will be providing virtual appointments and services, including mental health appointments. RecWell will continue to offer virtual exercise and well-being courses. The Child Care Tuition Assistance Program will continue supporting students with children. The Open Seat food pantry will continue to offer resources for those who need to supplement their food budget. These and other important services are supported either in full or in part by segregated fees, and they benefit all students, including graduate students.
Working and Learning Remotely
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How do I access academic journals and other campus subscriptions remotely?
To gain access, go through the libraries website: https://www.library.wisc.edu.
Click the dropdown that says “Search the Catalog” on the top left to change the selection to either “Articles” or “Databases.”
The Article search option is a general search across a broad range of topics.
The Database search option will allow you to search for specific disciplinary databases. If you are new to the Libraries’ list of over 1,300 databases, see the quick links for some of the most common options:
- Browse by Subject/Type
- Introductory Databases
- Top 10 Databases
Here area few online tips and tricks: https://www.library.wisc.edu/help/research-tips-tricks/
How to search if you know the journal you want: https://www.library.wisc.edu/help/research-tips-tricks/finding-a-specific-journal/
How to search if you have a specific article in mind: https://www.library.wisc.edu/help/research-tips-tricks/finding-a-specific-article/
If you need any assistance, the Libraries are available to provide assistance via email, chat or text: https://www.library.wisc.edu/help/
How do I access software that I usually use in a library or computer lab?
Software programs are available through the Campus Software Library, like Matlab, Smart Draw, and more. For information on access to software while working remote, please see How to get software while remote.
Where can I find resources and tools to learn or work remotely?
Here is a guide for working remotely and a guide for learning remotely for faculty, staff, and students. A number of software downloads are also available, including Microsoft Office 365.
The Graduate School has also developed an online module, Successful Online Learning, for grad students taking their first online course or those looking for some new resources on online learning. Students can enroll in the Successful Online Learning Canvas course any time.
The DoIT Help Desk is also available to support faculty, staff, and students who need additional assistance.
DoIT has shared tips for how to manage slower internet speed and low bandwidth while working and learning remotely. Students should contact their instructors as soon as possible if their internet connectivity or lack of access to certain equipment or software (such as laptops, digital learning tools, or printers) is restricting their access to course materials and class participation. Instructors are also encouraged to use asynchronous instruction and learning activities wherever possible to reduce the need for high-speed, robust connectivity
If students, faculty or staff need to check out a laptop to assist with remote learning, teaching, or working, please see this guide.
Many carriers are currently offering low-cost wired broadband internet service options. Contact your local internet provider to see if they are offering free or reduced rates. DoIT does not recommend relying on mobile hotspots as they do not provide enough data to sustain continued full-time work or learning from home.
Mental Health and Basic Needs Support
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I feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Where can I go for help?
University Health Services is committed to supporting students and many medical, counseling, and wellness services are available by phone and accessible online. Find out more on the UHS Remote Health and Connection webpage. Crisis Services are available 24/7 at 608-265-5600 (option 9).
The Department of Psychiatry has compiled a curated collection of resources from a variety of sources to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our community during this difficult time.
Graduate students can also call, email, or video chat with Elaine Goetz-Berman, the Graduate and Professional Student Assistance Specialist in the Dean of Students Office, egoetz2@wisc.edu.
More mental health resources are available to you. Here are a few examples:
- SilverCloud is an online, self-guided resource designed to help students manage day-to-day stresses and improve resilience.
- Healthy Minds Innovations recently launched a well-being app, called the Healthy Minds Program, that is now freely available to individuals in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) has published an extensive COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
- Crisis Text Line is helpful for panic attacks and other emotionally intense moments. Text HOME to 741741; a bot will provide you with their terms of service and put you on a waitlist to text with a real person. Wait times may be long due to current anxiety/panic about COVID-19.
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories.
- Project Recovery. South Central Wisconsin residents who have been impacted emotionally by COVID-19 can connect with Project Recovery outreach workers for help with problem solving, conflict resolution, stress management, and developing plans to address unmet needs. Visit www.projectrecoverywi.org or call 2-1-1 to access your local outreach counselor.
- The Employee Assistance Office is available to graduate assistants (TAs, PAs, RAs, and LSAs)
What if I am experiencing financial hardship or having difficulty meeting basic needs due to COVID-19?
We understand that some students will experience financial hardship associated with the impact of COVID-19 as it relates to family, travel and academics. The following resources are available:
- Office of Student Financial Aid: The Office of Student Financial Aid has a team of people ready to help connect you to financial and other resources.
- Emergency Support: https://financialaid.wisc.edu/emergencysupport
- Email: finaid@finaid.wisc.edu
- Phone: (608) 262-3060 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. central time, Monday through Friday
- Schedule a virtual appointment through Starfish in your MyUW Portal
- Basic Needs: The Office of Student Financial Aid has compiled a list of basic needs resources in the Madison area. If you need resources in a different area, the United Way 211 will provide information based on your zip code. You can also call 211 and will be given information for the nearest emergency food provider.
- The Open Seat food pantry: Between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., students can pick up prepackaged food boxes at Union South near the hotel entrance off of Dayton Street. These boxes are intended to assist those who need to supplement their food budget.
- Boxes are packed and distributed by Second Harvest Foodbank. They come in a 10-lb size for an individual, or a 25-lb size for a household of four. Students should request a box using this link: https://forms.gle/68aLFddgX1ECCTQEA
- We ask that you submit your order by Thursday for a pick-up the following Tuesday. Pick-ups will be every Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Union South.
- For questions, contact openseat@asm.wisc.edu.
- Also for Graduate Students: Although the university is committed to continuity of pay for graduate assistants, other factors related to COVID-19 may have an impact on finances. The Office of Student Financial Aid emergency funds, Dean of Students Crisis Loan ($500-$1,000), International Students Services Loans (up to $5,000), and other emergency funds may be available. Read more in the Financial Matters FAQ. The Division of Extension has compiled a list of financial resources to support some common financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Graduate students living in University Apartments who have concerns about their ability to pay are encouraged to contact University Apartments to discuss their individual situations: leasing@housing.wisc.edu. COVID-19-related updates for University Apartment residents are posted online and emailed directly to residents. For graduate students who do not live in University Apartments, community resources may be available to help them navigate individual situations with their landlords. The Tenant Resource Center is one such organization for Dane County residents.
What resources are available for graduate students with children?
Graduate assistants who are parents, guardians or caregivers may face challenges this fall as K-12 student attend school virtually and as childcare facilities close or reduce numbers. To support employees and to lessen these challenges, UW–Madison encourages units to work with employees to identify and offer workplace flexibilities. See the Guidance for Employees with Childcare Needs from the Office of Human Resources. In addition, the Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures (GAPP) for Project (PA), Teaching (TA), and Research (RA) Assistants includes a section on the Leave Benefits that graduate assistants earn through their appointment.
To assist employees and supervisors who are navigating these challenges, UW–Madison has launched a Family Caregiving website with guidance on issues such as workplace flexibilities and leave options. Caregiving resources are also provided.
For more information and resources, see the Graduate School’s webpage for graduate students with children.
For Graduate Assistants
Resources for Graduate Assistants
- Employee Assistance Office
- Dean of Students Office Resources for Instructors
- Student of Concern Report
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures for Project (PA) Teaching (TA) and Research (RA) Assistants
- COVID-19 Response Information for Employees
- Employee Accommodations and Workplace Flexibilities
- Guidance for Employees with Childcare Needs
- Employee Guidance for Responding to Non-Compliance with the Campus Face Covering Requirement
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I need to take leave for a reason related to COVID-19. What are my options?
Employees who are affected by COVID-19 may qualify for paid leave under the federal program called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) until December 31, 2020.
UW−Madison COVID-19 leave is no longer available. See the revised COVID-19 Pandemic Leave Policy for more information.
Graduate assistants (TAs, PAs, and RAs) receive a sick leave allocation depending on the length of their appointment that they may use if they become sick (see Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures – Leave Benefits).
What resources are available for TAs?
The university is here to support your efforts as you transition to alternative modes of course delivery. Faculty and instructional staff have been asked to keep TAs abreast of their plans for remote instruction through the end of the semester (including finals), and to share information about available resources. The following are a few key resources:
A campus instructional continuity website continues to be updated with general guidance, suggested strategies and tools, webinars and where to reach out for support. This includes a list of workshops & forums for instructors and TAs. For questions related to instruction, please contact: instructionalcontinuity@provost.wisc.edu.
UW–Madison Libraries are also offering instructional continuity library resources.
Campus has issued guidance to help employees who may interact with fellow employees, students, and campus visitors know what to do when someone is not wearing a face covering. See Employee Guidance for Responding to Non-Compliance with the Campus Face Covering Requirement.
Will TAs receive face masks/face shields for use during in-person classes?
Face coverings will be provided for all campus employees and students – including graduate students – free of charge. Employees and students may also choose to wear their own cloth face coverings. Face shields will be provided to instructors, teaching assistants, and LSAs, which are being ordered in coordination with schools and colleges. Departments are handling distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE); reach out to your department if you need supplies such as face masks or face shields.
What practices are in place to promote health and safety of TAs during in-person classes?
The Instructional Continuity effort has addressed a number of key areas, such as personal protection items and recommended protocols for instructors regarding in-person teaching activities. See the Instructional Continuity website information on health and safety regarding classroom cleaning, space modification, and signage; face coverings, PPE, and physical distancing; and more.
What can a TA do if someone in an in-person class is not wearing a mask or improperly wearing a mask?
If a student in an in-person class refuses to wear a mask or to properly wear a mask over both their nose and mouth, the TA can ask the student to wear a mask, adjust their mask, or leave the classroom. If the student does not comply with this request, TAs and instructors have the authority to suspend, stop, or cancel class if needed.
Campus has issued guidance to help employees who may interact with fellow employees, students, and campus visitors know what to do when someone is not wearing a face covering:
- Remind: Remind them about the face covering requirement. Using language such as, “I notice you aren’t wearing a mask” is a good place to start. Remember that not everyone is able to wear a face covering, and it is not your responsibility to evaluate their accommodation needs.
- Offer: Offer them a face covering if you have extras and if they need one. Speak with your supervisor if you have questions about where to find extra supplies.
- Respond: Respond using your best judgment. You are not expected to jeopardize your personal health and safety to enforce the campus health protocols.
It is important to be aware that some members of our community, whether students or guests, will not be able to wear a face covering due to disability. For more information, see Employee Guidance for Responding to Non-Compliance with the Campus Face Covering Requirement.
How should TAs hold office hours?
It is recommended that all instructor and teaching assistant office hours for the fall 2020 term be conducted remotely regardless of whether the course is delivered remotely or in-person. Instructors and TAs may make exceptions; however, any in-person meeting must follow current health and safety guidelines including physically distancing.
What disability-related workplace accommodations are available?
The university is providing reasonable accommodations, workplace flexibilities, and leave options for those who need it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact the Employee Disability Resources office or your Divisional Disability Representative if you have questions related to workplace accommodations.
For International Students
International students face many added uncertainties and stressors related to COVID-19. The university is actively working to address the many concerns you have and is educating our federal policy makers on the benefit of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for our international students in this country.
International Student Services (ISS) continues to monitor the global, national, and university COVID-19 updates impacting F-1 and J-1 international students. Find more information in the ISS COVID-19 FAQ.
Contact your graduate program coordinator for questions about your specific circumstances.
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Can international students who are unable to come to Madison get paid and receive tuition remission as graduate assistants?
Graduate students with assistantship appointments need to make every effort to return to campus or telecommute from within the U.S. Individuals who cannot return to the campus or the U.S. due to immigration issues may be permitted to telecommute internationally under certain circumstances. Individual graduate students need to work closely with their admitting graduate program and that program’s Human Resources office.
International telecommuting is prohibited from countries deemed to pose the highest risk associated with export control: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Republic of Sudan.
This guidance applies to international graduate students with research (RA), teaching (TA), and project (PA) assistantships as well as fellowships.