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.
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.
This page provides COVID-19 related information for graduate students.
Planning for spring 2021: UW–Madison has announced additional testing protocols to enhance the safety of the campus community during the spring semester. Beginning Jan. 25, any time graduate students come to campus, they will need to have tested negative within the previous 8 days (192 hours). Everyone will use a mobile app called Safer Badgers – available by mid-January – to find testing locations, schedule tests, quickly obtain test results, and access additional health resources. One screen of the Safer Badgers app, called the Badger Badge, will serve as a virtual access pass for entry into campus workplaces and buildings where in-person classes and other in-person activities are being held.
More information is available on the COVID-19 response website and in emails to graduate student on Jan. 8 and Jan. 13. In addition, graduate students should continue to watch their email for more details.
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Latest Updates
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Tips for avoiding a rejected COVID-19 saliva test
January 16, 2021 -
Answers to this week’s top COVID-19/Safer Badgers questions
January 15, 2021 -
UW researchers develop tool to equitably distribute limited vaccines
January 15, 2021 -
COVID-19 weekly update #2 for faculty and staff
January 13, 2021
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: what tests are available, 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.
Questions, concerns, and technical support
- Contact the UW–Madison COVID-19 Assistance Line at (608) 262-7777 for questions that need immediate assistance. The line is staffed Mondays through Fridays from 7 am to 8 pm; Saturdays from 7 am to 5 pm; and Sundays from 8 am to 5 pm.
- For other questions, review this page and the COVID-19 Response FAQs. If your question is still not covered, email covidresponse@vc.wisc.edu.
- Use the COVID-19 Public Health Concern Form if you want to report a violation of COVID-19 health protocols.
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.
Safer Badgers
A free, easy to use mobile app called Safer Badgers will help you schedule tests, quickly obtain results, and access additional health resources.
Go to the Safer Badgers app and website >>
One screen of the app, called the Badger Badge, will serve as your virtual access pass to campus, including workplaces and buildings where in-person classes and other in-person activities are being held. Starting Jan. 25, you’ll need to show your Badger Badge upon request to get into campus buildings.
A campus loan program will provide limited-use devices with the app to those who need them.
Health, Safety, and Testing
Beginning Jan. 25, graduate students working on campus or using campus facilities and services will need to test regularly. At a minimum, graduate students will need to have tested negative within the previous eight days (192 hours) prior to coming to campus.
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When and how do I test to be ready for the start of spring semester?
Beginning Jan. 25, any time you come to campus, you will need to have tested negative within the previous 8 days (192 hours). Before you come to campus for the first time this spring, it’s important to plan ahead to be sure you have a negative test within this time period.
UW–Madison will begin offering saliva-based tests the week of Jan. 11 at selected sites. These fast, accurate tests ultimately will be available at 12 sites on campus seven days a week.
A free, easy to use mobile app called Safer Badgers will help you schedule tests, quickly obtain results, and access additional health resources.
When and how do I test once the semester is underway?
Beginning Jan. 25, any time you come to campus for any reason, you will need to have tested negative within the previous 8 days.
If you come in at least once a week, include a stop at a testing center as part of your day.
If you do not come to campus at least once a week, plan a testing visit to ensure that when you do come, you have tested negative within the previous 8 days.
UW–Madison will begin offering saliva-based tests the week of Jan. 11 at selected sites. These fast, accurate tests ultimately will be available at 12 sites on campus seven days a week.
A free, easy to use mobile app called Safer Badgers will help you schedule tests, quickly obtain results, and access additional health resources.
What should a graduate student do if they test positive for COVID-19?
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).
Can my graduate student organization hold an in-person meeting at the Union or other areas on campus?
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 can 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 2020-21.
Research and Lab Rotations
All on-campus or on-site research must follow campus and public health guidelines and first be approved by department chairs, associate deans for research, and an associate vice chancellor for research. For more information, see Campus Research Operations During COVID-19.
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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 to computer labs, in-person collections, study rooms, material pickup, and printers/scanners 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.
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 608-262-2433. (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 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.
Students with a WiscVPN connection can also use the Remote InfoLab service to access Windows software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, ArcGIS Pro, MATLAB, RStudio, SAS, and more.
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.
- 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.
- Laptop checkout is available to assist with remote learning, teaching, or working.
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: Students can request and pick up prepackaged food boxes at Union South or Eagle Heights. These boxes are intended to assist those who need to supplement their food budget. Find more information and the request form on The Open Seat website. For questions, contact openseat@asm.wisc.edu.
- Also for Graduate Students: 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.
- Other Financial Resources: 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 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 for all graduate students, 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?
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?
A campus instructional continuity website continues to be updated with general guidance, health and safety information, 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.
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 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.