University of Wisconsin Madison International Student Services

Division of Student Life

217 Red Gym 716 Langdon Street Madison, WI 53706 Telephone: (608) 262-2044 Fax: (608) 262-2838 Hours: 10:00am 4:00pm, Monday Friday Walk-In Advising: 11:00am 3:00pm, Monday Friday URL: http://iss.wisc.edu/ E-mail: [email protected]

ISS Welcomes You

Dear international students, I would like to extend a special welcome to all international students on behalf of International Student Services (ISS) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. ISS is here to help you and your family adjust to university life in Madison. We will assist you in understanding the regulations governing your stay in the United States and obtaining the benets of your visa status. As an international student, you have the unique opportunity to expand and share your cultural, social, and academic experiences. This handbook has been compiled to assist you in identifying helpful campus and community resources. I particularly encourage you to come to ISS with any questions. We are ready to provide you with an array of services, programs, and staff to assure you the best possible opportunity for academic and personal success. Leaving home for university study is an exciting, but sometimes intimidating, process. We wish to facilitate your adjustment as much as possible. I encourage you to read our electronic newsletter, which will come to you bi-weekly during the semester. It will contain information about programs designed to help you begin the process of intercultural adjustment and much more. Again, I welcome you to the University of Wisconsin-Madison community and wish you an enjoyable and successful year. Sincerely,

Laurie K. Cox
Dr. Laurie K. Cox Assistant Dean and Director International Student Services University of Wisconsin-Madison

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Table of Contents
1. International Student Services
ISS Welcomes You ........................................................................................................... 1 About ISS .......................................................................................................................... 4 General Hours.................................................................................................................. 4 Walk-In Advising .............................................................................................................. 4 Document Production, Forms, & Handouts ................................................................. 4 ISS Communications ....................................................................................................... 4 When to Seek ISS Help .................................................................................................... 5 ISS Programs ..................................................................................................................... 5

2.

First Things First

Find Housing..................................................................................................................... 7 Register for Classes ......................................................................................................... 7 Pay Tuition & Fees ........................................................................................................... 7 Purchase Health Insurance ............................................................................................ 7 Get UW Student ID .......................................................................................................... 7 Get Plugged In ................................................................................................................ 7 Update Addresses........................................................................................................... 8 Get Your ASM Bus Pass ................................................................................................... 8 Purchase Textbooks ........................................................................................................ 8 Obtain Wisconsin ID or Drivers License ........................................................................ 8

3.

Money Matters

U.S. Currency ................................................................................................................... 9 Banking............................................................................................................................. 9 Social Security Numbers (SSN) ..................................................................................... 11 International Taxpayer Identication Number (ITIN) ................................................. 11 Taxes ............................................................................................................................... 11

4.

Health Services, Insurance, & Emergencies

Health Care ................................................................................................................... 12 Health Insurance ........................................................................................................... 12 Disability Services .......................................................................................................... 12 University Services ......................................................................................................... 12 Emergency Information ............................................................................................... 13

5.

Culture in the United States

U.S. Cultural Values ....................................................................................................... 14 Protocol .......................................................................................................................... 14 Legal Issues .................................................................................................................... 15

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Education in the United States

The U.S. Academic Environment ................................................................................. 17 Academics at the UW .................................................................................................. 17 UW Grading System ...................................................................................................... 18 Standards of Academic Conduct .............................................................................. 18

7.

Information for Families

Dependent Visa Regulations ....................................................................................... 20 Enrolling Children in School .......................................................................................... 20 Child Care...................................................................................................................... 21 English Classes ............................................................................................................... 21 Volunteer Opportunities ............................................................................................... 21

8.

Living in Madison

Madison and Dane County ......................................................................................... 22 Transportation ................................................................................................................ 23 Shopping ........................................................................................................................ 24 Sports & Recreation ...................................................................................................... 25 Things To Do For You & Your Family............................................................................. 27 Cultural & Student Organizations ................................................................................ 30 Wisconsin Winters .......................................................................................................... 31

9.

Appendix

Telephone Calls ............................................................................................................. 32 Emergency Contacts ................................................................................................... 32 Directory of Helpful Campus Resources..................................................................... 32 Directory of Helpful Off-Campus Resources .............................................................. 34 Glossary of Terms ........................................................................................................... 35 Acronyms ....................................................................................................................... 39

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International Student Services

About ISS
International Student Services (ISS) is here to help you adjust to university life in Madison. We provide orientation at the beginning of each semester and offer social events and programming on topics that concern you throughout the year. ISS is your campus resource for information and advising on immigration issues. We will assist you in understanding the regulations governing your stay in the US and in obtaining the benets of your visa status. We serve nearly 4,000 international students from over 100 countries. The international student population of the UW is the twelfth largest in the US.

General Hours
Ofce hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. During those hours you can stop by our front desk and receive answers to basic questions, as well as pick up documents, application forms, or other information and resources. If you have a basic question, you can also reach us by phone 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Walk-In Advising
Our ISS advising staff is professionally trained to provide information and counseling to F-1 and J-1 student visa holders and their dependents about immigration issues, as well as issues of cross-cultural adjustment. Although our expertise is in this area, you may consult with an ISS advisor about any matter of concern to you. If we cannot directly assist you, we will do our best to help you nd the resources you need. Advising is available on a walk-in basis, generally during the hours of 11:00am to 3:00pm, Monday through Friday. Any changes in the schedule will be sent through Access ISS , our electronic newsletter (see below). During walk-in advising hours you can sign up at the ISS front desk to speak to an advisor on a rst-come, rst-serve basis.

Document Production, Forms, & Handouts

ISS is the university ofce responsible for helping international students and their dependents maintain their nonimmigrant visa status. We prepare or assist in preparing certain nonimmigrant documents required by the U.S. government for travel, extension of stay, changes of degree program, employment authorizations, and transfer of schools, among other things. Many of these services can be requested at ISS by lling out the appropriate forms and handing them in at the front desk. Forms are available in the ISS ofce, and most are posted on the ISS website as well. Processing time for most requests is two weeks or less. Please plan ahead and hand in your requests in a timely manner.

ISS Communications
Access ISS
http://iss.wisc.edu/newsletters.html Access ISS is a bi-weekly electronic newsletter sent to all enrolled F-1 and J-1 students at the UW-Madison. It is used to communicate useful information about programming and other activities relevant to international students. In addition, it often contains important immigration updates, which will always be listed rst. You are responsible for being aware of this information.

ISS Website

http://iss.wisc.edu/ Many of your questions can be answered by simply looking at the ISS website, where you will nd general information about our ofce, upcoming programs, immigration issues, links to useful resources, handouts, and request forms.

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ISS E-mail

[email protected] If you are not in Madison or cannot make it to the ISS ofce, you may also e-mail your questions to this general account. Please always provide your full name and student ID. You will receive a response from an ISS advisor within 1-2 business days.

When to Seek ISS Help

Please be aware that while ISS is here to help you maintain your nonimmigrant status, your status is ultimately your responsibility. Seek advice when in doubt. Read Access ISS (see page 4), and open all e-mails from our ofce. The following is a quick reminder of when you should (or could) seek assistance from ISS. As always, seeking assistance early provides you the greatest number of options and maximum exibility. This is especially true in time-sensitive situations. Situations that are time-sensitive and must be reported to ISS: Changing your degree objective from what is listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. You plan to quit school. You would like to change your immigration status. Your I-20 or DS-2019 will expire before you complete your degree objective (i.e. program). You would like to work off-campus in the near future (i.e. within the next 6 months). You are planning not to enroll during a fall or spring semester. You are experiencing difculties with your studies. You have not maintained your F-1 or J-1 status (i.e. you are out of status). During your (or your familys) last entrance to the U.S. an ofcial at the port of entry made an error on your documents or gave you an immigration form to le (most likely form I-515A). You are planning to travel outside the U.S. Situations where ISS can offer expert advice: You are not sure what employment options or restrictions you have on your student visa. You are experiencing unforeseen nancial difculties arising after you last entered the U.S. You are facing a problem with the university/department or your living arrangements and do not know who can help. (ISS in most cases will refer you to the appropriate ofce for assistance.) You or your family members are unclear about the process involved in applying for a U.S. visa stamp. You are unsure of your student visa requirements. You have relied on your friend(s) for immigration information/advice and now want conrmation of your status. You are making plans that you think may have immigration implications.

ISS Programs
http://www.iss.wisc.edu/programs.html International Student Services (ISS) is committed to helping you and your family make the most of your stay while on the UWMadison campus. The ofce hosts a variety of programs and activities throughout the year and collaborates with other groups to provide opportunities for service, out-of-classroom learning, cultural exchange, and recreation. For a calendar of events and the most up-to-date information, visit the ISS programs website.

BRIDGE

http://www.iss.wisc.edu/bridge/ BRIDGE, which stands for Building Relationships in Diverse Global Environments, is an international friendship program. In BRIDGE, international students are paired up with a U.S. American student who can answer your questions about the university, the city of Madison, and anything else you would like to know about the U.S. and U.S. Americans. In return, you can teach your U.S. partner about your country, language, and culture.

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International Reach

http://www.iss.wisc.edu/reach/ International Reach is a unique volunteer program that places international speakers in Madison area schools, campus venues, and community organizations to give short presentations. It provides interesting opportunities for individuals to share perspectives on their home countries with teachers, students, and area residents, and to exchange views for the purposes of furthering global education and intercultural dialogue.

Taste of Cultures

The Taste of Cultures represents an enjoyable way to learn about different world cultures. Each session in the series focuses on a different area of the world and includes both a cultural and educational program and a sampling of cuisine. Lively presentations on contemporary cultures and current issues are provided by international students studying at UW-Madison. Their presentations are interspersed with lm clips, dance, sampling of traditional cuisine, music, and more. Each session looks and feels as different from the others as the countries chosen for emphasis. ISS, the Wisconsin Union Directorate-Global Connections Committee, and international student organizations team up to bring the Taste of Cultures events to campus.

International Conversation & Coffee Hour

Students, spouses, faculty, and the campus community are invited to take part in the International Conversation and Coffee Hour on Friday afternoons from noon to 2:00pm in Memorial Union during regular university semesters. Come meet informally, share information, raise questions, and form friendships. Coffee and snacks are provided by volunteers.

On-Going Orientation Workshops

ISS offers a variety of short workshops throughout the semester designed to provide information and support on issues relevant to new and other international students. These are aimed at easing the transition to UW-Madison, as well as facilitating academic and personal success. Family members are welcome to attend all of the workshops.

BRIDGE participants explore Wisconsin together at beautiful Devils Lake State Park.
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An International Reach volunteer teaches students at a local school how to write their names in Hindi.
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First Things First

For on-campus housing information, visit the University Housing website at www.housing.wisc.edu. University Residence Halls are for undergraduate students, and University Apartments are for graduate students. For off-campus housing, contact the Visitor and Information Programs ofce, located on the rst oor of the Red Gym. Make use of their Off-Campus Housing Listing Service in the VIP ofce or online at http://campusareahousing.wisc.edu/.

Find Housing

Register for Classes

Undergraduate students must attend the International SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) program, where they will receive instructions and advising. Check your SOAR schedule for complete events, times, and locations, or visit http://www.newstudent.wisc.edu/. Graduate students will register via web enrollment through their My UW-Madison account at my.wisc.edu (see below). If you need assistance, contact your academic department. Consider taking an English as a Second Language Course, even if youre not required to do so. For course descriptions, visit http://www.english.wisc.edu/esl/

Pay Tuition & Fees

After you register for your courses, a Student Account Invoice will be generated and mailed to your billing address. Be sure your address is updated in your My UW-Madison account (see below). Fees and tuition can be paid at the Bursars Ofce, Suite 10501, in the University Square Building, located at 333 East Campus Mall. While the Bursars Ofce does not accept credit or debit cards, you can pay online from your checking account through your My UW-Madison account. For tuition due dates and more information, visit http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/bursar/tuitpay.html. If you have a sponsor who is paying on your behalf, you must present information from your sponsor. (You may request a third party deferral, if necessary. Details are available in the Bursars Ofce.) If you have a graduate assistantship, check with your department. Usually your department will provide you with a form to take to the Registrars Ofce that will be used to credit the amount of tuition and fees paid through your appointment. Segregated fees are not included in the appointment and must be paid in the Bursars Ofce.

Purchase Health Insurance

Every international student must be covered by health insurance that meets U.S., Wisconsin, and UW requirements. You must sign up for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), or request a waiver of the requirement. Information on health insurance is available in the Health Services and Insurance section of this handbook. The UHS website is www.uhs.wisc.edu; link to the SHIP Health Plan for more information. The SHIP ofce is located on the 7th oor of the University Square Building, located at 333 East Campus Mall.

Get UW Student ID
The Photo ID ofce is located in Memorial Union on the fourth oors east wing, room 4316. Regular hours are 8:00am to 4:15pm, Monday through Friday. You must present a form of personal photo identication such as a passport or drivers license. Also, you must have registered for classes at least one day prior to visiting the ofce to obtain your UW ID card. For more information, visit http://www.wiscard.wisc.edu/.

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Get Plugged In
My UWMadison Web Portal
My UW-Madison is your personalized Internet gateway to the campus services most important to you. An explanation of the My UW-Madison account and instructions for activating your account is available at www.doit.wisc.edu/students. If you need assistance with your My UW-Madison account, contact the DoIT Help Desk at 264-4357 or e-mail questions to [email protected].

Computer Labs

The campus provides 16 general access computer labs, called InfoLabs. (One of these is located near the ISS ofce on the second oor of the Red Gym.) Labs are open to all UW-Madison students. Lab use is free except for printing. All InfoLabs are networked and offer a wide variety of software packages. Maps, schedules, and accessibility information is available at www.doit.wisc.edu/computerlabs.

Your Free UW E-mail Account

You will need to obtain your UW student ID card (see page 7) before activating your UW e-mail account. You can set up your free e-mail account at any of the computer InfoLabs; bring your valid UW student ID card with you. You are required to have an active UW e-mail account and check it regularly; many instructors will communicate with students via e-mail. In addition, the Registrars Ofce uses e-mail to notify students of the earliest time they can register for future semesters, and ISS regularly sends all international students an electronic news bulletin (Access ISS; see page 4).

Update Addresses
Use the online My UW-Madison account to update your home, mailing, billing, and e-mail addresses so that vital mail, including tuition bills and grade reports, will reach you. International students must list their permanent foreign address in the HOME eld and their US residential address in the MAILING eld of their My-UW Madison account. My UW-Madison can be accessed through the Internet at my.wisc.edu.

Get Your ASM Bus Pass

A program sponsored by the Associated Students of Madison (ASM) provides free Madison Metro bus passes for UW students. Bus passes are distributed in numerous places around campus at the beginning of the semester; during the semester they can be picked up at ASM Student Print, located on the third oor of the Student Activity Center, 333 East Campus Mall. For information and distribution dates and sites, visit http://www.asm.wisc.edu/asm-bus-pass.html. For more information about Madison Metro, see page 23.

Purchase Textbooks
Instructors can choose to have required texts available at a variety of local bookstores, on reserve at a campus library, and/or available for purchase at a local copy shop. Many course materials (new and used) can be found arranged by department and course number in the basement of the University Bookstore on Library Mall. Students can also now buy new and used textbooks online through the University Bookstore at www.uwbookstore.com. Students can call the academic department to inquire about course materials or wait until classes begin to receive the course syllabus, which will provide all information about required and recommended materials. Used materials can also be purchased at a variety of locations, including the Underground Textbook Exchange, http:// www.textbookunderground.com/, currently located at 664 State Street.

Obtain Wisconsin ID or Drivers License

International students who are in Wisconsin for more than twelve months and plan to operate a motor vehicle in Wisconsin, must obtain a Wisconsin license. If you are in the U.S. for less than a year and you have a valid operators license issued by a country that signed either the 1943 regulation of inter-American automotive trafc or the 1949 Geneva Convention on road trafc, you may drive legally on that license. If you are in the U.S. for longer or do not have a valid operators license issued by a country referenced above, you may wish to apply for a Wisconsin driver license. For more information, visit the ISS website at http://iss.wisc.edu/dmv.html.
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3.

Money Matters

U.S. Currency
U.S. currency is based on a decimal system, with one dollar ($1 or $1.00) equal to one hundred cents. Coin currency is used for amounts less than one dollar. The most common coins, their equivalencies, and appearance follow:

Penny (copper) = One Cent or 0.01 dollars

Nickel (silver) = 5 Cents or 0.05 dollars

Dime (silver) = 10 Cents or 0.10 dollars

Quarter (silver) = 25 Cents or 0.25 dollars (rear image varies)

Paper currency, all printed in green and white, is most often circulated in the amounts of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 or $100. The slang term for a dollar bill is a buckso $50 may be referred to as fty bucks.

Banking
Checking and Savings Accounts
By opening a checking or savings account, you will not be in danger of losing your money or having it stolen from you, and you will have a record of where you spent your money. You could also earn interest on the balance in your account with a savings or interest-bearing checking account. There are several nancial institutions in the university area that offer services to students. Those listed below are within walking distance of campus. Consult the yellow pages for others. Anchor Bank, 25 W. Main St., 252-8710, www.anchorbank.com Associated Bank, 640 University Ave., 258-7485; or 202 State St., 258-7490; or 1720 Monroe St., 259-2000, http://www.associatedbank.com/ Bank Mutual, 23 S. Pinckney St., 251-9102, www.bankmutual.com Chase Bank, 22 E. Mifin St., 282-6020, www.chase.com Heartland Credit Union, 555 W. Washington Ave., 282-7000, www.heartlandcu.org Home Savings, 2 S. Carroll St., 282-6000, www.home-savings.com M&I Bank, 1 W. Main St., 252-5800, www.mibank.com US Bank, 1 S. Pinckney St., 252-4000, www.usbank.com UW Credit Union, Campus Branches: 1435 Monroe St. or 662 State St., 232-5000, www.uwcu.org Take your passport for identication. You may need an Individual Taxpayer Identication Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN) to open your account (see page 11).
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Writing & Cashing Checks

There are various places around campus where you can cash your checks. You will need identication. Some nancial institutions charge a small fee if you do not have an account with them. If you have an account, it wont cost you anything to cash a check, but you may need identication. The following is an example of how to write a check and keep track of what youve spent in your checkbook register:

Checkbook regi

ster

Sample check

ATM Cards

ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) make it easy for you to get cash. If you have an ATM card with your checking or savings account, you can withdraw funds at any time. There is usually a fee for having the card, and there may be an additional fee for each use of the card. Make sure you know your nancial institutions rules for using your card, especially regarding fees. A word of caution: the use of ATM cards has ruined many well-laid plans because its so easy to get cash whenever you want it, not according to your budget. Cards can be used in any machine that is part of your nancial institutions ATM network. Wisconsin nancial institutions use the TYME network, but most Wisconsin ATMs also honor cards from other ATM systems. The following ATM systems can be found here in Madison: Cirrus, Honor, Magic Line, Fast Bank, Star System, Shazam, Express Teller, VISA Plus, Pulse, American Express, and Instant Cash.

Debit Cards

Debit cards use one of the major credit card networks to access and withdraw funds from your account. You can use your debit card instead of writing a check at many stores. The card is not a credit card; if your account balance is too low for the purchase, your card will be rejected. Most nancial institutions offer dual-purpose ATM/debit cards with checking accounts.

Credit Cards

Using credit is a promise to pay at a future date; you are committing your future income. Using a credit card is a loan with a different nameit has terms like a loan, and you are paying a high percentage of interest to use someone elses money. The interest rate is usually between 12 and 18 percent, but you may pay more if your payment is late. The advantages of credit are that you do not have to carry a lot of cash and you will have a record of what you have purchased. If you can pay the entire credit card bill at the end of each month, then the card may cost you only a yearly fee, usually between $2050. If you cannot pay the total at the end of each month, you will be charged interest on the balance.

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Consider getting a credit card with a low credit limit so you arent tempted to overspend. The more you buy on credit, the more you limit your spending choices in the future when paying off your credit card. Beware! It is easy to overspend, fall into a delinquent category, and ruin your credit rating for a long time. If you stop making payments without any arrangements with your credit card company, your account will be closed, and you will be in a delinquent category. You would not be able to use credit again for seven years in Wisconsin (this varies by state). Many students have nearly ruined their educational and vocational careers by the early and unwise use of credit cards. If youd like more help with nancial planning, call Student Financial Services at 262-3060.

Social Security Numbers (SSN)

You are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) unless you are employed or hold a Research Assistantship (RA). If you are employed on campus or hold an RA, you will need to bring a letter from your employer or RA administrator to ISS; ISS is required by the Social Security Administration to verify both your on-campus employment or RA scholarship and your full-time enrollment status. ISS will write a letter verifying this information, which you will then use to obtain a Social Security Card. To apply, take your employment or RA letter, the ISS letter, and your immigration documents (passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 card) to the Social Security Administration Ofce at 6011 Odana Rd.

International Taxpayer Identication Number (ITIN)

An Individual Taxpayer Identication Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. It is a nine-digit number that always begins with the number 9 and has a 7 or 8 in the fourth digit, example 9XX-7X-XXXX. IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identication number but and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). For more information on ITIN, visit the ISS website at http://iss.wisc.edu/itininfo.html.

Taxes
When you accept employment or a Research Assistantship on campus, you use the ITIN or SSN to complete required U.S. tax forms. Check with your department payroll administrator or your exchange program sponsor for more information. The UWs Employee Compensation and Benet Services ofce sponsors periodic tax workshops to assist internationals employed on campus in lling out these forms. ISS will advertise these workshops to students if and when they are offered. State and federal taxes must be led between January 1 and April 15 every year. New regulations require you to le a tax form even if you do not earn any income in the U.S. Watch the Access ISS newsletter (see page 4) in the spring for more information on helpful resources. ISS, however, cannot advise international students on tax ling.

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4.

Health Services, Insurance, & Emergencies

Health Care
Health care in the U.S. is generally quite expensive, particularly in comparison with other countries. A short stay in the hospital could cost thousands of dollars. For that reason, it is very important to have health insurance that will help pay for medical expenses. The UW-Madison requires international students to purchase insurance from the Student Health Insurance Plan on campus, unless you apply for and are granted a waiver (see below).

Health Insurance
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
7th Floor, 333 East Campus Mall., 265-5232 www.uhs.wisc.edu/ship SHIP is a comprehensive medical insurance program offered through University Health Services (UHS). All international students (and their dependents residing in the United States) must meet the health insurance requirements at UW-Madison. If you registered for at least one credit, you must purchase SHIP for yourself and any dependents OR le a waiver and required documentation before the posted deadlines. If you miss these deadlines, a late fee will be applied in addition to any required premiums. You may sign up for SHIP online or in person. The waiver application is also available on the SHIP website.

Graduate Assistantship Health Coverage

If you hold a teaching, project, or research assistantship, your employment may qualify you and your family for health insurance, depending on the percent appointment you hold. Contact your employing department for more information about whether health insurance is included in your appointment and how to enroll. Note that while you do not have to le a SHIP waiver (see above) if the health coverage from your assistantship begins by the deadline stipulated by SHIP, if you have a dependent who is also an international student, your dependent must le a waiver with the SHIP ofce. If you lose your assistantship coverage, you will need to enroll in SHIP within 30 days of the date of your loss.

Disability Services
McBurney Disability Resource Center
1305 Linden Dr., 263-2741 www.mcburney.wisc.edu McBurney provides a wide array of support and services to remove or diminish the affect of physical or other disabilities on students academic progress. If you have a disability and feel you could benet from special accommodation, contact McBurney.

Health-Related Services
The following health-related services are free to students (and, in most cases, their families), and you should not hesitate to use them if you feel the need. In the U.S. it is quite common for people to seek counseling related to mental health issues. Information you share with a counselor is condential in most cases.

Campus Womens Center

4th Floor Memorial Union, 262-8093 http://campuswomenscenter.rso.wisc.edu/ The Campus Womens Center provides a variety of women-centered support services, works to educate the campus community on a number of womens issues, and serves as a resource and referral agency for all students as well as an opportunity for students to get to know each other.

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Counseling and Consultation Services

333 East Campus Mall, 265-5600 or 265-6565 (after-hours crisis intervention line) www.uhs.wisc.edu This ofce provides condential individual and group counseling to assist students with issues such as adjusting to university life, interpersonal relationships, alcohol and drug concerns, stress management, eating concerns, self esteem, and career exploration.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS)

251-1237 (ofce); 251-4445 or 1-800-747-4045 (24-hour crisis lines) www.abuseintervention.org This organization provides services to survivors of dating/domestic violence, including: emergency shelter, legal advocacy, community education, and support groups.

Rape Crisis Center

2801 Coho St., Suite 301, 251-5126 or 251-7273 (24-hour crisis line) www.danecountyrcc.com The Rape Crisis Center provides services to survivors of all forms of sexual violence, including: medical and legal advocacy, support groups, short-term counseling, community education, and Chimera self-defense classes.

University Health Services (UHS)

333 East Campus Mall., 265-5600 www.uhs.wisc.edu University Health Services is the health clinic on campus, open to current UWMadison students. Services include medical care, counseling, and a pharmacy.

Wisconsin Clearinghouse

http://wch.uhs.wisc.edu/ Part of University Health Services, the Clearinghouse provides information and education about the prevention of alcohol and other drug-related abuse.

Emergency Information
What is an emergency? This denition varies from person to person. Emergencies can include: seeing a crime in progress, a re in a building, or someone being injured. If you want to know if your car has been towed or need directions somewhere, these do not qualify as emergencies. Calling 911 should only be used for emergencies.

Fire

If you see a re, move to a safe area, and call 911. Whenever the re alarm sounds, you must evacuate the building (even if it is in the middle of the night.) Occasionally the campus will have re drills which is when the re alarms in a building sound and people practice how they would exit the building in the case of a real re. It is expected that you promptly exit the building during these practice re drills and not enter again until you receive further notice.

Injury or Illness

In the U.S., health care providers distinguish between emergency services and urgent care. Emergency services are those required for a serious injury or life-threatening illness. Urgent care is for problems that are less serious but nonetheless need attention before a regular doctor appointment could be scheduled. Be sure to review your health insurance materials, and know where the nearest hospital and urgent care facilities are located and what services are covered under your plan.

Severe Weather

Dane County uses a network of sirens that alert residents when severe weather is approaching. You will most likely hear the sirens when there is a severe weather or tornado warning. The sirens will last for 3 minutes at a time. There is also a monthly test for the sirens that typically takes place on the rst Wednesday of each month at noon. When the sirens sound, do not call 911 or the Police unless you need assistance. You should seek shelter in the basement or center of the building away from windows and tune into a local television or radio station for more information. Dane County will also notify people who are watching T.V. or listening on the radio by transmitting an alert tone and transmission. Most local T.V. networks will also display small symbols in the corner of the T.V. screen when there are active severe weather watches or warnings.
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5.

Culture in the United States

U.S. Cultural Values

The following is a list of mainstream U.S. American values. It should be emphasized that these are generalizations; the U.S. is very diverse and not everyone shares the same values, but these are some of the most widely-shared values that inuence the culture in the U.S. Value Personal Control over the Environment Change/Mobility Time and Its Control Equality/ Egalitarianism Explanation People can/should control nature, their own environment and destiny; future is not left to fate. Change is seen as positive, good, meaning progress, improvement and growth. Time is valuable; achievement of goals depends on productive use of time. People have equal opportunities; people are important as individuals for who they are, not from which family they come. People are seen as separate individuals (not group members) with individual needs; people need time to be alone and to be themselves. U.S. Americans take pride in own accomplishments, not name. U.S. Americans believe competition brings out the best in people and free enterprise produces most progress and success. U.S. Americans believe that, regardless of past or present, the future will be better and happier. U.S. Americans believe that work is morally right, that it is immoral to waste time. U.S. Americans believe that formality is unAmerican and a show of arrogance or superiority. One can only trust people who look you in the eye and tell it like it is. Truth is function of reality and not circumstance. Practicality is usually the most important consideration when decisions are to be made. Material goods are seen as the just rewards of hard work. Result Energetic, goal-oriented society. Transient society, geographically, economically and socially. Efciency and progress often at expense of interpersonal relationships. Little deference shown or status acknowledged. U.S. Americans seen as self-centered and sometimes isolated and lonely. Respect is given for achievements, not accident of birth. Less emphasis on cooperation than competition. Less value on past; constant looking ahead to tomorrow. More emphasis on doing rather than being; pragmatic, no-nonsense attitude toward life. Casual, egalitarian attitude between people and in their relationships. People tend to tell the truth and not worry about saving other persons face or honor. Less emphasis on the subjective, aesthetic, emotional or on consensual decisions. U.S. Americans are seen as caring more for things than people or relationships.

Individualism, Independence and Privacy Self-Help Competition and Free Enterprise Future Orientation/Optimism Action and Work Orientation

Informality

Directness, Openness, Honesty

Practicality/ Efciency Materialism/Acquisitiveness

Adapted from Kohls, L. Robert, The Values Americans Live By.

Protocol
Names & Titles
There are strong cultural differences, even within the U.S., with regard to formality and the use of titles with names. How you address a person will usually depend on the situation and/or your relationship with that person. Common titles include Mr. (pronounced Mister and meaning male, married or single), Ms. (pronounced Miz, meaning female, married or single) and Mrs. (pronounced Missus, meaning a married female). Other titles particularly common on a university campus include Dr. (short for
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Doctor, meaning a medical doctor or someone with a PhD) and Prof. (short for Professor, meaning someone who has a faculty appointment at a college or university). For more information on addressing professors, see page 17. Because of the strong value of equality in the U.S., it is common for people to use rst names, particularly here in the Midwest. This can make knowing how to address someone very confusing. When you are introduced to someone, pay attention to how you are introduced and address the person in that way until he or she invites you to do otherwise. A general rule of thumb is to address your peers and younger people by their rst name, and use a title (most commonly Mr. or Ms.) with those who are older or in a position of authority. If someone tells you how he or she would like to be addressed, the instruction should be taken seriously, and you should feel comfortable referring to that person as youve been instructed in the future (not doing so could be considered rude). Note that the use of rst names does not indicate a lack of respect.

You may get frustrated at times when dealing with organizations in the community or on campus. Keep in mind that this is a large, de-centralized university and not all ofces will be in communication with each other about your situation. It is your responsibility to make sure that you consult with the different ofces on campus that may be involved in the matter with which you are dealing. When dealing with these ofces, keep in mind how the role and status of ofce personnel may differ here in the U.S. from that of your home country. Guidelines for Getting Things Done: Be courteous to all employees. There is a strong trend toward informality in the U.S., and therefore, receptionists, secretaries, and front-line staff may use behavior that is not as formal as what some international students are accustomed to. You may encounter a very casual attitude, but it is important to understand this is not a sign of disrespect. Explain your request or question to the receptionist, secretary, or front-line employee. Let that person decide what procedure you should follow or who you need to speak to next. If there is some procedure you must follow, ask questions so that you understand it clearly. Remember that in the U.S., rules and procedures are not often negotiable. Rather than demanding to speak to someone in charge, try being friendly and respectful, and asking, What should I do next? Although employees cant usually bend the rules, they may do more to assist you if you are nice. Follow procedures and instructions carefully. In the U.S., many things are accomplished on the phone or via e-mail, and it is not always necessary to speak to someone in person. It is quite acceptable to call an ofce or organization, say what you want, and ask for instructions about the most efcient way to proceed. Doing so may save you a lot of time and energy. Adapted from American Ways by Gary Althen, Intercultural Press.

Dealing with Organizations

Appropriate Dress & Hygiene

In the U.S. you are expected to dress appropriately for the occasion. As students, dressing casually (jeans, shorts, T-shirts, etc.) is generally acceptable, unless you are instructed otherwise by your department. In the workplace, dress is more professional, although standards vary greatly. Some workplaces practice casual Fridays, in which a bit more casual attire is acceptable on Fridays. Observe what others are wearing, or ask a supervisor before wearing casual clothes. Be aware that although people may be dressed casually, that does not mean that supervisors or professors should be treated as equals. You may also notice that personal hygiene is very important in the U.S. People generally shower every day and seldom wear the same shirt two days in a row.

Legal Issues
In Wisconsin, you must be 18 years of age to purchase or use tobacco products. You will nd that smoking is prohibited in many buildings; the city of Madison has banned smoking in bars and restaurants. Smoking is generally allowed outdoors or in ones own home. It is considered polite, if you are with someone else, to ask if he or she would mind if you smoke before lighting up. This is especially true if you are in someone elses home, but is even the case if you have guests in your own home.

Alcohol, Tobacco & Drugs

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You must be 21 years of age to legally purchase or consume alcohol in the state of Wisconsin, and no one may consume alcohol while in an automobile. Driving while intoxicated is a crime, as is providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. If you drink, please do so responsibly, and do not drive.

In the U.S., there are many federal, state, university, and other laws that prohibit discrimiation. For example, a Wisconsin state statute states that, no student may be denied admission to, participation in or the benets of, or discriminated against in any service, program, course or facility of the UW System because of the students race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status or parental status.

Discrimination

In the U.S., sexual harassment and stalking laws legally protect all individualsincluding citizens, residents, and visitorsfrom being victims of sexual and other harassment. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: submission to such conduct is a condition of employment, academic progress, or participation in a university program; or submission to or rejection of such conduct inuences employment, academic or university program decisions; or the conduct interferes with an employees work or a students academic career, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, learning, or program environment. It is also illegal to stalk an individual by following the person, continually making unwanted phone calls, or other unwelcome attempts to contact another person. If you have questions about sexual harassment or stalking, or you feel you are being harassed, contact ISS, Student Assistance & Judicial Affairs (SAJA), or the Ofce for Equity & Diversity. Contact information can be found on page 33.

Sexual Harassment & Stalking

Sexual Assault & Relationship Violence

Sexual assault is any sexual contact made without consent. Under U.S. law, individuals have the right to stop sexual contact at any time. This means that when a person says no to any type of sexual contact, it violates the law if the partner attempts to emotionally or verbally coerce or physically force that person into continuing the sexual contact. Relationship violence, also called domestic abuse or domestic violence, refers to an ongoing pattern of controlling and abusive behaviors, including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks, as well as economic control, that individuals use against their intimate partners. The state of Wisconsin has a mandatory arrest law, which means that a law enforcement ofcer shall arrest and take a person into custody if the ofcer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person is committing or has committed domestic abuse and that the persons actions constitute the commission of a crime, the ofcer has reasonable basis for believing that continued domestic abuse against the victim is likely, or there is evidence of physical injury to the alleged victim. If you are a victim of sexual assault or relationship violence, you can choose to report these crimes to law enforcement (see page 32) and/or the Ofces of the Dean of Students (see page 34). These bodies can investigate your report and pursue action against perpetrators. In an emergency, contact the local law enforcement ofce by dialing 911. You may also want to seek counseling services, which are listed under Health-Related Services on page 12.

Legal Questions

Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc. is the largest staff-based provider of civil legal services for low-income Wisconsin persons. Our priorities are based on the most crucial needs of our clients safe and affordable housing, adequate income and nutrition, access to health care, preservation of the family and protection from domestic violence, and the elimination of legal barriers to employment. Through direct representation and training and education programs, we are helping clients break the cycle of poverty. Visit http://www.badgerlaw.net/Home/PublicWeb/LAW for more information or call 608-256-3304. The Lawyer Referral and Information Service assists those who do not know if they have a legal problem or do not know how to locate an appropriate lawyer. Services include answers to simple legal questions on a call-back basis, lawyer referral, and referral to government or community agencies. It is provided as a service of the State Bar of Wisconsin. In Madison, call 257-4666, or 1-800362-9082 elsewhere in Wisconsin.

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Education in the United States

The U.S. Academic Environment

Some of the U.S. American values discussed in the previous section help to shape the academic environment in the following ways: Active classroom participation is expected. Time pressure is high--often there are many small assignments due each week--and time management is an important skill to develop. Critical thinking must be developed. Independent thinking is highly valued. Presenting ideas concisely in class is expected. Assignments (reading, writing, homework, tests) are numerous. Competition is a common mind-set. Achievement and hard work are highly valued; the nished product is most important. Students must be responsible for themselves. Equality--all students should be treated equally. Informality is normal. Direct and straightforward communication is expected. Friendship is usually based on doing things in common--sports, studying, etc. Combining theory and practice--the practical application of ideas--is emphasized. Problem-solving orientation--If its broken, we ought to be able to x it! The scientic method and the use of logical proof are emphasized academically. Developed by Dr. R.M. Paige and S.L. Smith, University of Minnesota, October 1998; revised by R. Stuck, 1993.

Classroom Etiquette

Some behaviors you witness in the classroom here may be very different from what youre accustomed to. Some international students consider classroom etiquette in the U.S. to be surprisingly informal. For example, students often bring beverages and sometimes even food to class, particularly if the class takes place near mealtime. Professors have different opinions about eating in class so, if you are in doubt about what is appropriate in class, ask. Also, while some professors conduct their classes quite formally, others, particularly in higher level courses, are much more informal with their students. You may have a professor who wears a suit every day and another that wears jeans. Some professors may even invite you to call them by their rst name! Because people in the U.S. are often focused on achievement, the outward appearance may not be as important to status as it is in some cultures. Typically it is a good idea to call a professor by this title followed by his or her last name, such as Professor Nelson until you are invited to do otherwise. Calling a teaching assistant by his or her rst name is the norm. Regardless of their appearance, most professors expect you to show respect by attending class regularly and participating. Although discussion is not possible in most large lecture courses, it is usually expected and encouraged in discussion sections or smaller courses. In such classes, you may raise your hand to ask questions, comment on what has been said, and even disagree (as long as it is done in a respectful manner). Participation may even be factored into your grade. Refer to the syllabus the professor hands out on the rst day of class, or observe U.S. students in the class during the rst few days to get an idea of the level and type of participation expected. If youre still unsure, ask the professor.

Academics at the UW
Courses
Classes at the UW-Madison come in a variety of sizes and formats. Introductory courses are generally large, lecture-style classes. This type of course often entails a lecture two or three times per week, and students are also often required to sign up for a weekly discussion section. In the discussion section, students meet in smaller groups to discuss more in depth the material covered in lectures, ask questions about assignments, and review for exams.

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The level of a course is indicated by the course number. For example, Sociology 600 will be more advanced than Sociology 100. Generally, as the level of the course increases, class size decreases. Oftentimes these smaller courses are called seminars. Discuss with your academic advisor what level courses are appropriate for you.

Academic Advisors

All degree-seeking students at the UW-Madison have an academic advisor (often referred to simply as an advisor). Depending on your department and your degree-level, your advisor may be a faculty member or a professional advisor. Your advisor is available to help you determine the best way to proceed toward your academic goals. For undergraduate students, your advisor can help you determine what classes take in order to satisfy university and department requirements. For graduate students, your advisor may also be involved in monitoring your progress with a thesis or dissertation. If you do not know the name of your academic advisor, contact your department. Undecided undergraduate students should refer to the Cross College Advising Service (see page 33).

Teaching Assistants

A teaching assistant (TA) is a graduate student who has been assigned teaching responsibilities in an instructional department under the supervision of a faculty member. TAs, as they are commonly called, may give lectures, lead discussion sections, grade assignments and exams, and/or do other tasks as assigned by the supervising faculty member.

Ofce Hours

Professors and teaching assistants are required to have weekly ofce hours, which will be listed on the syllabus you receive at the beginning of the semester. During ofce hours, you may stop in to the professors or TAs ofce to discuss any questions or concerns you have regarding the course. It is highly advisable that you take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions about the content of the course, as well as anything that you might not understand due to cultural differences. Professors enjoy meeting personally with their students and seeing their interest in the course material. Also see the Appendix for helpful terms related to academics at the UW-Madison.

UW Grading System
The University of Wisconsin-Madison uses the 4.00 Grade Point System. Points are awarded as follows: Grade A AB B BC C D F (Excellent) (Intermediate) (Good) (Intermediate) (Fair) (Poor) (Failure) Grade Points Per Credit 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.0 0.0

You may have the option to take some courses Pass/Fail, which means you receive a grade of either Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U). This grade is excluded from the GPA. If you would like to take a course Pass/Fail, you must request to do so no later than the fourth week of classes. For information about whether you may take a course Pass/Fail or not and how to do so, speak to your academic advisor.

Standards of Academic Conduct

Academic standards and practices vary from one culture to another. What is considered appropriate academic behavior in your home country may be looked upon very differently here in the U.S. It is therefore important that you understand what is acceptable academic behavior here in the U.S. and on this campus. Failure to comply with the rules of academic conduct could result in possible suspension or expulsion from the UW-Madison.

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The University of Wisconsin-Madisons Student Academic Misconduct Campus Procedures denes academic misconduct as follows: Academic misconduct is an act in which a student: seeks to claim credit for the work or efforts of another without authorization or citation; uses unauthorized materials or fabricated data in any academic exercise; forges or falsies academic documents or records; intentionally impedes or damages the academic work of others; engages in conduct aimed at making false representation of a students academic performance; assists other students in any of these acts. Examples include but are not limited to: cutting and pasting text from the web without quotation marks or proper citation; paraphrasing from the web without crediting the source; using notes or a programmable calculator in an exam when such use is not allowed; using another persons ideas, words, or research and presenting it as ones own by not properly crediting the originator; stealing examinations or course materials; changing or creating data in a lab experiment; altering a transcript; signing another persons name to an attendance sheet; hiding a book knowing that another student needs it to prepare an assignment; collaboration that is contrary to the stated rules of the course, or tampering with a lab experiment or computer program of another student. For more information about academic misconduct at the UW-Madison, refer to http://students.wisc.edu/saja/misconduct/UWS14.html.

Cheating

In many countries it is common to collaborate with classmates on assignments and exams. Similarly, many professors in the U.S. will assign projects they expect you to complete in a group. However, if no rules concerning working with others have been discussed in a course, you should assume that working with others writing a paper, completing homework, or taking an exam is not permitted. If you wish to consult with or work with another student on an assignment and you are not sure of the course rules, ask the instructor. Because of the cultural value of individualism in the U.S., students are almost always expected to complete exams individually. Students are not allowed to copy or discuss answers with others during an exam. Cheating is dened as copying someone elses work or bringing prohibited information or tools to an exam.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism means presenting the words or ideas of others without giving credit. You should know the principles of plagiarism and the correct rules for citing sources. In general, if your paper implies that you are the originator of words or ideas, they must in fact be your own. If you use someone elses exact words, they should be enclosed in quotation marks with the exact source listed. You may put someone elses idea in your own words as long as you indicate whose idea it was (for example, As Jane Smith points out, . . .). If you are unsure about the proper ways to give credit to sources, ask your instructor, or consult the Writers Handbook, available online from the Writing Center at http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/index.html.

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7.

INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES

Dependent Visa Regulations

It is very important that both international students and their dependents understand the federal regulations with which they must comply in order to maintain their visa status while in the U.S. While F-2 and J-2 dependent status relies on whether or not the F-1 or J-1 principal is maintaining his or her status, there are also several regulations that apply directly to F-2s and J-2s. Some of the most critical are listed below. For more information regarding F-2 and J-2 visa regulations, please visit ISS. Employment: F-2 dependents may not be employed in the U.S. J-2 dependents may be employed only if they have applied for and received permission from USCIS (visit ISS for J-2 employment information). Study: An F-2 spouse of an F-1 student may not engage in full-time study, and the F-2 child may only engage in full-time study if the study is in an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade). The F-2 spouse or child may otherwise only engage in study that is recreational in nature or done as a hobby. Please see an ISS advisor if you have questions. There is no restriction on study for J-2 dependents.

Enrolling Children in School

Wisconsin state law requires that all children between the ages of six and 18 attend school. If you live in Madison, your child is eligible to enroll in the Madison Metropolitan School District if he/she is ve years old on or before September 1 for entrance into kindergarten. Children who are six years old on or before September 1 can begin rst grade. Most Madison children begin at the age of 5, in the public school kindergarten. Public schools are free to all children, except for a small fee, which parents pay to cover the cost of books and supplies. If you have school-age children, the Madison Metropolitan School District Registrars ofce (663-4952) will tell you which school they will attend. Contact that school, and make an appointment to register the children. Take their passports, health records, and school records when you register them. Madison Metropolitan School District provides bus service for children in elementary school who live more than 1.5 miles from their school. The school district also has arrangements for children with special needs or disabilities. For more information about the Madison Metropolitan School District, visit www.madison.k12.wi.us. Private schools and parochial schools can be found in the Yellow Pages telephone directory. When you are leaving Madison permanently, notify the teacher of your expected date of departure. The school will give the children report cards and certicates of attendance. Most schools have parent teacher organizations (often identied by the acronym PTO or PTA) that make it possible for you to meet your childs teacher and the parents of classmates. Contact your childs school for information about meeting times and how to get involved. You or your spouse may also want to contact your childs school or teacher and offer to volunteer. This extra help is often highly appreciated. The following website has information about tutoring and mentoring in the Madison Metropolitan School District: http://drupal.madison.k12.wi.us/node/805.

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Child Care
UW-Madison Ofce of Child Care & Family Resources
University Apartments Community Center, 611 Eagle Heights, Rm 148, 262-9715 www.housing.wisc.edu/occfr The Ofce of Child Care and Family Resources is here to help you face the challenge of balancing the complex demands of work, education, and family. All students enrolled at the UW-Madison may apply for the Child Care Tuition Assistance Program (CCTAP), which provides student-funded awards to eligible student families to help purchase quality regulated childcare while the student attends class, works outside the home, or studies to complete a degree. Funds are available on a rst-come, rst-serve basis and when program eligibility factors are met. For more information, visit or call the Ofce of Child Care & Family Resources.

English Classes
http://www.iss.wisc.edu/ms/ or [email protected] Madison Friends of International Students, Inc. (MFIS) is an organization of volunteers from the Madison area who befriend and help UW-Madison international students, scholars, and their families. MFIS offers inexpensive English classes at a variety of levels that run parallel to the UWs fall and spring semesters. You can also apply to MFIS for an English Conversation Partner. In addition, MFIS co-sponsors the Conversation and Coffee Hour (see page 6). Spouses are encouraged to take part in all MFIS activities.

Madison Friends of International Students English Programs

Room 4413 Student Activity Center, 333 East Campus Mall, 263-5666 http://guts.studentorg.wisc.edu/ or [email protected] GUTS, a UW-Madison student organization, offers a Conversational English Program that matches native English speaking students with international students who want to improve their English uency and increase their understanding of U.S. culture.

Greater University Tutoring Service (GUTS) Conversational English Program

Program in English as a Second Language at the UW-Madison

5134 Helen C. White Hall, 263-3780 http://www.english.wisc.edu/esl/ or [email protected]

Wisconsin English as a Second Language Institute (WESLI)

19 N. Pinckney St., 257-4300 www.wesli.com or [email protected]

Madison English as a Second Language School (MESLS)

3009 University Ave., 233-9962 www.mesls.org or [email protected]

Volunteer Opportunities
Morgridge Center for Public Service
154 Red Gym, 263-2432 www.morgridge.wisc.edu Although your visa status limits your opportunities for paid employment, volunteering your services is permitted and encouraged. Volunteering is a great way to help others, do something you enjoy, and meet new people! For more information on volunteer opportunities throughout the community, visit the Morgridge Center for Public Service.

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8.

Living in Madison

Madison & Dane County

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Population of Madison:

2000 (census): 208,054 2010 (projected): 219,655 2000 persons/sq. mile: 3,037.3 Median age: 30.6

Population of Dane County:

2000 (census): 426,526 2010 (projected): 464,930 2000 persons/sq. mile: 354.9 Median age: 33.2

Geography:

Elevation: 845.6 feet above sea level Topography: rolling Dane County area: 1,201.9 sq. miles Madison area: 68.5 sq. miles Number of county lakes: 35 (25 with public access) Area of county lakes: 21,336 acres (36 sq. miles) Madison: Longitude 89 degrees W; Latitude 43 degrees N

Nearby metropolitan cities:

Beloit, Wisconsin Chicago, Illinois Dubuque, Iowa Green Bay, Wisconsin Janesville, Wisconsin Milwaukee, Wisconsin Minneapolis, Minnesota Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

50 miles south 142 miles southeast 95 miles southwest 132 miles northeast 41 miles south 77 miles east 256 miles northwest 52 miles north

Transportation
Because the city of Madison is centered on an isthmus, the downtown area can sometimes see heavy trafc, and parking can be difcult and/or expensive. Rather than driving, try walking, biking, or taking the bus!

A program sponsored by the Associated Students of Madison (ASM) provides free Madison Metro bus passes for UW students. For information, visit http://www.asm.wisc.edu/asm-bus-pass.html. Route guides are available at the Transportation Information Place, on the outside west end of Memorial Union. Family members who are not students can save money by purchasing 10-ride or monthly passes, available at the University Bookstore (711 State St.) or online. For more information on the bus system, go to www.ci.madison.wi.us/metro/metro.html.

Madison Metro Bus Service

Biking

Bicycle route guides are also available at the Transformation Information Place, on the outside west end of Memorial Union. Many bicycle stores in Madison sell used bikes as well as new ones. If you do not want to buy a bike, you might consider renting one. The Budget Bicycle Center at 930 Regent St. will loan you a bike and lock from May to October for a $60 deposit, which is reimbursable upon return of the bike. Call 251-1663 for more information.

Taxicabs

The following licensed companies are allowed to operate within Madison: Badger Cab, 256-5566, www.badgercab.com Madison Taxi, 255-8294, www.madtaxi.com Union Cab, 242-2000, www.unioncab.com

Community Car provides cars by the hour to individuals and organizations. Members share access to a eet of high gas-mileage vehicles located in reserved parking spots throughout Madison. Visit www.communitycar.com for more details and plan options.

Community Car

Although Madison is a relatively safe town, it is not wise to walk alone late at night. Instead, try calling the following service.: SAFEwalk, SAFEride is a program that provides nighttime transportation services, such as walking escorts and free or inexpensive rides, for members of the campus community to promote personal safety. Call 262-5000 or visit http://www2.fpm.wisc.edu/trans/safeservices.asp

Safe Nighttime Transportation

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The Dane County Regional Airport (airport code: MSN) is located on the east side of Madison at 4000 International Ln. It is approximately 15-20 minutes from the UW-Madison campus by taxi. No international ights y into or out of this airport. For a list of airlines that operate out of the airport and further information, visit www.msnairport.com.

Dane County Regional Airport

Chicago, Milwaukee, and Beyond!

OHare International Airport (airport code: ORD) in Chicago is often the airport of choice for many international students and their families, due to the fact that the Dane County Regional Airport is smaller and offers limited services. One of the easiest ways to get to and from OHare is by way of Van Galder Bus Lines. The buses run between the Memorial Union and Chicago more than a dozen times per day; the trip takes approximately three hours. Madison students and Union members can purchase reduced price round-trip tickets to OHare only at the Essentials Store on the rst oor of the Memorial Union. One-way tickets can be purchased at the regular price on the bus (regardless of student status or Union membership). Some buses also make stops in beautiful downtown Chicago, in case you want to visit the Windy City for tourism or some shopping! There is also daily service to the smaller Chicago airport, Midway. Visit http://www.union.wisc.edu/travelservices/ for more information on tickets available for sale at the Union. The Badger Bus runs up to eight round trips daily between Madison (leaves from the Memorial Union) and Milwaukee. The trip takes a little more than an hour. There is also a service that goes directly to the Johnson Creek Outlet Center, a reduced-price shopping center. Schedule and prices are available at www.badgerbus.com. Greyhound Bus Lines has service across the U.S. The Madison terminal is located at 2 S. Bedford St. For more information, check out www.greyhound.com, or call 1-800-229-9424. Amtrak trains travel across the U.S. as well. Although there is no Amtrak station in Madison, if you buy your tickets at STA Travel, located in the Memorial Union, you can receive a special price on a bus ticket to the Amtrak station in Chicago.

Shopping
Supermarkets
Capitol Center Foods, 111 N. Broom St. Conveniently located and one of the few downtown supermarkets. Copps Food Center, 3650 University Ave. This large chain grocery store is probably the most convenient place to purchase food for anyone living in the Eagle Heights area. Open everyday from 6:00am to midnight. Cub Foods, 4141 Nakoosa Trail (East); or 7455 Mineral Point Road (West) Another large chain grocery store with very competitive prices. Fresh Madison Market--ON CAMPUS, 703 University Ave. (corner of University Ave. and Lake St. in the Lucky Building) Their mission: To offer a full service grocery shopping experience with fair prices on a good selection of fresh foods and household needs, while also helping our customers make healthy and environmentally sound shopping choices. Willy Street Co-op, 1221 Williamson St. Located on Madisons near eastside, the Willy Street Co-op specializes in natural and organic foods. Woodmans, 3817 Milwaukee St. (East); or 711 S. Gammon Rd. (West) A huge selection at generally low prices. Be aware, however, that credit cards are not accepted. Bring cash, debit, or use the ATM in the store entrance to withdraw money before purchasing groceries. Unfortunately, the more distant location may make it difcult to shop here on a regular basis unless you have a car. Asian Asian Midway Foods, 301 S. Park St., 255-5864
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Thakek Video & Asian Food Store, 1310 S. Midvale Blvd., 298-0743 Lees Oriental Grocer, 3240 University Ave., 231-1593 Oriental Food Mart, 1206 S. Park St., 255-0326 Oriental Shop, 1029 S. Park St., 251-7991 Yue-Wah Oriental Foods, 2328 S. Park St., 257-9338 European Bavaria Sausage Kitchen, 6317 Nesbitt Rd., 271-1295 Clasens European Bakery, 7610 Donna Dr., Middleton, 831-2032 EmIans European Bakery & Caf, 4544 Monona Dr., 224-0888 Frabonis Italian Specialties & Delicatessen, 822 Regent St., 256-0546; or 108 Owen Rd., 222-6632 Ginos Italian Deli, 4606 Verona Rd., 273-1981 La Brioche Bakery, 509 S. Midvale Blvd., 233-3388 Indian Asian Midway Foods (see above) Maharajas Indian Grocery Store, 6719 Odana Rd., 827-7188 Yue-Wah Oriental Foods (see above) Mexican & South American El Mercadito, 916 S. Whitney Way, 441-7375 Hispana Grocery Store, 4512 E. Washington Ave., 249-5033; or 3060 Fish Hatchery Rd. (Fitchburg), 277-1750 Mercado Marimar, 36 S. Fair Oaks Ave., 663-1055; or 2102 S. Park St., 260-8924; or 6713 Odana Rd., 833-4059 Super Tienda Latina, 6005 Monona Dr., 221-2203 Yue-Wah Oriental Foods (see above) Middle Eastern LuLus Deli & Restaurant, 2524 University Ave., 233-2172

Thrift Stores

Need furniture, winter clothes, or other items, but dont want to pay full price because you only need them for a short time? For furniture and winter coats, you might rst want to contact MFIS (see page 27), a community group that, among other things, offers coats and furniture on loan to international visitors. Visit the MFIS website at iss.wisc.edu/ms, or e-mail [email protected] for more information. Another good place to visit is a local thrift store. Thrift stores, also known as second-hand shops, sell used, and sometimes new, items at reduced prices. Goodwill Downtown, 651 State Street, 255-0567 Goodwill East, 2127 East Springs Dr. (near East Towne Mall), 246-3147 Goodwill Monona, 2501 Royal Ave. (near South Towne Mall), 224-0781 Goodwill West, 4530 Verona Rd., 271-4687 House of Thrift, 474 N. Sherman Ave., 246-0889 Madison Savers, 1880 E Washington Ave., 240-0768 Ragstock (trendy and usually higher priced), 329 State St., 251-3419 Salvation Army Family Store, 1721 Thierer Rd. (near East Towne Mall), 244-4680 St. Vincent De Paul, 1309 Williamson St., 257-0673; or 1900 S. Park St., 250-6370

Sports & Recreation

It is very common for children, as well as adults, in the U.S. to be involved in organized recreational activities, either through their school or the community. It is a great way to meet people, perhaps learn something new, and just have fun. The following are a number of suggestions on how you and your family can get active in Madison.

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Wingra Boats invites you to join them for outdoor recreation! They offer a variety of boat rentals including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddle boats, windsurfers, and sailboats. Boats can be rented by the hour, half day, or full day at a reasonable rate. Wingra Boats is a family owned and operated business that takes pride in providing customer satisfaction and enjoyment. What better way to spend your time than basking in the sunshine, fresh air, and friendly neighborhood that surrounds Lake Wingra. Located at 824 Knickerbocker St., just a short distance from campus. For more information, visit them on the web at www.wingraboats.com or call them at 233-5332.

Wingra Boats

The mission of Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is to enhance the quality of life for individuals in the Madison Metropolitan School District and for the community by providing accessible recreation and enrichment opportunities for children and adults. Activities such as soccer, tennis, swimming, music, chess, wrestling, and more are offered year round in neighborhood schools, parks, and at the MSCR Administration Ofce and Activity Center. Program Guides with detailed program information are distributed via the Sunday Wisconsin State Journal (subscribers only) and mailed directly to residents of the Madison Metropolitan School District who do not receive the Sunday paper. These guides are distributed in March, August, and November, and can be found at local libraries throughout the year and at the MSCR ofce at 3802 Regent Street. More information is available at www.mscr.org.

Madison School & Community Recreation

Dane County YMCA

Despite its name, which stands for Young Mens Christian Association, the YMCA is not just for the young, not just for men, and not just for Christians. Today it is simply an association of members who come together with a common understanding of the YMCA mission and a common commitment to the YMCAs vision of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. By paying a small membership fee (particularly affordable in comparison with private health clubs), you become part of an association that does everything from child care to health and tness to youth development to the arts and humanities, and much more. The West Branch YMCA is located at 5515 Medical Circle, and the phone number is 276-6606. The East Branch YMCA can be found at 711 Cottage Grove Rd. and contacted by phone at 221-1571. More information is available at www.ymcadanecounty.org.

Little League Baseball

About 2,300 children in the Madison area are involved in this all-American pastime. The city is divided into four leagues: East Madison (244-2601), Kennedy (241-4776), South Madison, and West Madison (274-6556). Boys and girls ages 6 to 15 can participate (8 to 16 for the West Madison league).

Swimming Lessons & Clubs

If you or your children have never learned how to swim, now is the time, especially living in a city surrounded by lakes! The Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Fitness Center (246-6093; http://matcmadison.edu/athletics-wellness) has lessons year round for youths and adults. In addition, there are three U.S. Swimming-afliated youth clubs in the area that offer year round competitive swimming for most age groups and abilities: the Badger Dolphins Swim Club (276-SWIM), the Madison Aquatic Club (257-4823) and, in Middleton, Mad-Town Aquatics (278-9432). For adults, Masters Swimming is a nationally organized tness-swimming program for ages 19 through 90. One group of masters meets at the YMCA East and another at the Middleton High School. Two groups (morning and evening) meet at the UW Sports Medicine Center (621 Science Dr., 263-7936), Tuesdays and Thursdays.

UW Recreational Sports Facilities

The university boasts a number of high-quality recreational facilities. UW-Madison students can use the facilities for free, while spouses and domestic partners can buy passes for a semester or year that allow them to use the SERF (715 W. Dayton St.) and the Natatorium (2000 Observatory Dr.), two of the most popular workout facilities. Go to www.recsports.wisc.edu for details.

Hoofers

Hoofers offers outdoor recreation for all abilities at the UW-Madison. Hoofers clubs include Mountaineering, Outing, Riding, Sailing, SCUBA, and Ski & Snowboard. You must be a member of the Wisconsin Union (current UW-Madison students are automatic members) or faculty/staff member to participate in Hoofer activities. The Hoofers Ofce sells six-month introductory Union memberships for $30. For annual and lifetime memberships, please contact the Union Membership Ofce (262-2263). For more information, visit www.hoofers.org.

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Want to learn to knit, dance, swim, cook, or anything else you can imagine? Try a Wisconsin Union Mini Course. Information on current classes and registration can be found at www.union.wisc.edu/minicourses. Course booklets are also available in the student unions.

Wisconsin Union Mini Courses

Eagle Heights Community Gardens

The University of Wisconsins Eagle Heights Community Gardens (EHCG) was established in 1962 to offer Eagle Heights (graduate student housing) residents and the UW and Madison communities the opportunity to have an organic garden and participate in garden activities. The setting provides a wonderful place for meeting fellow gardeners, family picnics and walks, and bird watching. Apply early for a plot to garden yourself. More information is available at http://lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu/visit/eagleheightsgardens.htm.

Things To Do For You & Your Family

ISS Events
International Student Services (ISS) organizes a number of ongoing activities throughout the year that are both informative and fun. Activities vary from semester to semester and include workshops, intercultural exchanges, meals, and outings to sporting events. Both international students and their spouses are welcome at these events, and many are appropriate for children as well (inquire at ISS if you are not sure if the event is appropriate for children). See page 5 for more information.

Madison Friends of International Students, Inc. (MFIS) is a non-prot organization of volunteers from the Madison area who befriend and help UW-Madison international students, scholars, and their families. MFIS provides a variety of services and programs aimed at making the international communitys stay in Madison more enjoyable. Two big MFIS events include the Fall Picnic, held at the beginning of the fall semester, and the Capitol Reception in the Capitol Building, which takes place near the start of the spring semester. MFIS also sponsors a Holiday Hospitality program, which matches international students with domestic families in the community interested in sharing their holiday traditions, and a Friendship Sharing program that works to help internationals foster friendships with individuals or families in Madison. For more information, visit iss.wisc.edu/ms or e-mail [email protected].

MFIS Programs

Dane County Farmers Market

At the Dane County Farmers Market on the Capitol Square, a Saturday and Wednesday tradition in Madison, youll nd the seasons best bounty of vegetables and homemade, home-grown Wisconsin products from over 300 participants all gathered together around the Capitol Square. On Saturdays, the outdoor market is held from 6:00am to 2:00pm from the last Saturday in April until the rst Saturday in November. On Wednesdays, the market takes place from 8:00am to 2:00pm on the 100 and 200 blocks of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (between the Capitol and the Monona Terrace) from the rst Wednesday in May until the last Wednesday in October. Both locations are easily accessible by bike, bus, or car. More information, including winter farmers market details, is available at www.dcfm.org.

Memorial Union Terrace

Sit outside on the terrace behind Memorial Union and listen to the summer concerts beginning Memorial Day weekend through August. Take in the spectacular view of Lake Mendota while enjoying a dish or cone of the UWs famous Babcock ice cream. A great place to gather for a relaxing visit with friends!

Wisconsin State Capitol

Dont leave Madison without rst touring this famous building in the middle of Capitol Square! Free tours Monday through Saturday at 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm. On Sunday only the afternoon tours run. The outdoor terrace opens Memorial Day. MFIS coordinates a reception in the Capitol Building for international students and their families at the beginning of each spring semester (see above).

State Street

The New York Times has described this downtown street as a funky half-mile strip of food, music, craft and clothing shops running from the university campus to the imposing state capitol building. Just take a walk down State Street to see for yourself!
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University of Wisconsin Athletics

Dont miss the opportunity to cheer on the UW Badgers while you are here! UW-Madison sporting events include football, soccer, basketball, hockey, volleyball, track, tennis, softball, and more. For calendar and ticket information, visit www.uwbadgers.com.

Take a tour of this magnicent convention center designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The view of Lake Monona and neighboring areas from the outdoor terrace is amazing! Open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Call 261-4000, or visit www.mononaterrace. com for more information. Located at One John Nolen Dr., two blocks from the State Capitol.

Monona Terrace and Convention Center

The Arts and Museums

Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St., 258-4141 www.overturecenter.com The new Overture Center is Madisons home for the arts, offering performances by world-class artists in a dazzling new setting. The lineup includes Broadway, dance, music, comedy, and childrens programming. In addition to the performing arts, there are exhibitions of visual art in the three galleries located off the Rotunda Lobby. All exhibits are free and open to the public. Madison Symphony Orchestra, 257-3734 www.madisonsymphony.org See page 30 for information regarding the Madison Symphony Orchestras summer Concerts on the Square. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 257-0158 www.mmoca.org This museum of modern and contemporary art is currently in the process of moving and will eventually be housed in the new Overture Center for the Arts. For information on where exhibits are currently on display, call the number listed or visit the website. Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Ave., 263-2246 http://chazen.wisc.edu/ Free admission. Open Tuesday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday-Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm, closed Monday. Geology Museum, 1215 W. Dayton St., 262-1412 www.geology.wisc.edu/~museum/ Tour a simulated rock cave, check out rock, fossil, and mineral displays and real dinosaur skeletons! Madison Childrens Museum, 100 State St., 256-6445 www.madisonchildrensmuseum.org Exhibits vary throughout the year. Plenty of hands-on learning activities for the kids! Many special events you wont want to miss. UW Space Place, 1605 S. Park St., 262-4779 www.spaceplace.wisc.edu The Space Place offers a fun way to learn about astronomy and space science. Family workshops for children ages 6-10 and their parents are held at 10:00am the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N. Carroll St., 264-6555 www.wisconsinhistory.org Learn all about Wisconsins history. Life-size displays and interactive stations. Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifin St., 267-1799 http://museum.dva.state.wi.us/ The Wisconsin Veterans Museum tells the story of men and women from Wisconsin who served in the United States conicts from the Civil War to the Persian Gulf War.

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Parks & Beaches

There are more than 150 parks and play areas in the Madison area, offering beauty and relaxation every day of the year! A few highlights are listed below. For more park locations and information, contact Madison Parks (266-4711; cityofmadison.com/parks) or Dane County Parks (246-3896; http://www.countyofdane.com/lwrd/parks/default.aspx). UW Madison Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway, 263-7888 http://uwarboretum.org/ Pack a picnic lunch and go for a hike! Miles of hiking and biking trails through over 1,200 acres of restored prairies. Located near the Henry Vilas Zoo. Henry Vilas Zoo & Park, 702 S. Randall Ave. www.vilaszoo.org The Vilas Zoo and Park, in Madisons near west side, offers a childrens zoo and petting area, Herpitrarium & Discovery Center, several playgrounds, and a beach. In addition, many educational and fun family programs are offered throughout the year. Admission is free! Zoo open daily 9:30am to 5:00pm. Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Tropical Conservatory, 3300 Atwood Ave., 246-4550 www.olbrich.org Open year round. A great place to enjoy beautiful owers, with many special events throughout the year. Visit the Bolz Conservatory, a 50-foot glass pyramid lled with tropical palms, ferns and owering plants, or stroll through the 16 acres of outdoor display gardens, including the award-winning Rose Garden and Thai Pavilion and Garden. Beaches www.ci.madison.wi.us/parks/beaches.html Many Madison parks offer beaches that are open for swimming during the summer months. On Lake Mendota: Warner, Tenney, James Madison and Spring Harbor parks. On Lake Monona: Olbrich, B.B. Clarke, Bernies, Olin and Esther parks. Lake Wingra: Vilas Park. Cave of the Mounds, 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd., Blue Mounds, 437-3038 www.caveofthemounds.com Explore the Wisconsin beauty outside of Madison at the most signicant cave in the upper Midwest, surrounded by park-like grounds with picnic areas. The underground maze of caves maintains a steady temperature all year round. Devils Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd., Baraboo, 356-8301 www.devilslakewisconsin.com Enjoy beautiful scenery and numerous recreational activities at Devils Lake State Park. Hiking, rock climbing, biking, swimming, concession stands and more. Even young children can hike up the bluffs and enjoy the view.

Libraries
Madison Public Library, 266-6300 www.madisonpubliclibrary.org Consists of the Downtown Central Library and seven other branches. All of the community libraries offer free story hours for children and other cultural programs for community members throughout the year. When you rst visit the library, you may need to apply for a library card in order to borrow books. Call to locate the library nearest you. University Libraries, 265-2357 www.library.wisc.edu The main library for the university is Memorial Library, although there are dozens of libraries across campus. Open to UW students, faculty, and others with certain academic afliations or for a yearly fee.

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Festivals
Rhythm & Booms www.rhythmandbooms.com Madisons premier Independence Day Celebration and reworks display, held annually during the week of July 4th. Art Fair on the Square www.mmoca.org/events/artfair Art Fair on the Square brings a burst of color to the landmark Capitol Square the second weekend of July. The Capitol dome serves as the scenic backdrop for art, free entertainment, and outdoor dining. The main attraction includes ceramics, graphics, sculpture, photography, painting, jewelry, wood, leather, ber, glasswork, and mixed media. In addition to displays by some 500 artists from across the country, live music and a host of free activities for kids round out the weekends offerings. Taste of Madison www.tasteofmadison.com Your opportunity to try foods from more than 60 of Dane Countys nest eating establishments and enjoy live entertainment. On the Capitol Square toward the end of the summer. Concerts on the Square www.wcoconcerts.org/new/cos/concertsonthesquare.php Picnic on the Capitol Square while enjoying free concerts performed by the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Wednesday evenings during June and July. Flake Out Festival (Wisconsin Dells) http://www.wisdells.com/WisconsinDellsAttractions/akeout.cfm An exciting winter festival, including Wisconsins only state-sanctioned snow-sculpting competition, as well as many other fun events and activities. Capitol City Jazz Festival www.madisonjazz.com/jazzfest Listen to tons of great jazz music at this spring festival. Wisconsin Film Festival http://www.wilmfest.org/ Also in the spring is the Wisconsin Film Festival.

Cultural & Student Organizations

There are literally hundreds of student organizations on campus in which you can become involved; joining an organization is a great way to meet people with similar interests and make friends. The types of organizations vary widely, from social or recreational groups to groups organized around an interest in a particular country or religion. Search for organizations that interest you on the Center for Leadership and Involvement website, http://ci.wisc.edu/student_organizations.htm, and then contact the organization directly for more information. While you are encouraged to try to meet U.S. Americans and people from different cultures during your stay in the United States, it is understandable that you may desire some contact with people in the community from your home country. Some organizations on campus welcome the participation of spouses as well as students. Use the search method described above, and contact the organization directly to inquire. In addition, the following is a list of some of the cultural organizations in the Madison area. More extensive information about each organization is available at the websites listed. African Association of Madison, Inc., www.africanassociation.org Association of Indians in America, www.madison.com/communities/aiamadison Cambrian Heritage Society (Welsh), www.madison.com/communities/cambrian Celtic Cultural Center of Madison, www.madison.com/communities/celticmadison Centro Guadalupe, www.madison.com/communities/guadalupe
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Centro Hispano, www.madison.com/communities/hispano CIAO!-Cultural Italian American Organization, www.madison.com/communities/ciao Dane County Shamrock Club, www.madison.com/communities/shamrock Finnish-American Society of Madison, www.madison.com/communities/nnish Italian-American Womens Club, www.madison.com/communities/iawc Madison Chinese Language School, www.madison.com/communities/mcls Madison Japan Association, http://madisonjapan.web.fc2.com/ Madison Jewish Community Council, http://www.jewishmadison.org/index.aspx?page=1 Philippine-American Association of Madison, http://www.faawis.org/Associations_PAMANA.html Polish Heritage Club of Wisconsin-Madison, www.phcwi-madison.org Sadira Middle Eastern Dance, www.madison.com/communities/sadira Towards An Africa Without Borders, www.madison.com/communities/awb United Nations Association of Dane County, www.una-usadanecounty.org

Wisconsin Winters
Weather
When it comes to weather, Wisconsin is a state of extremes. Although summers are often hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 80F (27C) and at times reaching upwards of 90F, winters can be very cold. In the middle of winter, high temperatures average 25F (-4C), though temperatures can fall below 0F (-18C). Average annual snowfall is 35 inches (89 cm). International students are often shocked to nd out that you can swim in the lakes during the summer and drive a car on their frozen surfaces in the winter. Oftentimes in the winter, the combination of the actual temperature and the wind speed produces what is called wind chill, which actually makes the air feel even colder than it is. Therefore, it is critical to dress appropriately when going outside in the winter. A warm jacket, gloves, and a hat are a must. Boots and a scarf are also highly advised. It is also important to layer clothing so that you can remove outer layers when inside since buildings are almost always heated during the cold months.

Outdoor Activities

Just because Wisconsin winters can be cold doesnt mean you have to stay inside! Winter is your opportunity to engage in many fun activities that can only be done when the lakes are frozen and theres snow on the ground. Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding If you enjoy downhill skiing or snowboarding (or even if youre from a country that never sees snow, but youd like to learn something new and different while youre here), there are several slopes within an hours drive of Madison. Most of these facilities offer ski and snowboard rental, as well as classes for all levels. If you do not have transportation or just do not want to go alone, contact Hoofers for information about organized group trips, www.hoofers.org (see page 26). Tyrol Basin, Mt. Horeb, 437-4135, www.tyrolbasin.com Devils Head Resort, Merrimac, 493-2251 or 1-800-472-6670, www.devils-head.com Christmas Mountain Village, Wisconsin Dells area, 253-1000, www.christmasmountainvillage.com/skiing.html Cascade Mountain Ski & Snowboard Area, Portage, 742-5588, www.cascademountain.com Highlands of Olympia, Oconomowoc, (262) 567-2577, http://www.gottagoitsnows.com/skiareas/1269.html Sledding, Ice Skating, and Cross Country Skiing Come wintertime, many of the Madison area parks offer great opportunities for outdoor skating, cross country skiing, and sledding, when weather permits. These activities are usually free or quite cheap. Vilas, Tenney, and Elver Parks provide skate rental and concessions. More information is available at cityofmadison.com/parks. For information on indoor skating at The Shell (a UW recreational sports facility), visit http://recsports.wisc.edu/shell/icerink.html.

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9.

Appendix

Telephone Calls
All U.S. telephone numbers have ten digits (except the emergency number 911). The rst three digits are the area code and only need to be dialed (usually preceded by a 1) if you are calling from a phone in a different area code. Numbers that begin with 1-800 are toll free, meaning you do not pay for the call. All numbers listed here are in the 608 area code, unless stated otherwise. If you are calling from one campus phone to another, dial only the last ve digits of the number.

Emergency Contacts
Fire, Serious Injury, or Accident (emergencies) University Police (on-campus; non-emergency) Madison Police (off-campus; non-emergency) 911 262-2957 255-2345

Directory of Helpful Campus Resources

University Information
Campus Information Center Red Gym, 1st Floor, 263-2400 www.vip.wisc.edu Visitor Center 21 N. Park St., 1st Floor, 263-2400 www.vip.wisc.edu Graduate Admissions 333 Bascom Hall, 262-2433 http://www.grad.wisc.edu/education/admissions/index.html Professional Schools Admissions www.wisc.edu/admissions Undergraduate Admissions Red Gym, 3rd Floor, 262-3961 www.wisc.edu/admissions Undergraduate Engineering Admissions 1150 Engineering Hall, 262-5510 http://studentservices.engr.wisc.edu/admissions/

Colleges/Schools
Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of 140 Agriculture Hall, 262-4930 www.cals.wisc.edu Business, School of 975 University Ave., 262-1550 www.bus.wisc.edu Education, School of 123 Education Building www.education.wisc.edu Engineering, College of 1150 Engineering Hall www.engr.wisc.edu Human Ecology, School of 1300 Linden Dr., 262-4847 www.sohe.wisc.edu Journalism and Mass Communication, School of 5115 Vilas Hall, 262-3690 www.journalism.wisc.edu Law School 975 Bascom Mall, 262-2240 www.law.wisc.edu Letters and Science, College of 309 South Hall, 263-7221 www.ls.wisc.edu Library and Information Studies, School of 4217 Helen C. White, 263-2900 http://polyglot.lss.wisc.edu/slis/ Medical School www.med.wisc.edu Music, School of 3561 Humanities, 263-1900 www.music.wisc.edu Nursing, School of 600 Highland Ave. K6/223, 263-5155 www.son.wisc.edu
International Student Handbook

Admissions

Bursar, Ofce of the

Suite 10501, 333 East Campus Mall, 262-3611 www.bussvc.wisc.edu/bursar/bursar.html The ofce that sends out bills and collects tuition/fees.

Center for Leadership and Involvement

239 Red Gym, 263-0365 http://ci.wisc.edu/ The Center for Leadership and Involvement (CFLI) is the ofcial ofce serving registered student organizations. University policy requires that all campus student organizations be registered with the Student Organization Ofce if they wish to use university facilities for publicity, meetings, or events, or wish to associate their organization with the name of the UW-Madison.
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Pharmacy, School of 777 Highland Ave., 262-1416 www.pharmacy.wisc.edu Social Work, School of 1350 University Ave., 263-3660 http://socwork.wisc.edu/new_web/ Veterinary Medicine, School of 2015 Linden Dr. www.vetmed.wisc.edu

Graduate School

333 Bascom Hall, 262-1044 www.wisc.edu/grad Coordinates the graduate study (Masters and PhD) and research activities across disciplines. Except for professional schools, such as Law and Medicine, all graduate programs are offered through the Graduate School.

Greater University Tutoring Service

Continuing Studies, Division of

21 N. Park St., 7th Floor., 262-1156 www.dcs.wisc.edu The unit that is the academic deans ofce for University Special and Guest Students.

4413 Student Activity Center, 333 East Campus Mall, 263-5666 http://guts.studentorg.wisc.edu/ A student-run volunteer tutoring service open to all students. Offers individual and group tutoring, help with study skills, and a conversational English program.

Cross College Advising Service

International Student Services

10 Ingraham, 265-5460 www.ccas.wisc.edu The CCAS provides general academic advising, particularly for undergraduate students who have not yet decided upon a major/degree program.

217 Red Gym, 262-2044 http://iss.wisc.edu/ ISS is the main campus resource providing immigration information and documentation for international students. ISS also offers community and campus information and orientation programs for and about international students.

Division of Information and Technology

1210 W. Dayton St., 264-4357 www.doit.wisc.edu DoIT, as it is commonly called, offers a wide variety of technology services and products. DoIT runs most campus computer networks, coordinates electronic mail services and campus internet connections, and sells computer hardware and software to students and faculty.

International Faculty and Staff Services

Suite 5101, 21 N. Park St., 265-4000 www.ohr.wisc.edu/ifss IFSS provides comprehensive assistance to the UW-Madison community on all aspects of non-student immigration (such as H1-B and J-1 scholar/researcher visas).

Division of University Housing

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Campus Center

625 Babcock Dr., 262-2873 www.housing.wisc.edu This unit coordinates on-campus housing assignments.

Employee Compensation & Benet Services

Memorial Union, 2nd Floor, 265-3344 http://lgbt.wisc.edu/ The Mission of the LGBT Campus Center is to strengthen and sustain an inclusive campus community for LGBTQ and allied students by eliminating heterosexism, homophobia, and gender identity oppression.

Suite 5101, 21 N. Park St., 265-2257 www.bussvc.wisc.edu/ecbs The central benets ofce for the UW-Madison, providing information on insurance, leave benets, payroll, savings plans, taxes, forms to complete, etc.

Equity & Diversity, Ofce for

179A Bascom Hall, 263-2378 www.oed.wisc.edu The Ofce for Equity and Diversity provides leadership and education to university employees and students on principles of equity and diversity to promote respectful and supportive work and learning environments.

223 Red Gym, 263-4010 http://www.iss.wisc.edu/ms/ A volunteer community organization, MFIS offers international students, scholars, and their families friendship links with local families and individuals, welcoming activities, information about the Madison community, and a winter coat and furniture loan program. See page 27.

Madison Friends of International Students

Multicultural Student Center

Red Gym, 2nd Floor, 262-4503 http://msc.wisc.edu/msc/ A resource and student center providing meeting, information, discussion, learning, and other opportunities related to African
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American, American Indian, Asian American, Chicano/a, and Puerto Rican student life.

Ofces of the Dean of Students

75 Bascom Hall, 263-5700 www.wisc.edu/students The mission of ODOS is to help all students succeed at the UWMadison by providing effective out-of-classroom programs, services and learning opportunities; developing and inuencing campus-wide policies which positively impact student lives; and fostering a more healthful, multicultural and respectful campus community. ODOS is comprised of eight units, including ISS and many others listed here.

1202 Williamson St., Suite A, 257-0006 www.tenantresourcecenter.org A non-prot organization dedicated to promoting positive relations between rental housing consumers and providers by providing information about rental rights and responsibilities, and access to conict resolution.

Tenant Resource Center

Writing Center

Registrar, Ofce of the

6171 Helen C. White Hall, 263-1992 www.wisc.edu/writing Offers free assistance with writing skills through individual counseling and group courses and programs. Students may bring in writing assignments in progress for all types of courses except composition courses.

Suite 10101, 333 East Campus Mall, 262-3811 http://registrar.wisc.edu/ Maintains all ofcial student records at the UW-Madison, such as transcripts, grade lists, course registrations, residency for tuition purposes, etc.

Student Job Center

Suite 9701, 333 East Campus Mall, 262-5627 http://jobcenter.wisc.edu/ Visit the ofce in person or use the online resources to search for on-campus employment opportunities.

DIRECTORY OF HELPFUL OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES

Foreign Embassies in the United States
www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Ofce & Service CenterMilwaukee Sub-Ofce 310 East Knapp St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 297-3572

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Taxpayer Assistance Center

545 Zor Shrine Pl., 829-5827 www.irs.gov IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are your source for personal, face-to-face tax help.

Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)

Social Security Administration

6011 Odana Rd., 1-800-772-1213 or 270-1141 www.ssa.gov The ofce that administers Social Security Numbers.

2135 Rimrock Rd., 266-2772 www.dor.state.wi.us Assistance with Wisconsin state tax ling is generally provided Monday through Friday, 7:45am to 4:30pm.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

4802 Sheboygan Ave., 1-800-924-3570 www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/index.htm Visit this site for more information about getting a Wisconsin drivers license or state ID.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Inquiry

1-800-375-5283 http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Academic Probation: A status resulting from unsatisfactory academic work; a warning that the student must improve academic performance or be dismissed after a specic period of time.

Class Standing: This refers to an undergraduate students

ofcial year in school. It is determined by the number of credits earned and varies somewhat by department. Generally the guidelines are as follows: Freshman 0-23 credits, Sophomore 2453 credits, Junior 54-85 credits, Senior 86 credits or more.

Add/Drop: You may change your list of classes by adding or

dropping after the beginning of classes, but pay attention to the deadlines for doing so. The dates are listed in the Timetable (see page 38). They tend to be enforced strictly and have nancial consequences. After the deadline, consult your deans ofce. If you wish to drop below the full-time requirement, you MUST rst receive authorization from ISS.

College/School: One of the separate degree-granting units of the university (often termed faculties at universities in other countries). Each has its own faculty members and staff, is led by a dean, offers its own degree programs, and controls its own curriculum and admissions standards. See page 32 for a list of schools and colleges. Course: One curriculum program which generally lasts for
one semester and typically meets for one to ve (sometimes more) hours per week. You earn your degree by successfully completing a specic number of courses, as determined within each college or school. Each course has an assigned number for identication purposes.

Advisor (Academic Advisor): The staff or faculty member assigned to help students plan a course of study in a discipline or particular degree or program. Each department has advisors, and several campus-wide services are also available (see also International Student Advisor). Audit: Attending a class as an observer only and not for credit or a grade. Requires the professors approval and is not allowed for some types of courses when the course is full. Big 10: A group of large, high quality, mostly Midwestern universities, including the UW-Madison. Often mentioned in the context of athletic competition. Blue Book: A small book of writing paper with a blue cover,
used in examinations.

Cram: Intense study at the last possible moment before an

examination.

Credit: The way your academic progress is measured. Each credit equals about one hour of lecture, discussion, and/or laboratory work per week for a 15-16 week semester. Courses vary in credits from 1 to 5 or more. (See also Full-time Student.) Dean: Director or the highest authority within an academic
division of study. An Academic Dean heads each school and college.

Breadth Requirements (Course Work): Intended

to give students a broad intellectual perspective on their undergraduate education and their world by looking at subjects through the various modes of inquiry used in the natural sciences, physical and social sciences, arts, and humanities. Students should consider their own interests and check with their advisor (or Timetable/Catalog) when deciding which courses to complete. May vary depending upon schools and colleges.

Deans List: The list of full-time undergraduate students who achieved above a certain GPA (see page 39) or whose GPA is in the top range that each school/college sets in a given semester. Department: Each college or school is organized by disciplines into departments, which offer specic majors. Faculty members are assigned to a particular department. For example, there are more than 40 departments in the College of Letters and Science, such as Anthropology, Chemistry, History and Political Science.

Bucky Badger: The mascot of the UW-Madison. The badger

was associated with Wisconsin because many of the rst European settlers mined for lead by digging into hillsides, reminiscent of a badgers den.

Catalog (Undergraduate/Graduate): Contains academic programs, requirements, course descriptions, faculty and advisors, and other campus resources. Catalogs are available online at www.wisc.edu/pubs/ug (undergraduate) and www.wisc.edu/grad/catalog (graduate). Certicate/Minor: The subject or area of studies in which a student concentrates to a lesser degree than in his/her major.
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Department Chair: The faculty member in charge of an

academic department of the university.

Directed Study: Independent one-on-one research or

writing experience for credit arranged between an individual student and professor.

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Dissertator: A student who has completed all requirements

for a PhD degree except for the dissertation.

Dorm or Dormitory: See Residence Hall. Double Major: Studying simultaneously for two degrees in
two majors, fullling the class requirements for both majors.

semester, and graduate students must carry at least 8. Graduates who hold Teaching or Project Assistantships (TA or PA) of 50% are considered full time at 4 credits; a TA or PA of 33.3% or more is full time at 6 credits. International students must be full time during major semesters to maintain valid immigration status. Dissertators are full time with 3 credits.

Graduate Student: A student admitted to a degree program at the Masters or Doctoral level.

Eagle Heights: Housing for students and their families

located along Lake Mendota, west of the main campus. A truly international community, Eagle Heights residents represent dozens of different countries and cultures.

Helen C.: Common name for Helen C. White Hall, the

lower oors of which are a large undergraduate-oriented library (College Library), a popular study area; the location for most material placed on reserve for use by students in particular classes.

East Campus Mall, 333: Also known as the Student Services Tower, the ofces at 333 East Campus Mall provide a wide range of services for students. The Student Activity Center is housed on the 3rd and 4th oors of the tower, and other student services ofces, such as University Health Services, the Registrars ofce, and the Bursars ofce are also located here. Electives: Courses that a student may elect (choose freely)
to take for credit toward his/her degree.

Hoofers: The student-run organization of recreational clubs

such as skiing, sailing, and mountaineering, located in Memorial Union. See page 26 for more information.

House Fellow: A student living and working in the

residence halls who helps residents get to know each other, provides residents with information about the UW-Madison, assists when residents experience interpersonal conicts, and helps enforce house rules.

Essay: A method of examination or homework by which a student presents his/her knowledge of the subject by writing a composition. Extracurricular Activities: Activities in your student life
that are not part of classroom study. Examples include: athletics, publications, and social organizations.

ID, Student: Student Identication Card; photo identication required to use libraries, recreational sports centers, computer labs, and many other campus services. Can be used as debit card to purchase food on campus. Obtained at Union South lower level (see page 7).

Faculty: The members of the teaching, and sometimes administrative, staff of the university.

Finals: Examinations given at the end of a semester. Finals schedules are printed in the Timetable, and you are expected to consider this when planning your semester schedule. Some courses require nal papers rather than exams. Flunk: To receive an unsatisfactory grade for an examination or a course; to fail. Fraternities/Sororities: Private student organizations
designed to foster academic and community leadership and camaraderie. Fraternities (for men) and sororities (for women) are identied by Greek-lettered initials. For more information, contact the Student Organization Ofce (see page 30).

Incomplete: A temporary grade given by a professor to a student who was doing satisfactory work in a course but was unable to nish the course because of illness or emergency. Granted only at the professors discretion. Contact your academic deans ofce for the deadline to remove incompletes. A grade of incomplete is automatically changed to a grade of failure if not removed by the deadline. Independent Study: A method of receiving credit for study
or research independent of the assignments of any specic course, but supervised and graded by a faculty member.

International Student Advisor: A representative of the

university whose job is to provide guidance and information to international students in many areas of student life, including U.S. government regulations, visas, academic regulations, customs, language, nancial problems, housing, travel plans, etc.

Freshman: Class standing (see page 35) of an undergraduate

student who has completed less than 23 credits.

Junior: Class standing (see page 35) of an undergraduate

student who has completed 54-85 credits.

Full-time Student: To be considered enrolled full time,

undergraduate students must carry at least 12 credits each
36 University of Wisconsin-Madison

Lecture: The most common method of instruction in univeriss.wisc.edu International Student Handbook

sity courses, when a faculty member provides information by speaking to a group of students (class).

Pass/Fail: Pass/Fail refers to carrying a course without any

letter grade being assigned. Rather, credits are earned for a passed course with a grade of S for satisfactory. Each college has its own P/F rules. Typically, P/F may be elected only for purely elective (not required) work and must be elected early in the semester.

MadCat: The computer-based library catalog system. MadCat lists almost all materials available in the UW-Madisons more than 20 libraries. It is available online at the libraries or by personal computer through WiscWorld.

Placement Exam: An examination to place a student in the Major: The concentration or depth requirement for a bachelors degree. A major focuses a student on a particular discipline in undergraduate degree programs that otherwise emphasize general education across a breadth of disciplines. Most majors comprise approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of a students work, carried mostly in the junior (3rd) and senior (4th) years. The offering departments faculty controls the majors entrance and graduation requirements. Your I-20 or DS-2019 lists your major so if you change your major, you MUST notify ISS. proper level of courses, such as for math or a foreign language.

Plagiarism: BEWARE: In the U.S. educational system, there

are strict rules that guide the use of other peoples ideas. Inability to follow these rules could be considered plagiarism and is a violation of the university code of acceptable academic conduct. See page 19 for details.

Pop Quiz: A quiz that the professor or instructor has not previously informed the students about. Prerequisite: The previous coursework, student level, or
other status required in order to enroll in a particular course. Prerequisites are listed in the Timetable and in catalogs/bulletins. (Example: Economics 548, Economics of Health Care, has a prerequisite of Econ 301, or Pub Affr 880 or cons inst. This means that a student must have previously taken Economics 301 or Public Affairs 880 or must have the professors approval prior to enrolling in this course.)

Mid-term: The examination(s) given in the middle of the

semester.

Minor/Certicate: The subject or area of studies in which

a student concentrates to a lesser degree than in his/her major.

Multiple-choice Examination: An examination in which questions are followed by two or more answers, from which a student must select the correct answer. My UW-Madison: Your personal online portal to integrate your UW-Madison student and campus information. Use it to access your campus e-mail account, add or drop classes, view and update information in your student records, set up your personal calendar, update your address information, and browse the web (see page 7).

Privacy: Students are protected by FERPA (Family Education

Rights and Privacy Act of 1974), which allows the university to release ONLY directory information. Distribution of other information, such as a grades earned, requires the students written permission. You may obtain a copy of the policy from the CIVC or Registrars Ofce.

The Nat: The Natatorium. Located toward the west end of

campus, the Nat offers a gymnasium, swimming pool, racquet sports courts, exercise equipment, and other facilities for students and staff.

Professional Schools: Offer programs leading to competency in a particular profession at either the undergraduate level or the graduate level (such as Business, Social Work, Law, Medicine).

Open-book Examination: An examination during which

a student is permitted to use his/her textbook and/or classroom notes.

Quiz: A short test, written or oral, usually less formal than an

exam.

Red Gym: The castle-like building immediately east of the

Memorial Union. The Red Gym is the gateway to the campus for new students. It serves all students and visitors by housing ofces such as the Campus Information and Visitor Center (CIVC), Undergraduate Admissions, Student Organization Ofce, and is the location of International Student Services.

Oral Examination: An examination during which a student

answers questions by speaking rather than by writing.

Park St., 21 N.: The administration building located at 21 N.

Park St. is the home of many administrative service ofces, such as payroll and human resources.

Registered: A student is ofcially registered when he or

she has used the online registration system to add at least one course. Only using the system and formally canceling any course registrations on the record can cancel registration. International
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Part-time Student: A student who carries less than a full

load of courses (NOT an option for international students, who must carry a full load).
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students MUST be registered full time during major semesters to remain in status in the U.S.

detail, usually several pages in length and nearly always typed.

Required Courses: Specic classes that a student is required to take in order to complete his/her degree.

Test: An examination, or any other procedure that measures

the academic abilities of students.

Research Paper: A formal written report that includes

research ndings and a students own ideas.

Timetable: The ofcial schedule of course offerings at UWMadison for a particular semester. The Timetable lists courses offered, course schedules and locations, prerequisites, teachers, nal examination times, and a variety of other information. It also provides important registration instructions and general rules affecting registration and student records. The Timetable is available online at http://registrar.wisc.edu/course_guide_access.htm.

Residence Hall: A building on campus where students live

during the school year.

Resume: Essential document for getting any kind of employment, especially after you graduate. Begin compiling it right away. It should list all your educational achievements and employment experience. Consult the career services ofce in your school or department for assistance. Semester: Half of the regular academic year (fall and spring
semesters), usually lasting 15 weeks. The summer study period is often referred to as summer semester but ofcially is the Summer Session.

Topics, Special Topics: A type of course, topics refers to

a unique or one-time offering. The particular topic to be covered is listed in the topics section in the Timetable.

Transcript: The ofcial record of academic progress at the UW-Madison. Ofcial transcripts are those sent by the UW directly to another school or employer. Unofcial or campus transcripts are those provided directly to students. Both are available at the Registrars Ofce. Transfer Student: A student who has attended another university (either in the U.S. or outside) but has not completed the degree program and has been admitted to the UW-Madison to continue at the same level. This denition of transfer should not be confused with a SEVIS transfer, which must be completed by an international student when changing from one U.S. school to another, regardless of whether the student is beginning a new program or continuing at the same level; a SEVIS transfer moves your SEVIS record from one school to another. Tuition: The money an institution charges for instruction and training (does not cover fees or cost of books and other materials). Tutoring: A method of providing help to students by instruction outside of class. Advanced students work with individuals or small groups to increase their understanding of the material. (See GUTS, page 33.)

Seminar: Small classes of approximately 15 students each,

designed to facilitate intensive study of specic subject areas. Most are upper-level and graduate courses.

Senior: Class standing (see page 35) of an undergraduate

student who has completed 86+ credits.

Social Security: The Federal Governments retirement and

social benets system. People earn credit towards their benets through their employment. It is required of all individuals who are employed in the U.S.

Sophomore: Class standing (see page 35) of an undergraduate student who has completed 24-53 credits. Special (Guest) Student: A student admitted to the
UW-Madison to take courses for credit but not toward a UWMadison degree. Includes students on international exchange programs, ESL students, and people returning to the university for personal or professional enrichment. Most special students are admitted through the University Special and Guest Students Ofce (www.dcs.wisc.edu/info/current.htm).

Tyme Machine: The automatic banking machine most common in Wisconsin (see page 10). Undergraduate: A student admitted to a bachelors level
degree program.

Syllabus: Detailed course description with topics to be covered, required reading, and completion dates. Usually distributed by the professor on the rst day of class.

Unions: Memorial Union and Union South offer restaurants

and cafes, game rooms, art galleries, movies, live music, study rooms, theater events, a travel center, and a wealth of other activities and places for individuals and groups to meet and hold events. Visit www.union.wisc.edu for more information.
International Student Handbook

Take-home Examination: An examination that is given

out to students to be completed independently.

Term Paper: A written original work discussing a topic in

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UW Police: The UW-Madisons own police force. See page

32 for contact information.

Withdrawal: Dropping all, not some, courses for a semester

and leaving school for the remainder of a term. International students MUST consult with ISS before withdrawing.

ACRONYMS
ASM: Associated Students of Madison. The current student government, headquartered in the Memorial Union. CALS: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (see page 32) CCAS: Cross College Advising Service (see page 33) CFLI: Center for Leadership and Involvement (see page 32) CIVC: Campus Information and Visitor Center (see page 32) DARS: Degree Audit Reporting System. A computer-based
system in which you can see how you are progressing toward meeting the requirements for a particular degree.

MSC: Multicultural Student Center (see page 33) NetID: Network Identication. Your NetID is needed, along
with a password you create, to access your My UW account. Your NetID is usually everything to the left of the @ in your university-issued e-mail account.

ODOS: Ofces of the Dean of Students (see page 34) PA: Project Assistant. Usually a graduate student who works
for a department on a special project.

Ph.D.: Doctor of Philosophy. The highest academic degree

awarded by a university to students who have completed at least three years of study beyond the bachelors and/or masters degrees. A student must complete original research presented in the form of a dissertation.

DoIT: The Division of Information and Technology (see page

33)

GPA: Grade Point Average. The measure of academic performance at most U.S. universities. The UW-Madison system is based on a top grade of A (excellent) = 4.0, and a lowest grade of F (failure) = 0. Cumulative GPA reects the average of all courses earned to date. GUTS: Greater University Tutoring Service (see page 33) ISS: International Student Services (see page 4) L&S: The College of Letters and Science; the largest academic
unit at the UW-Madison. (see page 32)

PIN: Personal Identication Number. Like a password, but always numeric, a PIN is a number you create or are given in order to access private information. For example, you may have a PIN to access your bank records online or withdraw money from an ATM machine. Keep your PIN private. RA: Research Assistant. Usually a graduate student who is
given a scholarship by a department to assist a faculty member in conducting research.

LGBTCC: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Campus Center (see page 33) M.A./M.S.: Master of Arts/Master of Science. A graduate degree, typically awarded for programs of one to three years. MFIS: Madison Friends of International Students (see page
27)

MRC: Multicultural Resident Consultant. Students living in UW-Madison Residence Halls who promote a supportive and inclusive environment for all students of color and international students.
University of Wisconsin-Madison

ROTC: University of Wisconsin- Madison hosts Reserve Ofcer Training Corps (ROTC) from all United States military services (Army, Navy and Air Force.) They operate under the auspices of the Department of Military Science (Army), the Department of Naval Science (Navy and Marine Corps) and the Department of Aerospace Studies (Air Force.) Military training was established and has operated continuously at UW-Madison since 1868. There are approximately 200 cadets spread among the services on campus, ranging from freshmen to graduate students. You may see them on campus, in your classes, or in the Lakeshore nature preserve training. Feel free to stop and ask a cadet about the program or contact them through the website listed below. ROTC classes are in addition to their regular studies. A cadet in the program typically commits about 10 hours/ week to the program. This includes physical tness training, classes, and a weekly lab. Additionally, cadets often host social
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functions and other community projects. Approximately 70% of the United States military ofcers are produced by ROTC programs, which number in the thousands and range across the United States and its territories. Its in keeping with the American tradition of the citizen-soldier that todays university students make up tomorrows military ofcer corps. More information is available at www.badgerrotc.com.

TA: Teaching Assistant. A graduate student who assists a faculty member, often teaching small discussion sections of larger lecture courses. May also teach complete courses in areas such as beginning foreign languages. TITU: Today in the Union. The daily list of meeting and
event times and room numbers for each of the student unions. If an event you plan to attend is advertised as TITU, check the list posted near the union entrance on the day of the event.

SERF: Southeast Recreational Facility. Located south of the Southeast Residence Halls, the SERF offers swimming, racquet sports, exercise equipment, and a variety of other recreational facilities for students and staff. SHIP: Student Health Insurance Plan (see page 12) SOAR: Student Orientation, Advising, & Registration. At SOAR, new undergraduate students and their parents or guests meet with academic advisers, plan an academic program, register for classes, and learn about university resources and campus life. Information available at www.newstudent.wisc.edu/soar.

UHS: University Health Services. Offers comprehensive medical services and counseling services for students. Also coordinates programs and information supporting healthy lifestyles and prevention of medical problems (see page 13).

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