Incoming Students

2. How will COVID-19 impact the La Follette School classes and events this fall?

The La Follette School will follow guidance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Graduate School. The most up to date information from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s response to COVID-19 will always be found here: https://covid19.wisc.edu/ We will also share any updates as they are communicated to us from campus leadership.

Information specific to Graduate Students is found here:  https://covid19.wisc.edu/graduate-students/

Information specific to travel and visa questions as they relate to COVID-19 for international students can be found here under the newly admitted students FAQ: https://iss.wisc.edu/students/current-students/health/covid-19-updates/

If the recommendations to continue practicing social distancing remain in place through the fall, it seems likely we could expect that the university would continue to limit or cancel in-person extracurricular activities, lectures, and field experiences to keep individuals safe, as they have this spring. Courses would be taught online as they were this spring and we would of course try to bring as many of the other activities as possible into an online format. In some cases that may not fully replace the value in-person experience provides, but if that is the reality we face, then our faculty and staff will be working to make those remote experiences as robust and meaningful as possible given the circumstances.

3. When can I register for classes?

New graduate students can start registering for classes on Monday, June 22. All new students have a space saved in their core courses. While we recommend registering immediately on June 22, if you cannot register until later in the summer you will still have a spot reserved for you. You will receive enrollment reminders with more information from UW-Madison and from the La Follette Student Services office on how to register for courses. On the Advising section of the La Follette School website you can find our handbook, course grids, electives lists, etc. in the sidebar on the right side of the page. The fall course grid shows when our courses will be offered so you can start planning your class and work schedules. You can contact Admissions & Advising Coordinator, Mo O’Connor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with advising questions.

4. What courses should I take?

In your first semester, MPA and MIPA students take three courses together as a cohort: PA 800, 818, and 880. You can choose the discussion section that works best for you. Students in their first semester typically enroll in 10 credits, but if you would like to take more you may choose an elective. 

5. How do I enroll in classes?

You will use the Enroll App.  Tutorials with step by step instructions on how to enroll in classes can be found here.

6. Who are my advisors?

All students are assigned a faculty advisor according to their policy interests in their first semester. The Admissions and Advising Coordinator, Mo O’Connor, serves as the academic advisor to all students. The Career Service Coordinator, Marie Koko, provides professional development services to all students.

Students are encouraged to meet with La Follette School faculty at any time during their program of study to discuss particular career interests or course options. Faculty advisors may help students make strategic decisions about career specialization, including decisions about course selection in their area of interest. Faculty are not expected to certify whether students are making satisfactory progress toward their degree or to monitor whether courses meet program requirements. The Admissions and Advising Coordinator oversees student progress toward degrees. More information about these distinct roles can be found in the La Follette School Handbook under “Advising and Academic Support.” 

7. How can I get academic or career advising questions addressed?

Current academic advising questions can be directed to Mo O’Connor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 608.262.3582.

Current career advising questions can be directed to Marie Koko at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 608.262.3908.

8. Can I look at the previous course syllabi?

If you would like to look at last year’s syllabi, you can find them here. New syllabi for the fall 2020 semester will be available starting the first week of fall 2020 classes. Textbook information will be available in the Course Guide when you enroll.

Please do not make text purchases based on last fall’s syllabus.

9. Do I need to send official transcripts to the UW-Madison Graduate School?

The UW-Madison Graduate School requires official transcripts. If you are graduating in May, please wait to send your transcript to the UW-Madison Graduate School until you have graduated and your transcript shows a degree conferral date. If you received your degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison or you are an accelerated student, you do not need to send official transcripts.

International applicant's transcripts or academic documents must include an official English translation done by the bachelor's degree granting institution or an official translator. See this link for country specific information.

Directions to send official transcripts to the University of Wisconsin Madison Graduate School: 1) Order your transcript through your institution.

2) If you cannot choose UW-Madison Graduate School, then transcripts can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

3) For US institutions, the Graduate School prefers electronic transcripts if your institution offers that option.

4) For international institutions, and those domestic institutions that do not have an electronic option, they need the official hard copy sent to: 

The Graduate School Admissions Office University of Wisconsin-Madison
232 Bascom Hall
500 Lincoln Drive Madison, WI 53706

Due to COVID-19, we recognize that international mail service may have been interrupted and if you are unable to mail official transcripts or send them electronically, the UW-Madison Graduate School recommends you bring your official transcripts to campus. If none of these are a viable option please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to explain your situation and receive further guidance.

 5) Please do not send both a paper and electronic copy of the same transcript.

10. Do I need to complete any training over the summer?

There are two trainings to be aware of. 

1. Access to our online math review course will be available to you in July after you enroll in courses. We will send more information about math review in June.  Your admissions letter has indicated if you must complete the course. It is recommended for all students and most choose to complete it. We will send an email to you in July when the course will be accessible to all students.
2. Plan to complete the online sexual violence prevention program, required for all new graduate students. You will receive an email from University Health Services with instructions on how to access the program. A hold will be placed on your enrollment if you do not complete it.

11. How do I activate my NetID?

You can activate your NetID by following these activation steps: https://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=1140 

12. How do I get my student ID?

Your student ID, called your Wiscard, can be obtained in the Wiscard Office in Union South after you have enrolled in classes. Wiscard is your official UW-Madison identification card. It will give you access to libraries, recreation facilities, and other campus services including door access. Your Wiscard can also be used to make purchases at over 60 locations across campus.

Your first Wiscard is issued to you at no cost and is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. You will need to present a valid, government issued ID before you receive your Wiscard. A list of qualifying IDs and more information on how to get your Wiscard can be found here.

Your student ID will have your 10 digit campus ID number on it. Your student campus ID number is an essential part of your record at UW-Madison and will be associated with your permanent record. Your ID number is a university generated ten digit number (e.g. 9000001234). For questions regarding your ID number, contact Transcripts and Certifications within the Office of the Registrar:

Office of the Registrar, Transcripts and Certifications
333 East Campus Mall, #10101
Madison, WI 53715

Phone: (608) 262-3811

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

*Note: To receive your student campus ID number, presentation of valid photo identification will be required.

13. What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to the NetID login process. It requires an individual to verify their identity using something that only they possess–for example, a smartphone or token (also known as a fob). To access UW–Madison digital assets, an individual will login with their NetID and password AND verify their identity using their smartphone or token. You can set up multi-factor identification by following the directions on this page: https://kb.wisc.edu/mfa/81448 

14. How do I get my student bus pass?

You will need to present your Wiscard in order to receive your free bus pass provided to you by the Associated Students of Madison. Dates and locations of fall 2020 student bus pass distribution have not yet been announced but once they are you will be able to find out where you can get your bus pass here.

15. What resources are available for incoming international students?

Please look at the International Student Services (ISS) website.  ISS provides information and programs to international students about the campus and community and provides support and assistance concerning visas and related immigration issues. If you have questions about anything related to these topics, please contact their very helpful office.

There will be a mandatory orientation for all incoming international students. You must attend one of the orientations and you can register here.

16. What resources are available on campus that support diversity and inclusion?

La Follette is committed to diversity and inclusion, and you can find our diversity and inclusion webpage on the La Follette School Diversity and Inclusion web page which includes links to many resources available on campus including the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center, the McBurney Disability Resources Center, the Multicultural Student Center, the Veterans Services and Military Assistance Center, the Office for Equity and Diversity, Learning Communities for Institutional Change & Excellence, and more.

17. What resources are available to support learning with a disability?

The McBurney Disability Resource Center is the office to contact if you have any learning needs that would benefit from support.

18. Where can I find information about funding and financial aid?

Graduate students fund their education in several ways including fellowships, on-campus appointments such as teaching assistantships and project assistantships, off-campus jobs, personal savings, and loans. La Follette’s funding & financial information webpage has several funding resources. If you are interested in applying for an assistantship, this document may be helpful in guiding your search. The best place to find on-campus positions for graduate students is the Graduate Assistantships page.  The Office of Student Financial Aid is also a great resource.  Tuition and fees information can be found here. Be sure you select the correct term and program to ensure correct information.

19. Are there options to pay tuition in installments rather than a lump sum?

Yes, the BadgerPay payment plan provides a means for paying tuition and fees through regularly scheduled payments. UW-Madison expects students to enroll in the BadgerPay payment plan or make payment in full for all charges by the payment due date for each term.

20. Where should I live?

Most La Follette students live off campus, but you can find more information about on-campus housing at the UW-Madison Housing website. The La Follette School Student Association (LSSA Housing Guide) is a good resource as well. If you wish to live off-campus, this website can help you find a place that matches your criteria. The La Follette School Students page on Facebook is a good place to post to ask current students about advice on where to live or to find roommates. The UW-Madison Sublet and Roommate Board Facebook group is another place to look.

Graduate Student Life is a central resource for new students to find out about housing, the City of Madison, navigating UW-Madison, and thriving in graduate school. There is also a section for international students that helps them think about how to transition to life in the U.S. Welcome and reorientation emails will point students to this site. You can find more information here: https://gradlife.wisc.edu/

21. What does the academic calendar look like for 2020-2021?

If you need to make plans during breaks the academic calendar for the 2020-21 school year can be found here.

22. How do I access my new UW-Madison email address?

Your email address is your NetID + @wisc.edu, i.e. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You will have access to it after you are matriculated for the fall semester. Typically this occurs mid-June, and prior to enrollment. You can access your Wiscmail through MyUW. Each student is issued a UW-Madison NetID and email account for use throughout the time the student is enrolled for classes at the UW-Madison. New users are responsible for activating their account from which you can do here. This will be the email address that all official communication will be sent to beginning in the fall from La Follette and other University offices.

23. What is MyUW?

MyUW is a portal that provides integrated information resources tailored to a student's needs and interests. https://it.wisc.edu/services/myuw/  Among other things, you can access the campus student career portal, Handshake, through MyUW. 

24. Is there specific information I need to do now to prepare to find internships and jobs?

All students are encouraged to set up their Handshake profile as it is used not only for job/internship searches, but to RSVP for all kinds of LFS and campus career events.

25. Is there specific information I need to send to La Follette over the summer?

We ask that you send a short paragraph introducing yourself and your policy and/or public affairs interests. We pair this information with the photo that we will take of you during orientation. The paragraphs and photos will be compiled and sent to all new students, faculty and staff. We will share last year’s incoming class as examples and as an opportunity for you to get to know the second year students at La Follette. You can email this information to David at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

26. Does the UW-Madison Graduate School host a welcome week?

Graduate student Welcome Week is August 24-28. There will be a variety of events focused on skills like time management, well-being during grad school, and more. The full event lineup will be announced later this summer. 

The UW-Madison Graduate School will hold a New Graduate Student Welcome on Wednesday, August 26. The Graduate School event is held the day before La Follette’s new student orientation. You can find more information about the UW Graduate School and their orientation as well as information for new students here.

27. How can I stay up to date with La Follette events and news over the summer?

We will send you emails, so please read them. You can like our student page on Facebook or our Career page on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter! 

28. Is there a New Graduate Student Checklist?

A checklist for new students is available through the Graduate School’s Guidebook app. Students can use this to keep track of grad-specific tasks, and even add their own to-do’s. An identical checklist is also available on the New Students webpage (https://grad.wisc.edu/new-students/#checklist) for students who cannot/do not want to download an app.