The information below should help you start planning your transition to the La Follette School this fall. Some of the information will become more relevant as you near the start of the semester; nonetheless, we encourage you to review all of it and reach out to David Wright-Racette This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions.
Yes, we will hold 3 online orientation sessions over Zoom this summer that will cover topics such as enrollment, advising and degree progression, professional development, and getting to know campus and the city of Madison. The dates and times for the sessions are below and David Wright-Racette will email students the links to join. These sessions will be recorded if you cannot attend. The online orientation sessions are a new format which we hope improves the student experience. There will also be a fall picnic in early September where you can meet other new graduate students, second-year graduate students, staff, and faculty. The tentative date is September 9 and more details about the fall picnic will be shared later this summer. Orientation Dates Classes will begin on Wednesday, September 8 and you can find the university’s academic calendar here: https://secfac.wisc.edu/academic-calendar/#2021-2022. This can be helpful in planning purposes. For help getting around campus, here is a link to a campus map.
UW-Madison is planning a return to mostly in-person classes this fall and all of the La Follette School classes will be in-person with the exception of an elective, PA 974: International Development Policy, which will be taught half in-person and half online. We also anticipate that many of our events will be in-person again, although some online events are likely, especially if that format provides the opportunity to bring in speakers or reach audiences that we couldn’t otherwise. UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank has also stated that “students should plan to be in Madison in the fall and our dining facilities, academic and research resources will all be open.” You can read some of her recent statements here: The Chancellor has also noted that “she expects that many of the safety protocols of the past year will remain with us. There will be those who want to remain masked; there may be some situations where group gathering sizes are limited. We will have testing available next fall, although it will not be required of anybody who has been fully vaccinated. Specific health guidance for the fall will depend upon the ongoing decline in COVID cases and the best public health recommendations.” The La Follette School will always 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 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 something changes and the recommendations to continue practicing social distancing remain in place through the fall, it seems likely we could expect that the university would limit or cancel in-person extracurricular activities, lectures, and field experiences to keep individuals safe, as they have since spring 2020. Modalities would likely include a mix of in-person, hybrid, and online classes, as occurred in fall 2020 and spring 2021 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. However, for now the plan is to have an in-person experience for fall 2021 and going forward.
UW-Madison does not require students, staff, or faculty to get the vaccine but it is strongly encouraged and the university will offer free vaccinations to anybody who arrives on campus this fall and wishes to be vaccinated. You can read more about the vaccination information at UW-Madison here: https://covidresponse.wisc.edu/covid-19-vaccine-information/ You can learn more about testing requirements that are in place here. Fall 2021 testing requirements have not yet been finalized.
In your first semester, MPA and MIPA students take three courses together as a cohort: PA 800, 818, and 880. Additionally, MPA students take PA 874: Policy Making Process and MIPA students take International Governance. 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. MPA MIPA PA 800: Professional Development Workshop PA 800: Professional Development Workshop PA 818: Intro to Statistical Methods for Public Policy Analysis PA 818: Intro to Statistical Methods for Public Policy Analysis PA 874: Policy-Making Process PA 850: International Governance PA 880: Microeconomic Policy Analysis PA 880: Microeconomic Policy Analysis
New graduate students can start registering for classes on Monday, June 28 according to their enrollment appointment times. Some students may have enrollment appointment times starting Tuesday, June 29. All new students have a space saved in their core courses, so if you cannot register until later in the summer you will still have a spot. Please note that we use the waitlist to save La Follette students those spaces in their core courses so when you go to enroll the course will show that there is a waitlist. That is normal and to enroll you should get on the waitlist and we will give La Follette students permission to enroll off the waitlist and into the course. You will receive enrollment reminders with more information from UW-Madison and from La Follette Student Services staff on how to register for courses. On the Advising section of the La Follette School website you can find our fall 2021 course grid in the sidebar on the right side of the page under Enrollment Information. This grid shows when our courses will be offered so you can start planning your class and work schedules. You can contact David Wright-Racette This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions.
You will use the Enroll App. Tutorials with step-by-step instructions on how to enroll in classes can be found here.
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. 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. Students are also welcomed and encouraged to work with the Career Services Coordinator, Marie Koko on their professional development throughout their time at La Follette including internship and job searches, reviewing cover letters and resumes, how to negotiate salary, and more.
If you would like to look at last year’s syllabi, you can find them here. New syllabi for the fall 2021 semester will be available starting the first week of fall 2021 classes.
Yes; however, if you received your degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison or if 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. 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. 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 5) Please do not send both a paper and electronic copy of the same transcript.
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.
How do I activate my NetID? You can activate your NetID by following these activation steps: https://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=1140
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 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.
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://it.wisc.edu/learn/guides/how-to-use-multi-factor-authentication-mfa-duo/
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 2021 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.
Please look at the International Student Services 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. They have also put together this step-by-step guide to becoming a UW-Madison student: There will be a mandatory orientation for all incoming international students at UW-Madison. The orientation session dates have not yet been announced but are typically held in mid to late August. Once the dates are announced they will be posted here: https://iss.wisc.edu/orientation/ Students must attend one of the orientation sessions.
La Follette is committed to diversity and inclusion, and you can find our diversity and inclusion webpage here 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.
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 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.
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.
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 has put together a LSSA Housing Guide that is a good resource for incoming students. If you wish to live off-campus, this website can help you find a place that matches your criteria. The La Follette School Students group 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 is another place to look.
If you need to make plans during breaks the academic calendar for the 2021-2022 school year can be found here.
We ask that you send a short paragraph introducing yourself and your policy interests. We pair this information with a photo of you that we will take 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..
You can join the La Follette School Students group on Facebook. A Google Sheet was also shared with all incoming students where you can add your contact information if you like. That sheet can be used by incoming students to form your own groups on platforms of your choosing if you like. If you did not receive the link to the Google Sheet or can’t find it email David Wright-Racette at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get the link.
Yes, the link to the Canvas course is still live and you are welcome to review the information and recordings shared there: https://canvas.wisc.edu/courses/246334
Access to an online math review course will be available to you in July after you enroll in courses. It is recommended for all students and most choose to complete it. Your admission may have been conditional upon completing the math review course in which case your admission letter will have noted that and you should plan to complete the course. The Social Science Computing Cooperative also offers trainings in STATA and R in late summer that are available to incoming students. The Department of Information Technology also offers trainings across a number of software platforms.
Yes, they will hold an orientation on Wednesday, September 1. You can find more information about the UW Grad School and their orientation as well as information for new students here. The Graduate School also has an incoming student checklist as well as a graduate student life site with information on housing, transportation, living in Madison, and more.
If your appointment starts between August 15 and August 28, 2021, you can expect a first payment date of September 9, 2021. This calendar is a good resource: https://uwservice.wisconsin.edu/docs/publications/pay-uncl-bw-calendars-2021.pdf
You can like our page on Facebook or follow us on Twitter! 1. Will there be a La Follette School orientation for incoming students?
2. How will COVID-19 impact La Follette School classes and events this fall?
2. Will UW-Madison require students to get vaccinated against covid-19?
3. What courses should I take?
4. When can I register for classes?
5. How do I enroll in classes?
6. Who are my advisors?
7. Can I look at previous course syllabi?
8. Do I need to send official transcripts to the UW-Madison Graduate School?
9. Do I need to complete any trainings over the summer?
10. How do I activate my NetID
11. How do I get my student ID?
333 East Campus Mall, #10101
Madison, WI 53715
Phone: (608) 262-381112. What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
13. How do I get my student bus pass?
14. What resources are available for incoming international students?
15. What resources are available on campus that support diversity and inclusion?
16. Where can I find information about funding and financial aid?
17. Are there options to pay tuition in installments rather than a lump sum?
18. Where should I live?
19. What does the academic calendar look like for 2021-2022?
20. 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.
21. 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/
22. Is there specific information I need to send to La Follette over the summer?
23. How can I connect with other incoming La Follette students over the summer?
24. Can I still access the information that was shared at the Admitted Student Visit Day?
25. Is there an opportunity for me to brush up on my math and statistics skills before starting classes at La Follette?
26. Does the UW-Madison Graduate School have resources and an orientation for incoming students?
27. When will I receive my first paycheck as a fellow/TA/PA?
28. How can I stay up to date with La Follette events and news over the summer?