About
Who are University Special and Guest students?
There are several classifications of University Special Students, each with distinct educational goals, admission criteria, enrollment policy, and fee structures. Special students take classes for credit, but are not currently in a UW–Madison degree program.
Guest auditors and Senior Guest auditors may audit non-participatory classes with instructor permission.
What we do
University Special Student Services has a long tradition of assisting nontraditional and returning adult students along their educational journeys. While our office has changed over the past 50+ years, one thing remains constant: a dedication to advocating for and serving returning adult and nontraditional students.
Our staff is responsible for:
- Admitting, advising, and serving as the dean’s office for University Special and Guest students, including visiting international students.
- Administering scholarships and grants for returning adult and nontraditional students.
- Managing the Badger Ready program for students who may face barriers to transfer admission.
- Coordinating and supporting UW–Madison’s education programs in seven Wisconsin state prisons through the Prison Education Initiative.
- Supporting the Fostering Success for Independent Badger Scholars program.
