University Special Students and Guest Auditors: a comparison
University Special Students and Guest Auditors comparison chart
This chart shows the differences between University Special students and Guest auditors.
| University Special Students | Guest Auditors | |
|---|---|---|
| Classifications | UNDS*, UNRS*, UNHS*, UNOS*,UNVS*, UNPS*, UNIS*, UNCS*, UIUL*, UIGL*, UIDL* UNOL* | UGST* and UGSR* |
| Credit and Grades | Receive credits and a grade on an official UW–Madison transcript. | Do not receive credits or a letter grade. Receive an “AU” on an official UW–Madison transcript and an “S” (satisfactory) or “NR” (no report) for grade. |
| Tuition and Fees | Most classifications pay the Undergraduate/Special rate per credit. UNCS pay the Graduate tuition rate - see specific Capstone programs for tuition information. UNOL students pay a rate equivalent to in-state (resident) tuition and pay no segregated fees. (Note, some courses have special fees.) |
UGST- Guest auditors pay reduced fees. See the Office of the Registrar page 'student career' 'Guest'. UGSR - no fees. |
| Course participation | Full participants in all aspects of the course (expected to complete all assignments and exams, participate in discussions, etc.) | Observe only. Do not participate in discussions, take exams or quizzes, or complete homework assignments. |
| Enrollment limitations | Can enroll in most open classes for which they meet prerequisites except courses ending in -90 to -99, medical school, law school, vet school, and MBA classes. In other departments, Special students may have no access to certain classes, or may need to provide additional background information in order to be granted permission to enroll. | Can enroll in most non-participatory classes only. Classes involving laboratory, language, or performance skills are NOT available to audit. Instructor permission is necessary to enroll in class. Departments and instructors reserve the right to deny permission to audit their classes. |
| Course enrollment process | Enroll via MyUW on the appointed enrollment date (approximately one week before the start of fall and spring semesters; early April for summer semester). | Must obtain instructor’s permission to audit the course. After permission is entered into SIS, enroll via MyUW starting the first day of the term. |
| Access to campus facilities | Except UNOL students who do not pay segregated fees, most special student categories have full access to all university services, including campus libraries, computer facilities, free bus pass, recreational facilities, and University Health Services. Only international students (except those enrolled as UNOL) are eligible for the Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP). | Access to campus libraries, computer facilities, but no other services covered by segregated fees, such as the free bus pass, recreational facilities (may pay for access), and University Health Services. |
| Transfer of credits | Courses eligible for transfer pending approval of the receiving institution. | Courses do NOT transfer to accredited degree programs. |
*Glossary term
Follow this link to 'Learn More' about the glossary terms listed in this document
UW–Madison Continuing Studies
Adult Career and Special Student Services
21 N Park Street, Suite 7101 | Madison, WI 53715
advising@dcs.wisc.edu | 608-263-6960