Freshwater and Marine Sciences Graduate Program Handbook-Getting Started as a Graduate Student
- New Graduate Student Checklist
- Graduate Student Portal
- In Our Program
- Additional Information for International Students
New Graduate Student Checklist
The Graduate School’s "New Students" page has useful information, including the new graduate student checklist. The checklist also links to additional resources for new international students, students with disabilities, student veterans, and students with children: Graduate School: New Graduate Student Checklist.
Graduate Student Portal
The Graduate Student Portal allows you to complete actions related to your graduate program as well as other resources. You should become familiar with this site as you navigate graduate education. You can also complete the following through this page:
- Submit add/change/discontinuation requests for any major/named option, doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate;
- View status of degree completion warrants;
- Discover professional development opportunities;
- Submit payment for completion of your doctoral dissertation; and more.
In Our Program
Enroll in classes
A student's advisor and advisory committee will determine specific courses that the student should take.
All students in the FMS Graduate Program must be given permission each semester to enroll in 990 research credits in their advisor’s home department. Please note that the course will appear closed, but because of the permission the “closed course” will be overridden. For students whose advisor is in the Department of Biology, email the Graduate Program Manager with your campus ID number and the name of your advisor. They will send you a confirmation email so you can enroll through Course Search & Enroll. For students whose advisor is outside of the Department of Biology, contact your advisor for enrollment permission.
Attend Program Orientation Events
The Department of Biology hosts an orientation for new graduate students at the end of August. This event is required for all new students in the FMS Graduate Program. Orientation typically begins with a light breakfast, and topics covered include welcome and introductions, transition to graduate school, and program specific information. Guest speakers are also invited to share a variety of campus resources.
Attend New Graduate Student Welcome
This event provides a great opportunity to mingle with Graduate School deans and staff, hear from a panel of current students about grad student life, learn about the many campus and community resources available to you, and meet other new graduate students from across campus.
Program/Department Resources for Students
Students have access to computers, offices, copiers, supplies, mailboxes, and phones. IT support is provided by UW-Madison Information Technology (DoIT). Graduate students can find information about department resources and services on our website such as Building Services, Business Services (such as purchasing, travel, mail & packages, reimbursements of expenses, human resources), and Resources (dept letterhead, logos, fax cover sheets).
Additional Information for International Students
International Student Services (ISS)
ISS is your main resource on campus and has advisors who can assist you with visa, social and employment issues. They can answer questions about student visas, documents required of new international students, and obtaining authorization to work as a teaching assistant, research assistant, or project assistant.
Students with ESL Requirements
Any student who was admitted with a TOEFL score below 92, or an IELTS score below 6.5 will be required to take the English as a Second Language Assessment Test (ESLAT) and any required English course during their first semester.
Funding or International Students
International students are eligible for Teaching, Project, and Research Assistantships on campus as well as university fellowships through the Graduate School. They may not be employed more than 20 hours per week on campus while enrolled full-time.