This page provides guidance if you are a former CALS student who wants to return to UW–Madison after an absence. The steps for returning are different depending on your academic standing for the last semester you were enrolled at UW-Madison. Review your UW-Madison transcript to confirm your academic standing for your last enrolled semester and follow the appropriate instructions below.

Many re-entry situations require you to meet with your academic advisor and the CALS Dean on Call. You may be able to use Starfish to schedule your advising and Dean on Call appointments. If you are unable to login to Starfish, use your major’s Guide page to find contact information for your academic advisor. Reach out to CALS Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu or (608) 262-3003 if you cannot access Starfish and need to schedule a Dean on Call meeting.

If you are approved for re-entry, please review the re-entry checklist and our list of information for a strong return to campus.

Good academic standing

1. Submit a reentry application to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. You will be admitted within approximately two business days of your re-entry application submission.

2. After being notified of your readmission, you must accept the offer of admission and connect with your major advisor to discuss course selection as soon as possible.
   
   

Probation

1. Submit a reentry application to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

2. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor on Starfish or via email. Consider the following questions and come prepared to discuss your answers with your advisor.

   1. What circumstances led to your current academic standing?

   2. What steps have you taken to address the issues described above and what are the outcomes of those steps?

   3. What steps will you take if approved for re-entry to improve your academic performance?

3. After you have met with your academic advisor, schedule a meeting with a CALS Dean on Call for final approval.

4. If you are approved for re-entry and notified of your readmission, you must accept the offer of admission and connect with your major advisor to discuss course selection as soon as possible. Note that you will be on probation if readmitted.
   
   

Dropped for a semester or a year

Review Re-entry After Being Dropped for details on re-entry or continuing without time off if your last academic standing was dropped for a semester or year.

Questions about the re-entry process?

Review the re-entry frequently asked questions on the Office of Admissions and Recruitment website and then contact CALS Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu or (608) 262-3003 with remaining questions