The Graduate Student Tracking System (GSTS) is an academic advising tool that provides information about the curricular requirements to earn a graduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and allows for monitoring of graduate student's progress towards degree completion.

How does a graduate program coordinator access the Graduate Student Tracking System (GSTS)?

Coordinators must complete the GSTS Reports and Exceptions Tool Canvas training and security request form to access the system. Instructions on how to complete the required security request form are detailed in the Canvas course. The online training course is asynchronous, meaning it can be completed at your own pace. The training can be accessed even after it is completed so you can refer to it in the future. See the Getting Access to the Graduate Student Tracking System KB for more information.

Are programs required to satisfy all requirements on a student's advisement report to submit a warrant?

No, programs are not required to use the Graduate Student Tracking System (GSTS) Advisement Reports. A student's advisement report does not need to be completed to submit a warrant. The system is designed to support current advising practices. It is not intended to be intrusive nor replace the key role played by academic and research advisors in the student life cycle. Each graduate program may choose how the to integrate the system into their operations. 

How can a program make changes to the requirements displayed in the system?

Reports are configured based on a program's Guide page. Changes or updates must be made in accordance to the Guide/Lumen cycle. This means programs may propose changes to their report for the following fall term. Contact your School/College academic planner for information on your specific School/College Guide/Lumen process. Read more about how to edit your program's Guide page for the fall.

Is the Program Milestones Canvas training required to access the Graduate Student Tracking System (GSTS)?

No, the Program Milestones Canvas training is not required. This is an optional training coordinators / managers may complete to access program milestones. Milestones track non-coursework related requirements for degree completion. 

Does transfer credit automatically fulfill program requirements in a student's advisement report?

No, coordinators must request a course list substitution exception to fulfill a specific program requirement. The prior coursework used for transfer credit must be added to a student's MyGradPortal. 

Are in-person trainings available for new users?

The GSTS Reports and Exceptions Tool Canvas training has replaced in-person trainings. The self-paced training allows participants flexibility. There are several KnowledgeBase (KB) articles that outline step-by-step instructions for processes in GSTS. Users are encouraged to review the appropriate KB and contact the GSTS Coordinator ("owner" of KB article) with additional questions.