The 30 minimum credits a student must earn in residence should be completed in the senior year (after a student has completed 86 degree credits).  This requirement intends to ensure that student's depth of study -- which should occur in more advanced-level courses, within the major, with faculty instruction, and in areas of research -- is a uniquely UW-Madison experience.  These credits do not have to be contiguous for the requirement to be met.  Because the requirement begins with the 87th credit, students have the flexibility to take four (4) credits out of residence in the senior year without needing to obtain special permission.  Exceptions to the senior residence requirement may be granted in cases where a student is in good academic standing and has a specific need to take fewer than 30 credits in their senior year.