Center for Culture, History, and Environment Graduate Program Handbook

Overview

Associate Roles and Application Procedures

CHE Certificate and Minor Requirements

Funding and Financial Information

Opportunities for Student Involvement

Professional Development and Career Planning

Conduct Expectations

Grievance Procedures and Reporting Misconduct and Crime

Student Health and Wellness

Miscellaneous Information for New Students

Additional Information for International Students

Overview

Mission

The Nelson Institute's Center for Culture, History, and Environment (CHE) draws together faculty, staff, graduate students, and others from a wide array of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to investigate environmental and cultural change in the full sweep of human history.

People associated with CHE come from many intellectual backgrounds: history and botany, landscape architecture and English literature, geography and science studies, anthropology and limnology, and many other fields. Without CHE, many of us would never even find each other on this vast campus, let alone meet, learn from each other, and become friends and colleagues.

Although most of us are firmly grounded in one or more disciplinary traditions, we are all persuaded that no one discipline by itself can hope to solve the myriad puzzles of how and why people relate to, use, change, and value the world around them as they do. We all share an interest in the environmental past, and in that sense we all practice history even though most of us are not formally trained in the academic discipline of history. Interdisciplinary inquiry and conversation are thus central to the CHE mission.

CHE serves as the main home at UW-Madison for the "environmental humanities" - fields that concern themselves not just with the mechanisms of environmental change, but with its human meanings. But the humanities have no monopoly on the claim that human culture -- including ideas, behaviors, perceptions and values -- matter in understanding anthropogenic environmental change. That is why CHE welcomes natural and social scientists as eagerly as it does humanities scholars: we all need each other to do this complicated and fascinating work.

Governance

The Center for Culture, History, and Environment consists of the Director, a part-time Administrative Assistant, the Steering Committee, Faculty and Staff Member Associates, Graduate Student Associates, and Community Associates.

The Director is the highest-ranking representative of the Center, and exercises all powers traditionally vested in such positions by the Nelson Institute and the Campus. The Director must be a faculty member associate of CHE and have tenure in a department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Director is a voting member of the Steering Committee.

The Steering Committee is the executive body of the Center. It consists of five faculty member and academic staff associates, at least two of whom must be tenured faculty or on the tenure track. It should ideally include one or two non-tenured associates. All Steering Committee members must be drawn from the Center faculty and academic staff associates membership. The Steering Committee evaluates matters pertaining to the graduate certificate and PhD minor, including new course proposals and course changes. It reviews appeals from associates for variances from Center rules and makes appropriate recommendations to the Center in executive session. The Steering Committee may nominate Center associates for competitive awards both inside and outside the University, and it shall determine which associates of the Center shall receive awards dispensed within the Center by whatever means a majority of the Committee consider appropriate. In consultation with the Director, it reviews Center finances. The Steering Committee also seeks counsel from Center associates, as needed, on decisions that affect major issues of Center policy and governance.

 The Administrative Assistant serves as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Steering Committee.

 Four Graduate Student Associates elected annually from the graduate student associate membership (GAOC) will serve as non-voting members of the Steering Committee.

Graduate Learning Goals

Students who earn a Graduate Certificate or Minor in the Center for Culture, History, and Environment will:

•  Gain an understanding of a significant variety of disciplinary approaches to the study of environmental change and the interactions of humans with the natural environment.
•  Learn to use differing forms of evidence and methods of analysis that can be employed to understand past environmental change and its human meanings.
•  Explore ways in which these (and other) methods relate to the ethics of research practices, environmental justice, decolonialism, anti-racism, intersectionality,  multi- species work, and more.

Intention of the Handbook

This handbook is intended for graduate students who are CHE Graduate Associates, particularly those pursuing the Graduate Certificate or PhD Minor. Any enrolled graduate student at UW-Madison who shares an interest in CHE’s mission is eligible to earn the CHE Certificate or Minor. Students should refer to their respective graduate degree programs’ handbooks for information related to the completion of a graduate degree. The UW-Madison Graduate School is the ultimate authority for granting graduate degrees at the University. The Center for Culture, History, and Environment administers the certificate program and minor under the authority of the Graduate School. The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook provides essential information regarding general University requirements.

The policies described in this handbook have been approved by CHE leadership. Certificate and Minor requirements may change over time. However, students must meet the requirements in effect when they entered the program. In addition, administrative procedures and processes can change over time. Students are required to follow the procedures and processes listed in the current handbook. The information in this handbook should also be supplemented by individual consultation with the student’s advisor and CHE leadership so that individual needs/interests and all certificate/minor requirements are met. Additional information is available via the CHE’s webpage: https://che.nelson.wisc.edu/. Students may also wish to consult the Graduate School’s webpage: https://grad.wisc.edu/.

Associate Roles and Application Procedures

The Center for Culture, History, and Environment sponsors serious collaboration between graduate students and faculty across disciplines in environmental studies. All graduate students who have research, teaching, or outreach interests that significantly address the themes of culture, history, and environment are eligible to apply to become CHE graduate student associates.

CHE hosts many programs that are developed and implemented by graduate students, faculty, and/or community members. In addition to the active schedule of events, the graduate student associates organize an annual Graduate Student Symposium, independent reading groups, research presentations, field trips, and social events in the CHE space. Becoming a graduate student associate means joining a creative intellectual community dedicated to exploring the changing relationships of people and the environment over time.

Other benefits of becoming a CHE graduate student associate include:

Eligibility to apply for CHE graduate research funding

• Access to the CHE space/CHE seminar room
• Graduate student representation on the CHE Steering Committee, the governing body of the Center
• Access to funds for speakers and events organized by and for graduate students
• Opportunity to apply to serve on Edge Effects’ Editorial Board and/or to author content for this digital magazine

To apply for Graduate Associate status, please complete the on-line application form.You should include a CV as part of your application; you will also be asked to provide a photo for the CHE website. Please direct any questions to: che@nelson.wisc.edu.

CHE Certificate and Minor Requirements

CHE offers two main avenues for graduate student involvement: a non-curricular option in the form of Graduate Student Associate status (see previous section), and a curricular track in the form of the CHE Certificate or the CHE PhD Minor.

CHE’s Certificate and PhD Minor programs stem from the recognition that interdisciplinary (human and natural) scientific and scholarly approaches are key to solving some of the most complex and critical environmental problems of our time.

In synthesizing diverse perspectives and research methods drawn from the full spectrum of humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, CHE graduate programs contribute in important ways to students’ understanding of past, present, and future environmental issues through interdisciplinary education and research.

CHE's curriculum accommodates graduate students in a wide range of degree programs at UW-Madison.

The program includes several elements, most of which can be met in any sequence with many different combinations of courses and experiences. This flexibility accommodates the wide range of degree programs with which the Certificate or PhD Minor can be combined.

 Requirements

All CHE graduate program students must complete a plan of study of 9 or 12 credits chosen from at least two of the following major academic divisions: the humanities, social sciences, and/or natural sciences. This flexibility accommodates a wide range of degree programs with which the CHE certificate or PhD minor can be combined. All students in both the Minor and the Certificate programs must complete ENVIR ST 922, Historical and Cultural Methods in Environmental Research (also known as the “CHE Methods Seminar”).  This course introduces students to methods, approaches, and research questions involved in the study of past and current environmental and cultural change.

To apply, submit an application form.

All Graduate School students must utilize the Graduate Student Portal in MyUW to add, change, or discontinue any graduate/professional certificate. To apply to this certificate, log in to MyUW, click on Graduate Student Portal, and then click on Add/Change Programs. Select the information for the certificate for which you are applying. Professional students in the careers of Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary cannot add the certificate in the Graduate Student Portal, and should contact the program for more information.

To complete the application, you will need the following:

• PDF of your unofficial UW-Madison transcript
• CHE Faculty Advisor
  • Identify an appropriate CHE faculty advisor from among CHE's Faculty Associates. Approach this faculty member to request he/she/they serve as advisor for your CHE PhD Minor or Certificate. You are encouraged to select a faculty advisor who is not the primary advisor for your major program.
  • After enrollment, if you choose to change your CHE Faculty Advisor, you are required to submit a new (complete) CHE Certificate or PhD Minor application.
  • The advisor assists in tracking your progress toward completion of the PhD Minor or Certificate, assists with course selection and academic planning, and may help you identify possible research mentors, committee members, and professional opportunities. The responsibility for finding a CHE advisor rests on the student. Since the advisor's role can vary, students should discuss roles and expectations with their advisors or prospective advisors.
• CHE Plan of Study
  In consultation with your CHE Faculty Advisor:
  • Identify a title and description (including learning objectives and course work justification) of the focus of your plan of study, which must be related to humanistic/social dimensions of an environmental issue
  • Select course work (at least 9 credit hours for the PhD Minor and at least 12 credit hours for the certificate) reflecting this focus (please note that PhD Minor credits CANNOT be double-counted with PhD major credits).
  • Your courses must include the CHE Methods Seminar (ENVIR ST 922, "Historical and Cultural Methods in Environmental Research"), which is a 3-credit course typically offered once per week each spring.

Your plan of study should be intellectually coherent and aim to expand your training beyond the usual parameters of your major discipline. Courses should be selected that fulfill requirements of the CHE Certificate or PhD Minor with the understanding that it is not always possible to predict what courses will be offered in future semesters. Please note that, in most cases, certificate credits can be double-counted with credits students are already earning for their major degrees. In all cases, students must earn a grade of A, AB, or B for each course for these credits to count toward a CHE Certificate or PhD Minor.

If you are not affiliated with CHE: Students enrolled in a CHE graduate program are granted automatic Graduate Associate status, which affords several benefits within CHE. To be featured on the CHE Graduate Associates webpage, please submit the following information:

• Link to your personal website (if you have one)
• Biographical statement (< 100 words, written in third person).

Upon submitting the application, your CHE Faculty Advisor will receive a request to officially approve your plan of study and provide consent to advise you by signing the CHE Advisor Agreement.

Public Presentation

CHE Certificate and PhD Minor students are encouraged to participate in the monthly CHE Colloquium as their degree programs allow through attendance or presentation of their research; Certificate and PhD Minor students are also encouraged to participating in the Annual CHE Graduate Symposium or another suitable forum.

To Complete the CHE Certificate or PhD Minor

After all CHE graduate program requirements have been fulfilled, students must submit a graduate program completion form including the following information:

• CHE Faculty Advisor information (name and e-mail)
• List of advisor-approved and completed CHE coursework (please note that PhD minor credits CANNOT be double-counted with PhD major credits)
• PDF of your unofficial UW-Madison transcript (to verify that your CHE course work consists of at least 9 credit hours (for the PhD Minor) or at least 12 credit hours (for the CHE Certificate) and you have earned a grade of A, AB, or B for each course)
• (for the PhD Minor ONLY) PDF of your signed preliminary warrant
• (for the Certificate ONLY) semester and year you fulfilled the additional requirements for the CHE Certificate (please note that you should only submit this completion form the semester you intend to graduate or obtain dissertator status, or AFTER either have occurred)

Funding and Financial Information

CHE Travel Grants

Graduate Associates are invited to apply for CHE’s annual Travel Awards, which can be used for travel to CHE-relevant research sites, archival collections, or specialized libraries, or for presentation of CHE-relevant research papers at conferences. These awards are made possible by generous contributions from the Bradshaw Knight Foundation.

Travel grants of up to $2,800 may be offered to CHE Graduate Associates enrolled in a UW–Madison PhD program and up to $1,400 to Graduate Associates enrolled in a MA/MS program (please note that maximum dollar amounts may vary from year to year).

 Although CHE may not be able to fund all applicants, or offer the maximum amount requested in each application, CHE encourages all Graduate Associates with research/travel funding needs to apply. CHE Graduate Associates are eligible to receive a maximum of $5,600 in CHE awards over the course of their graduate career; CHE will prioritize those applicants who have not received their lifetime maximum. CHE has a maximum amount of money available to disburse each year and this amount varies from year to year.

Evaluation criteria will include the following:

1. Alignment of the project to CHE's mission;
2. Quality of the proposal and potential significance of the project;
3. The candidate's level and degree of engagement with CHE activities (e.g., service on the GAOC or the Edge Effects board; presentation at a CHE colloquium; participation in multiple CHE events).

Note: Equal weight in evaluation will be placed on your involvement with CHE and the quality of your proposed research.

Priority will be given to applications for research travel, but conference travel will be considered if the student is presenting a paper or workshop travel if it is directly related to the research of the student. The purpose of the travel must be related to CHE’s mission to deepen understanding of the changing relationships between people and the environment over time. Information on applying for a travel grant is circulated each fall semester, with grant proposals due at a specified date early in the spring semester.

Funding Opportunities Outside of the CHE Travel Grants

There are many different kinds of fellowships and other funding on campus. Some are awarded by the program, some are awarded by the school/college, and still others are awarded by the Graduate School. In addition, a number of students have applied for and won fellowships from federal agencies, professional organizations, and private foundations. The terms and conditions of fellowships, in particular, vary widely across campus. If you have a fellowship, make sure you understand the obligations and benefits of that fellowship, including stipend, health insurance eligibility, eligibility for tuition remission, pay schedule, etc.

Graduate School Fellowships

There are many merit-based Graduate School and departmental fellowships that graduate programs award to their students. To inquire about UW–Madison fellowship opportunities and eligibility, please contact your graduate program.

External Funding/Fellowships

We encourage all students to seek out and apply for funding from sources external to the university (e.g., federal agencies, professional organizations, private foundations).

Students should be aware that fellowships and awards from external sources will each have unique terms and conditions that you should take time to understand.  PLEASE REMEMBER: the timetable for identifying, applying for, and receiving such external funding is generally quite long; plan on 9-12 months between the time you start your search and the time you may receive funding.

Once you find a fellowship, scholarship, or award to which you want to apply, consider contacting the Writing Center (https://writing.wisc.edu/). The Writing Center staff can provide valuable advice on crafting your application.

Fellows with Concurrent Appointments

Students with fellowships payrolled through UW–Madison may hold concurrent graduate assistantships and/or student hourly appointments up to a maximum of 75% for domestic students and 50% for international students during the academic year. In rare circumstances, domestic students may be approved for a 100% appointment during the academic year. Concurrent appointment policies will vary across external agencies and across campus departments, so please be sure to review the terms and conditions for your award and your program’s policies.

Student Opportunities - International

Visit https://international.wisc.edu/student-opportunities/ for information about opportunities for international research, grants, scholarships, and other funding.

Graduate School Funding for Conference or Research Travel

The Graduate School provides a limited amount of funding for dissertators and final year MFA students whose research has been accepted for presentation at a conference or to support research travel in preparation for their dissertation, final exhibition, or thesis. For more information about this funding, visit https://grad.wisc.edu/funding/grants-competition/  

Loans

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) (https://financialaid.wisc.edu/) assists graduate students whose personal and family resources are not adequate to cover the expenses involved in attending UW–Madison. The office also provides counseling to help students manage their money effectively, information on other potential sources of financial assistance (such as employment), debt management counseling, and small short-term loans for emergency situations.

Opportunities for Student Involvement

As a graduate student at UW-Madison, you have a multitude of opportunities to become involved within the CHE community, on campus, and in your academic discipline. This involvement enhances your academic, professional, and social development.

Graduate Associate Organization and Other Opportunities within CHE

CHE's graduate students are the lifeblood of the CHE community, and to that end, the center's graduate associates are brought together by the Graduate Associate Organization. The Graduate Associate Organization affirms a shared mission of understanding how knowledge, beliefs, political economy, and culture have shaped, and been shaped by, the environment by fostering the interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and research among graduate students active within CHE. In addition, the organization engages in education, outreach, and community research projects to address how nature, in all its myriad forms, is inextricably bound to every aspect of human culture, history, economy, politics, environmental policy, health, and justice. All CHE graduate associates are members with voting rights in the Graduate Associate Organization.

CHE's graduate student community is led by the Graduate Associate Organizing Committee (GAOC) that consists of four graduate representatives to the Steering Committee. The GAOC enacts policy, develops programs, and authorizes expenditures to further our shared mission. It also aims to catalyze the activity of CHE grad associates when developing events and programming and seeks to increase leadership opportunities for grad associates.

Graduate students will find abundant opportunity to become involved with CHE. Graduate associates may volunteer to serve as a member of the GAOC (elections are held each spring), or they may volunteer with programs organized by the Graduate Associate Organization including film nights, reading groups, BrunCHEs, and assorted other programming. Graduate associates may also volunteer on committees organizing key CHE programs including the annual CHE Graduate Symposium and the Place-Based Workshop. Students may also have opportunities to volunteer with Edge Effects, CHE’s digital magazine (www.edgeeffects.net), as well as CHE sponsored events at Earth Fest and other CHE sponsored events that may occur during the year.

Student Representation in University Governance

Associated Students of Madison (ASM)

The Associated Students of Madison (ASM) is the campus-wide student governance organization at UW–Madison. Graduate and undergraduate representatives are elected to the 33-member ASM Student Council based on their respective college or school. The student council has regular biweekly meetings open to all students. Learn more here: https://asm.wisc.edu/.

Teaching Assistants’ Association (TAA)

The Teaching Assistants’ Association (AFT Local 3220) is the labor union for TAs and PAs at UW-Madison. As a result of decades of organizing and by working together as a union, graduate students at UW-Madison have achieved good health benefits, tuition remission, and many other gains. The TAA is a democratic union run by the members. All key policy decisions are made at monthly membership meetings. Learn more here: https://taa-madison.org/

Registered Student Organizations

There are more than 750 student organizations on campus. The best way to seek out current organizations is to visit the Student Organizations. Leadership & Involvement (SOLI) website, https://soli.wisc.edu/, and visit the Registered Student Organization directory. This list will not include unregistered student organizations, and you may find that there are groups in your department that you would like to get involved with as well. If you are interested in officially registering an organization in which you are involved, you must register at https://soli.wisc.edu/. Once registered through SOLI, your organization is eligible for funding from ASM, and your group can reserve rooms in the Union and access other resources.

Outreach and Community Connections

The Wisconsin Idea is the principle that education should influence and improve people’s lives beyond the university classroom. For more than 100 years, this idea has guided the university’s work.

The Morgridge Center for Public Service connects campus with community through service, active civic engagement, community-based learning and research, and more. Explore opportunities at https://morgridge.wisc.edu/.

Professional Development and Career Planning

UW-Madison offers a wealth of resources intended to enrich your graduate studies and enhance your professional skills. Starting your very first year on campus, it is expected that you will take full advantage of the career and professional development resources that best fit your needs and support your goals. Since our alumni thrive not only in academia but also in industry, corporate, government, and non-profit arenas, we strive to be in-tune, holistic, and innovative our approach to meeting the diverse professional development needs of our students. By actively participating in these professional development opportunities, you will build the skills needed to succeed academically at UW-Madison and to thrive professionally in your chosen career.

CHE Resources for Professional Development and Career Planning

Throughout the academic year, CHE hosts events targeted at professional development and career planning for both academic careers and careers outside of the classroom. GAOC organizes events that offer social opportunities and professional development. Graduate students can also apply to serve as an editor for Edge ffects, which provides valuable experience in editing, producing podcasts, and digital communications. Additionally, CHE workshops, guest speakers, and other programming will address the challenges and opportunities of the job market after graduate school. Students are invited to suggest other programming ideas that would be of value for career planning.

Campus-Wide Resources for Professional Development and Career Planning

In addition to opportunities at the local level, the Graduate School Office of Professional Development provides direct programming in the areas of career development and skill building and serves as a clearing house for professional development resources across campus. Each semester the Graduate School, together with campus partners, hosts nearly 400 professional development events, which can be found through https://grad.wisc.edu/professional-development/#programming.

The best way to stay informed is to visit https://grad.wisc.edu/professional-development/#programming for an up-to-date list of events. For example, typical topics covered throughout the year are:

• Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
• Planning for academic success
• Dissertation writing support
• Communication skills
• Grant writing
• Teaching
• Mentoring
• Research ethics
• Community engagement
• Entrepreneurship
• Career exploration: academic, non-profit, industry, government, etc.
• Job search support
• Pursuing postdoctoral training

 Be sure to keep a pulse on programs offered by the following campus services as well.

• Writing Center https://writing.wisc.edu/
• Grants Information Collection https://www.library.wisc.edu/memorial/collections/grants-information-collection/
• Information Technology Training for students https://it.wisc.edu/services/training/
• Delta Program https://grad.wisc.edu/delta/
• UW Teaching Academy https://teachingacademy.wisc.edu/  
• UW Center for the Humanities https://humanities.wisc.edu/
• Wisconsin Entrepreneurial Bootcamp https://business.wisc.edu/entrepreneurship/morgridge-entrepreneurial-bootcamp/   

Individual Development Plan (IDP)

The Graduate School offers a collection of IDP resources to support graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, mentors, PIs, grants administrators, and graduate program coordinators. The university recommends the use of IDPs for all postdoctoral researchers and graduate students and requires their use for all postdoctoral researchers and graduate students supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding.

As you begin your Graduate School career, an Individual Development Plan (IDP) is an essential tool to help you:

•  Assess your current skills and strengths
• Make a plan for developing skills that will help you meet your academic and professional goals
• Communicate with your advisors and mentors about your evolving goals and related skills.

The IDP you create is a document you will want to revisit repeatedly, to update and refine as your goals change and/or come into focus, and to record your progress and accomplishments. It also serves to start – and maintain – the conversation with your faculty advisor about your career goals and professional development needs.

The onus to engage in the IDP process is on you, although your mentor, PI, or others may encourage and support you in doing so. The IDP itself remains private to you, and you choose which parts to share with which mentors. Through the IDP process, you may decide to identify various mentors to whom you can go for expertise and advice.

We recommend using one of the following two IDP tools, or a more specific IDP tool that your program or training grant has developed. Each tool will include a self-assessment of skills, interests, and values; goal-setting guidelines; and reference to skill building and career exploration resources.

IDP Tool for All Graduate Students and Postdocs

UW-Madison IDP template, which includes instructions and examples, is flexible and appropriate for all disciplines. https://grad.wisc.edu/professional-development/individual-development-plan/#mentees  

IDP Tool for Sciences and Engineering

For graduate students in the natural sciences and engineering, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) online tool “myIDP” provides a comprehensive set of materials and exercises that will guide you through the process of self-assessment, career exploration, goal setting, and implementation of your plan. Set up a free account and create and monitor your IDP at https://myidp.sciencecareers.org/.

Conduct Expectations

Professional Conduct

All students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional behavior and ethics. Students should avoid even an appearance of improper behavior or lack of ethical standards while in Graduate School at UW-Madison, in all professional settings, and in their personal lives. Students should conduct themselves according to the standards expected of members of the profession to which the student aspires. Concerns about infractions of Professional Conduct may be effectively handled informally between the instructor/advisor and the student. If a resolution is not achieved, a graduate program representative may be included in the discussion. Separate and apart from a violation of Professional Conduct, a student may face University disciplinary action with regard to the same action. Students are responsible for reading the information here as well as the information published on all the relevant web sites. Lack of knowledge of this information does not excuse any infraction.

1. Professional Ethics: Students shall show respect for a diversity of opinions, perspectives and cultures; accurately represent their work and acknowledge the contributions of others; participate in and commit to related opportunities; aim to gain knowledge and contribute to the knowledge base of others; understand the UW Student Code of Conduct; represent their profession and the program; and strive to incorporate and practice disciplinary ideals in their daily lives. Resumes/CVs must reflect accurate information.
   
   
2. Honesty and Integrity: Students shall demonstrate honesty and integrity as shown by their challenging of themselves in academic pursuits; honesty and ethics in research and IRB applications—including honesty in interpretation of data, commitment to an unbiased interpretation of academic and professional endeavors; and the need to document research activities, protect subject/client confidentiality and HIPAA regulations. Students shall follow-through and pull their weight in group activities and understand where collaboration among students is or is not allowed; not plagiarize others or past work (self-plagiarism), cheat, or purposefully undermine the work of others; and avoid conflicts of interest for the duration of their time in the program. As a professional, honesty and integrity also extends to personal behavior in life outside of the academic setting by realizing that students are representatives of the program, UW-Madison, and the profession as a whole.
   
   
3. Interpersonal and Workplace Relationships: Students shall interact with peers, faculty, staff and those they encounter in their professional capacity in a manner that is respectful, considerate, and professional. This includes and is not limited to attending all scheduled meetings, honoring agreed upon work schedules, being on-time and prepared for work/meetings, contributing collaboratively to the team, keeping the lines of communication open, offering prompt response to inquiries, and employing respectful use of available equipment/technology/resources. Chronic or unexplained absences are unprofessional in the workplace and could be grounds for termination or removal of funding. To facilitate the free and open exchange of ideas, any criticism shall be offered in a constructive manner, and the right of others to hold different opinions shall be respected.
   
   
4. Commitment to Learning: Students are expected to meet their educational responsibilities at all times. 
   
   Be actively prepared for class and be ready for questions and answers. Be on time for every class and always show courtesy during class or if you have to leave class early. If possible, students should notify the instructor at least one day in advance of a planned absence. Students who are unable to attend class are responsible for finding out what occurred that day and should not expect instructors to give them individual instruction. Recognizing that the pursuit of knowledge is a continuous process, students shall show commitment to learning by persevering despite adversity and seeking guidance to adapt to change. Students shall strive for academic excellence and pursue and incorporate all critique, both positive and negative, in the acquisition of knowledge to understand and respect the community in which they work.
   
   CHE, the Graduate School, and the Division of Student Life all uphold the UW-System policies and procedures in place for academic and non-academic misconduct. In addition, graduate students are held to the same standards of responsible conduct of research as faculty and staff. Furthermore, unprofessional behavior towards clients/subjects, faculty, staff, peers and the public are significant issues in the evaluation and promotion of students. In turn, we hold expectations for the highest level of academic integrity and expect professional, ethical, and respectful conduct in all interactions. Students may be disciplined or dismissed from the graduate program for misconduct or disregard for professional conduct expectations regardless of their academic standing in the program. Separate and apart from a violation of Professional Conduct, a student may face University disciplinary action regarding the same action. Students are responsible for reading the information here as well as the information published on all the relevant web sites. Lack of knowledge of this information does not excuse any infraction.

 Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is an act in which a student (UWS 14.03(1)):

1. seeks to claim credit for the work or efforts of another without authorization or citation;
2. uses unauthorized materials or fabricated data in any academic exercise;
3. forges or falsifies academic documents or records;
4. intentionally impedes or damages the academic work of others;
5. engages in conduct aimed at making false representation of a student's academic performance; or
6. assists other students in any of these acts.

 Examples of academic misconduct include but are not limited to:

1. cutting and pasting text from the Web without quotation marks or proper citation;
2. paraphrasing from the Web without crediting the source;
3. using notes or a programmable calculator in an exam when such use is not allowed;
4. using another person's ideas, words, or research and presenting it as one's own by not properly crediting the originator;
5. stealing examinations or course materials;
6. changing or creating data in a lab experiment;
7. altering a transcript;
8. signing another person's name to an attendance sheet;
9. hiding a book knowing that another student needs it to prepare for an assignment;
10. collaboration that is contrary to the stated rules of the course; or
11. tampering with a lab experiment or computer program of another student.

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

The availability of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Chat GPT, Dall-E, Claude, and others are seamlessly integrated into email, search engines, and more. These tools have afforded us both opportunities and challenges as it relates to academic integrity. As stated in UWS Chapter 14, “Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the appropriate citation of sources, and for respect of others’ academic endeavors.”

UW-Madison has vetted and secured contracts for generative AI services that they provide as preferable over unvetted generative AI services. Links to these can be found at: https://it.wisc.edu/generative-ai-services-uw-madison/

Students are responsible for knowing their instructor’s or advisor’s expectations when it comes to using AI tools.  If it is unclear whether AI tools are allowed in a particular course or for an assignment, it is the student’s responsibility to ask their instructor before using them. Instructors’ expectations will vary from course to course. If an instructor does not allow the use of AI tools and they suspect a student has used them, they will invite the student to meet with them about the possible violation of UWS 14.03(1)(b) Use of Unauthorized Materials. 

Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards manages Information about what constitutes academic misconduct, how to report it, and what happens if you are found to have committed academic misconduct. https://conduct.students.wisc.edu/academic-misconduct/student-resources-for-academic-integrity/

University of Wisconsin System: Chapter UWS 14: Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/uws/14

Research Misconduct

Much of graduate education is carried out not in classrooms, but in laboratories and other research venues, often supported by federal or other external funding sources. Indeed, it is often difficult to distinguish between academic misconduct and cases of research misconduct. Graduate students are held to the same standards of responsible conduct of research as faculty and staff. The Graduate School is responsible for investigating allegations of research misconduct. This is often done in consultation with Student Affairs as well as with federal and state agencies to monitor, investigate, determine sanctions, and train about the responsible conduct of research. For more information, contact the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Policy and Compliance, 321 Bascom Hall, (608) 262-1044.

Please see https://research.wisc.edu/integrity-and-other-requirements/research-misconduct/  for further information on reporting research misconduct of others. Here are links for additional information regarding Research Misconduct and Responsible Conduct:

Graduate School Policies & Procedures: Responsible Conduct of Research https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/responsible-conduct-of-research/  

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education’s - Office of Research Policy: Introduction & Guide to Resources on Research Ethics: https://research.wisc.edu/compliance-policy/research-ethics/

 Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Office of Research Policy: Policies, Responsibilities, and Procedures: Reporting Misconduct: https://kb.wisc.edu/gsadminkb/page.php?id=34486   

 Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education’s Office of Research Policy: Policies, Responsibilities, and Procedures: Responsible Conduct of Research Resources: https://kb.wisc.edu/gsadminkb/34483

Non-Academic Misconduct

The university may discipline a student in non-academic matters in the following situations:

1. for conduct that constitutes a serious danger to the personal safety of a member of the university community or guest;
2. for stalking or harassment.
3. for conduct that seriously damages or destroys university property or attempts to damage or destroy university property, or the property of a member of the university community or guest;
4. for conduct that obstructs or seriously impairs university-run or university-authorized activities, or that interferes with or impedes the ability of a member of the university community, or guest, to participate in university-run or university-authorized activities;
5. for unauthorized possession of university property or property of another member of the university community or guest;
6. for acts that violate the provisions of UWS 18, Conduct on University Lands;
7. for knowingly making a false statement to any university employee or agent on a university-related matter, or for refusing to identify oneself to such employee or agent;
8. for violating a standard of conduct, or other requirement or restriction imposed in connection with disciplinary action.

Examples of non-academic misconduct include but are not limited to:

1. engaging in conduct that is a crime involving danger to property or persons, as defined in UWS 18.06(22)(d);
2. attacking or otherwise physically abusing, threatening to physically injure, or physically intimidating a member of the university community or a guest;
3. attacking or throwing rocks or other dangerous objects at law enforcement personnel, or inciting others to do so;
4. selling or delivering a controlled substance, as defined in 161 Wis. Stats., or possessing a controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver;
5. removing, tampering with, or otherwise rendering useless university equipment or property intended for use in preserving or protecting the safety of members of the university community, such as fire alarms, fire extinguisher, fire exit signs, first aid equipment, or emergency telephones; or obstructing fire escape routes;
6. preventing or blocking physical entry to or exit from a university building, corridor, or room;
7. engaging in shouted interruptions, whistling, or similar means of interfering with a classroom presentation or a university-sponsored speech or program;
8. obstructing a university officer or employee engaged in the lawful performance of duties;
9. obstructing or interfering with a student engaged in attending classes or participating in university-run or university-authorized activities;
10. knowingly disrupting access to university computing resources or misusing university computing resources.

Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards: Non-Academic Misconduct Standards Statement: https://conduct.students.wisc.edu/nonacademic-misconduct/   

Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards: Non-Academic Misconduct Process https://conduct.students.wisc.edu/nonacademic-misconduct/#process

University of Wisconsin System: Chapter UWS 17: Student Non-Academic Disciplinary Procedures: https://conduct.students.wisc.edu/nonacademic-misconduct/  

University of Wisconsin System: Chapter UWS 18: Conduct on University Lands: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/uws/18  

Grievance Procedures and Reporting Misconduct and Crime

Grievance Procedures

If a student feels unfairly treated or aggrieved by faculty, staff, or another student, the University offers several avenues to resolve the grievance. Students’ concerns about unfair treatment are best handled directly with the person responsible for the objectionable action. If the student is uncomfortable making direct contact with the individual(s) involved, the student should contact the advisor or the person in charge of the unit where the action occurred (center, program, or department chair, section chair, lab manager, etc.). Many departments and schools/colleges have established specific procedures for handling such situations; check their web pages and published handbooks for information. If such procedures exist at the local level, these should be investigated first. For more information see the Graduate School Academic Policies & Procedures: Grievances & Appeals: https://grad.wisc.edu/academics/grievances-and-appeals/

Procedures for proper accounting of student grievances:

1. The student is encouraged to speak first with the person toward whom the grievance is directed to see if a situation can be resolved at this level.
2. Should a satisfactory resolution not be achieved, the student should contact the CHE Director to discuss the grievance. The Director will facilitate problem resolution through informal channels and facilitate any complaints or issues of students. In the event a student is not comfortable approaching the Director, they can initiate this process through the Associate Director for the Center for Culture, History, and Environment. The first attempt is to help students informally address the grievance prior to any formal complaint. Students are also encouraged to talk with their faculty advisors regarding concerns or difficulties if necessary. University resources for sexual harassment, discrimination, disability accommodations, and other related concerns can be found on the UW Office of Inclusive Excellence website: https://diversity.wisc.edu/
3. Other campus resources include 
   • The Graduate School - grad.wisc.edu 
   • McBurney Disability Resource Center - https://mcburney.wisc.edu/
   • Employee Assistance Office - https://hr.wisc.edu/employee-assistance-office/  
   • Ombuds Office - https://ombuds.wisc.edu/
   • University Health Services – https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/
   • UW Office of Inclusive Excellence - https://diversity.wisc.edu/
4. If the issue is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction the student can submit the grievance to the Director in writing, within 60 calendar days of the alleged unfair treatment.
5. On receipt of a written complaint, a committee of CHE Faculty and Academic Staff Associates will be convened by the Director to manage the grievance. The Faculty and Academic Staff Associate committee will obtain a written response from the person(s) toward whom the complaint is directed. This response will be shared with the person filing the grievance.
6. The faculty committee will determine a decision regarding the grievance. The Director will report on the action taken by the committee in writing to both the student and the party toward whom the complaint was directed within 15 working days from the date the complaint was received.
7. At this point, if either party (the student or the person toward whom the grievance is directed) is unsatisfied with the decision of the faculty committee, the party may file a written appeal. Either party has 10 working days to file a written appeal to the School/College.
8. Documentation of the grievance will be stored for at least 7 years. Significant grievances that set a precedent will be stored indefinitely.

The Graduate School has procedures for students wishing to appeal a grievance decision made at the school/college level. These policies are described in the Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures:  https://grad.wisc.edu/academics/grievances-and-appeals/

Reporting Misconduct and Crime

The campus has established policies governing student conduct, academic dishonesty, discrimination, and harassment/abuse as well as specific reporting requirements in certain cases. If you have a grievance regarding unfair treatment towards yourself, please reference the procedures and resources identified above. If you learn about, observe, or witness misconduct or other wrongdoing you may be required to report that misconduct or abuse. Depending on the situation, it may be appropriate to consult with your advisor, Graduate Program Coordinator, or other campus resources (such as the UW Office of Inclusive Excellence, Graduate School, McBurney Disability Resource Center, Employee Assistance Office, Ombuds Office, and University Health Services).

Research Misconduct Reporting

The University of Wisconsin-Madison strives to foster the highest scholarly and ethical standards among its students, faculty, and staff. Graduate students and research associates are among the most vulnerable groups when reporting misconduct because their source of financial support and the progress in their careers may be at risk by raising questions of wrongdoing. They are also often the closest witnesses to wrongdoing when it occurs and therefore must be appropriately protected from the consequences of reporting wrongdoing and be informed of their rights. Please find full details at https://research.wisc.edu/compliance-policy/research-ethics/ .

Academic Misconduct Reporting

If you know a classmate is cheating on an exam or other academic exercise, notify your professor or proctor of the exam. As a part of the university community, you are expected to uphold the standards of the university. Also, consider how your classmate's dishonesty may affect the overall grading curve and integrity of the program.

Sexual Harassment and Assault Reporting

UW-Madison prohibits sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. These offenses violate UW-Madison policies and are subject to disciplinary action. Sanctions can range from reprimand to expulsion from UW-Madison. In many cases, these offenses also violate Wisconsin criminal law and could lead to arrest and criminal prosecution.

Students who experience sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking have many options and services available to them on and off campus, including mental health counseling, victim advocacy and access to the criminal and campus disciplinary systems. For a list a confidential support and reporting options, please visit https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/survivor-services/  

Faculty, staff, teaching assistants, and others who work directly with students at UW-Madison are required by law to report first-hand knowledge or disclosures of sexual assault to university officials for statistical purposes. In addition, disclosures made to certain university employees, such as academic advisors or university administrators, may be forwarded to the campus Title IX coordinator for a response. For more information, please visit https://compliance.wisc.edu/titleix/

Child Abuse Reporting

As a UW-Madison employee (under Wisconsin Executive Order #54), you are required to immediately report child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement if, in the course of employment, the employee observes an incident or threat of child abuse or neglect, or learns of an incident or threat of child abuse or neglect, and the employee has reasonable cause to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred or will occur. Volunteers working for UW-Madison sponsored programs or activities are also expected to report suspected abuse or neglect. Please find full details at https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-301  

Reporting and Response to Incidents of Bias/Hate

The University of Wisconsin-Madison values a diverse community where all members can participate fully in the Wisconsin Experience. Incidents of Bias/Hate affecting a person or group create a hostile climate and negatively impact the quality of the Wisconsin Experience for community members. UW-Madison takes such incidents seriously and will investigate and respond to reported or observed incidents of bias/hate. Please find full details at https://osas.wisc.edu/report-an-issue/bias-or-hate-reporting/   

Student Health and Wellness

UW-Madison has holistic resources for all things wellness: https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/wellness/. The site includes information and opportunities for wellness for your work/school, financial, environmental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and community.

Students who pay segregated fees are eligible for University Health Services https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/. There is no charge to students for many basic services including counseling sessions, because services are paid through tuition and fees. Personal health and wellness services are also available in addition to medical services.

Securing Health Insurance Coverage

Graduate students who hold an appointment as an assistant of 33.33% or more or who have a fellowship may be eligible for health insurance and other benefits beyond University Health Services. Contact the staff benefits and payroll coordinator in the unit where you have been hired to select one of several health care plans within 30 days of your hire date.

Graduate students without an assistantship or fellowship who are currently enrolled can use the serves of University Health Services (UHS), the campus health clinic. Many services are provided at no extra cost, including outpatient medical care during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. UHS is located in the Student Services Tower at 333 East Campus Mall, 608-265-5000. For more info, visit the UHS web site at uhs.wisc.edu.

Prescription medications, emergency room visits and hospitalization are not included in UHS benefits. Therefore, supplemental insurance covering these drugs and services is recommended for all students and is required for international students. The UHS Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is an excellent option for many students: https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/ship.

Disability Information

Students with disabilities have access to disability resources through UW-Madison’s McBurney Disability Resource Center. As an admitted student, you should first go through the steps to “Become a McBurney Client” at the Disability Cultural Center: (DCC) https://mcburney.wisc.edu/apply-for-accommodations/

Additional [non-academic] disability campus resources (not found through the McBurney Center) can be found atthe Disability Cultural Center: (DCC): https://mcburney.wisc.edu/dcc

The UW-Madison Campus Accessibility Resources can be found at: https://accessible.wisc.edu/

Mental Health Resources On and Off Campus

University Health Services (UHS) is the primary mental health provider for students on campus. UHS Counseling and Consultation Services offers a wide range of services to the diverse student population of UW-Madison. They offer immediate crisis counseling, same day appointments and ongoing treatment. Go to https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/mental-health  or call 608-265-5600. UHS service costs are covered for students through tuition and fees.

There are many mental health resources throughout the Madison community, but UHS Mental Health Services is the best resource for referrals to off-campus providers. Call 608-265-5600 for assistance in finding an off-campus provider.

Miscellaneous Information for New Students

The Graduate School maintains a checklist for new graduate students at https://grad.wisc.edu/new-students/#checklist. Most importantly:

Activate your NetID

You will need your NetID and password to access the My UW-Madison portal at my.wisc.edu. To activate your NetID click on the ACTIVATE NETID button from the My UW Madison login screen. Enter your 10-digit student campus ID number and birthdate. The NetID you create and password you enter are keys to your access to the MyUW portal, so make a record of it and keep it private. If you are unsure about your NetID and password, contact the DoIT Help Desk at 608-264-4357.

Get your UW Photo ID Card

Get your UW ID card - Wiscard - photo taken at the Wiscard Office (https://wiscard.wisc.edu/) in Union South, room 149, M-F 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. You must be enrolled and have valid identification, such as a valid driver's license, passport, or state ID) to get your photo ID.

Use your WiscMail Account

Use (or forward) your WiscMail account, the University’s official method of correspondence.

Pick up your free Madison Metro bus pass

As a UW student, you can pick up a bus pass at no charge from the Memorial Union at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Visit the ASM Web site for more information on Madison Metro bus services:. https://transportation.wisc.edu/commuter-solutions/bus/. Be sure to bring your UW Photo ID card. Prerequisite: You must be enrolled.

Attend the New Graduate Student Welcome, hosted by the Graduate School

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. Learn more here: https://grad.wisc.edu/new-students/

The Guide to Graduate Student Life

The Graduate School provides a wealth of essential information for new graduate students. It covers information about the city of Madison, student services, finances, employment, housing, transportation, shopping, local services, recreation, and healthy living. Check it out at https://grad.wisc.edu/new-students/

Attend CHE Welcome Events

CHE hosts both formal and informal events at the start of the academic year open to all interested graduate students. These events include a welcome picnic which affords an opportunity to meet CHE graduate students, faculty, academic staff, and community associates in a more relaxed setting. CHE also hosts a monthly CHE Colloquium series.. The Graduate Associate Organizing Committee (GAOC) hosts a meeting early in the fall semester to plan a calendar of graduate associate-hosted events and to recruit volunteers. Interested students are invited to join CHE activities at any time of year. The best way to learn more about upcoming events is by checking the CHE online calendar at https://che.nelson.wisc.edu/events/  or by contacting the CHE Administrative Assistant at che@nelson.wisc.edu for more information.

Additional Information for International Students

International Student Services (ISS)

International Student Services (ISS) is your main resource on campus and has advisors who can assist you with visa, social and employment issues. Visit their website for more information at iss.wisc.edu or to schedule an appointment.

Student Visas

Graduate Admissions issues the federal I-20 form for initial F-1 Visa procurement. Initial J-1 Visa document (DS-2019) is handled by International Student Services (ISS). The Graduate Admissions office sometimes must collect financial information for the DS-2019, which is then forwarded to ISS. After the student is enrolled, all Visa matters are handled by ISS.

 Documents Required of New International Students

Many students are admitted with a condition that they submit their final academic documents after arrival on campus. Please submit your documents to the admissions office at 232 Bascom Hall. More information can be found at https://iss.wisc.edu/becoming-a-global-badger/.

Student with ESL requirements

Any student who was admitted with a TOEFL score below 92 (for tests taken before January 21, 2026) or below 5.0 for tests taken after January 21, 2026, or an IELTS score below 7.0 will be required to take the Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT) https://esl.wisc.edu/testinginformation/ and any required English course during their first semester.

Funding for International Students

International graduate student associates are eligible for assistantships, scholarships, and grants administered by CHE. Opportunities available to graduate student associates are subject to change from year to year. Please refer to the section on Funding earlier in this handbook for more information.

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 (50%) on campus while enrolled full-time during the academic year.

New international students with assistantships should work with International Students Services to obtain a social security number (https://iss.wisc.edu/employment/social-security/). New students with fellowships and no other appointment types are not considered employees and are not eligible for social security numbers. These students should work with ISS to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) https://iss.wisc.edu/employment/individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin/