Information for Incoming CS Graduate Students
Fall 2012 Incoming Computer Sciences Graduate Student Information
REGISTRATION/ADVISING
By the week of June 27 you can expect to receive an email from the UW Registrar Enrollment Services with an invitation to enroll and instructions for registration. You will be able to register (enroll for classes) starting on July 9 at the latest. We recommend that you register online this summer. You can make changes to your course selection after you arrive if necessary. For guidance in course selection, consult the CS Graduate Guidebook.
http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~pubs/grad-guidebook/
If you have specific questions about a course in which you want to enroll, feel free to email the instructor of the course. Advising in the department is done by the faculty members of our Graduate Advising Committee (GAC). There are no summer advising hours. GAC will have advising hours throughout the fall semester. They will be able to answer your questions about course planning and degree requirements. Note that it is mandatory that you see a GAC advisor by the end of the first week of classes to help you develop a course plan for your graduate study and to approve your selection of classes for Fall 2011.
ARRIVAL DATES/ORIENTATION INFORMATION
International Students please plan to arrive by August 15 if possible. This will allow you time to establish bank accounts, apply for a social security number if applicable, attend International Student Service orientation and take the SPEAK test prior to Orientation and Advising Week, August 27-August 31. U.S. law allows international students to enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester.
Most Madison apartment rental leases begin on August 15.
All students should plan to be here Monday morning, August 27 for the department orientation. A detailed orientation schedule will be emailed to you by early August. Advising and other activities will be scheduled throughout the week of August 26- Sept.1. Classes begin Tuesday, September 4.
It is mandatory that all students with guaranteed support and any students who hope to be TAs be in the department on Monday, August 27. Anyone who plans to be a TA must attend TA training, which will begin Monday August 27 and continue through the week. Please note: the pay period begins on August 27 and all funded students are expected to be present.
UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICE
All incoming students are required to fill out an online UHS Immunization and Health History Form. You can access the required form at:
Please note: if you have guaranteed support you are eligible for health insurance coverage through the university and will not need SHIP insurance.
IMPORTANT FINANCIAL/EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION for TAs and RAs
TAs and RAs will receive their first paycheck October 1. Plan to have enough financial resources to cover your expenses prior to receiving your first check.
TA POSITIONS/APPLICATIONS
All incoming students will receive an email from Mr. Perry Kivolowitz with the link to the online TA application and instructions for applying to be a TA in the Fall semester. Any specific questions about Teaching Assistantships should be directed to Perry, perryk@cs.wisc.edu.
BENEFITS FOR TAs and RAs
For information about benefits for TAs and RAs, you can check the Office of Human Resources website:
http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/ecbs/benefits/newemp-introduction-G.html
UNFUNDED STUDENT INFORMATION
I have included as an attachment information for incoming students who were admitted without aid. This was provided by one of our recent MS graduates who coordinate workshops on alternate funding options. We encourage students without financial support to apply for a first year EPIC RA. Applications are still being accepted for EPIC RAs.
www.cs.wisc.edu/academic-programs/graduate-program/epic
GRADUATE SCHOOL NEW STUDENT CHECKLIST
http://www.grad.wisc.edu/education/gradstdntlife/checklist.html
This site provides a helpful checklist of things you need to do once you have arrived at UW in the Fall.
USEFUL WEBSITES
General Campus Information − Visitor and Information Programs
This is the gateway site for information about UW, campus activities, procedures,departments, as well as locations and directions, and Madison area information.
Student Association of Computing Machinery (SACM) Transition Information
http://www.cs.wisc.edu/sacm/transition/index.shtml
Be sure to check out this site for a comprehensive compilation of useful information and links for new graduate students, written by computer science graduate students who were once in your shoes. It includes a transition checklist and information on temporary housing with current students while you are locating housing of your own. Don’t miss this website.
CS Graduate Program
www.cs.wisc.edu/academic-programs/graduate-program
Our Graduate Program web page contains useful information including links to SACM, the Graduate Guidebook, information about fellowships and awards that you can apply for, and summer internships that are available. Check these pages every once in a while for updated information.
Off Campus Housing
http://campusareahousing.wisc.edu/
This site provides information and online listings for off-campus housing. This is an excellent resource for your housing search.
University Housing
This site provides information on UW campus housing, including dormitories, apartments and family housing. Note: there is often a waiting list to get into University-owned family housing. If interested, be sure to contact University housing as soon as possible.
International Students
This is the comprehensive site for information for international students. There is a special link for new students. You can find information on regulations pertaining to international students, activities for international students, the orientation schedule, information about Madison Friends of International Students, and other useful resources.
Graduate School Information
This site is the source of everything you need to know about Graduate School policies, procedures, timelines and more.
Graduate Student Collaborative
http://www.grad.wisc.edu/education/gsc/index.html
The GSC’s purpose is to enhance the involvement, personal development, and quality of life of graduate students at UW by “acting as a resource, a voice and a link within the Graduate School.” They sponsor activities and professional development programs throughout the year. Later this summer you can check their website for information on GSC-sponsored events during orientation week.
ONE VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER
Please do not forget to update your email address in MyUW if it changes over the summer. All communication from us will be via email. Once you have a wisc.edu email you should check it regularly to ensure you do not miss messages from us.