Dear Incoming Computer Sciences Graduate Student:                                      

Welcome!  We are looking forward to you joining the Department of Computer Sciences as a graduate student in the fall of 2009.  We hope you are having a relaxing summer as you prepare for the transition to graduate work at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.  The following information is being provided to assist you in planning for fall.

Registration/Advising

By the week of June 29 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 6.  For guidance in course selection, consult the CS Graduate Guidebook on our website:

http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~pubs/grad-guidebook/

Advising in the department is done by the Graduate Advising Committee (GAC). GAC will have advising hours during orientation week, August 24 − August 28 and throughout the academic year.  They will be able to answer your questions about course planning and degree requirements.  You will be able to enroll in the courses of your choice during the registration week, so it’s not necessary to enroll before then.  Note that it is mandatory that you see a GAC advisor by the end of the first week of classes.

Mentors

You will be assigned a faculty mentor when you arrive.  Your mentor will be happy to answer any questions you have about the department, university, your longer term career interests and anything else related to your graduate career here.

Orientation Information

Plan to arrive on campus in time for the following orientation events that apply to you:

                August 19              1pm        Speak Test  (Advice at 11am)

                August 20              1pm        ISS Orientation (mandatory for non-U.S. students)

                August 21              9am        Orientation for TA applicants & Alternate Funding Advice Panel

                August 23              11am     SACM Orientation I, www.cs.wisc.edu

Most Madison apartment rental leases begin on August 15, so you may want to arrive before then to get settled.  U.S. law allows international students to enter the U. S. up to 30 days prior to the start of the semester.  Attendance at the 8/21 orientation is highly recommended for all students with guaranteed aid.  A detailed orientation schedule will be emailed to you before August.

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  http://www.uhs.wisc.edu/

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.

All incoming students will receive an email from Mr. Perry Kivolowitz with a TA application and instructions for applying to be a TA in the Fall semester.   If you do not receive the email by the end of June, contact Perry, perryk@cs.wisc.edu.

All incoming students who did not receive an offer of guaranteed financial aid will receive information from Prof. Suman Banerjee about opportunities to apply for financial aid for your first year here, in the form of special one-year assistantships funded by Epic.  Please send email to banerjee@cs.wisc.edu if you haven’t received information about those assistantships.

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

Useful Websites

General Campus Information − Visitor and Information Programs

http://www.vip.wisc.edu/students-facstaff.html    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

http://www.cs.wisc.edu/graduates.html   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

http://www.housing.wisc.edu/   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

http://iss.wisc.edu/     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

http://www.wisc.edu/grad/  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.  

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting all of you in August!

Sincerely,

Angela Thorp

Graduate Coordinator, Computer Sciences

thorp@cs.wisc.edu   (608) 262-7967