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  1. How can I get a form completed, a letter written, and/or a copy of my student’s grades for insurance purposes? (i.e., for a “Good student” discount or proof of enrollment)
  2. How and when can I add money to my student’s Wiscard?
  3. My student is struggling with his academic schedule and not sure what classes to take for next semester. What is the best way to seek advising?
  4. Are flu shots available to students?
  5. My student is having a hard time meeting new people at school. What advice do you have?
  6. My student is homesick, what can I do?


    7. Additional campus FAQ lists

  1. How can I get a form completed, a letter written, and/or a copy of my student’s grades for insurance purposes? (i.e., for a “Good student” discount or proof of enrollment)

    To obtain proof of enrollment and/or good student verification, your student may do as follows:

    1. Through the My UW Web portal students may print a free grade report, request to have one mailed to them, and/or obtain a free certification from the National Student Clearinghouse by selecting “Student Center.”
    2. Students may send a signed, written request, including a pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope, to the following address:

      Customer Service—Enrollment Verification
      University of Wisconsin–Madison
      Office of the Registrar
      333 East Campus Mall #10101
      Madison, Wisconsin 53715-1384
      Hours: Monday thru Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    3. Students may visit the Registrar’s Office at 333 East Campus Mall, Room 10101, to receive the letter or have the form completed while they wait.

      For more information, or if you have further questions, call the Registrar’s office at 608-262-3811.

  2. How and when can I add money to my student’s Wiscard?

    Money can be added to your student’s Wiscard at any time. You can put money into your student’s account electronically by visiting the Wiscard Web site, by calling 608-263-1964, or by visiting the Wisconsin Union Cashier’s Offices at 800 Langdon Street. Additionally, you can send a check made out to the Wisconsin Union to:

    Cashier’s Office
    Memorial Union

    800 Langdon Street
    Madison, WI 53706

    (Be sure that your student’s ID number is in the memo portion of the check).

  3. My student is struggling with his academic schedule and not sure what classes to take for next semester. What is the best way to seek advising?

    October is advising month.

    Students who are struggling with their academic schedule or in need of academic counseling should seek the help of their advisor. Each student is assigned to an advisor upon enrollment. Undeclared students are assigned an advisor in the Cross-College Advising Office. Once a student declares a major, he or she will be assigned an advisor in that major.

    Students should connect with their advisor when they have a question about their academic choices on campus. There may be times when they are feeling perplexed by the overwhelming opportunities presented to them on campus or generally unclear about what they’re supposed to be doing. This is a good time to connect.

    As a general rule, it is best to see an advisor early. The registration period is the busiest time of the semester for advisors and it can be difficult to get an appointment. Students should evaluate their classes and assess how the semester is going in October, and meet with an advisor before the busy period starts. It’s important to plan ahead. A student may send the advisor an e-mail if there is a short or simple question. Regardless of the reason for seeing an advisor, it’s best to not let any situation get out of control.

  4. Are flu shots available to students?

    University Health Services offers free flu shots (influenza vaccine) for all registered UW–Madison undergraduate and graduate students. All students who want to reduce their chances of getting seasonal influenza are encouraged to get vaccinated.

    There is no charge, and no appointment is needed. Students just need to bring their student ID to UHS any weekday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The student must be feeling healthy on the day they come for a flu shot.

    University Health Services (UHS) received its first delivery of H1N1 vaccine on Oct. 14. This limited shipment is not enough to begin holding large-scale vaccination clinics for the student body, and H1N1 shots will not yet become available at UHS’s walk-in seasonal flu shot clinics. UHS plans to hold six large-scale student vaccination clinics from early November through early December. An e-mail with full details will be sent to all students as soon as the vaccine is available.

    UHS is located at 333 East Campus Mall (MAP) on the 6th floor.

  5. My student is having a hard time meeting new people at school. What advice do you have?

    Many students have a difficult time adjusting to college. It can be especially hard for students who are not used to being away from home.

    You student’s house fellow is a great resource. House fellows are trained in helping students adjust to college and have experience doing this. Your student should continue to build a relationship with his or her house fellow.

    The Division of Recreational Sports has many opportunities to get involved and meet other students through their Intramural Sports Program from beginner to veteran athletes.

    Another way for students to feel more connected on campus is to join a student organization. The Center for Leadership & Involvement Office (CfLI) is located on the second floor of the Red Gym at 716 Langdon Street. The CfLI Web site lists 700 different organizations and the contact information for each one.

    Getting a job on campus is also a great way to feel connected and meet other students. Most campus jobs are flexible to accommodate a student's schedule. The Student Job Center Web site lists both university and nonuniversity positions.

  6. My student is homesick, what can I do?

    Homesickness is normal. As with any major transition period, students will have their ups and downs. Many students feel homesick at one time or another during their first year, but they often don’t talk about it. The transition from high school to college can be especially hard for the students who came to college feeling extra confident, because the change is so much harder than they thought it would be.

    Keeping in mind that every student’s transition to college is unique, here are some suggestions for ways you can be supportive of your student during this time.

    • Reassure your student that he or she is not alone. Many students are feeling this way, but they might not be talking to other students about it.
    • Continue to listen with an open mind and be reassuring. Let your student know that you believe he or she will succeed at this.
    • Encourage your student to talk to his or her House Fellow or RA. This is helpful if there are homesickness issues or roommate issues. House Fellows are trained and experienced in supporting students who are homesick. They also have access to resources and people who can help.
    • Keep encouraging your student to make friends. For some students, it may be better to look around for other students who are alone and strike up a conversation. For others, it is better to connect with a group of students. Either way, reassure them that if they do not find someone they connect with the first time they try, they likely will find that connection the second or third time.
    • Encourage your student to attend events and join organizations. There are more than 750 student organizations at UW–Madison. Students should continue doing things they love (the particular activities that  have contributed to their success in getting to this point), as well as try new things. Volunteering or getting a job are also great ways to connect with other students and learn outside of the classroom.
    • The University Health Services Counseling Center is also an excellent, confidential resource for students who are homesick. For assistance with urgent mental health concerns, 24-hour crisis intervention services are available to UW–Madison students, and to others concerned about a UW–Madison student, by calling 608-265-5600 (select option 9).

    Overall, remember that going from high school to college is a major life transition. Most important, continue to be supportive and reassuring; listen to your student; and use the information you learned at SOAR and through the Parent Program to refer your student to on-campus resources and services that can help.

Additional FAQ lists from around campus