Department of Botany
College of Letters and Science

Graduate Student Handbook: New Students

Curriculum & Graduate Program Coordinator

Mark Connolly

mark.connolly@wisc.edu

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS

The Graduate School maintains a checklist for new graduate students at grad.wisc.edu/education/gradstdntlife/checklist.html (link will change with new website). 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 (Wiscard)

Get your UW ID card – Wiscard – photo taken at the Wiscard Office (wiscard.wisc.edu/contact.html) 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.

Enroll in classes

See DEGREE REQUIREMENTS for specific instructions.

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: asm.wisc.edu/asm-bus-pass.html. 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 and register here: grad.wisc.edu/newstudents/ngsw/

The Guide to Graduate Student Life

The Guide is published annually by the Graduate School and contains 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 grad.wisc.edu/newstudents/.

Attend Program Orientation Events

Botany Orientation occurs the week before classes begin in the fall. Orientation is required. Additional weekly meetings occur the first few weeks of the fall semester, talk to the Graduate Coordinator for more details.

Program/Department Resources for Students