Skip Navigation

Frequently Asked Questions

Index

Details

  • How can I learn about Master’s and Ph.D. level requirements in my program?

    One easy way is to check the “Programs” tab at the departmental website. Setting a meeting with your advisor is another way to clarify the requirements as you enter the program.

    return to top

  • How do I obtain internet access?

    To obtain internet access through the UW-Madison you need to download the WiscWorld software folder. You may also access the internet via campus wireless services.

    return to top

  • How do I register for classes?

    UW-Madison has a computer-based registration system, accessible through myUW, a secure, easy-to-use, web-based environment that provides a personalized gateway to the campus services most important to you. You gain access to myUW when you activate your NetID and login.

    To register for courses, you need to follow the prompts from the University’s homepage to establish a myUW account. Once you’ve established this account, registration is available via the “Academics” tab at my.wisc.edu – see the “Student Center” in the right-hand column. A timetable of courses is likewise found under the “Academics” tab on the same site.

    With graduate level courses it is often necessary to receive prior approval before registering for a class. You must meet with your advisor and then speak with Jan Kuehl (room 132) so she can enter an authorization into the registration system. For classes in other departments, you must contact the professor teaching that course directly.

    return to top

  • How do I order an official transcript?

    You may order your transcript or track an existing order online.

    return to top

  • What facilities are available for RPSE graduate students?

    Office space: All Ph.D. students and teaching/project assistants will be assigned an office at 432 East Campus Mall. Typically offices are shared by at least two students, but as many as 5-6 students may share office space. See Marge Hanson (room 431) for both office and building keys ($3.00 cash deposit required per key).

    Computer lab: There is a computer lab for doctoral students on the fourth floor (room 402). To access the lab, you must be a Ph.D. student, Teaching Assistant, or Project Assistant. For unlimited access during off-hours (evenings after 4:30 p.m. and weekends), you need a key, obtained from Marge Hanson. A deposit of $25 is required for the key; however, this will be refunded upon its return.

    Mailbox: As a doctoral student/graduate assistant you will have a mailbox on the fourth floor across from Room 430. Boxes are assigned by office number; therefore, they are shared by office-mates. You will also find a place to deposit US mail and campus mail at the same location.

    Student lounge: The department lounge (Room 433) has a refrigerator (please label your food/drink), a microwave, and a telephone (local calls only).

    Copy machines: Copy machines are available in the Memorial Library and all other campus libraries for personal use. The departmental copy machine is restricted to staff, faculty, and specific Project Assistants for departmental use only.

    return to top

  • What health benefits are available to me?

    If you have a Teaching or Project Assistantship of 33.3% or more, you are entitled to full health benefits. You will receive a booklet explaining numerous health insurance plans with your appointment letter. Several benefits seminars designed to introduce new graduate assistants to UW Madison’s benefit package (e.g., health insurance) are held in late August/early September. Please see the “New Employee Benefits Seminars Graduate Assistants” flyers.

    You must submit the application form to Department Administorator, Donna Littel (room 128) within 30 days of employment. If you want your health insurance to start on September 1, you must have the application submitted to the departmental office (room 128) by August 31. The monthly cost of for health insurance will vary, depending onthe health care plan you choose. lease note: Premiums are paid two months in advance. Therefore, initial deductions from your salary probably will occur about two months before coverage begins. If the initial deduction cannot occur that far in advance, double or triple deductions may be required initially to make premium payments current.P

    If you are not a Teaching or Project Assistant with an appointment of 33.3% or more, you may wish to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). You can also contact University Health Services (1552 University Avenue) at 265-5600 for more information.

    return to top

  • How do I find out about TA/PA job vacancies in RPSE?

    RPSE Teaching, Project and Research Assistantship openings are posted on our opportunities page, on the bulletin board beside the elevator on fourth floor of the RPSE building, and in the student lounge in room 433. Additionally, the UW Student Job Center provides a daily listing of both University-wide and Non-University job opportunities. Job openings in the School of Education may also be found on the bulletin board by the elevators on the first floor of the Educational Sciences Building (on West Johnson Street).

    return to top

  • What are the basic requirements someone would need to meet to be considered for a graduate assistantship in the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education?

    The basic requirements someone would need to meet in order to be considered for a graduate assistantship within the Department can be found in the RPSE Graduate Assistant Policies and Procedures.

    return to top

  • Are there training requirements for TAs?

    New Teaching Assistants are required to complete a minimum of eight hours of training to aid them in their teaching duties. The Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, in conjunction with the School of Education will provide this training on post-secondary teaching. In addition, all TAs are required to attend a training session on diversity, discrimination, and harassment that is coordinated by the Equity and Diversity Resource Center.

    return to top

  • As a TA or PA, when will I be paid?

    If you are a Teaching or Project Assistant during the academic year, you are paid on the first of each month (beginning October 1st and ending on June 1st for Teaching Assistants; beginning September 1st and ending on June 1st for Project Assistants). During the summer, pay dates vary widely and depend upon the type and length of your appointment. Contact Donna Littel for any questions about payroll.

    return to top

  • What is the TAA?

    The Teaching Assistants' Association is the union of graduate employees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Every two years the TAA negotiates a contract that sets pay, benefits, working conditions, and the grievance procedure. The TAA is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO. You can become a member by signing a membership card. Everyone (members or not) who benefits from the contract (all TAs and PAs) pays 1.2% of their salary toward the cost of running the union and bargaining a contract (rent, equipment, staff salaries). If you are a member, you pay union dues; if you are not a member, it's called a "maintenance-of-membership" fee. The difference is that when you're a member, you have the right to vote in union meetings or union elections and participate in determining the direction of the union. Check www.taa-madison.org for more information about the TAA.

    return to top

  • How do I reenter into the major?

    For information about reentry into the major as an undergraduate student, please click here. For information about reentry into the major as a graduate student, please click here.

    return to top