Student Handbook

WISLI and its respective programs offers non-standard courses, so our policies may differ from those of UW-Madison, specifically those relating to course drop and refund deadlines. Please review the policies below and contact us before the start of the program with your questions.

Tuition

• All program fee payments for both semesters are due to the University of Wisconsin–Madison by the Friday before classes begin, less any tuition remissions or scholarships you’ve been awarded. Any bills not paid by this deadline will incur a fee from the UW–Madison Bursar’s Office.
• Tuition bills are located in your MyUW Student Center under Finances. Keep an eye on your tuition account to be aware of outstanding charges and due dates.
• WISLI will honor a 100% refund through the first Friday of classes; no tuition/fee refunds will be issued after the first Friday of classes.

Courses

• You must take the language/level into which you placed. Your language course may be adjusted or unavailable if it does not match your background or if two levels are combined into a single class. Students who want to change or retake a course must submit a written request with justification for review.
• Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in the first semester to continue to the second half of the program. A “C” is necessary for this accelerated, proficiency-based language program, as Semester 2 builds directly on the learning from Semester 1. No refunds will be issued to students who miss any portion of the program due to academic dismissal.
• Students must adhere to the academic and non-academic codes of conduct to continue to the second semester of the program.
• Course materials will be organized in Canvas, the learning management system at UW-Madison. You are expected to use Canvas, check your UW–Madison email regularly, and purchase the required textbook and materials to remain in good standing in the program.

Attendance

WISLI programs have a strict attendance policy and expect all students to attend class daily, with the exceptions of illness and emergencies. One week in WISLI is equivalent to 4 weeks during an academic year, so missing even one day can have serious academic consequences. Students are required to report all absences to their instructor and program advisor. Before the start of the program, please carefully review the complete WISLI Attendance and Tardiness policy.

Remote Programs

WISLI Remote Programs require students to meet minimum technology standards and follow professional guidelines for online participation. Students are expected to join class from an appropriate, distraction-free location with reliable internet access and functioning audio and video. Prior to the start of classes, please review WISLI’s Remote Programming Guidelines

International Students

International students should review visa and health insurance requirements before attending WISLI. Students outside the U.S. do not need a visa for virtual classes, but those in the U.S. or planning to attend in person may need an I-20 and F-1 visa. Visit the WISLI International Student Information page for more information.

Photography

During the summer, WISLI staff will take photographs of instructors and students for marketing, web, and other purposes. WISLI will never release the names of those photographed. If you object to our using your image in this manner, you will have the opportunity to opt out.

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To participate in WISLI, you must apply to become a UW–Madison Special Student if you are not already enrolled at the university. Special Student status gives you a UW ID number, which will allow you to enroll in and receive credit for your language courses.

Please apply as a Special Student as soon as you are reasonably sure that you will participate in WISLI since processing may take a few weeks, especially if you are an international student or a Wisconsin or Minnesota resident. In addition, completion of this application shows your commitment and helps us to confirm courses more quickly. 

Note for Reentry Students

• If you previously attended UW–Madison but have not been enrolled for one or more semesters, you are considered a reentry student.
• If you remember your MyUW NetID and password, you may submit the shorter Reentry Special Student Application and Residence for Tuition Purposes Application in your Student Center. Call 608-263-6960 or email advising@dcs.wisc.edu with questions.

Instructions to Apply

• Start your application: Go to the application portal and either register as a new user or log in if you already have an account.
• Create a New Application: allow approximately 30 minutes to complete the application.
  • Program Details: Select “Summer 2026,” applying as a “Pre-Selected Population (UNPS),” and your academic program (i.e., CESSI, MEDLI, SASLI, SEASSI, or SIPI).
  • Residency for Tuition Purposes: If you qualify as a Wisconsin resident, your tuition will be assessed at the lower in-state rate. Although these questions are quite detailed, please answer them to the best of your ability.

After Admission

• You will typically receive your admission decision within one week. An email and a mailed letter will confirm your admission and provide your Campus ID number (10 digits, starting with “9”).
• Activate your NetID and password at https://my.wisc.edu to access your MyUW Student Center, including your UW-Madison email, which will be used for official university business.
• Email your Campus ID number to your program advisor, who will grant you access to enroll in your WISLI courses.

Help

• Application questions: please contact Adult, Career and Special Student Services at 608-263-6960 or advising@dcs.wisc.edu.
• NetID questions: please contact the DoIT Help Desk.

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My UW, my.wisc.edu, is your main student portal at UW–Madison. You’ll use it to access almost everything you need during WISLI, including your university email, grades, and Canvas.

WiscMail (UW–Madison Email)

WISLI will use your WiscMail and continue using the email address you provided in your program application for the weekly newsletter and other program-related updates. However, official UW–Madison communications — such as tuition bills, enrollment information, and other notices — will be sent to your @wisc.edu email account, which you’ll receive as part of the enrollment process.

It is critical that you check your WiscMail regularly or set up forwarding to an account you check often. See these directions to forward your WiscMail to your personal email account.

Canvas

• Login: https://canvas.wisc.edu/ 
• Additional Information: Canvas Student Guide

Support

If you experience issues related to MyUW or your wisc.edu email address, including forgetting your NetID and password, please contact the DoIT help desk.

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• If you are not currently a UW–Madison student, you must apply to become a Special Student, even if you have attended WISLI previously. Once admitted, you will receive a Campus ID and instructions to set up your NetID, which is required to register for classes.
• If you are already a UW–Madison student, your Campus ID, NetID, and degree program status are already assigned. You only need to register for your WISLI classes.

Steps to Enroll

You will enroll for two (2) semesters of your language classes, and they must be enrolled in separately.

1. Log in to MyUW with your NetID and password.
2. Open the Academic Navigator widget, then select Course Search and Enroll.
3. Select the term (Summer 2026).
4. Enter the five-digit course number for your course and search, ensuring all boxes (open, wait listed, closed) are checked.
5. Select your first course (e.g., Elementary Summer Thai) and click Add to cart.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the second semester of your language.
7. View your cart (My Courses), select the courses, and click Enroll → Enroll → Done.
8. Confirm enrollment: Courses should show the date, time, and credits. If not, they were not successfully added.

Troubleshooting

• If the system displays “sections not chosen,” open the course in your cart, click “See sections,” select the correct section, and then click “Save section.”
• If other errors occur, log out, restart your computer, and log back in.
• A step-by-step registration tutorial is available through the UW–Madison Registrar.
• Contact the Enrollment Help Desk at 608-262-0920.

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What Should I Expect from WISLI?

• Encouragement and inspiration to learn your target language
• Well-prepared lessons, engaging class activities, and meaningful co-curricular programming
• Respect, patience, and understanding for the challenges of learning a new language
• Prompt and open responses to questions or concerns

What Does WISLI Expect from Me?

• Daily class attendance and participation in events to maximize your learning experience
• Respect, courtesy, and flexibility toward instructors, classmates, and staff
• Put full effort into classwork, assignments, and independent study using Canvas and other required materials and resources
• Stay on top of administrative tasks — check email regularly, register for classes, pay fees, and complete evaluations in weeks 2, 4, and 8.

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Academic Integrity and Conduct

Academic integrity is essential at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. All members of the University community help create an environment where learning is fair, honest, and respectful. Students are expected to uphold the core values of academic integrity: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.

Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Seeking to claim credit for the work or efforts of another without authorization or citation
• Using unauthorized materials or fabricated data in any academic exercise
• Forging or falsifying academic documents or records
• Intentionally impeding or damaging the academic work of others
• Engaging in conduct aimed at making false representation of a student’s academic performance
• Assisting other students in any of these acts

More information is available on the UW-Madison Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.

Academic and Non-academic Misconduct

Cheating, plagiarism, and other academic misconduct are not tolerated at WISLI or UW–Madison. Violations may result in penalties, including dismissal. Non-academic misconduct — such as disruptive or threatening behavior toward students, instructors, or staff — is also prohibited and may result in penalties or dismissal.

If you are unsure whether behavior counts as misconduct, consult your instructor, WISLI staff, or visit the Office of Student Assistance and Support and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards websites.

If you believe you have been the target of a non-academic misconduct incident, (e.g., sexual harassment), you may contact your program advisor or the Office of Compliance.

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Do the work. WISLI courses are demanding—expect about 4 hours of class and another 4 hours of homework and review each day. Regular review is key to retaining what you learn. Be sure to rest and give yourself personal time daily.

Use office hours. Stay in touch with your instructors if you need help. Office hours are your chance to clarify new material and get personalized strategies for study and practice.

Make a plan. Schedule time for solo and group study. Identify what’s not working during class or homework and seek feedback from peers or instructors. Experiment with different learning and retention strategies.

Connect with classmates. Share study tips and practice your target language together. Building community will help you improve faster and stay motivated.

Reflect. Intensive study takes effort and persistence. Check in with yourself regularly about your progress, and remember—mistakes are part of learning. If you’re struggling, reach out to your peers, instructors, or WISLI staff for support.

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WISLI’s intensive schedule can be exciting and rewarding—but also demanding. Each day covers about a week’s worth of material from a regular semester, so maintaining your health and focus is key to success.

Take care of yourself. Eat well, get enough rest, and stay active. Even short breaks, movement, or mindfulness activities like yoga or meditation can help you stay centered and energized. You know what is best for you.

Stay connected. Form study groups, visit office hours, and reach out to classmates, instructors, or staff if you feel stuck. You’re not alone—your peers and the WISLI team are here to support you. Studying with classmates or starting a WhatsApp group can be a great way to share learning strategies, review, and practice language skills acquired in class.

Build community. Connect with students from across WISLI to share interests and experiences. A significant benefit of the program is that you get to spend the summer with a group of people who share a mutual interest in language and culture. Let your program advisor know if you need assistance organizing a group event.

Seek help early. Your WISLI program advisor and academic coordinator are available to talk about academic or personal concerns. Check their office hours or email to arrange a meeting time.

For mental health counseling and other wellness resources, visit the sections on the McBurney Center for Disabilities and University Health Services.

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UW–Madison offers a wide range of accessibility and disability services through the McBurney Disability Resource Center and other campus offices. A full list of available resources can be found on the Accessibility @ UW-Madison page.

If you have a disability and need accommodations — such as extra testing time, notetaking support, or adaptive technology — apply as soon as possible through McBurney Connect. Students who suspect they may have a disability or who have not previously received accommodations are also encouraged to contact the McBurney Center for support and guidance.

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University Health Services (UHS) provides medical care, individual and group counseling, and other wellness resources. Counseling at UHS is typically short-term, with sessions every 2–4 weeks, and there may be a wait to begin ongoing care.

Students seeking more frequent or after-hours counseling can meet with a UHS care manager to find community providers. To get started, schedule an access consultation at any time through UHS.

A 24-hour mental health crisis line is available at 608-265-5600 (option 9). Click here for more information about UHS mental health services.

Additional UHS Resources

• Wellness Programs
• SilverCloud: an online, self-guided, interactive mental health resource that provides UW-Madison students and staff with accessible treatment options 24 hours a day. SilverCloud’s evidence-based learning modules address Anxiety, Depression, Body image, and Stress.
• Sleep tips and resources
• Guided relaxation audio on Spotify

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Account Access Timelines

Before your UW–Madison student status ends, there are a few steps you should take to ensure a smooth transition. The webpage on account access timelines provides the most up-to-date information on when and how your UW–Madison accounts will expire. Some notable expiration timelines are as follows:

• Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 Email/Calendar: Available for 9 months after completing your course.
• Other Microsoft 365 tools, including Zoom, Box, and Qualtrics: Available for 3 months after your course ends.
• Canvas and MyUW: Accessible for 24 months (2 years) after your class ends using your NetID credentials.

WiscMail

Important messages from the University related to your study may automatically be sent to your Wiscmail account. Double-check that auto-forwarding emails is set up to your permanent email address so you don’t miss them.

Transcripts

You can order official transcripts through the UW–Madison Office of the Registrar.

Tuition Balance

Check your tuition balance in your MyUW Student Center and verify that it is zero. Helpful tuition account information is available on this page.

Tax Information (for FLAS Fellows)

If you received a FLAS fellowship, your stipend is considered taxable income, though no taxes will be withheld from your payments. While the university cannot provide tax advice, you are encouraged to visit the Bursar’s Office page on “Tax Benefits for Education.”

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