Apply/enroll as a Guest Auditor

How to apply

  • Our priority application deadline is one month before the start of any term.
  • Most students learn their application status within two weeks.
  • Adult & Student Services Center (ASSC) mails an admissions letter and enrollment instructions.

Step 1: Select a course to audit

If you haven’t already identified a class, please check the online Timetable to find a class of interest to you. From the Web address above, select the relevant semester, then browse classes by department or school/college. 

Once you have identified a class you are interested in auditing, the next step is to apply.

Step 2: Application and admission

To audit classes, you must first apply to become an auditor. Guest students use the special and guest student application. Please apply online. If you have problems accessing this application, please use our PDF application or call our office at 608-263-6960. We encourage you to apply at least one month before the beginning of any session.

Within two weeks of submitting your application, you should receive a letter of admission by mail. This letter provides your 10-digit UW campus ID number and enrollment instructions. You will also receive an "Invitation to Enroll" via e-mail from the Office of the Registrar. 

Step 3: Activate your NetID

Once you have received your letter of admission, go to MyUW. If you do not have a NetID, click on the Activate NetID link and follow instructions using the 10-digit Campus ID number listed in your admission letter and your birthdate.

If you have a WiscWorld e-mail address, your NetID is the name that appears to the left of @wisc.edu. Your password is the one used to check WiscMail. (If you are a UW employee, you will be able to access your “Student Center” through your existing MyUW account if you provided us with your Social Security number on your application.)

For assistance with your NetID or password, call the DoIT HELP Desk at 608-264-4357.

Step 4: Enrollment process

  • Guest auditors do not receive credits or grades for courses completed.
  • Guest auditors pay a reduced fee for tuition.
  • The earliest day that Guest auditors are allowed to enroll is the first day of class.

a. On the first class day (or earlier), provide the instructor with the Permission to Enroll form or a 3x5 card indicating "Request to Audit" along with your full name, 10-digit UW campus ID number, department course number, and 5-digit enrollment/class number.

b. Obtain the instructor's signature on the form or card.

c. Take this signed form or card to the department's main office, or to whomever the instructor indicates. At this point, your UW campus ID number will be entered into the computer. Be sure to inquire about when the enrollment permission expires, and confirm and make note of the 5-digit enrollment/class number for the course.

d. After the instructor permission has been entered, log in to your MyUW account (Step 2, above) and enroll in the course via the “Student Center.” The Office of the Registrar offers enrollment assistance at their office at 21 N. Park Street and via phone at 608-262-0920 Monday-Friday, 7:45 am-4:25 pm.

e. To avoid a $25 late enrollment fee, you must enroll in your course before the enrollment deadline, typically the end of the second week of classes for regular session (semester-long) courses. If you have questions about this deadline, please call ASSC at 608-263-6960.

Note: Under UW Board of Regents policy, disabled persons receiving SSI and SSDI may qualify to guest-audit courses with fees waived. If you are receiving SSI or SSDI, please mail or fax a copy of your benefits letter to our office after you submit your application. After you successfully enroll in your course(s) as an auditor, e-mail assc@dcs.wisc.edu to have your fees waived. 

 

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