Senior Guest Auditors

Wisconsin residents age 60 and older:

You may audit classes for free if:

  • you are 60 years old by the first day of class
  • you are a Wisconsin resident as defined by Wisconsin Statute 36.27(2)(e)
  • the course is lecture only
  • space is available in the class
  • the instructor approves

(Not 60 yet but interested in auditing a course? Find out how.)

About auditing a class

Auditing is defined as sitting in on a lecture course and not actively participating. Auditors may not recite, perform, or take examinations, although regular attendance is expected. Courses that by their nature require active participation or performance are NOT available on a University Guest auditor basis, but may be taken as a University Special in a credit-earning classification. The audit opportunity is available for lecture courses with the instructor's approval and if space is available.

Classes typically NOT available to audit (call 608-263-6960 for clarification) include:

  • physical education activity classes
  • conversational languages
  • studio and performing arts
  • writing, math, computer, and lab courses
  • Independent Study, Directed Study, and other courses ending from -90 to -99
  • seminar, research, and colloquia courses
  • online courses

Audited courses are listed on a student's official UW-Madison transcript with "AU" in place of number of credits and either "S" (satisfactory) or "NR" (no report) listed for the "grade." Prior to enrolling, Senior Guest auditors discuss with the instructor the standard for earning an "S" in the particular course. With the instructor's authorization, Senior Guest auditors enroll the first day of the term. For University Senior Guest auditors, course enrollment occurs on the first day of the term with the instructor's permission and after departmental authorization is entered in the computerized enrollment system.

How to apply and enroll

The following page contains step-by-step instructions and a link to Permission to Enroll form.

Please note: a $25 late enrollment fee may be assessed if you do not enroll by the enrollment deadlines (usually end of the second week of classes).

See more details on Guest auditor status.

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