Changes in student status
A page within Graduate Education
Change your program of study
Use the form linked below if you want to switch from one graduate program to another, to add or change a program concentration, or to declare a second certificate. You must be enrolled as a UWL graduate student to use this form, and all changes must be approved by the graduate program(s) involved.
Request a time extension
The seven-year completion policy states that all degree requirements (including the earning of transfer credits) must be completed within seven years (ten years for SAA Ed.D. students). If you require more time to complete your degree, you can use the form linked below to request an extension. See the form for more details and information about the approval process.
Apply as a Graduate special, non-degree seeking student
If you are a UWL undergraduate planning to take graduate classes, you will need to apply to UWL as a Graduate special, non-degree seeking student. There is no cost to apply. Please email Graduate & Extended Learning for more details.
If you are a UWL dual degree major ready to start taking your first graduate classes, you will need to apply to UWL as a Graduate special, non-degree seeking student. Reach out to your Graduate Program Director for more information.
Withdraw from classes or from grad school
The graduate withdrawal policies provide guidance for students wishing to withdraw from one or all classes during the semester, or to withdraw entirely from graduate study. The different types of withdrawals, and when you withdraw, have different financial and academic implications, so be sure to evaluate your options carefully.
If you are considering any type of withdrawal, it is important to review the withdrawal information on the Student Life website. You should also schedule a meeting with one of their staff to discuss your plans.
Return to graduate study after withdrawal or non-attendance
Individuals who wish to re-enter a graduate program after time away should consult with their graduate program director.
To re-enter your graduate program, you will submit an application at https://apply.wisconsin.edu. There is not a special application for re-entry, so apply as though you are a new graduate student. You do not need to pay the application fee - skip that section or select “pay later.” If you do pay the fee, the Admissions office can request a refund when your readmission is processed.
Re-entry applicants do not need to resubmit transcripts or other document, unless you took classes somewhere else during your absence from UWL. If so, we will need an official transcript from that institution.
If you do not have any holds/negative service indicators on your student account, Admissions can readmit you as soon as your application is received, with the approval of your graduate program director. If you do have a hold such as e.g. Cashier's, Student Life, or Deans Office, Admissions will send you correspondence that will direct you to resolve it. Once this is taken care of, you can be readmitted.
Graduate policies
All the processes listed above are governed by the policies within the UWL Graduate Catalog. Graduate & Extended Learning is happy to answer any and all questions about graduate policies. For program specific policies, contact your Graduate Program Director.