Resources

Academic Department Resources

Your academic department should be your first stop for graduate school information. There, you will find resources for students who are interested in learning more about graduate studies in related fields, including information about assistantships, scholarships, and high quality graduate programs nationwide. Academic departments— and individual instructors—vary in their approach to graduate school preparation programming. Some departments rely on instructors and advisors to disseminate this information in class and advising appointments; others host graduate school nights, sponsor pre-professional test preparation sessions, and/or invite alumni and other representatives from graduate programs to meet with their student organizations. Departments can also provide referrals for internships and other opportunities for practical experience, and other ideas for strengthening your graduate school applications. If you haven’t already, talk with your professors and advisors about where they completed their graduate work. Consider joining a departmental or pre-professional student organization.

Career Services
1140 Centennial Hall ~ 608.785.8514 ~ career@uwlax.edu 

The Career Services office is an essential resource for students who are serious about preparing for graduate school. The staff can assist you with resumes, interviewing skills, graduate school applications and entrance exams, personal statements, and searching for appropriate graduate programs. They can help you establish a timeline for completing applications and other important milestones in the graduate school preparation process. Log in to Handshake using your 8.4 account to find internships, research opportunities, and other practical experience in your field. The Career Services staff is experienced in assisting students from every university major. Stop in or call to make an appointment.

Undergraduate Research & Creativity
243 Graff Main Hall ~ 608.785.8040 ~ stdtresearch@uwlax.edu

Designing and completing an undergraduate research project is a reliable way to make yourself a more competitive graduate school applicant. Undergraduate Research Grant proposals are solicited once each semester from students, who must consult with a faculty mentor, prepare a research budget, and write a narrative detailing their proposed research project. Upon successful completion of their research, students awaited undergraduate research funds have several opportunities to present their research at local, regional, and national conferences. This office also sponsors the annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research, and coordinates student representation at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research and the UW System Symposium & Posters in the Rotunda.

Counseling & Testing
2106 Centennial ~ 608.785.8073 

The Counseling & Testing office offers a wide variety of services that are beneficial to prospective graduate students. They offer individual and group counseling services related to stress management, mental health issues, learning disabilities, and study skills development, as well as several free online self-assessments. Walk-in hours are available from 1-4 pm daily for students who wish to consult with a counselor. Additionally, the Counseling & Testing office is responsible for coordinating pre-professional and admission exam appointments for current UWL students. Anyone hoping to take the GRE, the GMAT, or another pre-professional exam should check with this office to schedule a time. The GRE is designed and scored by Educational Testing Services. You can find out more about the structure of the general and subject exams, and download ETS’ free GRE prep software, PowerPREP® by accessing www.takethegre.org.

Continuing Education & Extension
205 Morris Hall ~ 608.785.6504

The Office of Continuing Education and Extension offers GRE preparation courses on an annual basis. There are typically one or two free information sessions offered, as well as a rigorous preparation course for a fee. More information can be found by visiting their GRE preparation website.

Office of Multicultural Student Services
1101 Centennial Hall ~ 608.785.8225 ~ omss@uwlax.edu

The Office of Multicultural Student Services (OMSS) offers support to students from traditionally underrepresented or disadvantages backgrounds. They provide academic support, host cultural events, coordinate the efforts of campus diversity organizations, and offer extensive outreach and pre-college preparation to the community. Their programming is designed to increase the undergraduate & graduate enrollment and retention rates among students from multicultural backgrounds, and to improve the quality of the educational and social environment at UWL. OMSS can connect you with the resources you need to be successful at the undergraduate level and beyond. Check their calendar for ways to get involved.

Student Support Services
2131 Centennial Hall ~ 608.785.8535

Like the McNair Scholars program, SSS is a federal TRIO program. It is funded by the U.S Department of Education to provide personal, academic, and career support services to low-income and first-generation UWL students, and students with disabilities. SSS typically accepts first and second year students from any university major; the staff provides tutoring, academic advising, financial assistance, and other services designed to help students motivate and support students so they stay in school, and stay on track for graduation. Stop in to see if you’re eligible and apply.

Student Financial Aid
215 Graff Main Hall ~ 608.785.8604 ~ finaid@uwlax.edu

Students who have completed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and who have an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) of $1400 or less qualify for a fee reduction on the GRE, which lowers the cost of the general exam from $160 to $80. There is no fee reduction for the GRE subject tests. Make an appointment with a financial aid counselor to determine whether you are eligible BEFORE you register to take the GRE. You may also want to schedule an appointment to discuss the types of financial aid available to graduate students on our campus, and begin researching ideas for funding your own graduate education. The Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) Fellowship is available to students of color who pursue graduate education on our campus.

Graduate Admissions Office
2320 Student Union ~ 608.785.8939 ~ admissions@uwlax.edu

If you are considering one of UWL’s many graduate programs, you are encouraged to contact the Admissions office to discuss the application process and timeline. The graduate school application is complete online, at https://www.apply.wisconsin.edu – if you have applied to a UW System school using the online system in the past, your login information should remain the same. Students with questions about specific graduate programs are encouraged to instead visit the Graduate Studies office (220 Morris).

Office of University Graduate Studies
223 Graff Main Hall ~ 608.785.8124 ~ gradstudies@uwlax.edu

UWL offers numerous opportunities at the Masters and Educational Specialist level, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). Stop in the office or visit the website, or schedule a time to meet with a member of the graduate faculty in your prospective department. Students with questions about the graduate school application process are encouraged to instead visit the Graduate Admissions Office (2320 Student Union).