UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN-MADISON

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A close up of the UW crest on the FIeld House on the UW–Madison campus.

Frequently asked questions

Courses and registration

Courses and registration

How do I request accessibility accommodations?  

We seek to create an inclusive environment where everyone can fully participate in our programs. You may submit accommodation requests on the course registration page. If you have already completed your registration, you may also request accommodations by emailing support@continuingeducation.wisc.edu  two to three weeks prior to the start of class, or as soon as you are able. Requests are confidential.

Do you offer scholarships?

Occasionally, programs may offer scholarships to help cover registration fees. For other programs, special arrangements can be made to help participants or organizations unable to afford the entire fee. Contact the listed coordinator on the course page to learn about the availability of financial assistance for registration fees.

Are your courses intended for specific professionals only, or are they open to the general public?

We offer programs for both professional development and personal enrichment. Although anyone can attend our courses, please check the individual course page for any prerequisites as well as details on the target audience that would most benefit from participating in the course.

Can I get help deciding which course(s) best fit my interests or needs?

Yes. Please contact the Learning Experience Team Member listed on the page of the course(s) you’re interested in. Our staff will be happy to field your inquiry and find the right person to help you decide which course(s) align best with your goals. 

You can find a complete list of our upcoming courses on our Course Search page. 

Do I have to be a University of Wisconsin–Madison student or an alum to take a Continuing Education course?

No. Student or alumni status is not required.

Are the course fees higher if I don’t live in Wisconsin?

No. Residency is not considered for Continuing Education course fees.  

Can I take online courses if I live overseas?

Yes. Learners are already taking our courses from many parts of the country — and the world!  Just keep in mind all times are shown in central time.

When can I start a self-paced online course? 

Unless a specific start date is listed on the course page, you may start a self-paced online course at any time. 

How long do I have to complete a self-paced online course?

It depends on the course. Please check the Schedule section of the course page for time completion requirements. 

Can I take more than one online course at a time?

Yes. You can take multiple courses or stagger the start dates of courses according to your preferred schedule.

Who do I call if I have more questions about a specific program?

Each course page includes a contact name and email address at the bottom of the page, next to the “Join our mailing list” form. 

How can I confirm that I am registered for a course?

To confirm your registration for a Continuing Education course, call the Continuing Education Registration Center at 608-262-2451 or email registration@cerc.wisc.edu. They will be happy to check on your registration status. 

Do you offer any certificate programs?

Yes, UW–Madison Continuing Education offers certificate programs for a variety of professions.  Please explore our certificate programs on the classes & certificates page. 

Is there a minimum age requirement to register for a Continuing Education course?

Continuing Education courses are intended for adult learners ages 18 and over.  

Do I have to own a computer to take an online course? Can I work from different places and devices?

Although having access to a personal computer is recommended, you may access our courses on other devices such as tablets and cell phones. You only need to remember canvas.wisc.edu, your NetID and your password.

What is expected of me in an online course?

Please click into any of our course pages from the course search page to review a summary and requirements for each course. If you need additional information, you may contact the coordinator listed at the bottom of the course page. 

Custom Courses

Custom Courses

Can courses be customized to fit my organization or agency’s specific needs?

Yes, please explore our list of customizable courses. If you don’t see one that meets your specific needs, check out our Custom Training page for ideas and program topics. Then, complete the request form at the bottom of the page, and a staff member will contact you.

Cancellations

Cancellations

What should I do if I have to cancel my registration?  Will I get a refund?  

To cancel your registration for a Continuing Education course, call the Continuing Education Registration Center at 608-262-2451 or email registration@cerc.wisc.edu as soon as you know you cannot attend. 

You can find the specific refund policy for your course on the course page. For an overview of our general policy regarding registration cancellations, transfers and refunds, please visit our policies and related information page.

How will I be notified if my course is cancelled?

If, for some reason, a course needs to be cancelled, you will receive an email at the same address you listed on your course registration.

Continuing Education Credit

Credit

Do Continuing Education courses count toward a UW degree?

No, our programs offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs), as described below, and are recognized for professional continuing education, not for completion of an academic degree such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree. 

Where can I find more information about Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?

Please see our Continuing Education Units (CEUs) page for details. Also, make sure to check the specifics of your state and profession regarding CEUs, Continuing Education (CE) Hours, noncredit and for-credit requirements for professional development.

How do I request my Continuing Education transcripts and learner records?

Please visit the Continuing Education Registration Center’s Transcripts & learner records page for complete information on how to request your records.

Logistics

Logistics

Where can I park on the UW–Madison campus?

Although most of our courses are online, there may be times when you want to come to campus. Please see the following links for the latest parking information:

Where can I find lodging? 

There are lodging options close to the UW–Madison campus. Please check out Destination Madison for lodging, restaurant and local event information.

Lodging is not included in the course fee unless otherwise noted.  

Check out the FAQs below to find answers to common questions about UW–Madison Continuing Education programs, our registration process and more. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or explore new interests, we’re here to help you every step of the way.  

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