UW–Madison Undergraduate Advising combines the strengths of centralized and decentralized models to provide students with the best undergraduate experience.
Central Leadership & Coordination
A centralized model is coordinated by the Office of Academic & Career Success and provides the UW–Madison advising, career services, and learning support communities with central leadership and coordination for professional development, resources, technology, community-building, communication, and policy.
Decentralized Advising Services
Schools, colleges, and advising, career services, and learning support units provide services independently to allow staff to specialize in their area of expertise, leading to better guidance on schedule planning, academic support, career preparation, and staying on track to graduate.
Types of Advising, Career Services & Learning Support Services at UW–Madison
SOAR/Enrollment Advising
During Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) each student meets with an advisor to create a schedule for their first semester at UW–Madison.
Assigned Advisors
Every student has at least one assigned academic advisor for their major, certificate, field of study.
Undecided or Exploring
Students who are exploring majors are assigned to a Cross-College Advising Service advisor who works with them to create a strategic plan that helps them clarify their interests while making timely progress towards a degree.
Program Advisors
Program advisors work with specific populations, including transfer students, international students, students in scholarship or service programs, student-athletes, and students with veteran status.
Early Career Exploration
The Career Exploration Center is the first stop for students in the early stages of career planning.
School & College Career Services
Career Services at UW-Madison are organized and delivered by the undergraduate schools and colleges and provide comprehensive career services including career advising and workshops, job postings, career fairs, on-campus interviews, and more.
Pre-professional Advising
Several fields of study offer pre-professional advising, including law, healthcare, and business.
Undergraduate Academic Awards
Provides advising to undergraduates and recent graduates on campus-wide and nationally competitive scholarship and award opportunities (including review of personal statements and preparation for interviews).
Continuing Education
Advising for continuing education is offered through Adult Career and Special Student Services, a first stop for adults who seek to explore learning options, develop career goals, and/or gain admission to UW-Madison for enrollment as a University Special or degree student.
Study Abroad Advising
Study abroad advising is offered campus-wide through International Academic Programs, and the International Internship Program. Several schools and colleges also have their own study abroad offices and offer advising on opportunities that are directly related to a specific field of study.
Peer Advisors
Several advising units utilize peer advisors. Peer advisors are students with unit specific and interpersonal skills training who work as a part of an advising team to provide guidance, support, and referrals for undergraduate students.