The well-being of all members of the University community is our highest priority. With that in mind, we made the decision that University of Wisconsin–Madison Summer Term 2020 will be exclusively online.
Summer in Madison traditionally includes sunshine on the Union Terrace and Babcock ice cream. But in this moment we are fortunate that UW–Madison Summer Term also has a long history of online learning. For more than a decade, Summer Term has offered online courses providing students with top-quality education from wherever you spend your summer.
In an uncertain time, one thing we can say for sure is that leaders, faculty and instructors from all over campus are working hard to give you more online choices than ever before so you can take general education requirements, focus on a challenging course or work on certificates—all online. This summer will still offer opportunities for you to make progress with academic goals, lighten your course load for a future semester and stay on track for graduation.
One of those opportunities that is new for summer 2020 is the Summer Certificate in Business Fundamentals. It provides basic business education to students pursuing majors outside of the Wisconsin School of Business. The 12-credit certificate is designed to be completed over multiple Summer Terms, making it a more flexible option to prepare you for business-minded careers.
We also have some unique online options for incoming first-year students and transfer students. The Wisconsin Experience Summer Launch offers the opportunity to take courses and engage with fellow students online before your first fall semester. The Transfer Early Start Program helps transfer students make a smooth transition to UW–Madison before the traditional fall semester. Students earn college credit early and start to build their Badger community.
No matter what course you’re taking, the UW–Madison online experience requires you to be an active participant, using collaborative technology and interacting with professors and fellow students to create community.
Enrollment for Summer Term is open, and we have extended the deadline to apply for scholarships from April 1 to May 1. You can apply for the Undergraduate Scholarship for Summer Study or the Summer Finish scholarship, for students who can finish their UW–Madison degree by enrolling in summer courses.
We know this is a challenging time for you, and we’re here to help. For the latest information on Summer Term changes in regard to COVID-19, see the Summer Term website or email summerterm@wisc.edu with any questions. For the latest university-wide information, read the UW–Madison COVID-19 response site.
Remember that as the weather warms, waves will still lap our lakeshores and the sun will shine. Take comfort in the fact that summer in Madison will continue. And take care of yourself and each other. I wish you all good health, until we can meet again on the Terrace.
Aphra Mednick
Associate Dean
UW–Madison Summer Term