Must international students attend the International Orientation?
Yes, this orientation is required for all international students who are new to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Students will have an opportunity to learn a great deal about the university and school's resources on August 20. Returning international MBA students will also be in attendance for some of the activities.
Is attendance at the Wisconsin MBA Experience orientation required?
Yes, the Wisconsin MBA Experience, (August 21-28) is required for all incoming fulltime MBA students. These 7 days of introduction to the Wisconsin MBA can't be missed (and we mean that literally). They involve a mix of orientation and acclimation, skill development and preparation for the intensive and stimulating set of courses you will take when formal coursework begins. Your primary focus will be on managerial communication, strategy, teamwork and data analysis skills. Getting to know your classmates is also a priority: other planned elements include a ropes challenge course and a night out on the town with your new classmates. There will be an optional 2 day orientation program for Math Review on August 30-31.
Do I need to purchase my own computer?
Yes. The School of Business requires all full time MBA students to own or have access to their own personal computer. There is a Graduate Computer Lab available to MBA students.
Will I have a place to park my car on campus?
As is the case with most college campuses, parking on campus is limited. Most students live on a bus line (bus passes are free during full semesters), ride their bicycle or walk to Grainger Hall. There are some metered spots in the Grainger Parking Lot located directly below the School of Business. During the week a limited number of parking spaces are available and reduced rates are available for later in the day. The Lake Street ramp, a public parking facility is located within walking distance of Grainger Hall.
How soon do I need to make housing arrangements?
It is best not to delay in making Housing arrangements. You will want to make housing arrangements as soon as possible. Most off campus housing leases are annual leases that begin on Aug. 15. Contact the Campus Information Center or University Housing.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business requires all incoming MBA students to own or have access to a personal computer as well as working knowledge of the computer. It is in your best interest to become familiar with your computer before classes begin. Students have indicated that individual ownership of a personal computer or laptop is preferable.
What is the current computing environment?
The School of Business supports a Graduate Computer Lab, but the lab is meant to supplement your own computing resources. As the lab is frequently used to capacity, you should not expect to be able to use the lab for all of your computing needs.
In the event that a course requires software not available on your own computer, you may be required to use a lab computer at Grainger Hall to complete these assignments.
What type of computer should I buy?
The Wisconsin School of Business is a Microsoft Windows computing environment. You will need to have access to a Microsoft Windows computer to complete much of your MBA coursework. Most School of Business faculty use Microsoft Windows computers, and the Graduate Computer Lab is equipped with Microsoft Windows computers. Also, students are required to prepare their resumes for MBA Career Services using a Microsoft Windows computer. *Applied Security Analysis students should contact their Center staff regarding the specific laptop requirements. For all other students, the School of Business recommends the computer configurations listed below.
| PC Compatibles |
Minimum
(Already have access to a computer) |
Recommended
(Need to purchase a computer system) |
Pentium III Processor 900
Mhz or higher |
Pentium 4 Processor (For laptop computers: Pentium 4 or Pentium M Processor |
| Microsoft Windows 2000 or higher |
Microsoft Windows XP (with Service Pack 2) |
| 256 MB of RAM |
512 MB of RAM |
| 20 GB hard drive |
40 GB hard drive or higher |
| 56.6 K fax/modem |
56.6 K fax/modem |
| Network card for high-speed Internet access |
Network card for high-speed Internet access Wireless network card for laptop computers |
| Color monitor |
Color monitor |
| Mouse |
Mouse |
| Sound card and speakers |
Sound card and speakers |
| CD-ROM Microsoft Office XP or Microsoft Office 2003 |
CD-RW Microsoft Office 2003 |
| Minimum and Recommended Configurations
The minimum configuration is provided for individuals who already have access to a computer system. The recommended configuration should be considered if you need to purchase a computer system.
|
| Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Software Discounts
Significant discounts for Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office software are available to enrolled students with a UW-Madison student ID through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Information Technology (DoIT).
http://wiscsoftware.wisc.edu
|
| Wireless Internet Access for Laptop Computers
Grainger Hall and many other campus locations now have wireless Internet (WiFi) access available to students. To access WiFi, it will be necessary to wireless network card. Wireless network cards are now integrated into most new laptop computers. Otherwise, these cards can be obtained at your local electronics store or through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Information Technology (DoIT) Tech Store (http://techstore.doit.wisc.edu/)
|
| USB Flash Drives
The Wisconsin MBA also recommends that you own a USB flash drive for easy transfer of your files between lab computers and your own computer, and for the sharing of files for coursework that involves group projects. These flash drives can be obtained at your local electronics store or through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Information Technology (DoIT) Tech Store (http://techstore.doit.wisc.edu/)
|
If you already own a computer and printer, they should meet the minimum requirements outlined above. Computer equipment that does not meet the minimum requirements will not provide adequate processing power or the proper interfaces needed to interact with the university's systems.
Do I need to purchase my own printer?
It is probably best to invest in a good ink jet or laser printer. For final reports and graphics, the School of Business has networked laser printers in the Graduate Computer Lab. UW-Madison also maintains laser printers at various locations around campus for student use.
What software do I need?
The Microsoft Windows operating system includes a Web browser and Internet connection software that you will use extensively in the MBA program. Beyond Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office (Microsoft Office 2003 is recommended) will meet most of your other software needs for coursework in the MBA program. Microsoft Office includes Microsoft Word for word processing, Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets, and Microsoft PowerPoint for electronic presentations.
Is there support for computer equipment purchases?
If you are applying for financial aid, UW-Madison will adjust your eligibility to include the price of a computer, printer and software. For domestic students, the financial aid budget allotment for computer equipment is $3,000.
Are there any campus computing services and resources?
We suggest that you consider purchasing equipment that will also meet your needs after you graduate. A computer that meets the recommended specifications listed above should meet most of your computing needs for up to three years. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Technology Support Center (phone: 608-262-6868), or DoIt
- For pre-sales information about products, contact the Showroom at 608-265-7469 or email at showroom@doit.wisc.edu.
- For sales questions such as product availability, stock or order status, contact Sales at 608-262-7253 or email sales@doit.wisc.edu.
- For post-sales questions such as product performance issues and problem diagnosis, contact the Help Desk at 608-264-4357 or email help@doit.wisc.edu.
On-Campus Housing
Looking for a place to live on campus? Consider University Housing! Apartments for graduate students offer academic support services and community resources, including child care facilities, social events, and a public health nurse.
You can request a University Housing application by writing to either of these offices:
Single Graduate Student Residence Halls
University Housing (608) 262-2522
Slichter Hall
625 Babcock Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Graduate Student and Family Apartments
University Apartments Office (608) 262-3407
611 Eagle Heights
Madison, WI 53705
Off-Campus Housing
The Campus Information and Visitor Center (CIVC), in the Armory and Gymnasium (Red Gym), is the campus information center, located at 716 Langdon Street. There you will find campus maps, Timetables (schedule of classes), the off-campus housing reference service, and many of the most important university publications. You can also contact the CIVC for a campus tour. Contact them at (608) 263-2400.
To search for off-campus housing go to (CIVC), 716 Langdon Street. Search CIVC's off-campus housing information. Once you arrive on campus you can also obtain a current listing of apartment vacancies.
Congratulations on your admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison! The campus and the city of Madison welcome you into a national and international community. Nearly 40,000 students enroll for classes at the Madison campus, and almost 4,000 of these are international students. This gives UW-Madison one of the largest international campus communities in the USA.
International Orientation (attendance required)
International Orientation is required for all international MBA students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Students will have an opportunity to learn a great deal about the university and school's resources during this intensive two-day workshop. Returning international MBA students will serve as panelists during programs and activities.
International Student Orientation lasts one day and the schedule is as follows:
- Check In and Continental Breakfast
- Welcome and Introductions
- Ice-breaker activity
- Lunch
- MBA Career Services Orientation
- Expectations/Questions Panel with 2nd years
- Reception with faculty and staff
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Any admitted applicant whose TOEFL and/or Verbal GMAT score is below the School of Business minimum will be required to take the English as a Second Language Assessment Test (ESLAT) upon arrival and register for any recommended English course(s) within your first semester of enrollment.
F-1 Student Visa
If you are arriving from outside the United States, present the Form I-20 to an American Consulate General or Embassy to apply for your visa. Be prepared to provide copies of your financial support documents at the embassy or consulate, and at the port of entry. Carefully read page 2, and sign item 11 (student certification) of page 1 of the I-20 Form. Make sure you understand the conditions placed on your admission to the U.S. When you arrive in the U.S., the border officials will take the I-20 Form, except page 3-4, which they will return to you. Keep this in your passport along with the Form I-94.
You must attend the university whose I-20 Form you present at the border for entry into the U.S. Do NOT use the I-20 of any school other than the one you plan to attend. Decide carefully which school you wish to attend and carry only the I-20 from that school when you apply for your visa and at the port of entry.
F-1 Student Transfers
If you will transfer to UW-Madison directly from another school within the U.S., complete the Domestic Transfer Student Report form and send to International Student Services (ISS). Bring your UW-Madison I-20 to ISS immediately after your arrival on the UW-Madison campus. You must report to ISS within 15 days of the beginning of classes. Failure to process your transfer at UW-Madison will result in loss of F-1 visa status. If you plan to leave the U.S. before transferring to Madison, check your passport and F-1 visa stamp to be certain that they are valid. Present your UW-Madison I-20 and financial support documents to the immigration officials at the border.
J-1 Student Visa
Present the Form DS-2019 to an American Consulate General or Embassy to apply for the visa. Be prepared to provide copies of your financial support documents at this time and at the port of entry. Carefully read and complete page 2 of the DS-2019 Form and the back of the pink copy, making sure you understand the conditions placed on your admission to the U.S. When you arrive in the U.S., the border officials will take the DS-2019 Form, except for the pink copy, which they will stamp and return to you. Keep your copy in your passport along with the Form I.