What Resources Are Available to Online Badgers?

November 14, 2024

If you’re considering or have been recently admitted to one of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s prestigious online engineering graduate programs, you may be wondering if you can enjoy some of the same resources as on-campus students. The answer is yes!UW–Madison offers a range of online resources to our virtual students, including academic advising, virtual tutoring and access to free software. This article will give you some pointers on navigating your online education and support system while beginning your journey as a Badger.Let’s look at your options in more detail:Academic Support Online Library Services The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s online library services feature a vast collection of digital resources, including e-books, academic journals, databases and research guides. Our interlibrary loan service allows students to request books, articles and other materials from libraries across the world.Additionally, our librarians offer virtual consultations to provide personalized assistance in research and resource navigation.Academic Assistance If you’re in need of mentorship, UW–Madison’s Tutoring & Learning Support Resources offer opportunities to find tutors in any subject — and even become a tutor yourself. Additionally, the Steenbock Library offers tailored workshops, classroom sessions and individual consultations.Need help with a term paper? The Writing Center provides online assistance for writing assignments and research papers, as well as the opportunity to join writing groups. You can log in conveniently using WCOnline, UW–Madison’s online scheduler, to set up an appointment.Student Advisors The College of Engineering offers a holistic advising approach, and our support goes beyond simple course selection. Our academic advisors help students build a clear roadmap to graduation, including:

Understanding degree requirements.
Planning an academic path.
Identifying research opportunities.
Finding internships.
Navigating university policies and procedures.

If you have any questions, we’re always within reach:• Contact us: Contact us via form, text or email. • Speak to a student outreach and engagement specialist: Set up a 15-minute virtual session with our student outreach and engagement specialist. • Connect with an advisor: Current students can use Starfish to connect with their advisor.If you’re a first-year or transfer student, specialized advising services are available to ensure a smooth transition.Financial Aid UW–Madison’s Office of Student Financial Aid can help you with financial assistance and loan options. We also offer scholarships and grants.Technology and Online Learning Canvas Canvas is UW–Madison’s central learning management system. This is where you’ll access your course materials, submit assignments and participate in discussions. Online students can find all their course-related information in one place. As an online Badger, you’ll also use MyUW for online access.Software Virtual students have access to engineering software and tools like MATLAB and SolidWorks, among others, at no cost. Virtual labs and simulations are also available, which will allow you to perform experiments and apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting from the comfort of your home.Additionally, our IT Help Desk provides 24/7 service for any technical issues you may encounter.Personal and Professional Development Career Development UW–Madison provides professional development workshops and webinars covering industry trends, technical skills and essential soft skills. These sessions keep you updated on changing industry standards and improve your employability. Additionally, guest lectures from industry experts and faculty offer further insights and learning opportunities.Engineering Career Services (ECS) provides resources for online students seeking internships, co-ops and full-time employment. Services include virtual resume reviews, interview preparation, career fairs and networking events with employers.Health and Wellness Staying active and healthy is essential even for our remote students!Our virtual fitness classes offer a range of activities from yoga to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which help students maintain their physical health.Our mental health support services are likewise a critical component of student well-being. UW–Madison offers online counseling sessions, workshops and mental health resources to help students manage stress and maintain a healthy balance.Leadership Programs and Student Organizations While maintaining your health and wellness is crucial, developing leadership skills and engaging with student organizations also enrich your educational experience. The Wisconsin Engineering Student Council coordinates events and listening sessions and advocates for the overall student experience within the College of Engineering. For more information on joining online student organizations, visit this link.Post-Graduation Your journey as a Badger doesn’t stop after graduation. Check out our Badger Alumni Association.

Competitive Online Learning at UW–Madison

Whether you’re a prospective student or a working professional, the University of Wisconsin–Madison is dedicated to ensuring that you have access to a robust arsenal of online resources that support your academic success, personal growth and professional development.We’re proud to offer online engineering master’s degrees and capstone certificates in a variety of specializations. A selection can be found below:

Working professionals looking to upskill should consider our online capstone certificate in Power Conversion and Control.Our classes are 100% online and taught by internationally renowned faculty, which means you can learn from the best on your own terms and from anywhere in the world. If you’re ready to become a Badger engineer, take the next step here!