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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Stout need a final high school transcript?
Yes, you do have to send us a final high school transcript. Talk to your school counselor and give them the school you want them to send it to before you graduate. We usually like to have those by late July. It must be here before you start college in the fall. You can have your transcripts sent to our office at:
Admissions Office
212 Millennium Hall
UW-Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751
How long does it usually take for an admissions decision?
Once your application is complete (application, $44, ACT’s and official high school transcripts), we strive to have a decision for you in two weeks. You can track your status online through Access Stout. You can always give us a call as well at 1-800-447-8688 to ask about your status.
I sent in my admissions application yesterday and I listed a major. I have not decided 100% that I want that major. If I am accepted, and change my major, will that affect my admission?
Changing your major will not affect your admission to Stout. A lot of students change their mind about what they want to do with their future. If you would like to change your major before beginning school, you simply need to send us an e-mail to admissions@uwstout.edu or a letter indicating what major you would like to switch to.
Also please take some time to do some research on our majors!
I took college classes my senior year of high school and received credits. Will these transfer to Stout?
There is definitely a good chance that classes will transfer but how they transfer depends on what major you are in.
- If you took classes at a University of Wisconsin College or a Wisconsin Technical College, see the Transfer Information System.
- If you took classes at a Minnesota State College or University, here is a transfer information sheet.
Linda Young is our Transfer Coordinator and is helpful in determining what will count for Stout credit. Please contact her with specific transfer questions, as it is different with every class, youngl@uwstout.edu or 715-232-1787.
I was thinking about applying to Stout, and I was wondering if I have to take the writing portion of the ACT in order to be considered for admissions?
No, you do not need to take the writing portion of the ACT for consideration into UW-Stout.
Is there a way I can track the status of my application online?
Shortly after you apply, you will receive an email along with a letter indicating your student ID number. You will use that number to set up your email and login to Access Stout.
Here are steps to log on to Access Stout IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR EMAIL ACTIVATED:
- Go to https://password.uwstout.edu
- Click on Activate new account (you must have your 7-digit Student ID number)
- Follow the steps to set your password and get your username.
- Once you have your username and password set, check Webmail to see if your email has been activated.
- Go to Access Stout
- This will prompt you to enter your username and password
- After you log in, click on Self Service
- Click on Student Center
- Admissions information will be located near the bottom.
Here are steps to log on to Access Stout IF YOU HAVE YOUR EMAIL ACTIVATED:
- Go to Access Stout
- This will prompt you to enter your username and password
- After you log in, click on Self Service
- Click on Student Center
- Admissions information will be located near the bottom.
- If you have misplaced your student ID number, please call us at 1-800-447-8688.
What if I fail a course my senior year but will still graduate?
If you fail a course during your senior year or think you will fail a course your senior year, please call or email Admissions as soon as possible.
If you fail a course that you need to have for minimum admission requirements (4 years English, 3 years Math, 3 years Science, 3 years Social Science and 4 years of Electives), then it is possible that we can rescind your admission. If the course that you are going to fail falls outside of those requirements, and your GPA is still ok, then it should be fine. To be sure that you are fine on credits, please feel free to give us a call so that we can verify that you are okay on credits, 1-800-447-8688 or email admissions@uwstout.edu.
Will my Advanced Placement (AP) classes count towards my major?
Yes! Credits earned may be awarded toward general education requirements, degree requirements, or elective credit. The purpose of awarding advanced credit is to recognize advanced high-quality work, to preclude the duplication of courses, and to provide increased flexibility for students who wish to complete two majors, earn a certificate, or graduate early. Click here to see how Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) might fit into your future program at Stout.
Frequently Asked Questions
I just received my award letter and wasn’t awarded any grants. I will likely have to take out student loans but how do I know what my best loan option is?
You should definitely get in touch with our Financial Aid Office and speak with a counselor. You can reach them at 715-232-1363.
Is there a tuition discount if two or more family members attend UW-Stout?
Unfortunately, no. If you have two or more students in your family attending, you may qualify for more financial aid, but no tuition discounts are given.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laptops
Do I get to keep my laptop all year, or do I have to give it back when school is out for summer?
You must be registered for at least one credit for the fall in order to take your laptop home with you over the summer.
Do you get to install your own software on the laptops (iTunes, Firefox,and the like)?
Absolutely! You are the administrator of your laptop. Additionally, here is a full list of the software we provide you as well.
I wanted to purchase a case or sleeve for my laptop and was curious what the approximate size of the laptops are.
You will be getting a backpack with a sleeve inside from the university. I would hold off on buying one until you get here. You might not want or need one! The HP has a 14.0 inch display and the Macintosh has a 13.3 inch display.
I was just wondering if after we graduate, do we get to keep the laptops or does the school take them back?
An eStout student officially graduating may have an opportunity to receive a laptop at no additional cost upon graduation, this is called the Laptop Transfer Program and is currently a pilot program.
Students who have participated in the eStout Program with a minimum of 32 qualifying credits and are officially graduating from UW-Stout may be eligible to participate in the program.
The university will contact eligible students during the term that the student has applied for graduation and inform them of the program application process and deadlines. Currently, approved graduating eStout students will be able to have the ownership of a two-year old (end of lease) computer transferred to them at no additional cost.
I was wondering if it was possible to receive a Mac instead of a HP?
Unfortunately, you do not get to choose which laptop type you want. You are assigned a laptop based on your major. We use the same computers that the industries are using in that field. Really, in the end, it's much more beneficial to you to use the laptop your major is assigned because when you get out into the work force, you will be familiar with the programs and processes that are used with the model professionals in your field are using (and expect you to know).
When does a student receive or pick up their laptop?
Eligible eStout students entering UW-Stout during either the Fall semester or Spring semester will receive information from the Advisement Center about Laptop Orientation dates and times. Students will receive the laptop, accessories, backpack and training on that day (for new freshmen, it’s typically a day or two after you move in to the dorms). The Student ID (StoutOne Cards or temporary ID) is required. A laptop will not be issued without a university issued ID card.
Which majors get the Mac and which majors get the HP?
Currently Art (excluding Interior Design), Graphic Communications Management, and Professional Communication and Emerging Media majors receive a Macintosh laptop. All other majors, as well as undecided and special students receive the HP.
If you are interested, here are the configurations for both laptops.
How do I check my email?
Go to the UW-Stout home page, right under the picture there are Quick Links, select Webmail.
I remember creating my username and password a long time ago, but now I can’t remember it. How do I retrieve my username and password?
Please feel free to call admissions to retrieve your username, 1-800-447-8688. But admissions does not have a record of your password. To retrieve your password, go to https://password.uwstout.edu/. If that does not work, you can call ASK5000 at 715-232-5000 or email them at ask5000@uwstout.edu and ask them to reset your password.
I set up my user name and password online, but I’m not sure what my email address is.
Your email address will look something like this: smithj6614@my.uwstout.edu. It is your last name, first initial then a random combination of numbers @my.uwstout.edu.
What do I have to do to set up my email account?
After you applied, you should have received an email and a letter in the mail containing your 7-digit student ID. If you misplaced that letter or email, please call admissions at 1-800-447-8688 to get it. Once you have your 7-digit student ID, please follow these instructions.
- Go to https://password.uwstout.edu
- Click on Activate new account (you must have your 7-digit Student ID number)
- Follow the steps to set your password and get your username.
- Once you have your username and password set, check Webmail to see if your email has been activated.
Webmail is found on the quick links bar of the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Housing
Are all freshmen required to live on campus the first two years?
Yes. All freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus
Are we allowed to hang pictures on the walls with nails?
Unfortunately, no. The walls are made of cement and are therefore too hard to put nails through. You can hang pictures and posters using tape, tack, and other removable adhesives.
Can I pick which dorm I’d like to live in freshmen year?
No. All freshmen students live in the South Campus residence halls as part of the First Year Experience program.
Do the dorms have air conditioning?
They do not have air conditioning. If you would like to bring your own air conditioning unit, you are welcome to, however they have to be installed by the building maintenance staff. You will need to fill out a maintenance request.
I was just looking at the packet that housing sent me and it says it has a deadline and I missed it. Can I still send it in?
You absolutely can still send it in! The date we put on there is a suggested date to have it in by. Just get it filled out and mail it in ASAP!
Is it possibly for incoming freshmen to live in the Red Cedar Hall?
Red Cedar Hall is for upperclassmen. As a freshman you will be living in one of the First Year Experience (FYI) residence halls.
Can my friend and I request to live together?
Yes! If you have a friend that you want to live with, you and your friend can each request each other on your housing application. The chance of you living with each other is very good. Make sure you both put each other's name on the housing application.
When will I find out who my roommate is?
Typically roommate assignments are sent out in late May/early June.
Dining
As a freshmen living in the residence halls, do I have to have a meal plan?
You are required to have a meal plan when you live on campus. You can find information about the meal plans here. You will never lose money with a Stout meal plan. When you sign up, even for the smallest plan, and don't use all of the money, that money will roll over into the next semester. At the end of the year it rolls into the next year, when you move off campus you can ask for that money back and we will cut you a check. In the end I think you will find it beneficial to have a meal plan especially when living in the residence halls. Believe us, the food is really good and you will have plenty of options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orientation
When will I find out about summer orientation and registration?
You typically will receive a postcard in March with summer orientation and registration dates along with the sign up process. Summer orientation and registration is held in June.
First Day of Classes/Move-In
What day does class start and when do I move into the dorms?
Classes typically start the Wednesday after Labor Day. Students typically move into the dorms the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Check out the Academic Calendar for more information on when the semester begins and ends.
Parking
I am definitely set on bringing a car next fall and I know the parking spaces are given out like a lottery. What happens if I do not get a parking spot? Are there other spaces to park?
Parking is tricky in Menomonie without a permit. Our advice to you (if you don't get a parking spot) is simply not to bring a car to campus. Instead, move in without your car and after a few weeks, head over to the Parking Office to see if they have anything that has opened up.
With that said, a very helpful word in getting ready for college is... early. Get your parking request in early and you're much more likely to receive one!
Parking Services
University of Wisconsin-Stout
P.O. Box 790
Menomonie, WI 54751-0790
Phone: 715-232-1792
Email: parking@uwstout.edu
What are my chances of getting a parking permit as a freshman?
It really depends on the year. Typically about 25% of our new freshmen bring cars to campus. Our advice to you is to get the parking application back to the Parking Office ASAP once you receive it.
Student ID
I can’t find my student ID number. How can I get it?
Please give Admissions a call at 1-800-447-8688 and we’ll look it up for you.
Placement Tests
Do I have to take a placement test?
Yes, all new freshmen must take the UW System Placement test. We require that students take Math and English Placement tests. This test typically takes place during spring of your senior year of high school. If you have questions about the test, please contact the Counseling Center.
Counseling Center
410 Bowman Hall
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Phone: 715-232-2468