University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Registration, Tuition and Refund Policy

How much is tuition for University of Wisconsin-Stout Online Professional Development courses?

The spring and summer 2012 tuition is $397 per graduate hour for professional development courses. Tuition for students enrolled in a Masters degree program will be billed at the degree program credit hour rate.

Tuition due will be listed on your university Access Stout Self Service account website after your registration is confirmed by the registrar. A monthly finance charge of 1.5% will be added to any remaining balance after the due date. Payment must be received on or before the due date to avoid a finance charge.

The tuition is the same fee for in-state, out-of-state and international participants.

Textbooks or software are not included in the tuition fee. There are no additional application or technology fees.

No bills will be sent via postal mail or email. Payment options: e-check, check, money order, employer purchase order, or credit card.

What are the refund and drop/cancellation policies?

If, after submitting the enrollment form, you find that you need to drop the class before the first day of class, send a cancellation request by email to wardda@uwstout.edu (Telephone cancellations cannot be accepted).

UW-Stout Refund Policy:

For the four week courses:
100% refund if the course is dropped during Week 1
25% refund if the course is dropped during Week 2
0% refund if the course is dropped after Week 2

For the six week courses:
100% refund if the course is dropped during Week 1
50% refund if the course is dropped during Week 2
0% refund if the course is dropped after Week 2

For eight through eleven week courses:
100% refund if a course is dropped during Week 1
50% refund if the course is dropped during Week 2
25% refund if the course is dropped during Week 3
No refund is granted beyond the third week of the course.

How do I register for a course online?

OPTION A: Complete the secure online registration form. Please proofread your email address information carefully on the registration form. Select university billing.

OPTION B: Print the registration request form (PDF file requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader) and fax or mail the completed form to:

FAX: (715) 232-2436
MAIL: Attn: Darci Ward
Registration & Records
University of Wisconsin - Stout
109 Bowman Hall
Menomonie, WI 54751

You may call Darci at 715-232-5167 to verify receipt of your registration.

If you are beginning a Master's Degree or Education Specialist Degree program at University of Wisconsin-Stout, complete the graduate school application process.

May I participate in University of Wisconsin-Stout online course with other employees from my place of work?

That's an excellent idea. Collaboration is an essential part of online professional development. In fact, we encourage participants to help each other on assignments, and peer feedback is an important component. Consider registering with a partner or team to develop a unified focus that addresses specific needs.

Is this online course available to international participants as well as students living in the United States?

University of Wisconsin- Stout online courses are available to students worldwide who are able to access the an internet connection.

Receipt, Billing and Refund Information

When and how will I receive my university bill?

No bills are sent via postal mail or email. Billing information is available for you to view electronically on your Student Center web page via Access Stout.

Login with you university user name and password, click on the Self Service link in the menu on the left, and then click on the Student Center link.

Payment options: e-check, check, money order, employer purchase order, or credit card.

If you have questions, contact:
Student Business Services
Phone: 715/232-1656
Email: sbservices@uwstout.edu
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST

Send payments to:
UW-Stout Student Business Services
712 S Broadway Street
Menomonie, WI 54751
Include your university student ID number or social security number with your payment.

Is tuition for an online professional development course the same fee for in-state, out-of-state and international participants?

Yes, tuition is the same fee for in-state, out-of-state and international participants. Tuition is $397 per graduate credit for spring and summer 2012 online professional development courses. Tuition for students enrolled in a Masters degree program will be billed at the degree program credit hour rate.

How do I request a receipt to submit to my employer for tuition reimbursement?

If you need a receipt for tuition reimbursement, contact:
Student Business Services.
Phone: 715/232-1656
Email: sbservices@uwstout.edu
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Registration Confirmation Process

I submitted my online registration form. Now what do I do?

If you are not a current University of Wisconsin-Stout student, Registration and Records will email your user name and student ID number within 1-2 days (Monday-Friday) after you submit the online registration form. The email will be sent to the email address listed on your registration form.

A few days before your course begins your instructor will contact you via email with information about how to begin the course assignments. Check your university email account to read the class welcome information.

I've submitted my online registration. Is there a way to check to see if the university has received it?

You should receive an email from the registrar's office confirming your registration within 2 business days. If you are concerned that your online registration was lost in the junkmail, feel free to email Darci Ward at wardda@uwstout.edu or call 715-232-5167.

Will these course credits apply to my degree program?

Contact your degree/program advisor to determine whether the course you want to take will match with the overall plan for the degree program as an elective or required course.

When do the courses begin and end?

Registrations are accepted year round for online courses. Courses begin and end on specific dates during the spring, summer, and fall terms. Check the start dates listed in the online catalog. If the course has already been in progress three days, then you will be asked to wait until the next session begins.

Accreditation

What is the educational accreditation of the University of Wisconsin-Stout and the School of Education?

The School of Education at University of Wisconsin-Stout is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; phone (202) 466-7496.

UW-Stout School of Education's undergraduate and graduate professional education programs including majors, minors, and concentrations are accredited by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

University of Wisconsin-Stout is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools (NCA) located at 30 LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602. Phone: 312-263-0456 or 800/621-7440 fax #312/263-7462.

University Student Email Accounts

Do I need to use a university email account instead of my home or school email account?

Yes, when the course begins, you will be expected to use your University of Wisconsin-Stout email account for all correspondence with your instructor. The Learn@UW-Stout courseware will only list your university email address for communication with the instructor, class peers, as well as the business and registrar's office.

To login and check your university email go to the university homepage http://www.uwstout.edu and click on  Logins (in the top toolbar), and click on Web Mail (under Personal Accounts).

Your instructor will email class information to your UW-Stout university email address; be sure to activate and check your university email prior to the first week of class and login to read the orientation information.

How do I email my instructor?

The course instructor's email address and phone number are listed in the faculty directory. If you have difficulty contacting your instructor, please email gullixsona@uwstout.edu or call 715-232-2253.

Online Participation Expectations

How long does it take to complete a course?

The vast majority of our students have no difficulty completing a course within the scheduled timeline. Check the course description to find the start and ending dates, and feel free to email the instructor if you have any questions.

Do I have to be online at the same time as everyone else? Is there a time each week that I have to be online with the whole class?

No, there are no required "live" conferences. Online chats for real-time conferences with the instructor are optional and are archived for independent review.

A wide variety of quality Internet resources are integrated as part of each course. Highly interactive web-based discussion boards are utilized for instructor/student dialogue and class discussion.

While online education is highly flexible, there are weekly assignment deadlines. Additionally, your peer learners will depend on you for timely feedback as you interact via email and discussion boards or team and small work groups to complete assigned tasks. Therefore, students need to login and participate on the discussion board several times each week.

Each instructor provides rubrics which clearly defined expectations of discussion postings, student learning and calendars which list assignment and discussion posting due dates.

What if I will be away from my computer for a few days?

If a participant will be out of town at a conference or on vacation for a few days, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor, preferably in advance of the class start date to discuss how you will complete assignments prior to your time away from class.

If you are planning extended travel without access to a computer during the course, it's best to delay taking the class until the next session begins.

How will we conduct class discussions online?

You will check your course discussion board via a password protected website to participate in class discussions. The class discussion board and course dropbox will be utilized for posting assignments. During the first week of class there will be orientation "practice" activities to help you become familiar with the different tools.

These are not self-paced courses. However, you will set your own hours and determine when you participate in the class discussion and when you work on assignments. The discussion board is available and active seven days a week, 24 hours a day. No matter where you are, you can participate at a time that is convenient for you. Your instructor will be online several times a day. 

Student Responsibilities

How often should I check the discussion board and my e-mail

Check your e-mail and the course discussion board 3-5 days each week to keep up with discussions, questions, and assignments.

You will receive a calendar listing due dates for assignments at the beginning of the course. If you are unable to meet an assignment deadline, review the instructor's late policy, and e-mail the instructor to discuss other options to meet your personal work schedule or family commitments.

Can I take more than one online course at a time?

Yes. Some students enroll in two online courses during a semester.

Final Grades and Transcripts

How do I access my final grade report?

After the instructor posts final grades, you may access your grade report online via the university Access Stout portal.

Option A

• Login to Access Stout. Then, click on the "Academics" tab, then select the desired term (i.e., Fall 2011). The screen will show your grade, and you may print that as your grade report.

Option B

• Login to Access Stout. Then, click on "Self Service" in the left-hand menu. Then select "Enrollment." Then click on "View My Grades." Select desired term (i.e., Fall 2011) and click "Continue." The screen will show your currently enrolled class(es) for the semester and grade(s). University Grading System.
• To print a copy, scroll down and click on: "Printer Friendly Page."

Many students submit the free grade report when documentation is required for tuition reimbursement or for a professional development portfolio.

How do I request a transcript reflecting my coursework?

You may order an official transcript online and pay via credit card.

If you have additional questions, email the Registration and Records office at registrar@uwstout.edu or call (715) 232-2121.

Textbooks and Access to the Library

How do I find the online class materials?

Your instructor will email information about how to login to your course website a few days before the course begins

Is a textbook required?

Check each course description for information about required textbooks and required software.

As a distance learning student, will I have access to the university library?

Yes, University of Wisconsin-Stout Distance Learning Library Service is outstanding, and as an off-campus student you will have electronic access to many research databases and scholarly resources. UW-Stout Library has an exceptional Ask-A-Librarian service for distance learning students.

Computer and Software Requirements

How important is anti-virus protection?

VERY IMPORTANT. Make sure virus detection software is operating on ALL of the computers you use during an online class. Update your anti-virus software on a schedule (minimum weekly) to check for new viruses.

Run your virus software to scan *all files, regardless of type. Never open an e-mail attachment from anyone without virus-checking it first.

Turn on macro virus protection in Microsoft Word and beware of viruses in Word documents.

Update your Windows operating system with free security fixes from Microsoft.

Do I need special software to take this class?

Firefox is the preferred browser.

Review the list of compatible browsers and software programs for Learn@UWStout at the Online Help Desk. Check the syllabus to determine what specific software is recommended for course projects.

Recommended orientation activities

How do I know if my computer is powerful enough to take an online course? What are the minimum technology requirements?

Complete the system checkup on this website, https://uwstout.courses.wisconsin.edu/ by clicking on the link that says: Check your system.

If you have any questions about the system check results, please call one of the numbers listed below and indicate that you are a UW-Stout student needing help with Learn@UW-Stout . Help is available 7 days a week.

1-888-435-7589 select option 3
or
1-608-264-4357 select option 3

Check the resolution of your computer screen to see if it is set at 1024x768 or higher.  If you are using an older computer and monitor, it may display things in a 'larger' format. This causes you to run out of room as you scroll left to right in the Learn@UWStout course website. On your computer's desktop screen, right click Properties --> then click on Settings. Increase the screen resolution to 1024x768.

Can students purchase course software packages at a discount?

Any student who is an enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at a University of Wisconsin campus is eligible to purchase and use software distributed through the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog (WISC). Software catalog and ordering information.

Contact Information

Who do I contact if I have questions about a specific online course?

Email School of Education Online Professional Development at gullixsona@uwstout.edu or call 715-232-2253.

Sign up for a University of Wisconsin-Stout online professional development class!