Adult Career and Special Student Services (ACSSS)
ACSSS is the UW-Madison gateway for adults thinking about returning to college and/or changing careers - and seeking assistance with their decision and identifying next steps. It offers public programs at area libraries, workshops, and individual appointments at no charge with academic advisors and career counselors. It also is a major campus admissions office, responsible for admitting qualified people who wish to enroll in credit courses at UW-Madison for professional development, preparation for graduate school, or as a visiting degree student. Support services include a grant and $80,000 scholarship program for adults returning to college after a break of at least 5 years, and assistance identifying noncredit learning options too.
Outcomes
1,500 adults are served by appointments, 1,200 by programs, and many more via phone/email. ACSSS admits 1,500 to 2,000 students each fall, spring, and summer. This includes adults preparing for graduate school, adults seeking professional development, visiting undergraduates, language institute participants, tuition-waived Wisconsin senior guest auditors, and high school students. These students fill spots in UW-Madison credit courses after degree status students have enrolled. 45 adult students in degree status are supported each year by the $100,000 scholarship/grant program, mostly due to private donors. Most adults say they could not return to college without the personal and/or financial support offered by ACSSS.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Judith Strand
Assistant Dean, Division of Continuing Studies
- Department/Unit
- Adult Career and Special Student Services
- School or College
- Division of Continuing Studies