Table of Contents

1. PREFACE
2. INTRODUCTION
   1. The University
   2. The Graduate School
   3. The Department of Entomology
3. ADMISSION TO GRADUATE SCHOOL
   1. US Citizens Check-Off List
   2. International Applicants
   3. International Applicants Check- Off List
   4. Criteria for Admission to Graduate School
      Note: Graduate school will not accept applications later than five days preceeding the start of a semester.
   5. Criteria for Admission to the Department of Entomology
4. FINANCIAL CONCERNS
5. ARRIVAL ON CAMPUS
   1.  Preregistration
   2. Housing
   3. Registration

I. PREFACE

The following departments offer more specific information:

II. INTRODUCTION

II. (1) The University

The goal of the University of Wisconsin "is to provide an environment in which faculty and students can discover, examine critically, preserve, and transmit the knowledge, wisdom, and values that will help ensure the survival of the present and future generations with improvement in the quality of life." These words of the faculty senate became the opening for the campus mission statement adopted in 1974.

II. (2) The Graduate School at Madison

The Graduate School was established for advanced instruction and to involve students actively in research. Sharing in investigation with their professors, graduate students are to acquire the spirit as well as the method of productive scholarship. Graduate study at the University of Wisconsin - Madison began informally about 1880, and the University formally established the Graduate School in 1904. The Graduate School administration is responsible for setting minimum requirements for degree programs. Thus, a prospective student must first fulfill the Graduate School's requirements for admission. Each department has additional requirements.

II. (3) The Department of Entomology

The Department of Entomology was established in 1909 with a single faculty member in economic entomology. Its greatest growth occurred after World War II, when it undertook the basic entomological research previously carried on by the Zoology Department. The Entomology Department now fosters both basic and applied research and attempts to meet the demands of technically oriented agriculture. It currently has 12 faculty and staff and over 30 graduate students. It offers approximately 25 courses as well as graduate study leading to master's and doctoral degrees. Areas of specialization include a wide range of theoretical and applied aspects of entomology. Interdisciplinary programs and postdoctoral opportunities are also available.

The department occupies eight floors of the north tower of Russell Laboratories. Research laboratories are modern and extensively equipped. Campus libraries are excellent; Steenbock Memorial Library is adjacent to Russell Laboratories. Also adjacent is a high-voltage electron microscope facility--a supplement to the state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope within the department. Nearby is the Biotron, which provides selective control over physical conditions and permits duplication of environmental conditions almost anywhere on earth. Ten experimental farms offer various conditions for field research. For the systematist, the departmental insect collection contains more than one million specimens. The departmental computer facility is located on the fourth floor. In addition individual labs are equipped with personal computers, and the Division of Information Technology is equipped with two large-scale digital computer systems and a variety of sorting and tabulating equipment. Located nearby in the Animal Sciences Building are complete statistical consulting services, as well as mainframe computing services.

III. ADMISSION TO GRADUATE SCHOOL

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Entomology.  We strongly recommend that formal application forms for The Graduate School and the Department be completed only by those students who are accepted for graduate studies by a specific faculty member in the Department (see below).  Please note that acceptance by a faculty member (advisor) may or may not be accompanied by an offer of a research or teaching assistantship and stipend.  If such financial support is required, please be sure that you discuss this with your faculty advisor in advance of your formal application to the department.   If you wish additional information on other graduate programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, you should contact The Graduate School, Room 228 Bascom Hall, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, or visit the Graduate School Home Page address at http://www.wisc.edu/grad and the Graduate School Admissions requirements page at http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/requirements.html.

Read the application materials carefully to determine your basic eligibility for graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in general, and the Department of Entomology specifically. You  must have applied to the Graduate School for admission and have paid the application fee (currently $45.00) before your application to the Entomology Department will be processed. For admission into our departmental graduate program, you should provide (1) GRE scores, (2) three letters of reference, (3) a personal statement of purpose for graduate studies, and (4) official transcripts. *International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Documents must be issued by the school with the official seal/stamp and official signatures.

International students must also provide TOEFL scores. Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). An admitted applicant whose TOEFL (paper-based) test score is below 580; TOEFL computer-based test (CBT) score below 237; or MELAB below 82 must take an English assessment test upon arrival. You must then register for any recommended English as a Second Language (ESL) course(s) in the first semester you are enrolled.

A financial statement will only be requested by the Graduate School after the departmental recommendation for admission. For more information on International Student Expenses see the web page http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/financialinfo.html.

Graduate school will not accept applications later than five days preceeding the start of a semester. (See the Graduate School website for the "checklist.")

As indicated above, even if you meet the Graduate School and departmental standards, we do not accept new graduate students into the program unless (1) financial support for the student is currently in the hands of a faculty member, or is assured by the time a student begins, or (2) a student brings independent funding and has contacted a faculty member who agrees to serve as advisor.  Thus, it is to your advantage to contact potential advisors before applying, because you may save the application fee if no support is available.  The University offers a limited number of fellowships for a select few outstanding students (i.e. GRE scores in the high 80-90th percentiles and GPA of 3.7+);  if students wish to be considered for such awards, applications materials, including the name of the faculty advisor, must be received in our office by January 10.  Thereafter, applicants will be considered only for research assistantships provided by individual faculty as openings arise on their research projects.  To determine the availability of research support, please review the list of research projects of individual professors as described and contact those faculty directly whose interests mesh with yours.  You should be aware that most successful applicants are those who have developed a research focus and can relate their desired area of study to that of a particular faculty member, so personal contact is imperative.  You should make this contact at least 6-12 months prior to your anticipated admission.

Thank you again for your expressed interest in the Department of Entomology, and we wish you much success in locating a suitable graduate program.

Address correspondence and information to:

Chair of Graduate Admissions
Department of Entomology
237 Russell Laboratories
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin 53706
butts@entomology.wisc.edu

III. (1) Check-off List - U.S. Citizens

1. Contact individual faculty for space and funding availability.
2. Complete application electronically through the Graduate School's home page at http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/appinstr.html.
3. Request two official copies of all transcripts. Send both to the Department of Entomology.
4. Remit the application fee to the Graduate School.
5. Request that an official copy of your general GRE scores be sent to the Department of Entomology.
6. Request three letters of recommendation. Letters of Recommendation Instructions are located on the following web site: http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/elorinstructions.html.
7. Be sure that all information reaches the Department of Entomology and the Graduate School at least six weeks before the expected date of enrollment. (If you wish to apply for financial support, you should complete the application at least six months before the expected date of enrollment.)
8. Write and submit your statement of purpose to the Department of Entomology.

III. (2) International Applicants

Admissions Office
Graduate School
228 Bascom Hall
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI 53706 (608)262-2433

III. (3) Check-off List - International Applicants

Application requires the following steps:

1. Contact individual faculty for space and funding availability.
2. Complete application electronically through the Graduate School's home page at http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/appinstr.html.
3. Request two official copies of all transcripts. Send both to the Department of Entomology.
4. Remit the application fee to the Graduate School.
5. Request that an official copy of your general GRE scores be sent to the Department of Entomology.
6. Request three letters of recommendation. Letters of Recommendation Instructions are located on the following web site: http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/elorinstructions.html.
7. Request that an official copy of your TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB scores be sent to the Department of Entomology.
8. Provide evidence of financial support to the Graduate School when requested.
9. Be sure that all information reaches the Department of Entomology and the Graduate School at least six weeks before the expected date of enrollment. (If you wish to apply for financial support, you should complete the application at least six months before the expected date of enrollment.)
10. Write and submit your statement of purpose to the Department of Entomology.

III. (4) Criteria for Admission to the Graduate School

Each application is reviewed by the Department of Entomology and by the Graduate School. Admission is determined by the Graduate School, but no student may be admitted without a favorable recommendation by the department. Note: Graduate school will not accept applications later than five days preceeding the start of a semester.

The Graduate School requirements are:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an approved institution.
2. A grade-point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale).

The Graduate School may admit an applicant in one of three ways:

1. Admission with full standing. An applicant has met the above requirements. An international student also has adequate TOEFL scores and has demonstrated financial support.
2. Admission with deficiencies. An applicant is admitted with deficiencies upon departmental recommendation. The applicant must normally have at least twelve credits of academic work in the field of proposed graduate study or, in special cases, twelve credits of academic work in related fields approved by the department. The applicant is expected to make up deficiencies by the end of the first full semester of enrollment. The applicant may expect to spend more than the minimum time in residence.
3. Admission on probation. An applicant whose last 60 credits of their baccalaureate grade-point average is below 3.0 is recommended by a department for admission on probation, provided other evidence of ability to do satisfactory graduate work is presented. Such evidence may include exceptional performance in subsequent academic work, high scores on the Graduate Record Examination, or unusual achievement of a different nature, as indicated by letters of recommendation. When recommending admission on probation, the department must present a specific probationary plan. If the applicant is admitted, the Graduate School monitors departmental review of probation. Probationary status is dropped if the applicant satisfies the probationary requirements. If the requirements are not satisfied, the applicant loses graduate student status.

III. (5) Criteria for Admission to the Department of Entomology

If the Graduate School deems an application acceptable, the Department of Entomology reexamines the application. The departmental committee for graduate admissions considers a number of factors, including GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and laboratories in which the applicant may be interested. The department has traditionally accepted applicants with baccalaureate GPA's of 3.0 or higher.

The following will be required for admission to the graduate programs in the Department of Entomology.

1. GRE-general exam (used as reference only)
2. Three letters of recommendation
3. GPA required 3.0
4. Statement of research interest (one page)

Financial support through the department will not be a criterion for graduate student admission.

In the event that the applicant has a faculty contact willing to support the admission, a letter of support should be forwarded to the Academic Affairs Committee for consideration.

An applicant interested in a particular research program or in working with a particular professor should directly contact the persons involved. Listed below is a synopsis of the research programs of the current faculty. Early contact is advised.

IV. FINANCIAL CONCERNS

Virtually all students in the Department of Entomology hold research assistantships which includes a tuition waiver.  In order for a student to be eligible for insurance and fee deferrals, a student must hold at least a 33 percent research appointment for the year.   If  a graduate student's appointment must be terminated after the start of a semester, and if under this appointment the tuition waiver  is part of the package, then the student will receive a  fee bill for tuition owed (resident or non-resident). Until the fee bill is paid, future registrations and records release (transcripts, etc.) are blocked for the student. The student will not receive this bill until the end of the semester or possibly at the beginning of the next semester. Students must also remember to register for 8 credits each semester and two research credits each summer or three credits if Ph. D. dissertator  in order to maintain their research assistantship.

If you do not receive a scholarship or assistantship, campus jobs are available. Depending upon your skills, you can earn between $6 and $10 per hour on campus. Unfortunately, the department does not hire teaching assistants; however, if you have had some training in zoology, there may be teaching positions in that department.

Keep in mind the possibility of scholarships to support your education. Although most of these scholarships will not cover all of your costs, a scholarship will at least reduce the burden. Applications for these awards are usually made during the fall for support in the coming year. Travel awards for research and scientific meetings may be available through the Entomology Graduate Student Association.  In addition, the Dorothy Frier Scholarship is available through the Entomology Department.  Applicants will be evaluated on the following:  Eligibility--All current and incoming students who are working in the areas of biochemistry, physiology, or molecular biology of arthropods will be eligible to apply.  Criteria--Students will submit a research proposal, CV, GPA, GRE scores, and leters of recommendation.  Length--Award will be for two years.   Contact Department Administrator for more information.

V. ARRIVAL ON CAMPUS

V. (1) Preregistration

If you are starting your graduate studies in the fall semester, it will be easier on you and your major professor if you arrive on campus at least one week before registration week. You will not have to fight lines, and you can get acquainted with Madison and your new colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. The first thing you should do after securing temporary lodging is to introduce yourself to your major professor. He/she will take you to the departmental office to take care of final admission arrangements.

The Departmental Administrator will acquaint you with health care plans that are available to you as a graduate student, assist you in obtaining a night pass, keys, a mail box, and other matters. Get a campus map and go to the A.W. Peterson Office Building, 750 University Avenue with your permit to register and your checkbook. Take your permit to the appropriate window and get the necessary papers. You then need to pay your registration fees. Once these are paid, go to the Photo ID Office, 262-3258, located in the basement of A.W. Peterson, Room 46. There, your picture will be taken, and you can wait while your card is finished. You will need this card to check out books as well as use other campus facilities.

If you are an international student the Graduate School's publication, Guide to Graduate Student Life: For International Sutdents,will be of interest. You will probably have to take the English test administered on the Saturday before registration. The Office of International Students will inform you of this date in your registration packet. This exam will determine whether you will be required to take more English courses while you are a student. Your major professor cannot excuse you from this requirement.

International students should also obtain a social security number. Social Security officials often come to campus during registration week to assist you. If you do not obtain a card at this time, you will have to do so by going to the office at 6502 Odana Road. It's a long distance from campus so check the bus routes or with friends that live on the west side of Madison. You should call ahead to make sure that you have all of the information required. The number is 833-3801.

V. (2) Housing

Room costs per academic year in University residence halls are $4,000-$6,000 (depending on the meal plan) for double occupancy. This fee includes room, board, linen services, and other amenities. For married graduate students, the University operates 1,122 unfurnished apartments on Harvey Street and in Eagle Heights. These apartments are very reasonably priced, and there is a long waiting list. If you are interested, please call the Housing Office (608)262-2522.

In most cases, graduate students end up in private apartments. See Student Off-Campus Housing or call (608)262-2400. At the present time, getting an apartment in Madison is not a serious problem. Apartments closer to the campus are generally more expensive, while those several miles away are reasonably priced. Although you save rent money, transportation costs go up. If you plan to drive to campus, check out the parking situation first. Campus parking is relatively expensive and sometimes hard to get. Off-campus parking is regulated, expensive, and limited. Madison has a good mass transportation system. Consider the bus lines in the choice of apartments. If it is at all possible, you should visit Madison at least once before enrolling to get an idea of what is available. The inexpensive apartments close to the University are rare, and you should plan to visit at least two months in advance to get the apartment of your choice.

V. (3)Registration

The campus has recently introduced registration by phone, which makes your life much easier. Registration materials with date and time will come directly from the Registrar's Office. If you did not receive a timetable for the semester during which you intend to enroll, please check with the Departmental Administrator. You will find all of the information that you need to register in the Timetable.

Conference courses such as ENT 990 (research) requires an instructor's consent. If your major professor does not have a touchtone preregistration advising form, you may get one from the office. Fill it out and have your major professor sign it. Take this to the departmental office and have the appropriate personnel approve it. This will then allow you to use the touchtone registration process.

For a detailed description of registration, carefully read the instructions in the timetable. If you are still confused, ask one of your graduate student colleagues to help you.