FAQ List
Transfer Students FAQs
Applying to UW-Superior
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What undergraduate programs does UW-Superior offer?
UW-Superior offers more than thirty undergraduate degree programs. Visit our Academic Departments page for more information. -
In order to re-enroll at UW-Superior, complete a re-entry application. If you have attended any other colleges or universities between the time you left UW-Superior and when you plan to re-enroll, please submit an official transcript from that institution(s) to the Admissions Office.
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Yes, an enrollment deposit toward your tuition of $100 for your first term of attendance is required to be paid to the Admissions office. You will not be able to register for classes until this deposit has been paid.
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Make every effort to apply for and seek guidance about transfer credits as early as possible and definitely prior to enrollment at UW-Superior.
Application for transfer credits is made by submitting official and certified transcripts, credentials, mark sheets, or examination results, directly from the institution to UW-Superior.
Transfer credit evaluation may require submission of course syllabi (official explanation of course content) from the institution.
Applicants should not count on all courses qualifying for transfer credit.
Transfer credit will be given only for those courses that are identical or similar to the courses offered at UW-Superior.
A large number of transfer credits DOES NOT necessarily mean a student will complete a degree in a shorter length of time. Credits may transfer but not meet the requirements for the degree at UW-Superior.
The U.S. Undergraduate Degree usually entails a period of approximately two years of study in many diverse subjects. This period of study is called the "general education requirements" or the "core curriculum".Completion of the general education requirements or core curriculum is followed by another period of study of approximately two years duration, in the major. Completing two years of coursework at an institution/university outside of the United States does not mean that you can complete a U.S. undergraduate degree in two additional years. In order to fulfill all requirements for the major, even students with many transfer credits may have to study three years to complete their U.S. Undergraduate Degree.
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UW-Superior will do an initial evaluation of the transcripts of transfer students for students who have taken courses at post-secondary institutions outside of the U.S. In some circumstances, students may be required to have their transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluating service that is an accredited member of NACES.
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UW-Superior has an enrollment of about 2,700, 60 percent of which come from Wisconsin and 30 percent from Minnesota. The remainder comes from other states and more than 30 countries.
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Are professors available for individual appointments?
One of the advantages of a university the size of UW-Superior is the accessibility of professors. Students can expect to get to know their instructors and for their instructors to get to know them. All faculty members hold office hours each week and students are welcome to drop by during those office hours. They also can make an individual appointment directly with their advisor or professor.
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What does it mean to be a "Liberal Arts College"?
Wisconsin's Leading Public Liberal Arts College? What does that mean?Good question. First, let's clarify that it does NOT mean that it is an "art college". It DOES mean you'll take subjects from a variety of academic departments. At UW-Superior we will teach you how to think, not just do. A liberal arts education prepares you for a lifetime of learning and gives you the skills you need to adapt to a lifetime of career choices and changes.
We challenge you. We teach you to question, to contemplate, to solve problems for yourself. We offer you hands-on experience, and you'll hold onto more than you ever thought possible. We offer you top-rate professional training that helps you with real-world skills and real-life decision making. Simply put, a liberal arts education means you'll learn how to learn.
So, you're thinking now, will I have to take a bunch of boring classes? No. But you will be exposed to classes that open your mind to new ideas and new ways of thinking. And isn't that what college is all about?
UW-Superior has been selected as one of 19 nationwide members of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Okay, we're patting ourselves on the back here, but we want you to appreciate the value we place on teaching you to think for yourself, as well as the high standards we set for our university. Our affiliation with the Council means that if you want a liberal arts education, we can offer you one of the finest examples of such in the country. -
- Complete the online University of Wisconsin System application for admission.
In the UW-Superior section, be sure to select one of the Online Learning Program majors. - Request copies of your transcripts from other institutions you have attended to be sent to the Admissions Office, UW-Superior, PO Box 2000, Superior, WI 54880.
- If you meet admission requirements, you will receive a letter of acceptance from UW-Superior. The letter will identify your assigned advisor.
- Contact your advisor to arrange a time for an enrollment conference.
- Complete an enrollment conference with your assigned advisor, who will help you with planning and answer questions.
- Register for coursework for your initial term through the E-Hive.
- Complete the online University of Wisconsin System application for admission.
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Online learners may earn a Bachelor of Science degree (or a Bachelor of Arts degree if language requirement is met). It is the same degree that is conferred to the on-campus student.
Degrees from distance learning programs are widely recognized as equivalent to campus programs, and have been offered for many years – in the case of our program, more than 30 years with more than 1,000 graduates.
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You can file your FAFSA online any time after October 1 for the following academic year. For 2018-2019 UW-Superior has a priority deadline of January 15. This means your FAFSA and all required documents must be complete in our office by that date to receive the best award package available. Students will need to use 2016 tax and income information for the 2018-2019 FAFSA. You can file your FAFSA at any time during the academic year and still receive aid for fall/spring term, however, your file must be complete with us no later than one week prior to the end of the last semester attended. You must file a new FAFSA for every academic year.
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As a non-degree seeking student, you must:
- Complete the admissions application
- Pay the $44 application fee
- Send us your transcripts from high school and any colleges you have attended
- If you are under the age of 20, you will have to also submit your ACT or SAT scores
After these steps have been completed, your application will undergo review. If you are a non-degree seeking student, you will not have to pay the $100 enrollment deposit. If you are a Youth Options student, you will have to pay the $100 enrollment deposit by going to www.uwsuper.edu/admissions/apply/enrollment-deposits.
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The deadline for fall semester is August 1. Priority deadline for fall semester is April 15 and that will give you a better chance at registration and housing choices. The deadline for spring semester is January 15.
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- Log into My E-Hive
- Under the Favorites tab at the top, click on "Maintain Applications"
- Enter your name and birthdate
- Click the "Application Data" tab
- Transfer to Education and click "Go"
- You will then be able to see the status of your application and transcripts. Just make sure to check to see if the $50 application fee is paid.
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You can schedule a visit with your admissions counselor by contacting the Admissions Office at 715-394-8230 or admissions{atuws}.
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If you are a re-entry student or are coming from a two-year UW school, you do not have to pay the application fee payment. All other individuals must pay the application fee unless they have had an application fee waiver approved.
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Once you’re accepted to UW-Superior, you must pay a $100 deposit. This will reserve a place for you at UW-Superior. After the deposit is paid, you’ll be able to register for SOAR (Summer Orientation Advisement and Registration) or Transfer Orientation. The deposit is only refundable up to May 1. To learn more about the enrollment deposit, go to www.uwsuper.edu/admissions/apply/enrollment-deposits, or contact the Admissions Office at (715) 394-8230 or admissions{atuws}.
If you are unable to pay the Enrollment Deposit, contact the Admissions Office and ask for the Director of Admissions to see if you qualify for a waiver.
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Freshmen and sophomore students (students who have 56 credits or less) who are not veterans, married or living with parents or guardian and who have not reached the age of 20 by the first day of classes of fall semester are required to live on campus. Students who live with a guardian less than 35 miles away from campus may be considered a Commuter and live off campus. This is a UW System policy.
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For questions about the international student admissions process, please contact our International Admissions Coordinator in the Office of International Programs at international{atuws} or (715) 394-8138 .
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Students who are U.S. citizens, or eligible non-citizens, enrolled at half-time status or more, may qualify for financial aid. Some restrictions apply. Pell grant recipients may be eligible if they are less than half time. While it may be true that not all students qualify for grants (money which does not have to be paid back), all students who apply for financial aid and meet the general eligibility requirements are eligible for some type of financial aid, including loans. In addition, financial conditions within the family may change over the course of the year (ex. layoffs, divorce/separation, etc.) and aid may be adjusted to reflect the circumstances faced by the family.
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Once you have submitted everything we need, you will be notified within a week whether you have been accepted as a student or not. You will receive an acceptance email and an acceptance letter in the mail.
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SOAR stands for Summer Orientation, Advisement and Registration. SOAR is a daylong event required for all freshmen and transfer students coming in with 21 or fewer post high school credits. It is your introduction to UW-Superior. You'll connect with current students, staff and faculty as you learn about UW-Superior and its services. You'll also plan your semester and register for fall classes.
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Schedule a campus visit by going to www.uwusper.edu/visit. We offer tours Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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For questions about transferring to UW-Superior, please contact our Transfer Coordinator in the Admissions Office at admissions{atuws} or (715) 394-8230 .
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To register for placement testing, go to www.uwsuper.edu/support/testing/uw-placement. For any further questions, Contact Student Support Services at 715-394-8185 or support{atuws}
E-Hive
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You should plan approximately 4 weeks processing time once we have your FAFSA information, with prompt submission of additional requirements from you. When you are awarded financial aid, along with additional instructions, new students will receive a paper financial aid award notification in the mail while current students will receive notification via email. You will also be able to view your financial aid award on your Student Center by logging in to E-Hive.
Enrollment
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This depends on your academic program. Here are the enrollment status definitions for various academic programs.
General University Info
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Superior is a town with a population of 27,000 and three-kilometer bridge separates it from Duluth, Minnesota. Together, Superior and Duluth form the "Twin Ports", with a metro area population of 240,000. The Twin Ports are a popular tourist destination for visitors who enjoy going for a stroll along Lake Superior or taking in the many sites (Check out Visit Superior and Visit Duluth for more information)
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Superior is located in an area called the Upper Midwest. Our region has vast forests and many lakes, and many UW-Superior students take advantage of the many outdoor activities available here. Our Superior Outdoor Adventure Program (SOAP) offers guided outdoor trips during fall, winter and spring. You can join your friends and an experienced guide to go skiing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, camping, sea cave kayaking, hiking, canoeing and horseback riding.
If you are from a warmer climate, you will get a special treat during your time in Superior: in September and October, the leaves on the trees turn bright yellow, orange, and gold. If you've never seen these "fall colors," you will find it an astounding sight!
OK, not everybody wants to go outdoors when it's cold. If your idea of winter activity involves staying inside, don't worry. We're near a shopping mall, coffee shops, bookstores and dance clubs. We have comedy nights on campus, along with plays, concerts, recitals, movies, club activities and club sports. Superior and nearby Duluth also offer a symphony orchestra, a ballet troupe and several museums.
Many international students also enjoy visiting cities such as Minneapolis (home of the largest shopping mall in the U.S. - the Mall of America), St. Paul, Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago. All are within driving distance of Superior. -
UW-Superior is located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Walkways and parking lots are well-lighted and equipped with emergency telephones linked directly to the campus safety office. Campus safety officers are on duty around the clock and will escort students when requested. Residence Hall entry doors are locked at all times and guests must be escorted. A professional hall director supervises each building. All rooms have smoke detectors.
More information can be found on the UW-Superior Campus Safety page.
Housing
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Yes. Parking passes are available through parking services for students and visitors. Daily parking permits are also available. For more information, see the Parking Services web page.
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Freshmen and sophomore students (students who have 56 credits or less) who are not veterans, married or living with parents or guardian and who have not reached the age of 20 by the first day of classes of fall semester are required to live on campus. Students who live with a guardian less than 35 miles away from campus may be considered a Commuter and live off campus. This is a UW System policy.
Online Learning
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Yes, UW-Superior courses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Each course offered through the Online Learning Program has the same learning outcomes as the traditional classroom course. The courses transfer in the same way as classroom courses.
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Admission and registration procedures, text ordering, etc., can be completed without coming to campus. The majority of coursework can be completed without coming to campus, including all requirements for Individually Designed Majors.
Elementary Education majors pursuing the Early Childhood Minor must take three Saturday seminars which are offered in Superior, and are sometimes available from other universities which may be geographically more convenient.
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- Complete the online University of Wisconsin System application for admission.
In the UW-Superior section, be sure to select one of the Online Learning Program majors. - Request copies of your transcripts from other institutions you have attended to be sent to the Admissions Office, UW-Superior, PO Box 2000, Superior, WI 54880.
- If you meet admission requirements, you will receive a letter of acceptance from UW-Superior. The letter will identify your assigned advisor.
- Contact your advisor to arrange a time for an enrollment conference.
- Complete an enrollment conference with your assigned advisor, who will help you with planning and answer questions.
- Register for coursework for your initial term through the E-Hive.
- Complete the online University of Wisconsin System application for admission.
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Online learners may earn a Bachelor of Science degree (or a Bachelor of Arts degree if language requirement is met). It is the same degree that is conferred to the on-campus student.
Degrees from distance learning programs are widely recognized as equivalent to campus programs, and have been offered for many years – in the case of our program, more than 30 years with more than 1,000 graduates.
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If you're still deciding if online learning is a right fit for you, try a free online personal assessment tool, SmarterMeasure.
This tool can help you decide if an online learning program is right for you. The assessment takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and will not affect your admissions application.
As a distance learning student, you will also be able to take a course: introduction to online learning. -
After you've enrolled for your courses, you can order your books and materials from the University Bookstore.
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Most instructors will prefer email for regular communication. Some may indicate a preference for phone communication, or the communication tools within Learn@UW-Superior.
Regional
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Superior is a town with a population of 27,000 and three-kilometer bridge separates it from Duluth, Minnesota. Together, Superior and Duluth form the "Twin Ports", with a metro area population of 240,000. The Twin Ports are a popular tourist destination for visitors who enjoy going for a stroll along Lake Superior or taking in the many sites (Check out Visit Superior and Visit Duluth for more information)
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Superior is located in an area called the Upper Midwest. Our region has vast forests and many lakes, and many UW-Superior students take advantage of the many outdoor activities available here. Our Superior Outdoor Adventure Program (SOAP) offers guided outdoor trips during fall, winter and spring. You can join your friends and an experienced guide to go skiing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, camping, sea cave kayaking, hiking, canoeing and horseback riding.
If you are from a warmer climate, you will get a special treat during your time in Superior: in September and October, the leaves on the trees turn bright yellow, orange, and gold. If you've never seen these "fall colors," you will find it an astounding sight!
OK, not everybody wants to go outdoors when it's cold. If your idea of winter activity involves staying inside, don't worry. We're near a shopping mall, coffee shops, bookstores and dance clubs. We have comedy nights on campus, along with plays, concerts, recitals, movies, club activities and club sports. Superior and nearby Duluth also offer a symphony orchestra, a ballet troupe and several museums.
Many international students also enjoy visiting cities such as Minneapolis (home of the largest shopping mall in the U.S. - the Mall of America), St. Paul, Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago. All are within driving distance of Superior.
Registration and Advisement
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If you have earned credit for a course at another institution or at UW-Superior and you believe the course could meet a requirement in your major, minor, or a general education requirement, you may request a course substitution. The process for this request is as follows:
- Obtain a course syllabus and/or course description from the institution where you earned the course
- Consult with your advisor and the department chair from the granting department
- If it is agreed that the course can be used in substitution, fill out the Course Substitution/Course-Equivalent Form
- Obtain your advisor's signature and the signature of the department chair for the department that will be granting the substitution
- Submit the form to the Registrar's Office for processing
Your advisor can assist you in completing these steps and answer any questions that you may have about the process.
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Your Advising Report is found in the drop-down bar in the Academics section of your E-Hive. It outlines your major, minor, and general education requirements and shows the options of courses you can take to fulfill each of those areas.
If your major or minor is listed inaccurately in your Advising Report, please contact the Advising Office.
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Yes, you can through our retro-credit policy. Some disciplines build sequentially on the necessary knowledge base. In these disciplines, if you take a higher level course successfully, you may gain the credit for the lower courses. This is not an automatic process.
If you earn a B- or higher grade in a higher level class, you will earn retro-credit for all sequential courses below this course. To have retro-credit added to your transcript, the Registrar must receive a request from the faculty member teaching the course.
For example, if you earn a B in SPAN 202, you would earn retro-credit in SPAN 101, 102 and 201.
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You can meet with your advisor and discuss whether a course substitution form can be completed and sent to the Registrar's Office for processing.
Major and minor requirements can be substituted by your advisor and the department chair of the department where the course is housed.
Further questions should be directed to the Transfer Specialist in the Registrar's Office.
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Class year is determined by the number of credits you have completed successfully:
0 - 27 earned credits = freshman
28 - 55 earned credits = sophomore
56 - 83 earned credits = junior
84+ earned credits = senior -
SOAR stands for Summer Orientation, Advisement and Registration. SOAR is a daylong event required for all freshmen and transfer students coming in with 21 or fewer post high school credits. It is your introduction to UW-Superior. You'll connect with current students, staff and faculty as you learn about UW-Superior and its services. You'll also plan your semester and register for fall classes.
ResNet
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ResNet follows all of the University policies regarding network access. ResNet also has developed other policies that were approved by the RHA board. These policies, and the other University policies, can be found in the "Policies" link on this page.
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These devices use network technology that is similar to computers. Like any computer in the Residence Life network, those machines would also have to be registered in order for them to work. Registration of these devices will have to take place in the ResNet office after school begins.
You can do one of two things to get your device connected to the network:
1. You can follow the instructions on how to register your own device by following the "Connecting to ResNet" page on the ResNet web page.
or
2.You can bring your system to the ResNet office, and we would be happy to help you get that set up. NOTE: Wii (original Wii's only) owners, wireless is no longer available for your Wii at UWS. You will need to purchase the wired adapter from Nintendo.
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If you can afford your own computer, you will probably find that it will be a great convenience for you. If you cannot afford your own computer, there are lab machines available in every resident hall. You may be able to borrow a laptop from Information Technologies. Contact IT at 715-394-8300 to reserve a laptop.
Reverse Transfer
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Reverse transfer is for students who have transferred from a two-year community college to the University of Wisconsin - Superior before earning their associate’s degree. Credits completed at UW-Superior are transferred back to your community college and used to satisfy the degree requirements for your associate’s degree. This is much like how your credit transferred from your community college to UW-Superior, just in reverse. Your community college will evaluate your UW-Superior work and determine if credits taken at UWS will fulfill requirements for your associate’s degree.
Participating Community Colleges
- Lake Superior College
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An associate’s degree is an important milestone in your education as well as a valuable credential to have on your resume. Employers value the associate’s degree as evidence of your commitment to expanding your knowledge and achieving your educational goals. The associate’s degree can make a difference in your long-term success in several ways:It can open the door to better job opportunities, even while you’re still working on your bachelor’s degreeIt is the nation’s fastest growing academic credential and employers recognize its value when recruiting and hiring.
If you transferred to the University of Wisconsin - Superior from a community college without completing all the requirements for your associate’s degree it may be possible to complete the credits you need using UW-Superior courses by reverse transferring your UWS credits to your community college.
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To facilitate this for our students, UW-Superior has signed formal agreements with the participating community college. Through these agreements, we will periodically evaluate your record and if you have met certain requirements ask your permission to send your UWS transcript to your community college, specifically for reverse transfer purposes.
Or, you can fill out this Reverse Transfer Transcript Request form and return it to us.
Then, once your community college reviews your transcript, if you have earned a degree, just have an updated community college transcript sent to UWS.
You can have your community college transcript mailed to this address:
University of Wisconsin – Superior
Attn: Admissions
P.O. Box 2000
Superior, WI 54880 -
We are working with other community colleges to formalize agreements, but until then, there is no reason why reverse transfer can’t be an option for you as well! All you need to do is periodically request that UWS send your transcript back to your community college. In order to facilitate the process, you may wish to contact the office responsible for evaluating credit at your community college (typically the admissions or registrar’s office) and let them know you are sending your transcript back and would like it evaluated for reverse transfer.
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No. Sending your UW-Superior transcript back to your community college does not guarantee the awarding of your associate’s degree. The courses you take at UW-Superior will be evaluated by your community college and the determination of any degree requirements are the discretion of your community college.
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Most likely, yes, but you need to contact the community college for information on how to participate. Be sure to let them know that you are taking advantage of reverse transfer.
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Most community colleges do require this, yes.
Technology Help Desk
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If you can afford your own computer, you will probably find that it will be a great convenience for you. If you cannot afford your own computer, there are lab machines available in every resident hall. You may be able to borrow a laptop from Information Technologies. Contact IT at 715-394-8300 to reserve a laptop.
Transcripts
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Current students or E-Hive Log-in Privileges can log into the My E-Hive Student Center - from the Other Academic dropdown menu, select Transcript: Request Official.
Alumni and former students can go to the Credentials Inc. Secure site.
Questions regarding transcripts can get directed to Credentials Inc. at 847-716-3005 .
If you have questions regarding whether or not we have received your transcripts, contact the Admissions Office.
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- Log into My E-Hive
- Under the Favorites tab at the top, click on "Maintain Applications"
- Enter your name and birthdate
- Click the "Application Data" tab
- Transfer to Education and click "Go"
- You will then be able to see the status of your application and transcripts. Just make sure to check to see if the $50 application fee is paid.
Tuition and Bills
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You should plan approximately 4 weeks processing time once we have your FAFSA information, with prompt submission of additional requirements from you. When you are awarded financial aid, along with additional instructions, new students will receive a paper financial aid award notification in the mail while current students will receive notification via email. You will also be able to view your financial aid award on your Student Center by logging in to E-Hive.
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You can file your FAFSA online any time after October 1 for the following academic year. For 2018-2019 UW-Superior has a priority deadline of January 15. This means your FAFSA and all required documents must be complete in our office by that date to receive the best award package available. Students will need to use 2016 tax and income information for the 2018-2019 FAFSA. You can file your FAFSA at any time during the academic year and still receive aid for fall/spring term, however, your file must be complete with us no later than one week prior to the end of the last semester attended. You must file a new FAFSA for every academic year.
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Once you’re accepted to UW-Superior, you must pay a $100 deposit. This will reserve a place for you at UW-Superior. After the deposit is paid, you’ll be able to register for SOAR (Summer Orientation Advisement and Registration) or Transfer Orientation. The deposit is only refundable up to May 1. To learn more about the enrollment deposit, go to www.uwsuper.edu/admissions/apply/enrollment-deposits, or contact the Admissions Office at (715) 394-8230 or admissions{atuws}.
If you are unable to pay the Enrollment Deposit, contact the Admissions Office and ask for the Director of Admissions to see if you qualify for a waiver.
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Students who are U.S. citizens, or eligible non-citizens, enrolled at half-time status or more, may qualify for financial aid. Some restrictions apply. Pell grant recipients may be eligible if they are less than half time. While it may be true that not all students qualify for grants (money which does not have to be paid back), all students who apply for financial aid and meet the general eligibility requirements are eligible for some type of financial aid, including loans. In addition, financial conditions within the family may change over the course of the year (ex. layoffs, divorce/separation, etc.) and aid may be adjusted to reflect the circumstances faced by the family.