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Information for current students
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About University Veterans Services
Welcome to UW-Madison!
Prepare for SOAR as a New Student
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Step 1: Reserve your SOAR session and plan your trip.
Be sure you reserve your SOAR session and plan your trip accordingly. SOAR sessions last 2 days. You will need to plan your travel and accommodations ahead of time.
To reserve your SOAR session: https://soar.wisc.edu/
Information for planning your visit: https://soar.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/
Step 2: Apply for your benefits and send in your documentation.
If you have not already, apply for your educational benefits. Depending on the benefit, the process can take 45-60 days. Several types of education benefits can be used at UW-Madison. You can find information about what benefits we certify for current service members, veterans, and dependents here: Education Benefits.
Not sure what benefits you may be eligible for? Taking our Benefit Eligibility Survey is a good place to start!
Already applied and received your eligibility determination? Depending on the benefit you received eligibility for, you may need to submit documentation specific to the benefit to the University Veteran Services office. For example, if you receive eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) you must email your Certificate of Eligibility to veterans@wisc.edu. However, if you receive eligibility for the WI GI Bill® you must email the WDVA 2029 form to the University Veteran Services office. To find more information about what documentation you must submit to the University Veteran Services office, view your specific benefit(s) page(s) here: Education Benefits. On each individual benefits page, you will find a box at the bottom of the page called “Applying.” You will find the information on the documentation you need to submit within this box.
Step 3: Attend University Veteran Services benefits session the first day of SOAR.
On the first day of SOAR, you will attend a presentation given by the University Veteran Services office. This important session will provide you with more information about what benefits are available, the rules necessary for using benefits at UW-Madison, and how to select your benefits each semester. After the brief presentation, you will meet with University Veteran Services staff to select your benefits. This session will be held in the morning, after placement testing. You will receive an email closer to your SOAR date with the exact timing of this benefits session.
Step 4: Schedule a meeting or contact the UVS office if you have further questions or concerns.
Still have questions or concerns you’d like to discuss? Contact us to schedule a meeting with a member of our team who serves as a School Certifying Official (SCO).
Step 5: Attend the University Veteran Services "Welcome Students" event at the start of the semester!
University Veteran Services will host a welcome event for all new and transfer students at the beginning of the fall semester. You will receive an email when the date gets closer informing you what the event will be, where it will be held, and what time. We look forward to meeting you once more at this event!
Prepare for SOAR as a Transfer Student
In-person Transfer SOAR
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Step 1: Reserve your SOAR session and plan your trip.
Be sure you reserve your SOAR session and plan your trip accordingly. Transfer SOAR sessions last 1 day, however, depending on how far away you are coming from you may need to plan a stay in Madison.
To reserve your SOAR session: https://soar.wisc.edu/
Information for planning your visit: https://soar.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/
Step 2: Visit the University Veteran Services staff at the library and submit your benefits documentation.
During your SOAR session, you will be brought to the library. A member of our team who serves as a School Certifying Official (SCO) will be present as a consultant. Make sure you visit with them while you are at the library to ensure a smooth transition of benefit use when you start at UW-Madison.
We understand that you probably already have experience using educational benefits at your previous school, however, our rules and processes may be different than your previous school. Be sure to either bring or email ahead of time the necessary documentation for your benefits. To find more information about what documentation you must submit to the University Veteran Services office, view your specific benefit(s) page(s) here: Education Benefits. On each individual benefits page, you will find a box at the bottom of the page called “Applying.” You will find the information on what you need to submit within this box.
Step 3: Schedule a meeting with a University Veteran Service staff member.
If you have additional questions or concerns please schedule an appointment with one of our team members. Contact us to set up an appointment.
Step 4: Transfer Credit
Transfer credit should be evaluated and awarded by your SOAR date. You can find information about the transfer credit process, timeline, re-evaluation request, and more here: Transfer Your Credit to UW-Madison.
Be aware that the majority of military credit will transfer as general electives and may not reduce your time to a degree. A large number of general electives could negatively impact your financial aid eligibility and your admission to competitive programs with credit limits.
Step 5: Attend the University Veteran Services "Welcome Students" event at the start of the semester!
University Veteran Services will host a welcome event for all new and transfer students at the beginning of the fall semester. You will receive an email when the date gets closer informing you what the event will be, where it will be held, and what time. We look forward to meeting you once more at this event!
Virtual Transfer SOAR
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Step 1: Reserve your SOAR session.
Be sure you reserve your virtual SOAR session. Virtual SOAR attendees must complete an online Canvas course that will be provided for you as you get closer to your session date.
To reserve your SOAR session: https://soar.wisc.edu/
Step 2: Contact the University Veteran Services office to set up an appointment.
Contact the University Veteran Services office to schedule an appointment with a member of our team who serves as a School Certifying Official. You can schedule this appointment either before or during the week of your SOAR session.
Step 3: Send University Veteran Services your benefits documentation.
We understand that you probably already have experience using educational benefits at your previous school, however, our rules and processes may be different than your previous school. Be sure to submit the necessary documentation for your benefits as soon as possible. To find more information about what documentation you must submit to the University Veteran Services office, view your specific benefit(s) page(s) here: Education Benefits. On each individual benefits page, you will find a box at the bottom of the page called “Applying.” You will find the information on what you need to submit within this box.
Step 4: Transfer Credit
Transfer credit should be evaluated and awarded by your SOAR date. You can find information about the transfer credit process, timeline, re-evaluation request, and more here: Transfer Your Credit to UW-Madison.
Be aware that the majority of military credit will transfer as general electives and may not reduce your time to a degree. A large number of general electives could negatively impact your financial aid eligibility and your admission to competitive programs with credit limits.
Step 5: Attend the University Veteran Services "Welcome Students" event at the start of the semester!
University Veteran Services will host a welcome event for all new and transfer students at the beginning of the fall semester. You will receive an email when the date gets closer informing you what the event will be, where it will be held, and what time. We look forward to meeting you once more at this event!
Contact us
University Veteran Services
school certifying officials
Call us at:
608-265-4628
Email us at:
veterans@wisc.edu
University Veterans Services
333 East Campus Mall
10th floor, Suite 10320
Madison, WI 53715
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 4:00pm
Appointments
Drop-ins are always welcome, but appointments are encouraged.
Please visit our About Us page to make an appointment with a member of our staff.