A Guest Auditor is any student who is not currently enrolled in a degree program or does not plan to pursue a degree. 

Wisconsin residents aged 60 and over are eligible to audit in our Senior Guest Auditor program.

Course Selection

Auditing is defined as sitting in on a lecture course and not actively participating. Auditors may not recite, perform, or take examinations, although regular attendance is expected. Courses that by their nature require active participation or performance are not available on a Guest Auditor basis.

Classes typically not available to audit are conversational languages including American Sign Language (ASL); studio and performing arts including music, writing, math, and computer lab courses; independent study and directed study; and seminar, research, and colloquium courses.

Instructor permission is required. 

Grading for Auditors

Audited courses are listed on a student's official UW–Madison transcript with "AU" in place of the number of credits and either "S" (satisfactory) or "NR" (no report) listed for the grade. Prior to enrolling, guest auditors discuss with the instructor the standard for earning an "S" in the particular course.

How to Get in

At least three weeks before the start of the term, apply using the University Special student online application. UGST is the designation on the admissions application and course roster.

Disabled persons receiving SSI and SSDI: Wisconsin residents receiving SSI or SSDI and intending to enroll as a Guest Auditor may qualify for a tuition waiver under UW Board of Regents policy. Visit https://acsss.wisc.edu/guest-auditors/ for detailed instructions.