WHO WE ARE
International Student Services (ISS) offers a wide variety of services and programs to international students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The ISS staff provides information and programs to international students about the campus and community and provide support and assistance concerning visas and related immigration issues.
ISS informs the campus and the larger community about the unique needs of and unique contributions made by international students and bring the international student perspective to a wide variety of campus programs and services.
In order to provide the campus and international students with up-to-date, comprehensive information concerning federal laws and regulations, ISS interacts with the U.S. immigration bureaus overseen by the Department of Homeland Security (formerly INS), Department of State, foreign governments, funding sources, NAFSA: Association of International Educators and other national and international agencies actively engaged in international education.
ISS administers UW-Madison’s SEVIS (federal tracking system) and provides training and programs that enhance the awareness and understanding of cross-cultural and international issues on campus. ISS staff members consult daily with faculty and staff on issues related to international students and their dependents.
OUR MISSION
International Student Services recognizes international students as a vital part of UW–Madison. We are committed to educating and empowering students to make informed decisions and working with them to advocate for a globally inclusive community. We support this through three strategic areas:
Advising
We advise F and J international students, alumni, and their dependents on their journey to, through, and beyond UW–Madison. We do this by remaining relevant on immigration policy, compliance, education, and advocacy. We aim to, in partnership with campus stakeholders, empower students to successfully achieve their educational and personal goals.
Compliance
We ensure institutional compliance with federal regulations and university policy by maintaining data integrity, providing technical expertise in Terra Dotta, and supporting logistical functions for daily operations.
Global Engagement
We seek to intentionally and holistically support international students, campus, and the Madison community through coordinating events and programs that foster a sense of belonging, promote advocacy, and enhance global engagement.
PURPOSE
International Student Services assists the University of Wisconsin–Madison in fulfilling our commitment to international education by providing orientation, advising, documentation, information, programming and education to and about international students and their dependents.
WHO WE SERVE
ISS serves the more than 7,000 international students on the campus at any given time. The UW–Madison international student population is among the largest of any university in the country. All UW–Madison campus units may use ISS as a resource. Faculty, staff, and students may contact ISS about orientation, immigration, and cross-cultural issues. Consistent with the “Wisconsin Idea” — that the boundaries of the University extend to the boundaries of the state — ISS serves as a statewide resource concerning international educational issues.