MSFE Program Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

a. Intention/Role of Handbook
b. Key Individuals and Roles
c. Program Structure
d. Intellectual Property
e. Program Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

II. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

a. International Student Services (ISS)
b. Student Visas
c. Documents required of new international students
d. Students with ESL Requirements

III. ACADEMIC ADVISING and FUNDING

a. Program Academic Advising structure
b. Funding statement
c. Additional Advising Resources

IV. MASTER’S DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

a. Requirements Overview
b. Degree Guidelines
c.Timelines and Deadline Requirements

V. ENROLLMENT
VI. SATISFACTORY PROGRESS – ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

a. Academic Expectations
b. Not meeting Academic Expectations

VII. PERSONAL CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

a. Professional Conduct
b. Academic Misconduct
c. Non-Academic Misconduct
d. Research Misconduct
e. Hostile and Intimidating Behavior (Bullying)
f. Bias Incidents
g. Grievance Process
h. Process and Sanctions for Violations of Conduct Standards

VIII. ACADEMIC EXCEPTION PETITION
IX. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER PLANNING

a. Program Resources for Professional Development and Career Planning
b. Campus-wide Resources for Professional Development

X. STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS

a. Securing Health Insurance Coverage
b. Disability Information
c. Mental Health Resources On and Off Campus

I. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Master of Science in Financial Economics (MSFE) program offers a unique opportunity for students to study at the intersection of Economics and Finance at the Master’s level. Graduates will be better equipped to gain employment in the financial services sector as well as prepares graduates for research positions and for doctoral training in financial economics. The MSFE is a joint effort between the Finance Department in the School of Business and the Department of Economics in the College of Letters and Science.

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Intention/Role of Handbook

This handbook is intended for graduate students who are pursuing the MSFE degree. The UW-Madison Graduate School is the ultimate authority for granting graduate degrees at the University. The Departments of Finance and Economics administers the MSFE program under the authority of the Graduate School.  The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general University requirements. The Graduate Guide references program-specific policies, rules and regulations as well as Graduate School-level policies regarding admission, coursework, the awarding of degrees and certificates, and the general criteria governing satisfactory progress in a degree program.

Degrees and course requirements may change over time. However, students must meet the degree and course requirements in effect when they entered the program. In addition, administrative procedures and processes can change over time. Students are required to follow the procedures and processes listed in the current handbook, as well as those listed in the Graduate Guide. The information in this handbook should also be supplemented by individual consultation with your advisor and committee so that individual needs/interests and all degree requirements are met. Additional information is available via the Department’s website. Students may also wish to consult the Graduate School’s website.

Key Individuals and Roles

Director of Graduate Studies

Graduate Program Coordinator

MSFE Faculty

MSFE Committee

Program Structure

Administration

The policies and procedures of the economics master’s program are overseen by the department’s Director of the Master of Science in Financial Economics Program (DMSFE), in consultation with the Master of Financial Economics Committee. The interpretation and implementation of most program policies are the responsibility of the DMSFE. Changes in policy are made at the discretion of the DMSFE and MSFE Committee. MSFE Faculty are assigned as advisors to students in the MSFE program. Program authority to set degree requirements beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the MSFE Committee.

Admissions to the master’s program is administered by the department’s Master’s Admissions Committee.

The MSFE Graduate Program Coordinator also plays a vital role in the program, serving as a key link between master’s students and faculty. The MSFE program coordinator is the student’s primary source of information about program policies and procedures and is also the central administrator of program procedures. The MSFE program coordinator performs these roles in consultation with the DMSFE and the MSFE committee.

If you need further clarification on any policies or procedures, contact the MSFE program coordinator, who can advise on issues including satisfactory academic progress, academic deadlines, graduation completion, program-related forms, advising/course holds and permissions, and course offerings.

Intellectual Property

Graduate students should seek to understand their rights and obligations related to intellectual property, including how patents and copyrights protect their work and when invention disclosure policies apply.  This is especially important if there are special considerations related to external funding sources.

Faculty should discuss these topics with graduate students, making IP education part of their research culture.  Graduate programs should keep abreast of educational opportunities on the topic of intellectual property and inform their graduate students and faculty about these.

The primary campus resource for intellectual property policy and information is the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education’s website, research.wisc.edu/intellectual-property

Program Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

In alignment with the College of Letters and Science and Wisconsin School of Business commitment to diversity, the MSFE program faculty and staff are committed to program diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The program curriculum strives to ensure that students can demonstrate professional communications, teamwork, and are aware of culture competencies. Students will be supported in the achievement of inclusive excellence through readings and activities in the classroom. The program focuses on providing a supportive and inclusive environment while continually exploring new ways to incorporate issues of diversity and inclusion into the curriculum, faculty recruitment, and the overall student experience.

Students with concerns should contact the MSFE program coordinator and/or Director of the MSFE program.

II. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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International Student Services (ISS)

International Student Services (ISS) is your main resource on campus and has advisors who can assist you with visa, social and employment issues. Visit their website for more information at iss.wisc.edu or to schedule an appointment.

Mandatory Orientation

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires you to register with UW-Madison prior to starting your program of study in the United States. By completing the Immigration Check and attending International Student Orientation (a mandatory orientation program for new students), you will fulfill this obligation. Visit https://iss.wisc.edu/orientation/#iso-steps for more information, including orientation dates and registration steps.

Student Visas

Graduate Admissions issues the federal I-20 form for initial F-1 Visa procurement. Initial J-1 Visa document (DS-2019) is handled by International Student Services (ISS). The Graduate Admissions office sometimes must collect financial information for the DS-2019, which is then forwarded to ISS.  After the student is enrolled, all Visa matters are handled by ISS.

Documents required of new international students

Many students are admitted with a condition that they submit their final academic documents after arrival on campus. Please submit your documents to the admissions office at 232 Bascom Hall. Or departments may collect the documents and send them to the admissions office via campus mail. The admissions requirements page https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/ lists the documents required for each country.

Students with ESL requirements

Any student who was admitted with a TOEFL score below 92, or an IELTS score below 6.5 will be required to take the English as a Second Language Assessment Test (ESLAT) https://esl.wisc.edu/international-students/placement/ and any required English course during their first semester.

III. ACADEMIC ADVISING and FUNDING

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Academic Advising

The DMSFE serves as a resource for all students in the program and is assigned as the faculty advisor.  After the first semester of study, students may be assigned to other MSFE faculty for advising purposes. In addition to the DMSFE and program faculty, the MSFE coordinator serves as the academic advisor for MSFE students in regard to course selection, campus resources, and graduation requirements. Students may see their official advisor listed in MyUW. The official advisor is entered in the Student Information System (SIS) by the MSFE program coordinator.

Funding

Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Financial Economics are not allowed to accept research assistantships, teaching assistantships, project assistantships or other University appointments which grant waivers of tuition and/or academic fees. Accepting an assistantship or tuition waiver while enrolled in the program may lead to the removal of the student from the M.S. in Economics student cohort. Corporate tuition support is not included in these categories, nor is the waiver of tuition due to veteran status.

Additional Advising Contacts

Students should always reference the program’s website, this Handbook, the Graduate School’s website (grad.wisc.edu), and the Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures (https://grad.wisc.edu/academic-policies/) for answers on various program-related questions.  However, when students need further clarification on any of these policies or procedures they should contact the MSFE Program Coordinator. The MSFE Program Coordinator may play a role with issues including satisfactory academic progress, academic deadlines, graduation completion, program-related forms, advising/course holds and permissions, and course offerings.

IV. MASTER’S DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Please refer to the Graduate Guide for program basics such as program tracks/specializations/concentrations, credits and courses, milestone requirements, and learning outcomes or learning goals.

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Requirements Overview

The core of the MSFE is eight courses, split between Economics and Finance. In addition, MSFE students will take two electives (one in economics and one in finance) of their choosing. Please see the section on Enrollment for additional information.

The Master’s Program is coursework-based and does not require students to complete a Master’s thesis. However, the Financial Economics sequence courses require students to write a paper. Financial Economics students also have the option of enrolling in directed research to complete the paper, under the supervision of the program faculty.

Degree Guidelines

The MSFE program faculty and Graduate School have established guidelines on the coursework and credits that can be applied toward a master’s degree. These guidelines can be found in the MSFE Guide entry. The following are required to earn the master’s degree in economics:

    • A minimum of 30 credits.
    • At least half of all degree coursework must be completed in graduate-level coursework; courses with the Graduate Level Coursework attribute are identified and searchable in the university’s Course Guide.
    • At least 16 credits must be taken as a graduate student at the UW-Madison campus.
    • In rare situations, with approval from MSFE faculty committee, prior coursework taken from other institutions or coursework taken as a UW-Madison undergraduate may be counted towards the minimum degree requirements. Please note the following:
      • Graduate work from other institutions: Graduate coursework from other institutions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Financial Economics faculty committee. With program committee approval, students are allowed to count no more than 9 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions.
      • With program approval, up to 7 credits numbered 300 or above from a UW-Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to count toward the MSFE degree. All credits so counted must be over and above the minimum credits that were required by the undergraduate degree. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
      • With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 12 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken as a UW-Madison University Special student towards the residence and degree credit requirements; if those 12 credits of coursework taken as a UW–Madison Special student are numbered 700 or above, they are allowed to count toward the minimum graduate coursework requirement. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
    • Coursework earned five years or more prior to admission to the Master’s program is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
    • Students must also meet the Graduate School minimum degree requirements.

Most students will complete the degree in four semesters (two academic years), but it is possible to complete the required coursework in three semesters.

Please refer to the Graduate Guide for program basics such as milestone requirements and learning outcomes.

Timelines and Deadline Requirements

The Graduate School has time limits for degree completion as well as directions for completing the degree, which can be found on the graduate school website: https://grad.wisc.edu/current-students/masters-guide/

For questions about degree requirements, please contact the MSFE program coordinator.

V. ENROLLMENT

The Graduate School has minimum requirements for enrollment each semester. All of the credit requirements (except F-1 and J-1 visa requirements) must be satisfied by graded, graduate-level courses; courses numbered below 300, audit, and pass/fail do not satisfy the minimum requirement.

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Enrollment Requirements

CORE REQUIRED COURSES: 

FIN 720: Investment Theory and Practice 3 credits

FIN 725: Corporation Finance – Theory and Practice 3 credits

FIN 730: Derivative Securities – Theory and Practice 3 credits

FIN 830: Advanced Derivative and Fixed-Income Securities 3 credits

ECON 702: Macroeconomics I 3 credits

ECON 704: Econometrics I 3 credits

ECON 721: Financial Microeconomics 3 credits

ECON 724: Financial Econometrics 3 credits

Students will select 6 credits of electives from the below approved list.  Three elective credits must be from Economics and three elective credits must be from Finance.

 

ELECTIVES:

FIN 650: Mergers and Acquisitions 3 credits

FIN 765: Contemporary Topics 3 credits

ECON 709: Economic Statistics and Econometrics I 3 credits

ECON 711: Economics Theory – Microeconomics Sequence 3 credits

ECON 712: Economic Theory – Macroeconomics Sequence 3 credits

ECON 725: Machine Learning for Economists 3 credits

ECON 730: International Financial Economics 3 credits

ECON 770: Data Analytics for Economists 3 credits

The option to take Ph.D. courses during the second year of the Master’s program will be decided by the DMSFE after the completion of the first year of the program. All coursework outside of the approved courses listed above must first be approved by the DMSFE.

The MSFE sequence courses require students to write a paper. MSFE students also have the option of enrolling in directed research to complete a paper, under the supervision of our faculty.

For additional information on elective courses, please see the UW Guidehttps://guide.wisc.edu/courses/

The Graduate School’s policy on enrollment requirements is as posted at
https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/enrollment-requirements/.

Auditing Courses
Graduate School policy on Auditing Courses may be found at
https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/auditing-courses/.

Leave of Absence

The MSFE program requires continuous enrollment for three or four semesters to finish the degree. However, sometimes students find it necessary to take a temporary leave of absence. In situations like this, written requests for a one semester or full year leave of absence should be addressed to the Director of the Master’s in Financial Economics Program and turned into the MSFE Program Coordinator.

VI. SATISFACTORY PROGRESS

 Continuation in the MSFE program and enrollment in the Graduate School is at the discretion of the department of Economics Department, the Graduate School, Director of the MSFE and the MSFE program committee.

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Academic expectations

In determining satisfactory academic progress, the Graduate School monitors the following: cumulative grade point average, incomplete grades, completion of English as a second language requirements for some international students, the grades of students admitted on probationary status, enrollment in minimum required credits (underload), and unsatisfactory (U) grades.

Please refer to the Academic Policies and Procedures webpage for Graduate School minimum requirements, and the Graduate Guide for program-specific requirements, including course grades, GPA, attendance, milestone completion, incomplete grade resolution, and continuous enrollment.

Not Meeting Academic Expectations

Failure to meet the program’s academic expectations can result in disciplinary action including immediate dismissal from the program. If a student is not making satisfactory progress, the Director of the MSFE program, in consultation with the MSFE program committee, will determine if disciplinary action or dismissal is recommended.

VII. PERSONAL CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

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Professional Conduct

All students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional behavior and ethics. Students should avoid even an appearance of improper behavior or lack of ethical standards while in Graduate School at UW-Madison, in all professional settings, and in their personal lives. Students should conduct themselves according to the standards expected of members of the profession to which the student aspires.  Concerns about infractions of Professional Conduct may be effectively handled informally between the instructor/advisor and the student. If a resolution is not achieved, a graduate program representative may be included in the discussion. Separate and apart from a violation of Professional Conduct, a student may face University disciplinary action with regard to the same action. Students are responsible for reading the information here as well as the information published on all the relevant web sites. Lack of knowledge of this information does not excuse any infraction.

  1. Professional Ethics: Students shall show respect for a diversity of opinions, perspectives and cultures; accurately represent their work and acknowledge the contributions of others; participate in and commit to related opportunities; aim to gain knowledge and contribute to the knowledge base of others; understand the UW Student Code of Conduct; represent their profession and the program; and strive to incorporate and practice disciplinary ideals in their daily lives. Resumes/CVs must reflect accurate information.
  1. Honesty and Integrity: Students shall demonstrate honesty and integrity as shown by their challenging of themselves in academic pursuits; honesty and ethics in research—including honesty in interpretation of data, commitment to an unbiased interpretation of academic and professional endeavors; and the need to document research activities and follow any federal or state regulations. Students shall follow-through and pull their weight in group activities and understand where collaboration among students is or is not allowed; not plagiarize others or past work (self-plagiarism), cheat, or purposefully undermine the work of others; and avoid conflicts of interest for the duration of their time in the program. As a professional, honesty and integrity also extends to personal behavior in life outside of the academic setting by realizing that students are representatives of the program, UW-Madison, and the profession as a whole.
  1. Interpersonal and Workplace Relationships: Students shall interact with peers, faculty, staff and those they encounter in their professional capacity in a manner that is respectful, considerate, and professional.  This includes and is not limited to attending all scheduled meetings, honoring agreed upon work schedules, being on-time and prepared for work/meetings, contributing collaboratively to the team, keeping the lines of communication open, offering prompt response to inquiries, and employing respectful use of available equipment/technology/resources. Chronic or unexplained absences are unprofessional in the workplace and could be grounds for termination or removal of funding.  To facilitate the free and open exchange of ideas, any criticism shall be offered in a constructive manner, and the right of others to hold different opinions shall be respected.
  1. Commitment to Learning: Students are expected to meet their educational responsibilities at all times.  Be actively prepared for class and be ready for questions and answers. Be on time for every class and always show courtesy during class or if you have to leave class early. If possible, students should notify the instructor at least one day in advance of a planned absence. Students who are unable to attend class are responsible for finding out what occurred that day and should not expect instructors to give them individual instruction.  Recognizing that the pursuit of knowledge is a continuous process, students shall show commitment to learning by persevering despite adversity and seeking guidance in order to adapt to change. Students shall strive for academic excellence and pursue and incorporate all critique, both positive and negative, in the acquisition of knowledge in order to understand and respect the community in which they work.
  1. Professional Appearance: Students shall convey a positive, professional appearance in order to represent the program in a dignified manner. Appearance includes a person’s dress, hygiene, and appropriate etiquette/protocols for the environment (including safety protocols and protective clothing in environments that require them).

The MSFE graduate program, the Graduate School, and the Division of Student Life all uphold the UW-System policies and procedures in place for academic and non-academic misconduct.  In addition, graduate students are held to the same standards of responsible conduct of research as faculty and staff.   Furthermore, unprofessional behavior towards clients/subjects, faculty, staff, peers and public are significant issues in the evaluation and promotion of students.  In turn, we hold expectations for the highest level of academic integrity and expect professional, ethical, and respectful conduct in all interactions. Students may be disciplined or dismissed from the graduate program for misconduct or disregard for professional conduct expectations regardless of their academic standing in the program. Separate and apart from a violation of Professional Conduct, a student may face University disciplinary action with regard to the same action. Students are responsible for reading the information here as well as the information published on all the relevant web sites. Lack of knowledge of this information does not excuse any infraction.

Academic Misconduct as Defined in UW System Administrative Code Chapter 14

Academic Integrity is critical in a community of scholars and is the responsibility of all members of the University community to uphold high standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness in the academic work they complete.

 Academic misconduct is an act in which a student (UWS 14.03(1)):

  1. seeks to claim credit for the work or efforts of another without authorization or citation;
  2. uses unauthorized materials or fabricated data in any academic exercise;
  3. forges or falsifies academic documents or records;
  4. intentionally impedes or damages the academic work of others;
  5. engages in conduct aimed at making false representation of a student’s academic performance; or
  6. assists other students in any of these acts.

Examples of academic misconduct include but are not limited to:

  1. cutting and pasting text from the Web without quotation marks or proper citation;
  2. paraphrasing from the Web without crediting the source;
  3. using notes or a programmable calculator in an exam when such use is not allowed;
  4. using another person’s ideas, words, or research and presenting it as one’s own by not properly crediting the originator;
  5. stealing examinations or course materials;
  6. changing or creating data in a lab experiment;
  7. altering a transcript;
  8. signing another person’s name to an attendance sheet;
  9. hiding a book knowing that another student needs it to prepare for an assignment;
  10. collaboration that is contrary to the stated rules of the course; or
  11. tampering with a lab experiment or computer program of another student.

Additional information regarding Academic Misconduct can be found at the following URLs:

The Graduate School

Academic Policies & Procedures: Misconduct, Academic

https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/misconduct-academic/

Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards

Academic Misconduct Process Information

https://conduct.students.wisc.edu/academic-misconduct/

Academic Misconduct Flowchart

https://conduct.students.wisc.edu/documents/academic-misconduct-flow-chart/

Non-Academic Misconduct Under UW System Administrative Code Chapter 17

The University strives to uphold high standards of personal conduct.  Students who violate UW System Policies regarding non-academic misconduct are subject to disciplinary action as outlined in UWS Chapter 17, Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures.

The university may discipline a student when their behavior violates a policy in UWS Ch. 17, for on or off campus behavior; and/or UWS Ch 18, Conduct on University Lands.

Some examples of UWS Ch. 17 violations include, but are not limited to:

  1. for conduct that endangers or threatens the health or safety of oneself or another person.
  2. for sexual assault, stalking, dating/domestic violence, or sexual harassment;
  3. for conduct that seriously damages or destroys university property or attempts to damage or destroy university property, or the property of a member of the university community or guest;
  4. for conduct that obstructs or seriously impairs university-run or university-authorized activities, or that interferes with or impedes the ability of a member of the university community, or guest, to participate in university-run or university-authorized activities;
  5. for unauthorized possession of university property or property of another member of the university community or guest;
  6. for acts which violate the provisions of UWS 18, Conduct on University Lands;
  7. for knowingly making a false statement to any university employee or agent on a university-related matter, or for refusing to identify oneself to such employee or agent;
  8. for violating a standard of conduct, or other requirement or restriction imposed in connection with disciplinary action.
  9. for the illegal use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances
  10. for violating criminal law
  11. for harassment as defined in State Law

Examples of non-academic misconduct on University lands under UWS Ch 18 include but are not limited to:

  1. improper use of UW ID card;
  2. use of alcohol on campus unless where authorized;
  3. possession of a dangerous weapon;
  4. assaultive behavior;
  5. resisting or obstructing police officers;
  6. disorderly conduct;
  7. harassment via computer or other electronic means;
  8. violating of policies regarding protest, rallies, demonstrations and other assemblies

Additional information regarding Non-Academic Misconduct can be found at the following URLs:

The Graduate School

Academic Policies & Procedures: Misconduct, Non-Academic

https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/misconduct-nonacademic/

Office for Student Conduct and Community Standards

Non-Academic Misconduct Information

https://conduct.students.wisc.edu/nonacademic-misconduct/

University of Wisconsin System

Chapter UWS 17: Student Non-Academic Disciplinary Procedures

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/uws/17

Chapter UWS 18: Conduct on University Lands
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/uws/18

Research Misconduct

Much of graduate education is carried out not in classrooms, but in laboratories and other research venues, often supported by federal or other external funding sources. Indeed, it is often difficult to distinguish between academic misconduct and cases of research misconduct. Graduate students are held to the same standards of responsible conduct of research as faculty and staff. The Graduate School is responsible for investigating allegations of research misconduct. This is often done in consultation with the Office for Student Conduct and Community Standards as well as with federal and state agencies to monitor, investigate, determine sanctions, and train about the responsible conduct of research. For more information, contact the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Policy (up-to-date contact information found here: https://research.wisc.edu/about/leadership/).

Additional information regarding research misconduct and responsible conduct can be found at the following URLs:

The Graduate School

Academic Policies & Procedures: Responsible Conduct of Research

https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/responsible-conduct-of-research/

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education

Introduction & Guide to Resources on Research Ethics

research.wisc.edu/respolcomp/resethics/

Human Research Protection Program (*Includes links to IRBs)

research.wisc.edu/compliance-policy/human-research-protection-program/

Policies, Responsibilities, and Procedures: Reporting Misconduct
kb.wisc.edu/gsadminkb/page.php?id=34486

Policies, Responsibilities, and Procedures: Responsible Conduct of Research Resources

kb.wisc.edu/gsadminkb/search.php?cat=2907

Hostile and Intimidating Behavior (Bullying)

Hostile and intimidating behavior (HIB), sometimes known by the shorthand term “bullying,” is defined in university policy as “unwelcome behavior pervasive or severe enough that a reasonable person would find it hostile and/or intimidating and that does not further the University’s academic or operational interests.”

UW-Madison has specific policies and procedures that cover HIB by faculty, academic staff and university staff. Students who feel they have been subject to HIB are encouraged to review the informal and formal options on the “Addressing HIB” tab on the Hostile and Intimidating Behavior website (hr.wisc.edu/hib/).

Bias Incidents

Examples of bias and hate include, but are not limited to:

  • Microaggressions
  • Slurs, degrading language, and epithets
  • Graffiti, symbols, and vandalism
  • Intimidation
  • Assault
  • Harassment

Students who experience an incident of bias or hate or are a witness to such an incident, are encouraged to file a Bias Incident Report form with the Dean of Students Office found here:  doso.students.wisc.edu/report-an-issue/bias-or-hate-reporting/. This website also describes reasons to report bias or hate, how the reporting process works, and sources of support for those who experience bias or hate.

Grievance Process 

To address other concerns that students may have regarding their experience in the program, each college or program on campus has a grievance process that students can avail themselves to. The grievance process for Master of Financial Economics can be found detailed in Guide

Process and Sanctions for Violations of Conduct Standards

The MSFE faculty committee, led by the Director of the MSFE administers program regulations and imposes sanctions when appropriate.  Faculty and faculty committees determine whether the quality of a student’s work and conduct are satisfactory. Students who are falling behind academically or not meeting conduct expectations are first warned, then put on probation, and then dropped from the program if they cannot complete the requirements or remedy their conduct. Within boundaries set by the faculty, the MSFE committee is authorized to take account of individual circumstances and problems, and to grant extensions of deadlines and waivers of requirements.

Here are possible outcomes:

  • Written reprimand
  • Denial of specified privilege(s)
  • Imposition of specific terms and conditions on continued student status
  • Removal of funding
  • Probation
  • Restitution
  • Removal of the student from the course(s) in progress
  • Failure to promote
  • Withdrawal of an offer of admission
  • Placement on Leave of Absence for a determined amount of time
  • Suspension from the program for up to one year with the stipulation that remedial activities may be prescribed as a condition of later readmission. Students who meet the readmission condition must apply for readmission and the student will be admitted only on a space available basis. See the Graduate School Academic Policies & Procedures: Readmission to Graduate School (grad.wisc.edu/documents/readmission/).
  • Suspension from the program, ranging from one semester to four years
  • Dismissal from the program
  • Denial of a degree 

Depending on the type and nature of the misconduct, the Division of Student Life may also have grounds to do one or more of the following:

  • Reprimand
  • Probation
  • Suspension
  • Expulsion
  • Restitution
  • A zero or failing grade on an assignment on an assignment/exam
  • A lower grade or failure in the course
  • Removal from course
  • Enrollment restrictions in a course/program
  • Conditions/terms of continuing as a student

VIII. ACADEMIC EXCEPTION PETITION

Academic exceptions are considered on an individual case by case basis and should not be considered a precedent.  Deviations from normal progress are highly discouraged, but the program recognizes that there are in some cases extenuating academic and personal circumstances.  Questions about academic exceptions should be directed to the MSFE program coordinator. Petitions for course exceptions/substitutions or exceptions to the Satisfactory Progress Expectations (academic or conduct) shall be directed to the Director of the Master of Financial Economics program.  The DMSFE and MSFE committee will review all petitions and a written decision will be sent to the student and placed in the student’s departmental graduate file.

IX. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER PLANNING

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Program Resources for Professional Development and Career Planning

MSFE students are among an elite group with easy access to both the Economics Career Development Office and the Career Management Center at the Wisconsin School of Business providing exceptional career exploration, placement and professional development services. The Wisconsin School of Business has a proven record of placing students in leading financial services and consulting firms across the globe. Classes are more analytical and quantitative than traditional MS programs in either Economics or Finance making graduates prepared for roles at investment and commercial banks, asset management companies and consulting.  

 

Campus-wide Resources for Professional Development

In addition to opportunities at the program level, the Graduate School Office of Professional Development provides direct programming in the areas of career development and skill building, and also serves as a clearing house for professional development resources across campus.  The best way to stay informed is to watch for the weekly newsletter from OPD, GradConnections Weekly, and to visit the webpage https://grad.wisc.edu/uw-events/ for an up-to-date list of events.  For example, typical topics covered throughout the year are:

  • Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
  • Planning for academic success
  • Dissertation writing support
  • Communication skills
  • Grant writing
  • Teaching
  • Mentoring
  • Research ethics
  • Community engagement
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Career exploration: academic, non-profit, industry, government, etc.
  • Job search support
  • Pursuing postdoctoral training

X. STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS

UW-Madison has a holistic resource for all things wellness called “UWell”.  The site includes information and opportunities for wellness for your work/school, financial, environmental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and community.  Go to uwell.wisc.edu/

Students who pay segregated fees are eligible for University Health Services (https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/).
There is no charge to students for many basic services including counseling sessions, because services are paid through tuition and fees. Personal health and wellness services are also available in addition to medical services.

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Securing Health Insurance Coverage

Graduate students without an assistantship or fellowship who are currently enrolled can use the services of University Health Services (UHS), the campus health clinic.  Many services are provided at no extra cost, including outpatient medical care during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.  UHS is located in the Student Services Tower at 333 East Campus Mall, 608-265-5000.  For more info, visit the UHS web site at uhs.wisc.edu.

Prescription medications, emergency room visits and hospitalization are not included in UHS benefits.  Therefore, supplemental insurance covering these drugs and services is recommended for all students and is required for international students.  The UHS Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is an excellent option for many students.  Contact the SHIP office at 608-265-5600 for more information.

Disability Information

Students with disabilities have access to disability resources through UW-Madison’s McBurney Disability Resource Center.  As an admitted student, you should first go through the steps to “Become a McBurney Client” at mcburney.wisc.edu/students/howto.php

Additional [non-academic] disability campus resources (not found through the McBurney Center) can be found at mcburney.wisc.edu/services/nonmcburney/index.php

The UW-Madison Index for Campus Accessibility Resources can be found at wisc.edu/accessibility/index.php  

Mental Health Resources On and Off Campus

University Health Services (UHS) is the primary mental health provider for students on campus.  UHS Counseling and Consultation Services offers a wide range of services to the diverse student population of UW-Madison.  They offer immediate crisis counseling, same day appointments and ongoing treatment.  Go to https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/mental-health/ or call 608-265-5600. UHS service costs are covered for students through tuition and fees.

Graduate students of color who want to be part of a support group specifically for that population are also encouraged to connect with the Multicultural Graduate Network to be part of their group in partnership with campus Mental Health Services (see event calendar at https://grad.wisc.edu/diversity/multicultural-graduate-network/ and contact mgn@grad.wisc.edu for additional information)

There are many mental health resources throughout the Madison community, but UHS Counseling and Consultation Services is the best resource for referrals to off-campus providers.  Call 608-265-5600 for assistance in finding an off-campus provider.