MSFE Program Handbook

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

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

If a student feels unfairly treated or aggrieved by faculty, staff, or another student, the University offers several avenues to resolve the grievance. Students’ concerns about unfair treatment are best handled directly with the person responsible for the objectionable action. If the student is uncomfortable making direct contact with the individual(s) involved, they should contact the Master’s Program Manager or someone else they feel comfortable speaking with. Many departments and schools/colleges have established specific procedures for handling such situations; check their web pages and published handbooks for information. If such procedures exist at the local level, these should be investigated first. For more information see the Graduate School Academic Policies & Procedures > Grievances & Appeals: https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/grievances-and-appeals/

1. The student is encouraged to speak first with the person toward whom the grievance is directed to see if a situation can be resolved at this level if they feel safe and comfortable doing so. Students are welcome to seek advice from the Master’s Program Manager or others with whom they have a trusting relationship.

Should a satisfactory resolution not be achieved, the student should contact Master’s Program Manager, Director of the Master’s Program, or another faculty or staff member that they feel comfortable with to discuss the grievance (the Master’s Program Manager is named in https://econ.wisc.edu/staff/ and the Director of the Master’s Program in https://econ.wisc.edu/faculty/). At this point in the process, this informal discussion would be considered confidential, unless the issue involves certain conduct that university employees are required to report to University Officials (as specified in section 9). The department will facilitate problem resolution through informal channels and facilitate any complaints or issues of students. The first attempt is to help students informally address the grievance prior to any formal complaint. Students are also encouraged to talk with their faculty advisors or the department DEI committee regarding concerns or difficulties if necessary. University resources for sexual harassment, discrimination, disability accommodations, and other related concerns can be found on the UW Dean of Students Office website: https://doso.students.wisc.edu/report-an-issue/

Other campus resources are listed here. A resource providing “confidential” consultation can help people who want support or information, but do not wish to report. Confidential means they will not share information that identifies the person seeking support without that person’s permission.

• Dean of Students – doso.students.wisc.edu
• The Graduate School – https://grad.wisc.edu/
• McBurney Disability Resource Center – https://mcburney.wisc.edu/
• Employee Assistance Office – https://hr.wisc.edu/employee-assistance-office/ [This resource provides confidential consultation]
• Ombuds Office – https://ombuds.wisc.edu/ [This resource provides confidential consultation}
• University Health Services – https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/ [This resource provides confidential consultation]
• UW Office of Equity and Diversity – https://diversity.wisc.edu/

2. If the issue is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student can submit a formal departmental grievance to the Department Administrator in writing (the Department Administrator is named in https://econ.wisc.edu/staff/) The formal grievance should provide as much detail as possible about the incident(s) or situation(s) of concern.

On receipt of a written grievance complaint, the Department Chair will be informed and will convene a 3-member faculty committee r to manage the department-level grievance. The program faculty committee will preserve confidentiality if possible and desired and will obtain a written response from the person toward whom the complaint is directed. This response will be shared with the person filing the grievance.

The faculty committee will determine a decision regarding the grievance. The Department Administrator to report on the action taken by the committee in writing to both the student and the party toward whom the complaint was directed within 15 working days from the date the complaint was received when possible. Details shared with the aggrieved student may be limited by university policies regarding personnel matters or student records.

At this point, if either party (the student or the person toward whom the grievance is directed) is unsatisfied with the decision of the faculty committee, the party may file a written appeal. Either party has 10 working days to file a written appeal to the committee’s decision through the Department Administrator. Appeals will be reviewed by the Department Chair who will come to a decision within 10 working days from when the appeal was received, when possible.

Documentation of the grievance will be stored for at least 7 years. Significant grievances that set a precedent will be stored indefinitely.

3. The Graduate School has procedures for students wishing to further appeal a grievance decision made at the Department level. These policies are described in the Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures: https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/grievances-and-appeals/.

Hostile and intimidating behavior, 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.” Hostile and intimidating behavior can occur both within and across employment sectors – faculty on faculty, faculty on student, etc. – and power differentials, and in any university setting (the office, the lab, in the halls, at meetings; it can happen in groups or one-on-one). Regardless of when and how it happens, it must be addressed and corrected. Hostile and intimidating behavior is prohibited by university policy.

UW–Madison policy includes the following expanded definition:

Hostile and intimidating behavior is defined as unwelcome behavior pervasive or severe to the extent that it makes the conditions for work inhospitable and impairs another person’s ability to carry out their responsibilities to the university, and that does not further the University’s academic or operational interests. A person or a group can perpetrate this behavior. The person need not be more senior than or a supervisor to the target.

Unacceptable behavior may include, but is not limited to:

• Abusive expression (including spoken, written, recorded, visual, digital, or nonverbal, etc.) directed at another person in the workplace, such as derogatory remarks or epithets that are outside the range of commonly accepted expressions of disagreement, disapproval, or critique in an academic culture and professional setting that respects free expression;
• Unwarranted physical contact or intimidating gestures; Conspicuous exclusion or isolation having the effect of harming another person’s reputation in the workplace and hindering another person’s work;
• Sabotage of another person’s work or impeding another person’s capacity for academic expression, be it oral, written, or other;
• Abuse of authority, such as using threats or retaliation in the exercise of authority, supervision, or guidance, or impeding another person from exercising shared governance rights, etc.

Repeated acts or a pattern of hostile and/or intimidating behaviors are of particular concern. A single act typically will not be sufficient to warrant discipline or dismissal, but an especially severe or egregious act may warrant either.

For more information: https://hr.wisc.edu/hib/

Sexual harassment is a community concern. When sexual harassment occurs, it degrades the quality of work and education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It erodes the dignity and productivity of the individuals involved and diminishes the quality, effectiveness, and stature of the institution. It can occur in any university setting (an office, a classroom, a university program). Each of us has a collective responsibility not to harass others and to act responsibly when confronted by the issue of sexual harassment, thereby promoting an environment that better supports excellence in teaching, research, and service. (Taken from: https://compliance.wisc.edu/titleix/)

What is Sexual Harassment?

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature (including leering and unwanted personal discussion of sexual activities) constitute sexual harassment when submission to such conduct is a condition of employment, academic progress, or participation in a university program; or submission to or rejection of such conduct influences employment, academic or university program decisions; or the conduct interferes with an employee’s work or a student’s academic career, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work, learning, or program environment.

Key Points About Sexual Harassment:

• Differences in power or status can be a significant component in sexual harassment. A person who seems to acquiesce to sexual conduct may still experience tangible action harassment or hostile environment harassment if the conduct is unwelcome.
• Sexual harassment can occur between any two persons, regardless of their gender identities and sexual orientation.
• Sexual harassment may or may not involve a tangible injury (e.g., economic loss, lowered grades). A sexually harassing environment, in and of itself, may constitute a harm.
• Individuals in positions of authority are responsible for ensuring that employees, students or others do not harass. In an academic or program setting, offenders can be faculty, instructors, lecturers, teaching assistants, coaches, tutors, or fellow students or program participants.
• The person filing a sexual harassment charge does not have to be the person harassed but could be anyone significantly harmed by the harassing conduct.
• Some behavior that is not in violation of university policy may, nonetheless, be unprofessional under the circumstances. Consequences of such unprofessional behavior may include poor performance evaluations or possible discipline.

What to do if you feel you’ve been sexually harassed:

• Seek advice. Consult the Master’s Program Manager, Department Chair, or someone else you trust. It is important to note that the Department Chair and the Master’s Program Manager are Title IX responsible employees who must report information they receive about sexual harassment or sexual violence to the Office of Compliance; however, this report does not trigger a formal complaint or other actions that the complainant doesn’t want, unless there is a serious risk to campus safety. Other staff and faculty may be Title IX responsible employees as well. For more information, please see section 8.3.5.
• You may choose to seek informal resolution through the Grievance procedures detailed in section 7.1.1 or file a sexual harassment complaint with the UW–Madison Title IX Coordinator. You may find more information on filing a complaint at https://compliance.wisc.edu/titleix/campus-procedures/reporting/. Complaints filed through the UW–Madison Title IX coordinator may lead to an investigation and disciplinary action against the accused. In order to ensure due process and provide for a defense, prior to any formal disciplinary action against someone accused of sexual harassment, the University must inform that person of the details regarding the formal complaint including the identity of the person initiating the complaint. Again, as noted in the previous bullet point, several people involved in the Grievance procedures described in earlier in this section are Title IX responsible employees. For more information, please see section 8.3.5.
• For additional information, please visit: https://compliance.wisc.edu/eo-complaint/
• As listed previously, the following additional resources offer confidential consultation and can help people who want support or information, but do not wish to report. Confidential means they will not share information that identifies the person seeking support without that person’s permission.
  • Employee Assistance Office – eao.wisc.edu [This resource provides confidential consultation]
  • Ombuds Office – ombuds.wisc.edu [This resource provides confidential consultation]
  • University Health Services – https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/ [This resource provides confidential consultation]

For more information on discrimination against students and other resources: Discrimination Complaints Policies & Procedures: https://compliance.wisc.edu/eo-complaint/

We encourage early contact: consultation is not escalation. Timely discussion of people’s concerns may allow resolution before alternatives become limited. The university will protect confidentiality to the extent possible under the law.

…if you feel you’ve been sexually harassed:

• Seek advice. Consult your supervisor, manager, HR representative, department chair, director, dean, or any campus resource to discuss options for resolution.
• You may choose to seek informal resolution or file a sexual harassment complaint.
• You may find it helpful to seek support from a trusted colleague. Be aware of your interest in keeping the matter as confidential as possible.
• Keep notes of what happened, when, where, and who was present. Retain copies of any correspondence.
• Consider informing the individual(s) involved that the conduct is unwelcome and that you expect it to stop.

The campus has established policies governing student conduct, academic dishonesty, discrimination, and harassment/abuse as well as specific reporting requirements in certain cases. If you have a grievance regarding unfair treatment towards yourself, please reference the procedures and resources identified above. If you learn about, observe, or witness misconduct or other wrongdoing you may be required to report that misconduct or abuse. Depending on the situation, it may be appropriate to consult with your academic advisor, Master’s Program Manager , or other campus resources (such as the UW Office of Equity and Diversity, Graduate School, Mc Burney Disability Resource Center, Employee Assistance Office, Ombuds Office, and University Health Services).

1. Research Misconduct. The University of Wisconsin–Madison strives to foster the highest scholarly and ethical standards among its students, faculty, and staff. Graduate students and research associates are among the most vulnerable groups when reporting misconduct because their source of financial support and the progress in their careers may be at risk by raising questions of wrongdoing. They are also often the closest witnesses to wrongdoing when it occurs and therefore must be appropriately protected from the consequences of reporting wrongdoing and be informed of their rights. Please find full details at https://research.wisc.edu/respolcomp/resethics/
2. Academic Misconduct. If you know a classmate is cheating on an exam or other academic exercise, notify your professor, teaching assistant or proctor of the exam. As a part of the university community, you are expected to uphold the standards of the university. Also, consider how your classmate’s dishonesty may affect the overall grading curve and integrity of the program.
3. Sexual Assault. All UW–Madison employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, are required by law to report first-hand knowledge of sexual assault on campus or disclosures of sexual assault of a student to university officials, specifically the Dean of Students Office. This effort is not the same as filing a criminal report. Disclosing the victim’s name is not required as part of this report. Please find full details under Sexual Assault at https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/survivor-resources/, or https://doso.students.wisc.edu/report-an-issue/sexual-assault- dating-and-domestic-violence/, or https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/survivor-services/reporting-options/
4. Child Abuse. UW–Madison employees (under Wisconsin Executive Order #54), are required to immediately report child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement if, in the course of employment, the employee observes an incident or threat of child abuse or neglect, or learns of an incident or threat of child abuse or neglect, and the employee has reasonable cause to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred or will occur.Volunteers working for UW–Madison sponsored programs or activities are also expected to report suspected abuse or neglect. Please find full details at https://youthprotection.wisc.edu/reporting/
5. Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence. Certain UW–Madison employees are classified as Title IX responsible employees and therefore have a duty to report to the Title IX Coordinator any information they receive that suggests a violation of campus policy around sexual harassment and sexual violence is occurring or has occurred. They are explicitly not permitted to keep information of this nature that is reported to them confidential. These reports are primarily used to connect complainants/survivors with resources, and do not trigger investigations or other actions the complainant or survivor does not want unless there is a risk to campus safety. Title IX responsible employees include, among others, Deans, Directors, department chairs, department administrators, human resources representatives, and student services staff such as graduate and undergraduate coordinators. Please find full details at https://compliance.wisc.edu/titleix/employee-reporting-requirements/.
6. Incidents of Bias/Hate. The University of Wisconsin–Madison values a diverse community where all members are able to participate fully in the Wisconsin Experience. Incidents of Bias/Hate affecting a person or group create a hostile climate and negatively impact the quality of the Wisconsin Experience for community members. UW–Madison takes such incidents seriously and will investigate and respond to reported or observed incidents of bias/hate. If you have witnessed or experienced an incident of bias or hate you may contact the Master’s Program Manager , Department Chair, or the Department of Economics DEI Committee. More information about the department DEI committee can be found here: https://econ.wisc.edu/econ-dei-committee/. Please find full details at https://doso.students.wisc.edu/report-an-issue/bias-or-hate-reporting/

A consensual relationship describes when people agree to a romantic, physically intimate, or sexual relationship now or in the past. This includes marriage. UW–Madison consensual relationships policy applies to employee/student relationships and employee/employee relationships.

A consensual relationship between an instructor and a student currently under their instruction or whom the instructor reasonably believes in the future may be under their instruction is prohibited.

If a consensual relationship develops between people who also have another type of reporting or evaluative relationship, the person who is in a position of power must immediately report their consensual relationship to a supervisory authority.

The university presumes that the ability to make objective decisions is compromised if there is a romantic and/or sexual relationship between two individuals who have a reporting or evaluative relationship. There is almost always a power differential between such individuals that not only obscures objectivity but also influences perceptions of consent. The individual with the power or status advantage is required by university policy to report the relationship to their supervisor and will be accountable for failing to make this report. The supervisor who learns of the consensual relationship has the responsibility to make appropriate arrangements to eliminate or mitigate a conflict whose consequences might prove detrimental to the university or to either party in the relationship, particularly the person in the subordinate role. Supervisors can consult with any campus resource (https://kb.wisc.edu/ohr/policies/page.php?id=53039) for assistance in meeting this responsibility.

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.  

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