The shared vision of the Student Supervisor Certificate (SSC) is to recognize student employment as a high-impact practice that fosters student development and success.
Student supervisor effectiveness in creating an environment which supports students’ success is crucial to support UW–Madison’s mission “to create, integrate, transfer, and apply knowledge through innovative programs of research, teaching, and public service.”
About the Certificate
The Student Supervisor Certificate has been implemented at UW to center practice, development, encouragement, support, and accessibility. In order to complete the program, pro-staff must complete eight required classes, six in-person and two virtual offerings, focused on High Impact Practices, the Dimensions of Wellness, recruitment and onboarding, technology, and much more!
Applications closed August 10, 2026
Learning Objectives:
When completing the program, participants will:
- Compare your current supervisory practices to the responsibilities and ethical considerations inherent in student supervision, from administrative tasks to holistic student well-being.
- Develop advanced communication skills to effectively convey expectations, evaluate performance, and deliver meaningful feedback that fosters continuous improvement.
- Adapt supervisory methods to meet the evolving needs of students throughout the employment lifecycle.
- Practice techniques for managing wellbeing to foster a productive and supportive environment.
- Further the ability to mentor and support students in their personal and professional development, to foster a culture of lifelong learning.
- Address the complexity of legal and policy frameworks that guide student supervision.
- Identify technological resources available to support the student work experience.
Who Should Attend:
UW-Madison professional staff who directly supervise student employees can attend regardless of:
- Number of students supervised
- Years of supervision experience
- Location on campus
- Type of work
We aim to bring together a cohort with a broad range of experiences in student supervision, as a variety of perspectives fosters rich discussions, enhances collaborative learning, and strengthens the overall impact of the program.
This certificate program is designed for professional staff who supervise students, rather than for students who supervise their peers. The cohort will be capped at 36 people.
SSC Course Offerings and Schedule
View in depth information about the classes that will be offered as a part of the program as well as the dates that each class will occur.
Key Program Elements:
- Learning format – 8 total classes (2 virtual and 6 in person)
- Attend classes with the same group of participants to build a network over time
- Engage with content from an inclusive and student-centered lens
- Practice skills, share lessons learned, and co-create resources to the benefit of the participants
Timeline for Program Completion:
- Applications Open: June 29th, 2026
- Applications Due: August 10th, 2026 at 11:59pm
- Cohort Selections Announced: September 7th, 2026
- Student Supervisor Certificate Program: October 2026 – April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the expectations for attendance?
The expectation is that you attend the whole program. If you miss one class you’re expected to make it up. If you miss more than 1 class, you will not be able to earn the certificate.
What are the class dates?
Thursday, October 1st: 9:30am-11:00am; In person: 333 East Campus Mall, Room 11301
Thursday, October 8th: 9:30am-12:30pm; In person: 333 East Campus Mall, Room 11301
Thursday, November 12th: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm; In person: 333 East Campus Mall, Room 11301
Thursday, December 10th: 9:30 am – 12:00pm; Virtual
Thursday, January 14th: 9:30 am – 12:00pm; Virtual
Thursday, February 11th: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm; In person: 333 East Campus Mall, Room 11301
Thursday, March 11th; 9:30 am- 12:30 pm; In person: 333 East Campus Mall, Room 11301
Thursday, April 1st; 9:30am – 11:00am; In person: 333 East Campus Mall, Room 11301
Who is this program intended for?
Professional Staff at UW who supervise at least one student employee.
What if I don't have access to a laptop or private work station?
The DoIT Help Desk provides semester-long laptop and week-long hot spot modem loans primarily for student checkouts. Loans to faculty and staff are subject to availability and approval.
Room reservations are available to all students, staff, and faculty across campus. Study rooms and carrels at the libraries are available for up to four hours at a time, and the School of Medicine and Public Health, the School of Education, and other departmental buildings on campus have limited study spaces available.
You can also reach out to the Student Employment team to explore other options.
Why do I need supervisor approval?
Participation in this program requires a meaningful time commitment. Your supervisor’s awareness and support ensures you have the time and flexibility needed to successfully complete the Student Supervisor Certificate.
What information is needed to complete the application?
- Your Name, Job title, Department, and Email
- Details on your supervision context
- Motivations and goals for the program
- Availability and commitment confirmation
We expect more applicants than available cohort spots, so please take care to answer each question thoughtfully.
What do I receive upon completion of the program?
A certificate in Student Supervision, a new cohort of supportive peers at UW Madison, and the knowledge shared throughout the coursework to help continue the development of your supervision techniques.
Accommodations: Please reach out to student.employment@finaid.wisc.edu if there are any accommodations that would help you participate and engage safely and comfortably.