University Special Student Services

University Special Student Services (USSS) is your gateway to the many education paths and opportunities available to you at UW–Madison. We offer programs and services for returning adult, nontraditional and University Special students, and provide career services for UW–Madison employees.

Learn more about USSS

Who we serve

Returning adult students
Nontraditional learners
University Special students
Senior guest auditors ages 60+

What we do

Provide admissions and advising for University Special students
Support adult students in their education planning
Enroll senior guest auditors
Help students find financial assistance, scholarships and resources
Host annual awards to recognize outstanding adult students

Our team

Jayne Arnold

Assistant Director, VISP Thematic Track Liaison

Heather Blewett

Recruitment communications manager

Lynn Brandt

Transfer Strategy Manager

Christine Cina

Odyssey Navigator; Academic Advising Manager

Emma Lee Davis

Recruiter/Enrollment Coach

Matthew Greenberg

International Programs Manager

Stacy Iruk

Academic Advising Manager

Beth Jaggers

Academic Advising Manager

Leanne Johnson

Student Processing Specialist

Josh Juedes

Director, Visiting International Student Program (VISP)

Sara Kluender

Associate Director of Recruitment Strategies

Anne Niendorf

Academic Advising Manager

Karen Ripley

IT Business Analyst

Autumn Sanchez

Academic Advising Manager

Anna Seidel-Quast

Associate Director, Visiting International Student Program (VISP)

Sarah Stilp

Interim Associate Dean & Director

Read University Special Student Services stories

Bobby Adamo throws the "W" hand gesture before an engraved University of Wisconsin-Madison wall.

Online learning bridges gap for working adults

September 15, 2026 in Student stories University Special Student Services

Discover how a working father in Chicago balances a full-time job and family to earn his UW–Madison business degree on his own schedule.

Tagged with adult learners bachelor’s degree business online

Read full post →

Back-to-college as an adult? Meet your campus support team

August 10, 2026 in News University Special Student Services

Returning to college as an adult? Meet your campus support team—advisors, financial specialists, and coaches ready to help you succeed.

Tagged with advising careers education planning scholarships & financial aid

Read full post →

Graphic of people standing over a series of arrows

How to change careers later in life

July 13, 2026 in News University Special Student Services

Ready for a midlife career change? Discover practical ways to pivot your profession, build transferable skills, and stack microcredentials later in life.

Tagged with adult learners community courses professional development

Read full post →

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