Student Life
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
All degree-seeking graduate students are members of the GSA. Students in each program elect a representative to the Representative Council. The Executive Board consists of: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Faculty Advisor, Past President, Director of Enrollment and any other advisors that the voting members of the Representative Council appoint. The Executive Board is elected from among the members of the student body. The term of office for all members of the Representative Council and the Executive Board is one year. The President and Vice President serve as liaisons between the Graduate Student Association and the administration and faculty.
As student representatives to the Graduate Studies Council of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the representative council has monthly meetings to discuss issues pertinent to graduate students. The president and vice-president meet regularly with the Director of Enrollment to identify and implement actions that contribute to the overall strengthening of the Graduate School and the welfare of the students. The GSA works closely with the Graduate School in planning events and handling issues for the graduate student body.
Representation within the College
Graduate students are an integral part of the College and have representation on a number of standing committees of the College and of the Graduate School. The College committees include Cafeteria, Curriculum and Evaluation of MCW Medical School, Facilities, Tonken Center, Library, Research Affairs, Women’s Faculty Council, and Information Technology. Students are represented on the following committees of the Graduate School: Admissions and Student Welfare, Awards, Curriculum and Programs of MCW Graduate School, Course Evaluation and Program Evaluation.
Student Health Services
The Medical College of Wisconsin wishes to insure that all students have access to excellent high-quality health care. If your Primary Care Physician (PCP) is located at Student Health Service, you may utilize its services. The Student Health Service is located at Froedtert Hospital’s Department of Internal Medicine. Guidelines of the graduate student insurance plan must be followed to ensure the highest level of payment coverage for medical services. A clinic card is required for students and dependents which may be applied for through the Student Health Service. The Clinic card is absolutely necessary in order to obtain services.
Immunizations and necessary testing is provided and immunization records maintained in the Occupational Health Administrative Area at the Froedtert East Clinic building. These services are available only to full-time degree-seeking students.
Student Mental Health Services
The Medical College of Wisconsin recognizes that students work hard, long and responsibly. Because of the life challenges associated with professional training, the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine has devised a program to serve the needs of the students and their loved ones.
The College provides access to confidential mental health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students receive eight (8) free sessions of Medical College mental health services each academic year through the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. Most major medical insurance policies should cover some of the cost after these initial eight sessions. The student Mental Health Services office is located off site for confidentiality purposes. These services are available only to full-time degree-seeking students.
Health Insurance
Health insurance coverage is required for all full-time graduate students. The Medical College offers an insurance policy currently through Humana. The annual premium for single coverage is paid by the College for all full-time students in the PhD programs. Some students are covered under health insurance policies of their parents, spouses or full-time employer and are eligible to be waived from enrollment. Students have also elected to require single coverage for dental and vision for all full-time students enrolled in the health insurance plan. Full-time degree-seeking MS, MA or MPH graduate students may purchase the student health insurance plan. Each student is responsible for payment of this coverage at registration or through stipend deduction.
Parking
Student parking is available in an assigned MCW College parking lot without charge. Graduate students three years and above are granted permission to park in Lot 70 to the east of the Health Research Center (HRC). All other graduate students are assigned to Lot C north of Watertown Plank Road. For those students with proper state-issued handicapped placard or license plates, MCW maintains several parking areas designated for handicapped parking use only. Those needing handicapped parking on a temporary basis may apply for a temporary permit through the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Bicycle racks are located near the north entrance to the HRC.
Bookstore
The Matthews MCW Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Health Research Center. The bookstore carries textbooks, reference books and sundries. Also provided are UPS services, stamps, clothing, and gift items. In addition, the bookstore offers complimentary special-order services, lab coats, lab supplies and school/office supplies. The bookstore is open weekdays and Saturday mornings.
Recreational Facility
The Tonkens Center, in the lower level of the multi-use wing, provides students with a well-equipped exercise center at no cost. For a fee, students may also use the Wisconsin Lutheran College Recreation Center, located within walking distance of the Medical College.
The Helfaer Recreation Center and the Rec Plex located at Marquette University in downtown Milwaukee are also available for use by Medical College students at a nominal charge.
Housing
All students live off campus. New graduate students will receive advice and assistance in locating suitable housing from the Graduate School office, their graduate program and the Graduate Student Association. Housing information and listings can be found on the Graduate School Web site under Orientation. In addition, many apartments for rent are listed in the directory in the Office of Academic Affairs, on bulletin boards located in student areas of the College and on the Student Housing page.
Campus Safety
The Medical College of Wisconsin maintains its own security service department, which is supported by the Milwaukee County Sheriff Department. The Security Department is located in the northeast lobby area of the Health Research Center (HRC). This location houses the Security Department, Officer Operations, and Communications Center and is available 24 hours a day. Security officers patrol all buildings and the Sheriff deputies patrol the grounds, including parking lots.
A walking escort service is available from twilight to midnight or when the library closes seven days a week.
The gates on Lot 70 are open from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. weekdays and 24 hours on weekends. Moving vehicles to Lot 70 is suggested if late hours are anticipated.
The MCW Department of Security provides professional security personnel and equipment in an effort to maintain a safe and secure environment. The MCW Department of Security (MCW Security) operates 24 hours a day with several officers on duty at all times.
Providing service exclusively to the MCW Buildings, MCW Security is dedicated to the personal safety of students, employees and visitors. Through enforcement of college rules, maintenance of order, protection of property and provision of services, MCW Security strives to make the MCW Buildings a safe place to learn and work. Current college rules are published in the Faculty Information Handbook, Medical Student Handbook, Graduate School Handbook, and the Administrative Policies and Procedures Handbook.
U.S. federal law requires public and private institutions of higher learning that participate in federal student aid programs to disclose campus crime statistics and security policies. The complete campus crime statistics and security policies can be found at from the Public Safety Web site.
Student Identification
All students enrolled in on-campus activities are required to have official Medical College of Wisconsin identification cards with them at all times when in College facilities. Student ID cards are also necessary for using the various Medical College libraries, student lounge and computer center. Student ID cards can be obtained from the security desk of the Medical College at designated times with proper documentation from the Graduate School office.