General Questions
What is Professional & Continuing Education (CE)?
Professional & Continuing Education at Madison College offers noncredit classes, certificates, and enrichment programs designed for personal growth, career advancement, and lifelong learning. Courses are open to community members of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Do I need to be a Madison College student to take a CE class?
No; CE classes are open to the public and do not require admission to a degree program.
Are CE classes for credit?
No; CE classes are noncredit. However, many courses provide valuable skills, industry training, and professional development opportunities.
Can you audit CE classes?
No; CE classes are not eligible for auditing.
Can I use financial aid?
CE classes are noncredit and not eligible for financial aid.
Will I be charged an out-of-state fee?
Maybe; only residents of Wisconsin and Minnesota are entirely exempt in all circumstances. Nonresidents will be charged an out-of-state fee for in-person classes but not for online classes.
How do I register for a class?
You can register online through our registration system by creating an account and adding your desired classes to your cart. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with course details.
Do I need to create an account to register?
Yes. Creating an account allows you to register for classes, manage your enrollments, and receive important class updates.
Can I register someone else (child, spouse, or friend)?
Yes. During checkout, you can add another participant to your registration at checkout. Please make sure you update their demographic information when asked.
What if a class is full?
You can join the waitlist! If a seat becomes available or a new section opens, we will reach out to you.
What types of fees are included in the course price?
Course fees may include:
Do you offer senior discounts?
Yes.
When is payment due?
Payment is due at the time of registration to secure your seat in the class.
How do I drop a class or camp?
To drop a class or camp, you must complete the official Drop Request Form. Verbal requests or talking with an instructor do not drop you from a course — it must be processed in writing through the proper channels.
When am I eligible for a refund?
Refund eligibility is based on the official drop date relative to the class start and end dates, not simply attendance or non-payment. Refunds follow the Madison College tuition refund schedule:
Actual refund amounts are determined after your class is dropped, and a tuition recalculation is run.
Do I get a refund if the College cancels the class?
Yes — if Madison College cancels a class or camp, you will receive a full refund.
Can I stop attending and still receive a refund?
No. Non-attendance does not automatically qualify you for a refund. You must complete the official drop process for the refund to be calculated and issued.
Is there a refund under special circumstances?
In some cases, you may qualify for a tuition refund under special circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, military obligation, or death in the immediate family). This is separate from normal refund schedules and requires documentation and approval through the School of Professional and Continuing Education.
How will I receive a refund?
Refunds may be issued back to your original payment method.
Can I transfer to another section instead of dropping?
Yes, in many cases you can request a transfer to another section or session before the class begins, space permitting. This is different from a refund; additional fees may apply if the new section has a higher cost.
Class Formats & Locations
Where are classes held?
The location is listed in the course description. Classes are offered at various Madison College campuses and community locations, including the main Truax campus and community partner locations (I.e. The Bodgery). Madison College’s branch locations include Commercial Avenue, Goodman South, Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg, and Watertown.
Do you offer online classes?
Yes. We offer in-person, online, online-live, and hybrid classes depending on the subject.
How will I know where to go for my class?
Your registration confirmation email will include the class location, room number (if applicable), and start date.
Course Policies & Changes
What happens if a class is rescheduled or canceled?
If a class needs to be rescheduled or canceled, you will be notified by email and given options to transfer, reschedule, or request a refund when applicable.
Can instructors change during a course?
Occasionally, instructor substitutions may occur due to scheduling or unforeseen circumstances. All instructors are qualified to teach the course content.
What if I can’t attend a class I registered for?
Contact our office as soon as possible. Refunds and transfers are subject to our withdrawal and refund policy.
Certificates & Professional Training
Will I receive a certificate?
Many professional development and certification courses provide a certificate of completion. Details are listed in the course description.
Will I receive a digital credential?
Many professional development and certification courses provide a digital credential. Details are listed in the course description.
Are your programs industry-recognized?
Several programs are aligned with industry standards and may include certification preparation or workforce-focused training.
Youth & Specialty Programs
Do you offer youth camps and classes?
Yes. We offer a variety of youth camps and enrichment programs throughout the year, including STEM, arts, trades, and career exploration.
Do parents need to stay during youth classes?
This depends on the age group and program. Specific supervision requirements are listed in the course details.
Communication & Support
How will I receive class updates?
All updates will be sent to the email address used during registration. Please make sure your email is accurate and checked regularly.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Professional & Continuing Education
Phone: 608-258-2301 (Option 2)
Email: ACE@madisoncollege.edu
Our team is happy to help with registration, course selection, and general questions.
SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION