Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need to set up an account?
A: Setting up an account allows you to easily register in the future, access a complete record of your Mini Course/Basecamp registrations and print a personal schedule.
Q: What if I am not satisfied with my Mini Course?
A: Your satisfaction is important to us. If you are dissatisfied with your Mini Course, let us know, and we will issue a Credit Voucher to be used towards any other Mini Course(s) in the next year. A completed Voucher Request Form must be received within 10 days of FIRST class meeting. Voucher Request Forms are available on our website or in the Mini Course office. Phone requests are also possible.
Q: How much is Union Membership?
A: The least expensive Union Membership is the Introductory Membership. This six-month membership costs $30.00. You can upgrade your Introductory Membership anytime during the six months to an Annual Membership. There are a variety of other membership options available, click here for more information.
You can purchase a Membership online or call the Union Membership Office at 608-262-2263.
Q: How come I do not see the Introductory Membership available for online purchase?
A: The Introductory Membership requires simultaneous enrollment is Mini Courses (or a Hoofer Club). The Mini Course office can process your Introductory Membership - call us at 608-262-3156/262-5771 (10am - 5pm, Mon - Friday) to both register for Mini Courses and purchase your Introductory Membership. There is also the ability to indicate your desire for an Introductory Membership on the mail-in registration form available in the Mini Course print catalog (form also available here).
Q: Can I enroll a guest?
A: Any eligible person may register ONE additional person in the same course, as their guest, at the same per person rate as their eligibility allows.
Q: How can I find a course quickly?
A: The quickest way to find an individual course title is to use the "Advanced Search" function. This function is located at center, top of the course listing page/display. It gives you a wide variety of options for searching for a course.
Q: Why can't I see the listing for a Mini Course that has already started?
A: Our course listing is set to search for courses that start in the future. You can reset this default setting under the "Advanced Search" option at the top of the course listing page.
Q: Can I enroll in a course that has already started?
A: Mini Courses does accept registrations in courses that have already started providing there is still space in the class. Fees are NOT pro-rated for late registrations. NOTE: The default search on our website is for courses starting in the future. IF you are looking for a course that has already started you need to change this default setting, located in the "Select" window at the top right of the course listing display.
Q: Where will my course be located?
A: Course locations are listed on your course Confirmation Notice, including directions for determining exact location, if necessary. For courses meeting in Memorial Union and Union South you can check the posted "Today in The Union" list at every entrance to either building. For courses in a "Campus Classroom" location, check the "Today in the Union" (TITU) listing online on the Union's web site or contact the Mini Course office at 608-262-3156 for assistance. The Union Information Desks can also be of assistance - Memorial Union: 265-3000, Union South: 890-3000.
Q: Is there parking available at class locations?
A: For most courses there is public parking within two blocks of your meeting place. For parking near Wisconsin Union buildings, click here. We can also provide a printed parking info flyer by request. Contact the Mini Course office at 608-262-3156 if you have questions about parking or want more information.
Q: What if I need a Refund?
A: A full refund of course fees can be issued if we cancel a course. If you elect to drop a course we must receive notice at least three full business days prior to the starting date. A $5.00 service fee is assessed for any refund request. Refund requests need to be called or emailed to the Mini Course office. Refunds cannot be processed via the website. No refunds for inability to attend published rain dates. Refund of Introductory Membership fees requires return of Membership Card. Note that receipts will not be mailed for credit card refunds. Please consult your monthly card statement for confirmation of refund.
Q: What about Transfers?
A: Transfers are possible, with a $5.00 service fee, up to three business days prior to the starting date of the second meeting of any course. One-session and individual lesson courses require notice three full business days prior to class start date.
Q: Is there a fee for returned checks?
A: A $30.00 fee is due on any returned check.
Q: What is a Credit Voucher?
A: Instead of a Refund or Transfer you can have your course fees put on account for future Mini Course registrations. The Credit Voucher can be applied to future registrations, including web registrations. Credit Vouchers are possible up to three full business days prior to the second meeting of any course. A $5.00 fee is assessed. No Credit Vouchers issued after second class session. One-session and individual lesson courses require three business day minimum notice prior to class start date. Credit Vouchers are good for any Mini Course, for one year from date of issue. Credit Voucher requests may be called or emailed to the Mini Course office, Credit Vouchers cannot be processed via the web site.
Q: Are children allowed to participate in Mini Courses?
A: Participants must be 18 years old to enroll in a Mini Course. Enrollees who are 16 or 17 years old may participate with concurrent paid registration and attendance by a parent/legal guardian. Children under 16 years of age are only allowed to enroll with parent/guardian in courses specifically designated "parent and child" in the course description. For liability reasons, there are no exceptions to this policy.
Q: What if I have a disability?
A: If you need accommodations please let us know at time of registration or call 265-6788 (TTY).
Q: What is the Mini Course policy on weather cancellations?
A: Courses Meeting Outdoors - Most classes have a scheduled "rain date" OR are scheduled to meet rain or shine. This information should be included in the course description and/or on your Course Confirmation Notice. Assume your course is running unless you hear from your Instructor or our office. There are no refunds for inability to attend scheduled rain dates OR you assuming a class is not running when it in fact did.
Major Storm Cancellations - All Mini Courses are canceled if UW-Madison cancels classes. The University rarely does this. Individual courses may cancel at the Instructor's request even if the UW remains open. Should this happen, we attempt to reach all participants for any canceled class. We also update the first page of our web site and our overnight (after 5:00pm) voice mail (main phone line at 262-3156) with cancellations.
Q: How does Wisconsin's Concealed Carry Law effect Mini Courses?
A: Weapons are banned from all Union facilities, programs, and field trips, including those weapons as allowed under the State of Wisconsin concealed carry laws, to the extent the law allows.
Q: What if I would like to teach a Mini Course?
A: The first step is to complete our Application and Course Proposal Form located on our instructors page. We can also mail you these forms. For more information or questions, contact the Mini Course office at 608-262-3156.
