Auditing Classes

Registration and Records
In this Section

UW-Stout Official Audit Policy

  1. An individual must be a continuing student or have received official acceptance from the appropriate admissions office.

  2. Students interested in auditing courses must receive prior approval from the instructor of the class. Customized Instruction section courses are not permitted to audit. 

  3. Stout students are charged regular tuition for audited courses including special fees.

  4. It is the responsibility of the student to seek permission from the instructor and inform the Registration and Records Office using the approved form. Students should use the Add/Drop Program Card with the word "Audit" written in the permission box.

  5. Auditors must attend class but the taking of quizzes and examinations is optional.

  6. Non-degree-seeking students interested in taking "audit only" courses must receive prior approval from the instructor of the class. It is your responsibility to seek permission from the instructor and inform the Registration and Records Office you are auditing the class. The instructor is to indicate audit on the grade roster instead of assigning a grade. Wisconsin residents will be charged approximately 30 percent of the normal per credit academic fee, MN Reciprocity residents will be charged approximately 30 percent of the normal per credit Minnesota Reciprocity fee and non-residents will be charged approximately 50 percent of the normal per credit academic fee. Any special costs for course instruction, other than normal tuition, will be assessed to auditors.

  7. Audit credits are included in total credits carried in a given term.

  8. Credits taken for audit cannot be used in graduation requirements.

  9. A course which is audited may not be repeated for a grade.

  10. The Board of Regents has approved a policy allowing those over the age of 60 to audit classes on any of the UW-campuses. Follow this link for more information.

    Senior audits only pay for textbooks and special course fees (see Student Business Services website for fees)

    To qualify for senior audit:

    Must be 60 years old or older by the start of class. Verification of Wisconsin resident status and age will be required

    Visit our LifeLong Learning site for additional information.

    Must be in a non degree-seeking program such as undergrad special or grad special.

    All credits taken must be audit.

    International Study and Customized Instruction are not included.

    The instructor must give approval. (Approvals should only be given if there are vacancies in the class. Degree-seeking students have priority.)

    Students will be charged full fees to begin with, then Student Business Services audits and manually adjusts the fees.