FAQs
Do you have a question about Software Training for Students? If so, the answer to your question is likely waiting in the list of Frequently Asked Questions below. Feel free to send any of your questions to sts@doit.wisc.edu, or call (608) 265-6624.
What is Software Training for Students (STS)?
Software Training for Students offers free technology training to registered UW-Madison students. STS can teach you how to build websites, edit images, deliver effective PowerPoint presentations, create spreadsheets, edit video, create digital art, and much more. STS also offers free project troubleshooting for students via its Ask A Trainer service. STS strives to offer training that will contribute to students' success at the UW, productivity in their future employment, and ability to engage effectively in their communities. STS is funded through the Student Information Technology Initiative fee, a portion of student tuition.
I am not a student, but I am a faculty member, staff member, visiting scholar, post-doc, friend of a student, and/or family member of a student. Can I attend STS classes?
No. STS funding comes from a portion of student tuition. Our classes are available only to registered UW-Madison students. However, faculty can receive help on media projects at the Digital Media Center. Additionally, faculty, staff, and the wider public can take advantage of classes and resources offered by STS's parent organization, Professional Technical Education (PTE). Online training at Lynda.com is also available to UW faculty and staff.
How do I sign up for a class?
Click on the Free Technology Classes page and select a class you want to take. On the class description page, there will be a list of dates and times when that particular class is offered. To enroll, click the Enroll Now link.
How do I sign up for an Ask A Trainer appointment?
To set up an hour-long, one-on-one meeting with an STS trainer, click on the Ask A Trainer Project Support link. Then, under the Appointments section, find a topic that best fits what you need help with. Click that topic. A list of appointment times will appear. Click the Sign Up link associated with the appointment slot that works for you. Then, fill out and submit the form. The more information you provide, the better your STS trainer can prepare to help you.
I can't seem to access Lynda.com. What do I do?
The Help Desk can answer your questions about Lynda.com access.
I am a UW-Madison instructor or member of a UW-Madison student organization and would like STS to deliver a technology workshop for my students. Is this possible?
Absolutely! STS can design and deliver custom technology workshops for students in timetable classes and student organizations. Workshops can occur during regular class time, at night, and/or on Sundays. STS can even reserve lab space. Eight or more UW-Madison students are required to attend. For more information, click on the Workshops for Your Students or Workshops for Student Orgs link.
Do I need to register to use STS services?
Yes. To use STS services, you need to register for a My Software Training account. Registration is a one-time process and occurs the first time you log into the STS site. Once you’ve registered, each time you log into the STS site with your UW NetID and password, you can add and drop STS classes, view your Ask a Trainer appointments and class enrollment, download STS manuals and files, and access Lynda.com online training.
Will STS share my information or spam my e-mail account?
No.
Why was my seat given to another student even though I was registered?
Registered students need to arrive at least ten minutes prior to the start of class. Ten minutes before the class, seats open up to walk-ins and waitlisted students.
Should I come to class if I'm on the waiting list?
While your seat is not guaranteed, it is still likely that you will get a seat in the class if you come early. Often, several students who register do not actually attend, leaving room for those who are on the waiting list. Ten minutes prior to the start of class, the unclaimed seats are given to students on the waiting list on a first come first serve basis. Students on the waiting list will not receive a seat in the class if all of the registered students attend or if other students on the waiting list arrived earlier.
Will I get an e-mail to notify me when I am off of the waiting list?
Yes.
I forgot what class I’m signed up to take. How can I get this information?
You’ll be able to view your current enrollment and upcoming Ask A Trainer appointments once you log into the STS site. Just click on the My Appointments and Classes page.
I can no longer attend a class for which I registered. What do I do?
Please drop it. Just head to the My Appointments and Classes page and click the Drop Class link next to the class you want to drop. Students may drop an STS class up to two hours prior to the start of class.
I used to be able to enroll, but now I can’t. What happened?
Students with three or more no-shows may lose their registration privilege. When students register but do not show up or cancel, they prevent other students from attending the class. If you can’t show up, please drop the class. (See the question above.) Email sts@doit.wisc.edu to start the conversation about reinstating your registration privileges.
Why do I have to share a computer during some classes?
Occasionally, our classes will fill beyond the number of available workstations. To serve as many students as possible, we may ask you to pair up with someone. Most of the time, students do not have to share computers.
Can I suggest future classes?
Please do! At the end of each class, students are asked to fill out an evaluation form. We carefully consider all suggestions and comments on these evaluations. You may also email sts@doit.wisc.edu with suggestions for future classes.
Where can I get the training materials used in classes?
Once you log into the STS site, the manuals and files we use can be found on the class description pages. To get to the class description pages, click on the Free Technology Classes link and then click on the specific class link. Not all classes have accompanying manuals and files.
Do I need to bring anything with me to class?
Yes. Bring your current, valid student ID. You may also want to bring notepaper for taking notes. You may also consider printing out a copy of the course manual and bringing it with you so that you may make notes directly in the manual. When available, the manuals we use in class may be downloaded from the class description page. (See the question above.)
Can you accommodate someone with special needs?
We are able to accommodate most needs. We just ask that you tell us what you need and provide at least 48 hours of notice. Please contact us at sts@doit.wisc.edu or (608) 265-6699 with assistance requests.
Can I use the training materials from STS training classes at the company where I am interning?
All of the materials used in our training sessions are copyrighted. Use is restricted to UW-Madison students for educational purposes only. These materials may not be used outside of the STS program. With that said, if you really want ‘em, contact sts@doit.wisc.edu to explore options.
Is it possible to get a list of classes I've taken?
Yes. Click on the My Appointments and Classes link and then click the See Completed Classes link.
Does STS offer any sort of certification program?
No. However, Student Technical Training (STT) offers certification for students seeking student employment at the UW-Madison.
Where can I get access to the technology that STS uses and teaches?
DoIT InfoLabs across campus have most of the software that STS teaches installed. You can also check out laptops, hard drives, microphones, cameras, and other hardware. For more information, head towww.doit.wisc.edu/computerlabs. Graduate students can also get access to all sorts of free multimedia help and hardware at the Digital Media Center. If you’d rather buy, the DoIT Tech Store offers very competitive prices.
What other organizations on campus offer free technology-related workshops for UW-Madison students?
There are many organizations that offer technical training to students. Often training occurs within the context of specific departments and organizations. However, the Writing Center and UW-Libraries offer training open to all students.
Writing Center
The Writing Center offers a Writing with New Media series during the fall and spring semesters. For a full listing of Writing Center workshops, visit the Writing Center website.
UW-Libraries
Drop-in workshops and tours are available to students, staff, and community members. These programs require no advance registration (unless otherwise noted). A complete, up-to-date listing of workshops and tours can be found at library.wisc.edu/workshops. Topics include the following:
- Internet: Job Hunting & Google for Research
- Instant Bibliographies with RefWorks, EndNote, and Zotero.
If you can’t attend a library workshop you need, many libraries offer group and/or individual sessions. Contact the campus Library and Information Literacy Instruction Office at 608.262.4308 orlibinstruct@library.wisc.edu.
I have additional questions. What should I do?
Please visit our Contact Us page and choose the option that works best for you.
