Eligibility (Degree/Non-Degree)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE BUS, PARA-TRANSIT & SHUTTLE PROGRAM?

The Bus, Para-Transit & Shuttle Program gives Madison College students the opportunity to utilize Metro Transit Bus & Para-Transit via the student bus pass and OneCard & to utilize the Shuttle Service via the OneCard.  (A similar program is in place at UW – Madison, where all students pay $53.76 per semester to support the bus program.)  Madison College students, who are enrolled in at least one degree-credit class, are eligible to receive a bus pass. (See below for definition of a "degree credit student.")

Non-degree students may receive a bus pass by paying a $50 fee per semester or summer session, which provides access to student activities, programs & services, the Fitness Centers & the Bus, Para-Transit & Shuttle Program.  (See below for definition of a "non-degree student.")

A bus pass allows the student to ride all Metro Transit buses anywhere, anytime, with the exception of Metro Transit Special Event Buses. Para-Transit services are also available to eligible students through the Bus Pass Program.  Passes are activated & deactivated based on enrollment.

A "degree student" is defined as anyone who is enrolled in a credit-bearing course, and the credits from that course are applicable to a degree program.  There are students who take "degree-credit courses," but are undeclared and / or have no intention of completing a degree.  If a person enrolls in a credit-bearing course, and the credits from that course are applicable to a degree program, he or she is designated as a "degree-credit student."  The easiest way to identify a degree-credit course is by the sixth digit of the course number.  If the sixth digit of the course number is a "1, 2, 3 or 5," the course is a "degree-credit course."  Students, at Madison-based campuses, taking these courses are charged supplemental fees, which includes the Bus and Para-Transit Program Support Fee.  Persons taking online courses are charged supplemental fees, if the course is a “degree-credit” course.  Persons who take classes under the Senior Audit Provision are charged supplemental fees, when they audit courses that are “degree-credit” classes.  Persons who in the Youth Apprenticeship Program, the Duel High School and College Credit Program and the Youth Options Program are charged supplemental fees, when they take “degree-credit” classes.

A “non-degree student” is defined as anyone who is enrolled in a course which is NOT part of any degree program at Madison College.  The course however, may be a pre-requisite for a degree.  The easiest way to identify a non-degree course is by the sixth digit of the course number.  If the sixth digit of the course number is a "4 or 6," the course is a "non-degree course."  Students taking these courses are NOT charged supplemental fees, which includes the Bus and Para-Transit Program Support Fee.