OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL STUDENT SERVICES
1101 Centennial Hall
608.785.8225
1.
The Office of Multicultural Student Services promotes
excellence in student learning and personal/social development
for UW-L multicultural students who are U.S. citizens or
refugees. In particular, OMSS provides support services and
information to recruit, retain and graduate students of African
American, American Indian, Hispanic/Latino(a), Asian
American, bi-racial or multi-ethnic descent.
2.
Areas of service and outreach include: Academic
Success Institute (summer bridge program); leadership
development and advising for multicultural student
organizations; academic and financial aid retention; peer
tutoring; personal guidance, support and advocacy for students;
cultural, educational, and social programming, year-round
pre-college programs and tutoring. OMSS models inclusive
excellence and supports collaborative efforts that promote human
understanding, shared values, and respect for individual
differences.
The Academic Success Institute (ASI)
ASI is a bridge program designed to help first
year multicultural and disadvantaged students adjust to a
rigorous college routine during the summer before the regular
academic year begins. Between 20 and 25 students are enrolled
for six weeks of intensive instruction in college level courses
and related college experiences. The institute’s records have
provided proof that retention and grade point averages can be
improved appreciably by this transitional academic experience
between high school and college.
Students interested in attending the ASI must
fit one or more of the following criteria: 1) first generation
college student (neither parent graduated from a four-year
college or university); 2) need support to successfully obtain a
college degree; 3) from a historically underserved group; 4)
economically disadvantaged. Submitting an application for
admission to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a
requirement for participation. Students will also complete an
ASI application and be interviewed prior to acceptance into the
program. Applications for ASI are accepted until program
capacity is reached. For additional questions, please
contact the Office of Multicultural Student Services, 1101
Centennial Hall Main Hall, (608) 785-8225.