Access

Pre-college Programs
OMSS sponsors a community-based mentoring and tutoring program, summer camps, and various academic skill building sessions for local and Wisconsin students in elementary, middle and high school. Current UWL students are employed as staff for all programs.

Disability Resource Center
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) coordinates disability-related accommodations that increase access for students with disabilities at UWL. Common accommodations include, alternative testing, alternative textbook formats, notetaking accommodations, housing and dining accommodations. DRC advisors meet individually with students to develop an individualized access plans and ensure that UWL stays accessible for all students.

Transfer Connections
This program supports recently transferred students by pairing them with a current OMSS student connector who provides guidance, answers questions, and encourages campus and community involvement. Participants also receive ongoing support from an OMSS staff member to ease their transition and adjustment. Through mentorship and resources, the program fosters meaningful connections to enhance student success and engagement.

TRIO Programs:

Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program serving first-generation, low-income college students and students with documented disabilities. SSS provides access to student success pathways via holistic advising, personalized academic support, financial literacy training, and career readiness programming.

McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program is funded by the US Department of Education and increases access to undergraduate research and graduate school by providing academic and professional supports. The program is open to all students who meet federal eligibility guidelines, including first-generation college students with financial need, and/or members of groups that are traditionally underrepresented in graduate education. Eligible students with any major that could lead to a Ph.D. are invited to apply.

OMSS
Office of Multicultural Student Services (OMSS) advocates for the retention and graduation of multicultural students and students interested in multiculturalism. OMSS believes in a holistic one-stop approach in developing students and creating access to pathways for college success and opportunities. Our mission is to create a sense of belonging through connection, authenticity, and access.

Peer Tutoring
OMSS offers free tutoring for a wide range of classes. Students can drop in during posted hours or request to be directly connected with a tutor to set up an appointment.

Partners In Residence
OMSS has partnerships with various offices, including Financial Aid, Student Life- Wellness & Health, Career Services, and Counseling & Testing. Staff from each office has designated drop-in hours each week to meet students, located in the PIR room in the OMSS lounge.

AERIE LLC
OMSS coordinates a Living and Learning Community that supports participating first-year students by fostering connections through dedicated staff, faculty, peer mentorship, and intentional programming in both classroom and residential settings. Participants engage in mentorship, two shared courses (one if fall/spring semester), and campus resources to enhance student success and sense of belonging. AERIE focuses on academic excellence, retention, and leadership development through multicultural organizations and residence life.

Pride LLC
The Pride Center’s Living and Learning Community (LLC) goal is to create a housing community where LGBTQIA+ students, their family members, and allies feel a sense of belonging, are affirmed, empowered, and celebrated. Open to all new and returning students. Residents in the Pride Center Community will build relationships with one another and actively engage in the UWL’s Pride Center events and initiatives. Options include participating in the many events the Center puts on, joining student organizations (Rainbow Unity and/or Transform), attending the annual conference (MBLGTACC) with other UWL students, facilitating trainings for the campus community, and participating in various panel discussions. Students will be registered for a specific section of Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (RGS 100) in the fall. The Pride Center Community is a collaborative partnership among the UWL Pride Center, the Office of Residence Life, and the Department of Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

UWL First Scholars LLC
The UWL First! Scholars living-learning community addresses social and economic barriers to higher education for up to 50 first-generation college students who demonstrate academic promise and financial need. Students receive a $2000 scholarship during their first two years at UWL, while benefiting from a coordinated system of college readiness, advising, and career development programming.

Fostering Success for Independent Scholars
Fostering Success for Independent Scholars (FSIS) provides students without traditional family support access to essential resources, guidance, and financial aid. The program reduces barriers to success through material support, emergency funds, and direct connections to the TRIO SSS program.

Hekima Scholars
This scholar program offers first- and second-year students, including those who identify as male and those who are interested in the study of masculinity, an opportunity to explore social and identity development with a focus on masculinity. Participants enroll in a one-credit learning community course that fosters authentic connections and personal growth through curriculum designed to support academic, social, and leadership development. The program aims to build meaningful relationships and create a strong sense of belonging.

EMP
EMP is a learning community that supports second-year students by introducing them to career pathways requiring postgraduate education while fostering academic success through collaboration. Participants gain experience/skills in writing, research, and communication to enhance readiness for graduate school and professional careers. The program includes a scholarship, cultural enrichment, and two 1-credit courses, requiring a full-year commitment from selected students.