Your Go-to-Guide for Success: Start with the Office of Student Assistance and Support
By Mia McCauley, Student Affairs InternWhen you don’t know where to go or if you feel stuck, start with the Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS). The team is available to help students through personal, academic, and health concerns, and consult with staff and faculty who are concerned about a student. With mental health resources, food access support, and everything in between, OSAS is available to help navigate campus life, together.
First, let’s meet OSAS.
Badger Essentials: Unlocking Resources for Students
Not sure where to start? Fill out a Student Assistance Formand staff will help you find options and resources, typically within the same day.
If you are worried about a friend, connect with OSASto share a concern.
OSAS connects students to a variety of campus and community food and financial support:
The Badger FARE Program offers students experiencing urgent food insecurity $75 via their Wiscard. Students must be enrolled in the current term. These funds can be received once per academic year by eligible students.
Short-term crisis loans and grants may be available for students experiencing financial hardship as a result of unexpected life events or circumstances. This program is just one of many financial assistance programs on campus. Crisis loans/grants are also known as short-term loans/grants and are generally under $500.
Additionally, the Basic Needs program connects students with food, health, clothing, and more. The website is a central hub striving to connect students with valuable information and access to compassionate support; ensuring students can find resources on and off campus.
Empowering Educators: Resources for Faculty and Staff
OSAS is a starting point for accessing an extensive range of resources and support services, on and off campus, but they don’t do this work alone.
University Health Services (UHS)
UHS offers a wide range of no-cost support for all UW–Madison students. There are mental health and medical services available in the clinic, as well as resources that don’t require any appointment at all like Let’s Talk consultations.
Office of Financial Aid
Students have access to financial support for essential expenses through the Office of Student Financial Aid. If you need help with FAFSA, budgeting, and money management, connect with the office through appointments, events, and our other success services
Law for Learners
Student Affairs partners with Law for Learners, a program that connects students with FREE, confidential legal advice around criminal records, housing, driver’s license recovery, and more.
Bottom Line: You’re never alone in the process.
Regardless if you’re a student or faculty or staff person on campus, there is no wrong way to reach out to OSAS to learn more about student support services on campus.Start with OSAS and find support via phone, email, or same-day appointments.
By Mia McCauley, Student Affairs Intern
When you don’t know where to go or if you feel stuck, start with the Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS). The team is available to help students through personal, academic, and health concerns, and consult with staff and faculty who are concerned about a student. With mental health resources, food access support, and everything in between, OSAS is available to help navigate campus life, together.