University Resources

The Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS), formerly the Dean of Students Office (DoSO).  is a primary resource for connecting students who are navigating personal, academic, or health issues, to supportive campus and community resources. The Office of Student Assistance and Support also serves as a central location for reporting issues of hate and bias, sexual assault, and hazing.

Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships help make college affordable. UW-Madison Online has its very own financial aid representative, Vera Abing (vera.abing@wisc.edu). Vera is experienced in supporting UW-Madison Online’s diverse student population’s unique financial aid needs.  Vera is happy to assist you with any Financial Aid-related questions or issues.

Office of Student Financial Aid Website         How to Apply / FAFSA          Receiving Financial Aid

As a UW-Madison Online student, you have access to great wellness resources! You will just need a valid @wisc.edu email to use the resources listed below. NOTE: Not all resources will have a virtual option.

If you are in need of additional support, please contact your advisor or email us at oss@advising.wisc.edu.

UHS Mental Health Services (MHS)  is partnering with Uwill to expand access to flexible, no-cost, *virtual counseling options for students. Licensed mental health professionals are available for video, phone, chat, and message sessions during flexible hours – including nights and weekends. Students can get in quickly to see a counselor, with appointments typically available within 24 hours.

*Please see the information on the Uwill website for the situations in which Uwill is a good option for students. Because Uwill teletherapy may not be appropriate for all presenting concerns, please contact MHS if you have any questions.

Let’s Talk provides no-cost, informal, confidential consultations around campus and virtually. Going to Let’s Talk can help you gain insight, support, and information about other resources. You can sign up for a virtual Let’s Talk session if you are interested.

• No topic is off limits
• Common concerns include: stress, sadness, worry, relationships, academics, family problems, and financial struggles
• The last day to sign up for a virtual session is the day before the session. In-person sessions are always first come, first served.

Check out the THRIVE Workshop Series for discussions on relevant health topics. 

All groups will meet virtually via Zoom unless otherwise specified. You can sign up for via a group session by filling out the Qualtrics survey on the Group Counseling site, most are available under the “Groups open to all students” section.

Connecting Badgers aims to enhance learning and student success by promoting, protecting & restoring mental health while acknowledging that stigma and health disparities exist and can be barriers to care. We provide students with evidence-based tips & tools from feminist and trauma-informed approaches to increase mental health literacy, which is the knowledge & beliefs about mental health concerns that aid in recognition, management, and prevention.

In partnership with the Center for Healthy Minds, you can access the FREE Healthy Minds Program app. With a combination of podcast-style lessons and both seated and active meditations, you’ll learn what the science says about the brain while developing skills to tap into these learnings for a healthier, happier you.

UHS 24-hour Crisis Line – 608-265-5600 (option 9)

If you’re thinking about suicide, or if you’re concerned for the well-being of someone you know, call UHS to speak with an on-call crisis counselor who will help address your most pressing concerns, assess your safety, and connect you with follow-up service needs. We care about you, and want you to get connected to the support you need.

The crisis support line is available 24/7, 365 days a year. We receive calls from students, family members, partners, friends, roommates, faculty, housing staff, and other campus community members who are concerned about a student.

NATIONAL HELP AND CRISIS LINES AVAILABLE ANY TIME

• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741-741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call or Text 988
• Trevor Project Lifeline – Call 866-488-7386 or Text START to 678-678
• Trans Lifeline – Call 877-565-8860
• Veterans Crisis Line – Call 988 (Option 1) or Text 838-255

We know that returning to school to continue your education takes time, energy, and resources. One of those key resources is financial support. In addition to funding received through financial aid, there are additional scholarships, grants, and emergency loans and grants that you may be eligible for.

Take some time to review the various options below to see if you are eligible! Be sure to pay attention to any specific dates and deadlines, as many scholarships and grants are awarded at least one semester in advance.

Continuing Education Grant

Thanks to the Margaret and Allard Smith Scholarship Fund, we are able to provide Continuing Education grants to support returning adult students at UW–Madison. Grants are available for the fall, spring, and summer terms. The minimum grant is awarded for $500. An individual may receive the grant for a maximum of 2 terms. Application deadlines are July 1 for the fall term; November 1 for the spring term; and May 1 for the summer term.

Learn more about the continuing education grant

Nontraditional and Returning Adult Scholarships

Thanks to generous contributions from our donors, scholarships are available for admitted UW–Madison nontraditional and returning adult students. To be eligible, applicants must be admitted to an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree program at UW–Madison. Some of the scholarships require that applicants have had a significant break in their education. All applicants must demonstrate financial need and be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible noncitizens as defined by FAFSA.

Learn more about scholarships for nontraditional students

Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) Emergency Support Fund

The Division of Continuing Studies provides emergency grant assistance for students in need. University Special Students and students enrolled in UW-Madison Online degree programs should contact Adult Career and Special Student Services (advising@dcs.wisc.edu or 608-263-6960) or reach out to their academic/career advisor for support.

contact adult career & special student services

Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) Crisis Loan and Grants

We all know that life happens, and sometimes unexpected life events or circumstances can cause financial hardship. Did you know that the Office of Student Assistance and Support at UW-Madison offers short-term loans/grants for these specific situations? Common uses for a short-term loan/grant include unexpected medical expenses, car repairs, travel expenses, and more.

Interested students must submit an application and requests will be processed accordingly. Crisis loans/grants are typically less than $500. Students will receive responses within 24 hours and can request assistance in four ways:

• Emergency Request Form
• Email: finaid@finaid.wisc.edu
• Call (608) 262-3060 between 10am-2pm CST Monday-Friday
• Self-Service Request through MyUW (financial aid applicants have this option in addition to the other choices)

Learn more about OSAS Crisis Loans & grants

Additional Resources (Non-UW-Madison Affiliated)

In addition to our UW-Madison scholarships on the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH), students are encouraged to explore and apply for local, regional, and national scholarships from external providers. Below are some of the external sites we trust to search for scholarships.

WARNING! Never pay or provide credit card information when searching for or applying for scholarships.

• FastWeb
• Scholly
• Going Merry
• CareerOneStop
• Scholarships 101
• College Scholarships
• Access Scholarships

University Veteran Services is a great resource for you to learn more about the benefits you may qualify for. If you are unsure where to begin, we recommend taking the benefit eligibility survey.

Contact University Veteran Services

• • • • • • Email: veterans@wisc.edu
          • Phone: 608-265-4628

Visit the University Veteran Services Website