Need Help? Let’s navigate this together.
For Faculty and Staff
The Office of Student Assistance and Support consults with faculty and staff supporting a student and/or those who are concerned about a student’s well-being.
Are you concerned about a student, helping a student navigate a challenge, or have questions about available resources and options for a student? We are here to consult!
A Student of Concern is a student who might be experiencing difficult personal circumstances or may be displaying behavior that you feel may be interfering with the student’s success.
Supporting every student experience
We’re a trusted source to connect students to campus and community resources and support. If you are concerned about a student and don’t know we’re to go, start with us and we can help.
Talking with Students
Information and resources for assisting a student navigating personal challenges and other concerns.
Mental health support in the classroom
Support for students who may be struggling with mental health and where to go for help.
Recognize, Respond, Refer
An instructional resource to help our community support mental health and prevent suicide.
Complete list of guides
The full collection of guidance material for students, faculty, and staff from the Office of Student Assistance and Support
Classroom resources
Guides to help navigate class attendance, accommodations for life events, and other classroom concerns that may arise.
Academic flexibility and attendance guidance
Information about class attendance and absences, as well as guidance for faculty in making decisions for flexibility requests.
Verbal de-escalation techniques
Techniques to help calm a student who may be angry or upset.
Resource list for students
A simple list of resources to share with students.
Academic concerns
Guides for other academic-related concerns.
Learn about academic misconduct and the process, or report an incident.
How to manage situations where a student misses class, including guidance on making up exams.
Guide for demanding students: techniques for working with students who may be intrusive, persistent, and require extra time and attention, including what to do, and what not to do.
Other common inquiries
Resources and guidance for supporting students dealing with specific concerns, including mental health issues, life events, financial hardship, and more. Check the guide below for more information and how OSAS can help.
Students dealing with financial hardship due to unexpected life events may qualify for a crisis loan or grant from the university.
Students can also learn more about other basic needs support, including financial, housing, health, food access, and more through the Basic Needs Student Support Team
Students dealing with food access issues or financial hardship due to unexpected life events may be eligible for support from the university. Find more information about food and financial support programs.
Review the pregnancy and parenting students guide for information on accommodations and institutional policies.
Learn more about student behaviors or incidents classified as non-academic misconduct, which is managed by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Disoriented or psychotic behavior guide: identify symptoms of severe disorientation or psychosis related to psychological illness and find guidelines on supporting students.
Guide for helping a student with anxiety: find information on identifying symptoms of anxiety in students and providing helpful support.
If you notice a student stops attending classes or activities, does not respond to emails, or misses an exam, contact OSAS for further assistance.
Guide for when a student dies: find details on university processes related to the passing of a student.
Guide for disordered eating behaviors: find language to support students with irregular eating behaviors or diagnosed eating disorders.
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that governs the privacy of student educational records, access to those records, and disclosure of information from them.
Discussing a student you are concerned about with the Office of Student Assistance and Support is permitted by FERPA if the discussion relates to the student’s experience at UW–Madison or could help the university support the student. Additionally, talking with any campus office that can help you assist the student directly is also permitted by FERPA. The Registrar’s Office has more information on student rights protected under FERPA.
Awards and Recognition
Highlighting student achievement is important to OSAS, and it helps all of us celebrate the UW-Madison community as we work toward creating an accepting, supportive, and successful environment to learn and grow.
Exceptional Citizenship Award
Recognize students with notable courage and character through the Exceptional Citizenship Award.
Contact
Office of Student Assistance and Support
70 Bascom Hall
500 Lincoln Drive Madison, WI 53706-1380
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
OSAS@studentaffairs.wisc.edu
608-263-5700
Let’s navigate this together.
After-hours support
- 24/7 mental health and urgent crisis support at 608-265-5600 (option 9)
- Non-emergency UW police line: 608-264-2677
- UW Police Department