The Office of Student Assistance and Support assists students with a variety of concerns by working directly with them and connecting them to appropriate resources on campus. We also consult with and serve as a resource for faculty and staff, parents, families, and friends, working together to serve students.
Mission and Vision
We want to support student success by creating a culture of caring on campus, so when students need help, they know the Office of Student Assistance and Support is the place to go.
What we do
Inform
We provide accurate & timely information on University policies and procedures.
We identify the campus and community resources necessary to achieve positive outcome to student concerns.
Consult
We provide advice about how to deal with any situation which may be causing difficulty.
We offer guidance and coaching to enhance student’s capacity to succeed.
Guide you to the right place
We provide referrals so concerns are brought to the attention of the appropriate university official.
We help facilitate contact with the proper office or service.
Staff
The staff of the Office of Student Assistance and Support are here to help you navigate resources and options.
To connect with the Office of Student Assistance and Support, first contact our main contact information. We will help connect you with the appropriate staff member based on your situation.
Hope Dymond
Position title: Student Assistance Specialist
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Email:
hope.dymond
Elaine Goetz
Position title: Graduate & Professional Student Assistance Specialist
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Email:
egoetz2
Kathy Kruse
Position title: Associate Dean of Students & Director
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Email:
kathy.kruse
Tynille Rufenacht
Position title: Care Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Email:
tynille.rufenacht
Jeff Turner
Position title: Student Assistance Specialist
Pronouns: he/him/his
Email:
jeff.turner
Rachael Willits
Position title: Associate Director
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Email:
rachael.willits
The Behavior Intervention Team
Chaired by the Director of the Office of Student Assistance and Support, the team includes membership from campus units that support students’ success, health, and well-being. The team addresses student behavior which demonstrates a risk of harm to self or the campus community, recommending and facilitating appropriate interventions, including, but not limited to, referrals to campus and community resources.
How to reach us
We're here to help
Have a question, worried about a student, need help exploring your options, or want to learn about available resources? We’re here to help! Connect with our Drop-In staff, Monday-Friday 8:30am-4pm.
Contact
Office of Student Assistance and Support
Visit us at: 70 Bascom Hall
500 Lincoln Drive Madison, WI 53706-1380
Monday-Friday: 8:30am - 4pm
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)
- Dial 911 for emergencies
- Non-emergency UW police line: 608-264-2677
- UW Police Department