Advocacy Meetings
The Dean of Students Office is committed to supporting students in times of need by providing guidance and connecting them with appropriate campus resources. If you are experiencing a challenge and are not sure where to turn, the Dean of Students Office (DOS) is here to help. Whether you are navigating an academic issue or dealing with a personal concern, our team is here to provide support, guidance, and advocacy.
Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)
The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) meets regularly to review reports of students in distress in order to determine how best to resolve concerns and connect student to appropriate support services. BIT provides guidance and assistance to students who are experiencing crisis, displaying concerning or unusual behaviors or engaging in other behaviors that may be perceived as being harmful (either to the student individually, or to others).
Caring for our students is a responsibility that involves everyone in our community. If you have concerns about a student’s well-being or behavior, please refer them to the BIT team by filling out the referral form. Together, we can ensure students receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
Absences & Withdrawals
Class Absences
The Dean of Students Office does not send absence notifications, out-of-class emails, or excused absence letters for students. If a student misses classes for any reason, they should notify all instructors via email as soon as possible. For information about the Dean of Students Absence Notification Policy, please read the policy.
The Dean of Students Office can email a student’s instructor on the student’s behalf if the student is hospitalized or unable to contact their instructor(s) due to an emergency.
Instructors have the right to follow their attendance policies posted in their syllabus and reserve the right to accept or deny absence requests to preserve the integrity of their course. If a syllabus requires verification, an instructor may ask the student to bring any documentation (medical note/obituary/etc.) needed. The Student Health Center will not provide medical/class excuse letters. For information about the UWO’s Class Attendance Policy, please read the policy.
Students with concerns about the attendance policy of a faculty member and/or their ability to make up missed coursework should follow the complaint/grievance process for the college of the course. (Please Note: The Complaint and Grievance procedures for the Undergraduate Colleges are currently being revised.)
- Undergraduate Colleges:
- College of Business, Arts & Communication
- College of Public Affairs & Education
- College of Nursing, Health Professions, & STEM
- Graduate School
Request for Flexibility
The Dean of Students Office may email professors to advocate for flexibility in extreme circumstances such as physical/mental health emergencies and/or family emergencies. Requests for flexibility do not serve as excused absences, as excused absences are at the discretion of each instructor. Student must work with their instructor(s) to discuss any missed assignments, quizzes, or exams.
The Dean of Students Office will always encourage student to follow up with the instructors to discuss any missed work and to receive appropriate academic support.
Medical Drops/Term Withdrawal from Classes
If students are currently connected with the Dean of Students Office due to severe circumstances such as:
- Medical emergency
- Family emergency
- Mental Health emergency resulting in counseling or other professional care
and these circumstances are impacting their academic success, the Dean of Students Office can assist by providing options for medical drops (one or a few classes) or a term withdrawal (dropping all classes for the current or previous semester). Please note that all drops and withdrawals are processed through the Registrar’s Office. For questions or concerns, students can email Twregistration@uwosh.edu. Additional information is also available on the Registrar’s website.
General Assistance
Career Closet
The Career Closet helps students build a professional wardrobe for interviews, internships, and jobs. Students are welcome to shop the Career Closet anytime during Career & Professional Development’s open hours. Each student may choose up to four items per semester to keep free of charge as they prepare for their professional journey.
Law for Learners
Do you have legal problems keeping you from attending classes or achieving your academic and career goals? Get free, confidential legal help through Law for Learners. The help you receive may include advice, general assistance, or referral on legal matters.
Not sure if the issue you’re experiencing is a legal problem? Don’t let that stop you from reaching out. You can review the issue with one of their legal service providers and discuss next steps.
Visit Law for Learners or fill out a form here to get started!
Need a Temporary Laptop?
UWO students can borrow a temporary laptop through Information Technology (IT). To check one out, bring your student ID to Polk Library 005, and a staff member will assist you. For questions, contact IT at (920) 424-3020.
Center for Student Success and Belonging
The Center for Student Success and Belonging (CSSB) is dedicated to the growth and personal development of UW Oshkosh students. The CSSB offers assistance finding scholarships, internships, and grants, student advocacy, and feature diverse and inclusive student organizations.
Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources
The Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources (CADR) plays a vital legal role in upholding the rights of students with disabilities. They are here to advocate for your rights, providing guidance, accommodations, and resources to help you thrive academically and personally. They may assist with medical accommodations as well.
Food Pantry
The UWO Food Pantry supports students experiencing food insecurity by providing access to free food for those with limited financial resources.
Notary Services
Need something notarized? Contact Human Resources office at (920) 424-1166 to schedule an appointment.
UWO Mobile App
Learn about campus news, events and support resources right from your mobile phone. Mobile users on campus also have quick access to important safety resources, including the UWO Safe Walk program, incident reporting tools and the ability to chat or call the UWO Police Department.
Download the app here.
Dean of Students Office
Dempsey Hall 125
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
email: deanofstudentsoffice@uwosh.edu (920) 424-3100