Set yourself up for Summer Term success with these support services

When summer sun shines on the Terrace, life always seems full of possibility. But as you dig into summer courses and activities, don’t go it alone. Offices across campus can provide a variety of support for students, whether you’re taking courses online or on campus.

“I’m proud of the way our students stepped up last year and showed resilience as we worked through a pandemic, together,” says Dean of Students Christina Olstad. “The start of Summer Term brings hope, a fresh start and new beginnings. As the dean of students, my role is to help coach students through college life outside the classroom. And I’m excited to continue with our Summer Term students.”

If you need support and are not sure where to go, start with the Dean of Students Office within Student Affairs, which connects students who are navigating personal, academic or health issues to campus and community resources. The department also serves as a central location for reporting issues of hate and bias, sexual assault and hazing.

Staff are available virtually via phone, email and same day appointments 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday. Contact the Dean of Students Office for an appointment.

Dean Olstad adds, “I hope to connect with many Badgers on campus, through Twitter, or in person over the summer. I invite students to make an appointment to say hello, or to share concerns or feedback, during my office hours. I’d love to hear student stories and learn about their goals and passions.”

Here are a few more support services you can tap into to make the most of your Summer Term:

Stay healthy

“We want all students to know that we are here for you,” says Sarah Nolan, a licensed psychologist and director of Mental Health Services at University Health Services (UHS). “Our providers specialize in working with students and are committed to meeting each person where they are and helping them with their goals.”

All Summer Term students have access to UHS services, from care for illnesses and injuries to preventive care, psychological and psychiatric care. To get started, call UHS at 608-265-5600 or log in to your MyUHS account. View more details about UHS services here. (If you are not enrolled in summer courses, you can pay the Summer Health Fee to access care.)

If you’re new to Mental Health Services, schedule an Access Appointment, a 30-minute time where a clinician will listen to your concerns and determine next steps for clinical care. Medical Services requests appointments and is often able to accept drop-ins. All UHS services are unlimited, except for individual counseling; however, Mental Health Services offers unlimited Access Appointments, group counseling and crisis services.

Check out the UHS remote health page with virtual resources that include videos on coping, wellness, sleep, grief and relationships and wellness resources like on-demand fitness, yoga and meditation. There are also identity-specific resources for students of color, international students and LGBTQ+ students.

Staff at UHS want you to know that asking for help is sign of strength. Don’t hesitate to call their 24/7 mental health crisis line at 608-265-5600 (option 9) and the after-hours nurse triage line at 608-265-5600 (option 1).

Achieve academic goals

As you hit the books this summer, check out this Academic Support portal so you know where to go when needs arise.

Undergraduate academic advisors are ready to engage with students using a variety of remote options — phone, video call or email. They’ll answer your questions about course selection and requirements or chat about other issues related to your life as a student. Find your academic advisor by using the Student Center in MyUW.

And here’s a nugget of advising gold from Jen Walsh, assistant director of Summer Advising Initiatives: “Summer courses move fast compared to fall and spring courses, so keep an eye on add/drop deadlines, which can come up sooner than you think.”

Libraries continue to offer in-person services, including book pickup, collection access, study spaces, computer labs and equipment checkout. Review the Summer 2021 Library Services and Library by Appointment pages to learn what’s available. Library staff can also help you find what you need via the Ask a Librarian chat service, or you can even text a librarian at 608-729-7886. Access the catalog anytime through the online search page.

Don’t forget, The Writing Center is open for all your editorial needs this Summer Term. Services are virtual and include individual instruction, workshops, writing mentorships and graduate writing groups. Schedule an appointment with an instructor at WCOnline, where you can choose between virtual meetings and written feedback.  The Writer Center summer workshops offer a quick and easy way to learn writing strategies, approaches to different genres of writing and English language conventions.

Tech trouble? Visit the DoIt Help Desk and call, email or chat with expert digital problem-solvers – all online. Summer hours for the Help Desk are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday, noon–5 p.m.

Find financial support

The friendly team at the Office of Student Financial Aid will continue to be virtual during Summer Term, so you can access financial aid and wellness assistance from wherever you are spending the summer. Services include advising appointments, basic needs support and emergency support. They also offer Success Services such as help with time management and goal-setting, and financial aid workshops and events.

“Our whole team is available to help you secure your financial aid for summer and to help you get ready for fall, too!” says Helen Faith, director of the Office of Student Financial Aid.

In addition to accessing financial services, Faith suggests students who have not done so create an account and begin using GradReady. This online tool offers videos, quizzes and personalized budgets to help students find financial success. You can learn about paying for college, money management and real-world finance through module-based learning. Earn badges as you go!

Soak up the summer

More wise advice from Dean Olstad: Get outside! If you’re on campus this summer, enjoy all that Madison has to offer, from outdoor adventures with Wisconsin Hoofers to hiking Picnic Point. No matter where you are spending your summer, enjoy nature and take some fresh air into your lungs. Just be sure to do so safely, following COVID guidelines.

Check the COVID-19 Update: Campus policies for summer and the UW–Madison COVID-19 Response page for updates on pandemic response on campus.

Most importantly, stay connected to family and friends, and take good care of the most important Badger: You!

See the Summer Term website for more information on getting ahead and achieving your academic goals with summer courses.