Undergraduate Minority Student Program

The UW-Madison School of Education is committed to increasing racial and ethnic diversity in its programs and being in the forefront of preparing teachers, artists, dancers, allied health professionals, rehabilitation counselors, and researchers of color for an increasingly diverse nation. To that end, Minority Student Program (MSP) staff members recruit and support underrepresented students at all levels of their educational experience, from high school to graduation.

Staff members help prospective students with the college admission process, offer guidance around financial aid and scholarships, and point toward campuswide academic support programming. Once on campus, students meet with the MSP coordinator to discuss program choices, course options, academic progress, obstacles to students' academic achievement and progress, and opportunities for honors work and independent study. The coordinator is also there to talk about family, roommates, and the occasional homesickness.

Program staff are sensitive to each student's individual needs and background, taking into account the unique challenges faced by those whose culture, race, and ethnicity may differ from that of the mainstream student population. Staff members work to make the School of Education a safe and supportive place for all its students.

Prospective and current students of color are strongly encouraged to contact the Minority Student Services Coordinator, René Munguia, Jr., Minority Student Programs, B117 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Mall, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-8427; rmunguia@education.wisc.edu. The coordinator serves as an academic advisor and advocate for currently enrolled ethnic undergraduates, closely monitoring student progress, disseminating information specific to students of color, and serving as a general liaison to other campus support services. The coordinator also conducts outreach to high schools, community-based organizations, college fairs/career nights, and other venues to increase the school's enrollment of ethnically diverse students.

Financial Aid/Scholarships. The annual costs for tuition, room and board, books and miscellaneous expenses are traditionally met through a combination of student/family resources, need-based financial assistance and merit-based scholarships. Most financial aid and scholarships require formal application for each year of enrollment in college, so students must carefully follow application procedures and develop an understanding of eligibility criteria for various types of aid. The MSP coordinator can assist students and families with the initial processing of the need-based Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any future renewal requirements. The coordinator can also help explain the various types of aid available and how eligibility is generally determined. Merit-based scholarships are generally awarded to students who exhibit high academic achievement. They may be available through family employers, corporate sponsors, civic organizations and, to some extent campus departments and administrative programs.

Comments or Problems: easinfo@education.wisc.edu.
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