Services for Student Success

Academic Advising

Academic advising is an important service provided to UMW students. All incoming new and transfer students are assisted through the Advising Center. Advisors provide guidance and assistance to students in understanding university policy and procedures and developing an academic plan. Students are assigned a faculty advisor in their area of study once a major or program of study is declared. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor at least twice a year to review their program of study to ensure they are making progress toward a degree. Students may contact the Advising Center with questions related to academic advising, student forms, and other general information. All students are provided with an advising manual to help track and organize their information

Career Services

The Career Services office is available to assist students in finding employment throughout their collegiate career as well as upon graduation. All services are offered to students and alumni free of charge. Our staff works directly with students to provide career advising and assessments, job search strategies, and graduate school preparation tips. We offer guidance in creating and updating resumes, writing cover letters, developing interview skills, and completing job applications. Career Services is proud to offer an online software program to students and alumni, called OPTIMAL RESUME, to assist you with developing job tools. For more information and access to online resources, please visit the Career Services website at: https://w.umwestern.edu/info/career-services/

Disability Services

Director of Student Success, Main Hall 212
(406) 683-7311

Website: Disability Services

Montana Western is committed to achieving equal educational opportunity and full participation for persons with disabilities. It is UMW’s policy that no qualified person be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination with regard to any University program, activity, internship, practicum, or class.

It is Montana Western’s goal to meet the academic needs of each student with a disability.  A student with disabilities who is seeking academic accommodations must give initial notification to the Director of Student Success (Main Hall 212) that they have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability. The student must meet with the Director of Student Success where, through an interactive process, they will discuss the student’s disability, appropriate documentation that describes the qualifying disability, the extent of that disability, and information on how the effects of the disability might be mitigated through use of reasonable accommodations. UMW strongly supports student self-advocacy, and encourages all students with disabilities to make Disability Support Services aware of their intent to seek and use academic accommodations. 

During this meeting, the student is welcome to bring a parent, guardian, significant other, or assistant into the meeting. The meeting is designed to help the student be successful in their course work at UMW. The Director of Student Success will help guide the student in making decisions regarding classes and needed accommodations. Accommodations may include services such as note-taking, books on audio, proctored and/or orally-delivered tests, extended testing periods, and dictation services. Housing and dining accommodations, access to buildings, and student support groups are also topics discussed in the meeting. Accommodations must be reasonable as to the extent of the law, including ADA and Section 504 provisions. When accommodations cannot be agreed upon between faculty, student, and administration, the Director of Student Success will seek advice, input, and/or mediation from the University of Montana-Missoula Office for Disability Equity.

Financial Literacy Program

Financial Aid Office, Short Building
(406) 683-7511

The Financial Literacy program helps students develop solid financial habits while attending college and beyond. One goal of the Financial Literacy program is to reduce student loan debt and time to degree so our graduates are better able to face their financial future. Services offered include budgeting workshops to assist students in making wise financial decisions which are available at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/prepare-for-college/budgeting, financial aid and FAFSA assistance, and one-on-one counseling. Assistance with student loan consolidation and forgiveness options is also available at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/understand/plans. You should check your federal grants and loans regularly at https://nslds.ed.gov/nslds/nslds_SA/. Check your loans for accuracy and know who your Loan Servicer is and how to contact them. Call or come by for more information.

Learning Center

The Learning Center offers peer tutoring for all Montana Western students. Tutoring appointments are available on a walk-in basis, by phone, or online appointment request. Peer tutors are available to assist students in a one-to-one setting or as leaders of study groups. The Learning Center promotes a collaborative and welcoming learning environment and has computers, couches, a reference library, and a printer/scanner. Academic documentaries, or live NASA TV, are shown on our big screen daily. Call, stop by, or go to the Learning Center’s website at: https://w.umwestern.edu/info/learning-center/ for more information, or to make an appointment.

TRiO Student Support Services

TRIO Student Support Services is a U.S. Department of Education funded program designed to provide opportunity to qualified students to overcome academic, social, and cultural barriers to 
succeed in higher education. TRIO SSS first-year students participate in the First Year Program, which focuses on helping students successfully transition to college and learn the skills necessary to succeed in higher education.  Throughout each student’s time at Western, TRIO SSS staff provide advice, assistance, and support in course selection, financial aid programs, financial literacy, scholarships, and developing career skills. To qualify, students must be seeking a bachelor’s degree and meet one or more of the three criteria listed:

• Fall below federal low-income guidelines; or
• Have a documented disability and be registered with Western’s Disability Services; or
• Be considered “first-generation” -Neither of the student’s parents or guardians completed a four-year college degree.

TRIO SSS program applications are available in the TRIO Office or on the Western TRIO website. For more information and access to online resources, please visit the TRIO website at: https://www.umwestern.edu/info/trio-student-support-services/

Veterans and Military Exchange (VMX)

The Veterans and Military Exchange (VMX) offers a wide array of services to past and present service members and their families to assist with the transition to college. Services include access to computers, educational support and resources, community involvement opportunities, access to educational benefits and financial aid opportunities, informational events, peer-to-peer support, and reintegration assistance. Staff from various offices across campus are available at dedicated times to answer questions, assist with benefits application and information, and to address any challenges or questions that may arise.

UMW Multicultural Center

The multicultural center is a space designed to welcome students of diversity. The mission of UM-Western’s multi-cultural center is to increase understanding, promote inclusion and inspire critical thinking about diversity. Diversity and inclusions will be examined through programs, lectures, movies, cultural celebrations, discussion groups and social events. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use the center to promote this mission. The center is open 8-5 Monday-Friday.