Office for Student Success

What We Do

The Office for Student Success (OSS) helps students to meet three goals:

  1. Transition smoothly to college
  2. Remain enrolled and progress in a program of study
  3. Graduate in a timely manner

We do this by supporting students directly and by collaborating with academic departments and university offices to provide programs and services that support students’ academic growth and personal development.

Administratively situated under the Vice Provost for Student Success, our programs guide students in clarifying academic goals and exploring majors. From new freshmen course registration to first year programs, academic advising, and the Writing Center, we are a student's partner in academic success. The Office for Student Success also coordinates several campus-wide efforts to encourage high impact learning opportunities. These efforts include supporting and promoting student goals toward degree completion and developing proactive retention interventions that foster student success.

Whether you are a freshman or senior, a current student or prospective one, a parent or member of the faculty, this website has been designed to serve as a resource for anything a student would need to succeed at the University of Montana.

We invite you to explore our website, visit us on the 4th floor (main OSS reception area) and 3rd floor of Aber Hall, call us at 406-243-2800, or contact us by email with any questions.

OSS Annual Report 22-23

Advising for Undeclared, Non-Degree, and Pre-Health Professions

Undergraduate Advising Center

The Undergraduate Advising Center (UAC) is an academic support unit within the Office for Student Success (OSS). Located in Aber Hall on the 4th floor, the UAC is the academic advising home for all Undeclared, Pre-Nursing, undergraduate non-degree, and first-year Pre-Medical Sciences and Pre-Physical Therapy students whose primary majors are Undeclared.

Exploratory Studies Logo

The Exploratory Studies Program (ESP) is designed for students who are unsure of a major and would like to examine their options with a focused, hands-on approach. ESP consists of seven Exploratory Tracks, each outlining suggested General Education Requirement and major exploratory courses that fit into a number of related majors on campus.

Programs to help you complete your degree more quickly

Four Bear Logo

The goal of the program is simple: to help students graduate from UM in four years. Enrollment in Four Bear is free and there are no requirements to sign up other than students' commitment to graduate in four years. First-year, full-time Mountain Campus students are automatically enrolled in the program and can choose to opt out, while transfer students with less than 30 credits are eligible to sign up.

DegreeIn3

The University of Montana (UM) offers a unique opportunity for students to expedite and complete their degree in only three years. The Degree in 3 Program at UM allows students a cost-effective way to shorten their path to graduation, and to enter the work-force or start graduate/professional programs earlier. This is the full bachelor’s degree, but completed more efficiently.

Specialty support programs

Trio Student Support Services

TRIO Student Support Services is a unique program funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and has been a part of UM's services to students since 1979. We provide assistance to at least 375 active students every year. Students who participate in the program come from every academic department and major on campus. To participate in the program, students must meet eligibility guidelines that are based on household income, parent's education or student disability.

Trio Upward Bound

Throughout the school year, Upward Bound offers afterschool tutoring in each of our target high schools, volunteer opportunities, monthly workshops in topics related to high school success and post-secondary enrollment, and tours of area colleges during fall or spring breaks. Summer programming comes in the form of our signature six-week residential program. During this program students live on campus, take courses to prepare them for the upcoming school year, and participate in a variety of fun activities.

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Montana GEAR UP supports schools, students, and their families to increase students’ college and career readiness through academic preparedness, postsecondary planning, and financial aid knowledge so that they may succeed in their education beyond high school.

Education for Your Studies and Life

Writing and Public Speaking Center

The Writing and Public Speaking Center provides a collaborative learning environment for all members of the University of Montana community. Professional tutors support undergraduates, graduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff working on a wide variety of academic, professional, and creative writing tasks.

Study Jam logo

Study Jam focuses on providing group study opportunities and tutoring for students in high enrollment courses, many of which require quantitative skills.

UM Financial Education Program

The Financial Education Program offers one-on-one financial counseling sessions as well as regularly scheduled workshops. Make good financial decisions early in your academic career so that you can spend reasonably, save responsibly and enjoy peace of mind about your finances!

KPCN

KPCN Logo

KPCN: The Peer Connection Network is a nationally recognized, student production team. Founded in 2010, KPCN strives to provide a visually engaging, articulate form of communication between the campus community. Collaboration between students of several different majors provides a dynamic group adamant about increasing the success rate and overall UM experience of their fellow students.