Southeast Asian American Student Center

Our History

In the 1980s, students who were refugees and/or children of former refugees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam began attending UW-Milwaukee. As first-generation college students, many experienced difficulties navigating campus life and understanding academic expectations. The Southeast Asian American Student Academic Services office was established to help bridge the gaps. For many years, the office provided academic advising and social support to students and families. In 2019, its name changed to Southeast Asian American Student Center (SEAASC, pronounced sea-zick). The SEAASC continues to play an important role in the recruitment and retention of Southeast Asian American (Cambodian, Hmong, Lao, and Vietnamese) students at UWM. We work closely with faculty, staff, families, alumni, and Southeast Asian American community leaders to ensure student success.

Our Mission

SEAASC’s mission is to provide culturally sensitive supportive services that are essential for Southeast Asian American students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to achieve their educational goals.

Our Services

We achieve our mission by carrying out programs and activities that help to create a friendly campus environment that enables Southeast Asian American students to fully engage in the process of learning and discovery.

Assist students and families with the admissions and financial aid process
Visit high schools to meet with prospective students and coordinate campus visits
Provide frequent and individualized success coaching to help students work through personal & academic challenges
Administer scholarships and emergency grants
Host social & cultural programs and events
Celebrate Southeast Asian scholarship recipients and graduates
Collaborate with campus partners to promote cultural discussion and awareness
Connect and engage with multicultural student leaders
Outreach at community events in the Greater Milwaukee Area and throughout WI, MN, and IL