UWM Identity Centers Design Feedback

UWM is reimagining how we support our students by creating a new, student-focused center that will unify several existing services and spaces into one inclusive hub. This center will serve as a place where students can access support, build meaningful connections, and develop a stronger sense of belonging.  

  • The new center will unite the missions, comprehensive student‑care approach, and staff expertise of several existing UWM centers.
  • All current staff from these centers will be retained as part of this reorganization.  
  • The center will be part of the Division of Student Affairs and will collaborate closely with the Dean of Students, University Housing, Student Health and Wellness, and Student Involvement to address students’ holistic needs.
  • The location of the new center will be on the ground floor of the Student Union, within the current CASE and Off Campus Resource Center office areas and potentially adjacent spaces. 
  • The planning for this transition will begin in Spring 2026 and is expected to be completed in time for the start of the Fall 2026 semester. 

Current Centers being discussed:

  • Black Student Cultural Center
  • First-Generation+ Resource Center
  • LGBTQ+ Resource Center
  • Military and Veterans Resource Center
  • Off-Campus Resource Center
  • Roberto Hernández Center
  • Southeast Asian American Student Center
  • Women’s Resource Center

Background

The purpose of these questions is to gather input from students, faculty, and staff on: 

  • Providing a space for students to express their thoughts about the decision; 
  • Identifying key support services to be sustained, refined, or developed;  
  • Identifying possible names for the new center;   
  • Identifying ideas and/or new opportunities for the center; and 
  • Identifying ideas for designing space. 

Your feedback will help us honor the collective history of our identity centers and shape strategic priorities that foster greater student success. 

Feedback

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Centers

Please share which center or centers you are providing feedback on, describe your role at UWM, and explain how you interact or engage with the center(s).
What center(s) would you like to provide feedback for?(Required)
What is your role with UWM?(Required)
Let us know how you may have interacted with any centers chosen.

Your Information

If you are open to being contacted about your responses, please include your name and email address. Providing this information is optional.

Student Experience

Please reflect on your experiences seeking support at UWM, including where you go for help, which services you’ve used from the selected center, and the impact they’ve had. Share what services should continue or improve, what new support you’d like to see in the new center or HUB, and what would encourage you to seek support there.
Please be specific and include any insights or evidence of documented impact.

Community/Broader Engagement

The center(s) you selected interact(s) with a diverse range of groups in addition to students. As you reflect on its design, consider ways it could strengthen engagement and support across these wider communities.

Physical Space and Branding

Share your ideas for the new center’s physical space and identity—what would make it welcoming, supportive, and reflective of who you are. Include any inclusive name suggestions and thoughts on how we can involve more students in the naming process.
Share what needs to be present to help you feel a sense of belonging.
Please explain how your suggestion allows students from different backgrounds and experiences to see themselves in the space.

Wrap Up

Tell us how the legacy and contributions of the chosen center should be carried forward. You may also share any additional thoughts about the design process that you think campus leadership should consider.