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AERIE LLC

A page within Multicultural Student Services

UWL AERIE

AERIE is a new program under Multicultural Student Services for incoming first year students for the academic year 2025-2026. AERIE intends to provide a safe space for support and a sense of belonging for our first year multicultural students and students interested in multiculturalism. Students may connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges related to their salient identities and reduce feelings of isolation. Additionally, we strive to offer exploration opportunities relating to racial identity development, helping students make meaning, reflect and grow as they experience their first year of college. By providing a space for learning with dedicated peer mentors and community building, AERIE will focus on student academic success and retention. Participants will engage in leadership opportunities to enhance their involvement, through multicultural student organizations and/or residence life. Students will have learning opportunities for mentorship, and on-campus resources that will impact their student success and connections.  

Here are some benefits from being a member of the AERIE LLC:

  • Meet lifelong friends
  • Early Start: students move-in one week before all new freshmen 
  • Level Up: learn about campus without the hustle
  • Mentor support from a current college student
  • Advising support from professional staff
  • Receive a housing grant 
  • Feel a sense of belonging

All AERIE students are required to live in Laux Hall. Laux Hall will have a community that consists of all members of the program. This will provide a unique opportunity to build deeper relationships and learn more about your fellow AERIE participants.

 

Together we are stronger learners!

AERIE members are required to enroll in specific courses that aid in their identity development.

These courses aim to comfort students so they can openly discuss issues related to race, identity, and their unique challenges, further empowering them to thrive in their academic pursuits.

AERIE Members should enroll in these classes each semester:

Fall Semester Course FYS 100 (First Year Seminar - All UWL Freshmen take course)
Spring Semester Course RGS 100 (Introduction to Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies - General Education Requirement)

All AERIE students are assigned a mentor that meets with them regularly to assist with the transition to college. AERIE mentors are upperclassmen students who have experiences with multicultural leadership and awareness of a variety of campus resources. 

Meet the AERIE Advisor

Noona

Noona Xiong

Retention Specialist
Multicultural Student Services

608.785.8824 
1101 Centennial Hall 
nxiong2@uwlax.edu

The AERIE LLC is designed to connect students with diverse multicultural experiences, helping them transition into campus life, bridge dialogue on multiracial identity, and build a sense of belonging. It aims to create community, offer academic/social resources, and provide opportunities for leadership development. Partnered with UWL Multicultural Student Services and Residence Life, AERIE is here to offer tailored support for first-year students.

Academy of Excellence: Representation in Involvement and Engagement

The AERIE (Academy of Excellence: Representation in Involvement and Engagement) program is designed to connect you with the diverse experiences and stories of multicultural communities. Just like an eagle's nest, which is built high and strong, AERIE at UWL—where our mascot is an eagle—symbolizes our commitment to creating a strong and supportive community.

Our goal is to enhance the first-year experience, ease the campus transition, and engage students from various backgrounds to help them feel a sense of belonging.