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Table of Contents| Academic Programs by College| Campus Information | Notes to Students | General Information | Admission to the University | Expenses and Financial Aid | The Campus | Services and Involvement | Academic Regulations and Student Conduct | Degree Requirements | Colleges & Schools |Undergraduate Course and Program Descriptions | Administrative, Faculty and Staff listings | Calendar | Campus Map
A
key ingredient to your success as a student at the University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse is for you to become familiar with the various services, programs and
sources of support available to you. Changing majors and re-thinking a career
decision is a common occurrence. Perhaps you need assistance with personal
concerns or academic skills. Maybe you are interested in special programs to
augment your classroom learning. The university provides many resources to
assist you in your development and to expand your experience.
Faculty advisers are assigned to each student based on
academic major. Students are notified of this assignment by the dean’s
assistant in the appropriate college. Advisers may be consulted for major and
career choices and concerns, course sequencing and selection, and a variety of
other issues. Students should schedule a minimum of one conference per semester
with their advisers. Frequently this is done when planning next semester’s
class schedule.
Other advising resources include the Academic Advising
Center, Career Services Office, and the Counseling and Testing Center, all
located in Wilder Hall. The staff in these offices provide academic ,career and
personal counseling, and make referrals when appropriate. These resources,
particularly the Academic Advising Center are useful for students who have not
declared an academic major or are uncertain about a major or career.
Academic assistants to the deans are knowledgeable about
university policies and procedures. They assign faculty advisers and notify
students of the academic status. They determine whether students have completed
all General Education, college core, major, minor and university requirements
for graduation. Students should schedule an appointment with the assistant in
their college dean’s office one semester prior to graduation to confirm that
all requirements will be met.
The Student Notice of Academic Progress (SNAP) report is
an important advising tool. Each semester a report is generated and sent to
students via e-mail as well as to each adviser. The report identifies
requirements that have been completed and those that remain. Using your SNAP is
the best way to ensure that you are taking exactly the courses you need for
graduation. SNAP search allows a student to get a SNAP report for any major.
This provides an opportunity to determine how one’s courses fit into a
different major, and what requirements would need to be met. SNAP reports and
SNAP searches are available for minimal cost at the Records and Registration
Office.
ACADEMIC
ADVISING CENTER
8 Wilder
Hall, (608)785-6950
www.uwlax.edu/advising
The Academic Advising Center exists to help students make
effective, informed decisions about their academic work. The center staff
believe students should understand and appreciate the value of the General
Education program – and that students should choose a major field of study
that is consistent with their natural inclinations and talents. They work
closely with all faculty and academic units to support effective communication
across the disciplines about academic support that is available to all students.
Declared
majors. The
staff support the advising that that is carried out by faculty and academic
staff within the colleges, departments and other academic units. Students who
have declared their major/minor should meet every semester with their designated
faculty adviser.
Undeclared
majors/students with unique needs. Most of the center’s work is focused on
students who have not decided on an academic major and populations of transfer
students, returning (non-traditional) students, and those students with unique
needs. There are resources to assist with academic and career decision-making,
including the computer-based Discover program, WCIS (Wisconsin Career Information System) and
other World Wide Web-based programs that can help match the student’s interest
and skills with potential majors and occupations. The staff and peer advisers
meet individually with students who are uncertain about their major or career
choice and refer students to other campus resources and make confidential
referrals for vocational testing and career counseling as appropriate.
Career Services
2nd Floor
Wilder Hall; (608)785-8514
www.uwlax.edu/careerservices
The Career Services Office assists students in finding
meaningful careers. The following services are available to assist in this
process.
Career
Events. Each
year Career Services coordinates several major career exploration events that
allow students to meet employers on an informal basis to discuss career options,
internship positions, and employment opportunities.
On-Line
Services. From
the Career Services’ home page, students can view and apply for regularly
updated internships and jobs, sign up for on-campus interviews and upload
resumes for employers to view on line. The home page also provides a complete
schedule of Career Services sponsored career fairs, events and workshops,
extensive “how to” information for resume writing, cover letter writing and
interviewing, links to the top job Web sites and major employer home pages,
graduate and professional school information, links to career guidance
information and an annually updated report on employment information of recent
UW-L graduates.
Workshops.
Titles and subject matter of the regularly scheduled workshops include the
following: Preparing a Resume; Job Interview Techniques; Introduction to
Cooperative Education and Internships and Job Search Strategies.
On-Campus
Interviewing. Employers
from business, industry, government, and education visit the campus to interview
students for employment opportunities.
Cooperative
Education and Internship Program.
Internships help students integrate classroom
with practical experience through experiences related to their academic and
occupational goals. These experiences, for which a student can receive credit,
include working for regional, national, and international businesses, government
agencies, and community organizations.
Normally, internships involve one academic period (summer
or semester) in full- or part-time field assignments. Cooperative education
alternates classroom study with work, i.e. work a semester, study a semester and
work a summer or spend part of the day on a field assignment and part of the day
in class.
To participate in the Cooperative Education and Internship
Program, students must meet grade point average and course prerequisites.
Students must be at their internship site during the academic term for which
they are registered for academic credit. Students should contact the Career
Services Office during their sophomore year to learn more.
Departmental internships also are offered. See
“Internships” pg. 163 for a list of the departments.
Counseling and Testing CENTER
The Counseling and Testing Center offers services designed
to help the typical college student adjust to the university environment, cope
with academic and social pressures, and prevent more serious problems from
developing. The staff helps students be more effective in their academic work,
personal life, and their relationships with people.
Individual counseling provides an opportunity to talk with
a professional counselor about any topic or personal concern. Groups and
workshops help students learn new interpersonal skills, improve study skills or
discuss personal concerns in a safe and supportive atmosphere. There are alcohol
and drug abuse programs and Reach and Share, a student peer educator group that
presents programs on topics that are critical health and social issues, which
affect the UW-L campus.
Information
shared in counseling sessions is confidential in accordance with Wisconsin
Statutes. Counseling records, tests, and related information do not become part
of the official university record.
National testing programs are administered for UW-L
students and other people in the surrounding area. Available tests include the
ACT, Wisconsin Regional Placement Tests, CLEP, PPST, MCAT, and MAT. The GRE,
GMAT, PRAXIS/PPST and TOEFL are available in computer-based format.
The professional staff consists of psychologists,
counselors, and supervised professionals in training. Staff members have
considerable experience in working with college students and use various
short-term methods of individual and group counseling to help students achieve
their goals. The Counseling and Testing Center also is a training site for
masters and doctoral level graduate students who work under the supervision of
licensed professional psychologists.
Counseling center services are available free of charge to currently enrolled students.
Disability RESOURCE Services
165
Murphy Library Resource Center
(608)785-6900
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is committed to
providing equal educational opportunities for all students. Students with
disabilities on our campus are offered a variety of services to insure that both
facilities and programs are accessible. The Office of Disability Resource
Services can assist the students in obtaining reasonable accommodations at the
university.
In 1988, the
Board of Regents passed an important non-discrimination policy for students with
disabilities who attend the University of Wisconsin System schools. This policy
mandates that students with disabilities will receive the accommodations
necessary for them to have equal access to educational opportunities and
programs in the integrated or mainstreaming setting.
Any student at UW-L who has a physical, sensory,
emotional, or learning disability should meet with personnel from the Disability
Resource Services during his/her first semester on campus. Students should
contact personnel at the office immediately after acceptance into the
university.
All classroom buildings have elevators, entrance ramps and
at least one accessible restroom for students using wheelchairs. Academic
accommodations are arranged on an individual basis between the faculty, student
and the Disability Resource Services office staff.
Students with disabilities may be eligible for services
such as taped textbooks, classroom note takers, test accommodations, priority
registration, equipment loan, peer support groups and advising.
STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
(608)785-8558
The Student Health Center, a member of the American
College Health Association, provides medical, nursing, and physical therapy
services in the form of outpatient and urgent care as well as prevention of
illness or injury. The staff consists of Board Certified physicians, a certified
nurse practitioner, five registered nurses with certification in college health
nursing, physical therapists who are also certified athletic trainers, physical
therapist’s assistants, medical lab technologists, health information
managers, and office staff. The health center staff is experienced in working
with the health care needs of college students and is dedicated to providing
high quality care and assistance.
Services are available to students who are registered for
a minimum of seven credits each semester. The student health fee is
automatically included in the full-time student fee statement. Students enrolled
for six credits or less may also use the Health Center if they pay the
student health fee.
All information in a student’s health record is entirely
confidential and is not released to anyone without the student’s written
consent. Students may schedule an appointment to review their medical records.
Students can
be seen at the Health Center by scheduled appointments, same day appointments
and walk-in clinic. Appointments are available weekdays when school is in
session from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Friday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday; and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday.
Students who need emergency medical care when the Health Center is closed should
go to the emergency department or walk-in clinic of either of the
La Crosse hospitals.
Students are not required to have insurance to receive
care at the Health Center. Payment of student fees covers this cost. However,
students are strongly encouraged to obtain supplemental hospital-accident
insurance to cover such expenses as hospitalization, emergency services,
specialist care, pharmacy, and ambulance transport. The student health fee does
not cover these costs. If coverage is available through a family plan, students
are urged to have the name of the insurance carrier and policy/subscriber
numbers available on campus. For those students not covered under family
policies, a supplemental insurance plan is available through the university.
Office of International Education
116
Graff Main Hall; (608)785-8016
The office of the international student adviser is located
in the Office of International Education. This adviser plays an important role
in assisting new international students in their adjustment to UW-L and life in
the United States. Although a primary function is advising students on the many
issues that may affect their stay, the Office of International Education and the
international student adviser provide other important services:
— pre-arrival information containing details about transportation and
arrival, health insurance, housing, life in La Crosse, and orientation.
— orientation programs, scheduled each semester before classes, to
acquaint new students with university academics, facilities, and procedures,
life in La Crosse, money and banking, immigration laws, and campus and community
organizations.
— administration of Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
regulations in areas such as work authorization, transfer of schools,
practical training authorization, and extension of stay.
— referral services to other university offices and community agencies.
The international student adviser serves as a liaison with
other organizations that provide international students various opportunities to
meet and interact with people from UW-L and the La Crosse community. Two of
these organizations are the International Student Organization (ISO) and La
Crosse Friends of International Students (LFIS).
International Student Organization (ISO)
is a
recognized university student organization that offers membership to U.S. and
international students, as well as interested non-student members. ISO sponsors
an International Awareness Week and an international banquet. Other social
events and activities are scheduled throughout the year.
La Crosse Friends of International Students (LFIS)
is a community organization which is actively involved with the international
students at UW-L. The group organizes cultural and social events, excursions,
and other activities. It sponsors a Friendship Family program, which arranges
for arrival greeting, temporary housing, as well as community interaction for
new and continuing international students.
UW-L and the Office of International Education offer
students a range of academic programs for full university credit at leading
universities well matched to the needs and interests of UW-L students. Program
costs are, on average, comparatively less than many other university programs
nationwide.
The
university encourages students to study in a foreign country to enrich their
university training and enhance career opportunities. International study
programs provide special opportunities for advanced study of the humanities,
social sciences, international, business, and the arts. Language study programs
are coordinated with modern language course work at
UW-L so students can continue their progress in an appropriate sequence.
The Office of International Education has a resource room with information on
UW-L programs including course catalogs, videos, tourist information, etc.
Academic
Program Abroad categories:
1. Exchanges
permit students to enroll directly at a foreign university for a semester or
year by trading places with a student who comes to UW-L from that university.
Exchange students take standard classes in the curriculum and otherwise
participate fully as regular students at the host university.
2. Study
abroad programs
also allow students to enroll directly at a foreign university, but under the
auspices of a specially designed program to accommodate American students.
3. Study
centers
are private institutions designed exclusively for American students. They are
usually not directly affiliated with a foreign university.
4. Study
tours are
short-term excursions or summer programs, led by UW-L faculty which allow
students to focus on specific issues, themes, or world regions. Ongoing study
tours are offered in Austria, Ireland, and Scotland.
Listed below are the principal academic programs abroad
currently available to UW-L
students:
China
Denmark
France
Germany
Israel
Mexico
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
London
Scotland
International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)
International Internship Program
Independent Research Abroad
In cooperation with the four other campuses of the West
Central Wisconsin Consortium, UW-L operates a collegiate facility near
Edinburgh, Scotland. Dalkeith House, an elegant 18th-century manor, serves as a
residence and instructional center through an agreement with the Buccleugh
Heritage Trust. Students earn UW-L resident credit while taking courses from
British and Wisconsin faculty.
International Student Exchange
Program (ISEP)
UWL is a member of ISEP, an organization of more than 200 higher
education institutions around the world including Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin
America and the South Pacific. In most cases, ISEP participants register as
regular students at the host institutions, take the same courses, and
participate in the same activities as local students. Programs are available in
almost any field at the undergraduate and graduate level. Many sites offer
classes in English while learning the language of the host country.
International Internship Program
Students
may acquire practical experience in the operations of international businesses,
government agencies, educational institutions, and other international
organizations to gain a better understanding of how other cultures live and
work. International internships can be coordinated with a foreign study program
or completed independently, before or after graduation.
Independent
Research Abroad
Students with superior academic qualifications
may apply for participation in the Independent Research Abroad program. Modeled
after leading graduate programs, it allows advanced students to spend an
extended term in a foreign location completing an individually designed research
project. Students prepare their projects in a semester-long seminar prior to
their field research. Activities abroad are coordinated with appropriate foreign
institutions, libraries, and other resource centers.
Academic Requirements
Selection of the right foreign study program for each
student requires careful consideration of the academic, personal, and financial
factors that determine a successful international experience. Group and
individual advising sessions with the study abroad coordinator assist students
in choosing an appropriate program. Applicants for academic programs abroad are
expected to have a good record of academic achievements. Some programs have
minimum grade point average requirements. Sophomore or junior standing is
required for most programs.
Upon acceptance into a program, students are required to
enroll in INS 250, “Orientation to Study Abroad,” a one-credit course
designed to prepare students for a successful international experience. This
course examines educational, cultural, political, and other issues that affect a
student’s adaptation to foreign environments.
Academic credit is awarded for all programs, subject to
approval of transfer by specific departments. Grades are not calculated in
students’ UW-L GPA, except for participants of the Wisconsin-in-Scotland
program and some study tours led by UW-L
faculty.
Students wishing to participate in non-UW-L foreign study
programs may do so pending review and approval by the Office of International
Education.
Cost and Financial Aid
The university makes every effort to provide academically
sound foreign study programs at reasonable costs. Program fees are based on
tuition, room and board at UW-L with some additional administrative fees.
Students may apply financial aid to the cost of the programs. Wisconsin
residents are eligible for a need-based grant of up to $2,000.
The Student Association annually contracts with local
attorneys to help students who need legal advice. By contacting the Office of
Student Life, (608)785-8062, students can make appointments to see an attorney
on campus. All information between attorney and student is kept confidential. It
should be noted that legal service is limited to advice, not court appearances.
For further information contact the Office of Student Life, 149 Graff Main Hall.
Office of MultiCultural Student Services
The primary goals of the Office of Multicultural Student
Services (OMSS) are to increase the undergraduate and graduate enrollment of
American multicultural and disadvantaged students, to improve the quality of
their educational and social experience, and to increase the number of
graduates. To accomplish these objectives, the OMSS sponsors retention services,
such as tutoring and academic early intervention, and other special academic
support programs and services. The OMSS also sponsors numerous cultural events,
supports diverse student organizations, promotes community outreach efforts,
consults and holds joint programming sessions with support services offices, and
encourages staff and faculty involvement in multicultural student assistance
programs. In addition, the OMSS staff assists students with financial, academic,
postgraduate and personal matters.
The Academic Success Institute
(ASI).
ASI is
intended to help new multicultural and disadvantaged freshmen adjust to the
rigorous college routine during the summer before the regular academic year
begins and to facilitate a positive transition from high school to college.
Between 20 and 25 students are enrolled for six weeks of intensive instruction
in college level courses and related college experiences. The Institute’s
records have provided proof that retention and grade point averages can be
improved appreciably by this transitional academic experience.
Students interested in attending the ASI must fit one or more of the
following criteria: 1) first generation college student (neither parent earned a
bachelor’s degree); 2) need support to successfully obtain a college degree;
3) from a historically underserved group; 4) economically disadvantaged.
Submitting an application for admission to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
is a requirement for participation. Students will also complete an ASI
application and be interviewed prior to acceptance into the program.
Applications for ASI are accepted until program capacity is reached. If you have
additional questions, please contact the Office of Multicultural Student
Services, 243 Graff Main Hall, (608)785-8225.
The university has Web registration via the Targeted Access to the La Crosse On-line Network (TALON) system. Each student is assigned a registration time based on credits earned. The assigned time is listed in your academic profile on TALON, as well as on your advising SNAP report. Registration for spring semester begins in November; summer registration begins in early April, followed by fall registration in mid-April. You may register at your assigned time or any time after that through the fifth day of classes (third day for summer session) unless enrollment limits have been met. New freshmen register in the summer at special registration sessions. Some departments require advising prior to registration. You must pay a deposit prior to registration, and have a zero balance on your account. The registration system will not permit a student to enroll in a class for which a prerequisite has not been completed. The semester Timetable on the Web has complete instructions for registration and changes-of-schedule. Also see p. 42 for more information.
Cooperative Program with Viterbo university
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Viterbo
University, also located in La Crosse, have an agreement for inter-institutional
cooperation. The program is designed to enhance the educational opportunities
for students of both institutions and to optimize the use of personnel,
financial and physical resources. Authorized students from each institution will
be allowed to enroll in selected courses at the other institution.
Specific conditions:
1. Enrollment of any student in any course will be contingent upon
the written permission of both institutions.
2. Students must be enrolled as full-time students at their home
institution to be eligible for participation in the program.
3. Priority will be given to students from the home institution in
courses where enrollments are limited.
4. Students will be allowed to carry a maximum of six credits at
the sister institution.
5. Payment of general tuition and fees will be made at the
institution at which the student is enrolled full-time.
6. Any special course fees, i.e., for laboratories, physical
education, etc., will be paid at the institution at which the course is taken.
7. Only under special circumstances will students be allowed to
enroll in courses at the sister institutions that are available at the home
institution. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
8. Summer sessions are excluded from the agreement.
If you are interested in participating in the program, contact the
Cooperative Program Advisory Coordinator in the College of Science and Allied
Health, 105 Graff Main Hall.
RESIDENCE LIFE
The Office of Residence Life team mission statement reads,
“We foster respect, learning, and personal growth for all we serve through
programs, citizenship, community development and well maintained, affordable
living environments”.
Over one-third of the undergraduate students enrolled in
the university reside in one of the eleven residence halls.
During the 2005-06 academic year only ten residence halls are in
operation; a new 356-bed suite style residence hall is planned to be open for
occupancy starting August 2006. Occupancy for 2005-06 is 2,689 and for 2006-07
occupancy will be 3,045. Freshmen
and sophomore occupy most of these spaces.
Residence halls are group living and learning centers
financed and maintained solely by revenue from residents. Several living
learning arrangements are offered to meet individual needs: coed halls, a
women’s hall, an upper class hall, international hall, first year experience
hall, and substance-free hall. All halls are smoke-free.
Halls are equipped with big screen color TVs, study areas,
saunas, fitness equipment, kitchens, computer room, laundry rooms, vending
machines, kiosks, a front desk operation, and games such as ping-pong, pool, and
foosball. All student rooms have Internet connection, one port per resident.
Recreation, social, personal development, intramural
sports, and diversity programs are some of the activities planned by residents
of each hall with guidance and support from residence life staff members.
Students are encouraged to assume leadership roles and take an active part of
their living community via hall council or the Residence Hall Association
Council (RHAC).
Entering students may indicate a living arrangement and/or
roommate preference when returning the room contract acceptance card and the
required $75 deposit. Priority for housing and meeting specific requests is
based on the date the $75 deposit is received.
Specific
housing regulations are communicated to all residents through the student
handbook, Livin’
On, and
the Eagle
Eye, which
can be viewed at the Web site,
www.uwlax.edu/stuserv/osl.html. These regulations are consistent with the conduct code
referred to in this catalog and have been formulated by the chancellor under the
authorization and direction of the UW system Board of Regents.
Off campus living opportunities can be viewed via the Web at www.uwlax.edu/reslife/offcamhousing.html
.
Rental agreements are between students and their respective landlords. The
university does not inspect or approve off-campus housing.
campus safety
The University Police Department exists for the protection
of people and property within and adjacent to the University community. The
staff of certified (commissioned) police officers strive to provide a safe and
secure campus environment. This is done through enforcement as well as engaging
in activities with the Offices of Student Life and Residence Life to promote
safety and responsible behavior. The officers are available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
This unit also works with the campus parking office.
Parking space is very limited. Lots designated as commuter parking for students
and staff are controlled by permits sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Permits for residence hall parking for students living on campus are sold on a
priority basis, depending on students’ year in school. Contact Campus Parking
for information (608)785-8061.
The annual security report and crime statistics are on the Web at www.uwlax.edu/police.
Office
of Student Life
The Office of Student Life staff strives to serve as
advocates to promote the interest of students within the university. Their goal
is to help facilitate student success by maximizing the use of the services
available and to intervene on students’ behalf when requested and appropriate.
Staff are prepared to address the following issues:
— social and academic integration (new student orientation)
— advising and referral of students who experience personal crises
— investigation of student complaints (ombuds role)
— advocacy and advisement for returning adult students (non-traditional
aged)
The Office of Student Life is also designated with the
responsibility of enforcing the various conduct codes on campus, which can be
found in the Eagle
Eye. Students
who experience harassment, discrimination, assault (physical or sexual), or have
questions regarding their rights and responsibilities, should visit the Office
of Student Life for confidential advice and guidance.
In addition, the staff can provide mediation services to
students who may experience interpersonal conflict(s) and are interested in
working toward resolution.
Safety on Our Sidewalks (SOS) is coordinated through the
Office of Student Life. The goal of SOS is to help provide a safer campus
environment. During the academic year, student coordinators and volunteers
provide nightly safe walks on campus and within a limited area around campus.
SOS can be accessed by calling 785-TRUST (8787) or by walking up to the SOS
station in Murphy Library or Cartwright Center. Call SOS for specific hours of
operation.
Student Support Services
Fax: (608)785-8532
Student
Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program that has been at the
university since 1978. Each year, the program provides services to 375 students
who meet federal eligibility requirements.
A student must meet one of the following criteria to be considered
eligible for services: first generation college student (neither parent
graduated from a four year college or university); receive a substantial amount
of financial aid; have a diagnosed physical and/or learning disability. Services
provided through the program include: individualized academic, career and
personal advising and professional and peer tutoring in a variety of topics
including math and language arts. In addition, the math tutor also teaches a
non-credit pre-statistics course that prepares students to take the college
level statistics class.
Most departments in the university have tutors available to assist
students who are having difficulty in their classes. Offices such as Student
Support Services and Multicultural Students Services also have tutors. Two areas
that provide structured tutoring services include the departments of English and
mathematics.
The English Department operates a Writing Center in room
304 Wimberly Hall. It is directed by a writing center coordinator and is staffed
primarily by trained peer tutors (UW-L students) and some members of the
department. The Center is open at no cost to all students who seek help with
their writing. Students may be referred to the Center by their professors, but
many students come to the Center on their own. Students should make appointments
to be tutored, but drop-ins are welcome if tutors are available.
The Writing Center staff assists students at any stage of
the composing process: understanding an assignment; finding a topic; identifying
audience, purpose, and occasion; developing material; planning and organizing;
writing a rough draft; and revising. The staff does not proofread student
papers; however, the Center does provide a Grammar Hot Line for basic questions
about usage and conventions.
Mathematics Tutoring Center
The mathematics department operates a Tutoring Center
available to all students at no charge in Room 260 Cowley Hall. It is staffed by
experienced sophomore through senior mathematics and secondary education majors.
They typically tutor courses from basic algebra through the calculus sequence,
as well as business calculus and statistics. Hours vary slightly by semester,
but the lab is generally staffed from 8 a.m. through 9 p.m. Monday through
Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday. The tutors assist students with
homework, as well as work with them on mathematics course content and concepts.
A list of private tutors for students to hire for individual attention is
available in the math department office, 1020 Cowley Hall. Students who need
assistance should talk with an instructor or adviser.
Upward Bound
Upward Bound is a federally funded program for low income
and/or first generation college bound high school students. It is funded under
Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and is one of the TRIO programs
created by Congress to help students overcome educational, social, cultural and
financial barriers to higher education. Services include weekly tutoring and
advising, monthly Saturday activities, college visits, career exploration, and a
six-week summer residential program. Funded at UW-L since 1979, the program
serves eligible students from La Crosse, Jackson and Monroe counties.
A
university education consists of more than what goes on in the classroom. A
great deal of learning takes place through involvement in organizations,
research, and community service. Students have an abundance of choices to
develop leadership skills, form relationships, volunteer, make a difference and
have fun.
Student activities and centers (SAC)
Student Activities and Centers are buildings, organizations, and
programs. SAC provide services and
facilities, as well as educational, cultural and recreational programs that
enhance the quality of college life. Cartwright Center (including the Gunning
Addition) and Whitney Center are the focal points for student organizations and
activities. These facilities are self-amortizing structures financed by student
fees, receipts from dining services, recreational facilities, the bookstore, and
other revenue sources. Cartwright Center provides a variety of activity options
for all students, from relaxing in the Port O’ Call Lounge to shopping in the
University Bookstore. The La Crosse Room provides billiards and video games for
student use. Study areas, television lounges, an ATM instant cash machine, copy
machines, Higher One machine, lockers, ride boards, and a computer laboratory
are available. The graphics services area provides high-quality, low-cost
services to student organizations.
Dining services offers an assortment of different dining
locations within Cartwright and Whitney Centers to meet the variety of needs and
desires of the campus community. Both Student Activities and Centers and
Chartwells, the contracted dining services provider, are excited about what is
offered to the campus community. Students may select from several contract meal
plans, block meal plans, and cash/Tower Tender options.
The Involvement Center serves as a resource bridge for students
wishing to become involved on campus and in the community. Peer advisers are
available to assist students in exploring involvement opportunities. The
Involvement Center also assists students in developing their co-curricular
profile. The focus of the Involvement Center is to promote involvement of
students on campus and within the community. Involvement is promoted by
providing a wide range of meaningful leadership opportunities for students.
The Pride Center serves as a link to the gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgender, intersexes, queer, questioning community, their allies,
and LGBTQ family members. The center offers panels, educational programs,
information, and support. Peer educators are available to assist the UW-L
community.
The Campus Activities Board provides fun and educational activities and
entertainment for the entire campus. Events such as small and large concerts,
comedians, coffee house acts, game shows, dances, etc., are offered to students,
faculty, staff, and the community. Several performing arts events are offered.
These activities may include fine arts programming such as theater, music,
lecture, and dance. The Distinguished Lecture Series also offers the university
community an opportunity to hear speakers of national prominence due to their
significant contributions to society.
The ULEAD Program is a self-directed leadership program. In the spirit of
our mission, ULEAD is open to all students wishing to enhance their skills and
abilities as leaders. Participants choose workshops, programs, events, and
activities that fulfill basic criteria in the following development areas:
involvement, cultural awareness, volunteerism, and leadership workshops. ULEAD
provides a certificate of completion at an annual recognition ceremony. Once
enrolled, the Student Activities Office will assist in tracking participation
and provide weekly updates and support.
Student Government
(608)785-8717;
Chapter 36 of the Wisconsin State Statutes reads: “The
students of each institution or campus shall have the right to organize
themselves in a manner they determine and to select their representatives to
participate in institutional governance.” To exercise that right, the students
have established the University of Wisconsin-
La Crosse Student Association (UW-LSA). Each student enrolled at UW-L is
a member of the UW-LSA. The student government of that body is divided into
three branches: executive, legislative (Student Senate), and judicial. The
executive and legislative branches are elected by the members of the UW-LSA each
year. The judicial branch is appointed by the executive branch and approved by
the legislative. All student governmental and administrative agencies operate
within the limits of authority prescribed by the faculty, the administration of
the university, and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.
The Academic Affairs Committee is
responsible for providing input on academic issues from the student perspective.
This committee promotes the highest standards of academic integrity throughout
the entire university community.
Advancing Respect for Individual Identity Committee works
with the Social Justice Director in creating diversity-oriented programs for the
Student Senate and the student organization that receive funding from
apportionment.
The Apportionment Committee
recommends to the chancellor the manner in which funds collected by the state
for support of student activities are to be distributed among eligible
organizations.
The Athletic Committee is responsible for recommendations to the
Apportionment Committee for funding of activity fees used in support of athletic
programs, and for recommendations to the Student Senate regarding policies
affecting the athletic program.
The Cultural Affairs Committee is responsible for making
recommendations to the Apportionment Committee regarding distribution of student
activity fees used in support of theatre, jazz ensembles, orchestra, choirs, art
exhibitions, screaming eagles, women’s studies program, disabled students
program, international students program, GBLT awareness, and multicultural
events.