Faculty advisers are assigned to each student based on academic major. Advisers may be consulted for program development, major and career choices and concerns, course sequencing and selection. Students should schedule a minimum of one conference per semester with their advisers. Frequently this is done when planning next semester's class schedule. Advisers receive SNAP (Student Notice of Academic Progress) reports for each advisee a few weeks prior to registration. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with an adviser. Office hours are posted on their office doors.
Other advising resources include the Career Services Office, Counseling and Testing Center, and Academic Discovery Lab, 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 Discovery Lab, are useful for students who are uncertain about an academic major or career.
Academic assistants to the deans are knowledgeable about university policies and procedures. They assign faculty advisers and notify students of their 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 SNAP report is an important advising tool. Each semester, a report is generated and sent to the student's faculty adviser. The report identifies requirements that have been completed and those which remain.
Using one's 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 Transcript window.
The Academic Discovery Lab, located in Wilder Hall, is a cooperative venture between the Counseling and Testing Center and the Career Services Office. It was established to improve and extend services to those students who are undecided about their academic plans or have decided to change majors or career direction. The lab functions as the hub of an advising referral network that is coordinated with the colleges, departments, and faculty advisers. Students have access to resources to assist them in their academic and career decision making, including computer assisted DISCOVER, WCIS (Wisconsin Career Information System) and World Wide Web programs which help students match their interests and skills with potential majors and occupations. Staff, meeting individually with students who are uncertain about their major or career choice, refer students to other campus resources and make confidential referrals for vocational testing and career counseling as appropriate.
The Career Services Office, located on the second floor of Wilder Hall, assists students and alumni in identifying their career options, and in developing job search strategies which can lead to meaningful employment. Many resources are available to assist in this process: experienced staff members, a Career Resource Center, and an outstanding cooperative education/ internship program. Workshops on writing resumes and letters, interviewing for jobs, developing job campaigns, and other career-related topics are offered on an ongoing basis.
Career Services publishes two vacancy bulletins -"Eagle Opportunities" and " Career Currents" which list current positions available according to job categories. Bulletins from other post-secondary institutions are provided in the Career Resource Center to assure a wide range of job vacancy information. The Career Services Office also offers a computerized job nomination service for students and alumni.
Representatives from business, industry, government and education conduct on-campus recruiting interviews for graduating students. For these interviews and for off-campus interview opportunities, the office maintains and mails credentials, although self-credentialLing is encouraged. The Career Services Office also maintains a list of alumni and various community leaders who are willing to provide advice about career opportunities.
All students are encouraged to explore these resources. It is recommended that seniors complete Career Services registration materials the semester preceding graduation. Alumni and others are welcome to inquire about services appropriate to their needs.
The staff of the Counseling and Testing Center help UW-L students to be more effective in their academic work, personal life and their relationships with other people. This may involve changing self-defeating behaviors, understanding uncomfortable feelings, and enhancing their own personal strengths. Counseling Center services are based on the belief that UW-L students have the ability to: build a greater sense of self-confidence; manage stress and anxiety; develop and maintain significant relationships; choose a satisfying college major; make good decisions for the future; create a healthy lifestyle; and increase feelings of self-esteem.
Counseling Center services are available free of charge to currently enrolled students. Newly admitted (accepted) students may use the Academic Discovery Lab on a space available basis. Schedules permitting, non-UWL students may use the fee-based Career Assessment Service offered to the La Crosse community.
Counseling records, tests, and related information do not become part of your official university record. Information shared in counseling sessions is confidential in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes. Any concerns about confidentiality can be answered by your intake counselor.
The staff consists of psychologists, counselors, counselor associates, program assistants, and supervised professionals in training. Staff members are experienced in working with college students and use various short-term methods of individual and group counseling to help students achieve their goals Students may schedule an appointment with the receptionist at the Counseling Center by calling 785-8073 or stopping in first floor, Wilder Hall. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Time is reserved each day for walk-in appointments for students who need immediate assistance.
Crisis Intervention
Students who are experiencing a personal crisis or tragedy should contact
the Counseling Center for help in obtaining emergency services. After-hours
assistance is available at either area hospital or by
calling the First Call for Help 24-hour telephone helping service at
(608)791-4344.
Individual Counseling
provides an opportunity to talk with a counselor about anything you wish
and to get help in resolving conflicts, solving problems, choosing a major,
handling crisis situations, making decisions and developing better coping
skills. Students are occasionally referred off campus to appropriate
community resources.
Group Counseling
Each semester, the Counseling Center schedules a variety of groups and
workshops designed to help students learn new interpersonal skills and
discuss personal concerns in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Check with
the Counseling Center for information about current group offerings.
Career Testing
Several times during the semester the Campbell Interest and Skill Survey
and Myers Briggs Type Indicator are administered to students who want to
use the results to help select a major and explore different careers. This
testing complements the information available to students who use the
DISCOVER computer program. Contact the Counseling and Testing Center for
information abut career testing.
Psychology Testing
Counseling Center staff psychologists
provide psychological testing and interpretation for individuals, groups,
and classroom workshops. The testing is typically used for personality
assessment and may be arranged upon recommendation by a staff counselor.
National Testing
National testing programs are administered for UW-L students and other
persons in the local community. These tests include the ACT, Wisconsin
Regional Placement Test, CLEP test, Graduate Record Exam, PPST, Medical
College Admission Test, Graduate Management Admission Test, and the Miller
Analogies Test. Applications and information on dates, fees, and locations
for these tests are available at the Counseling and Testing Center.
Test Anxiety and Study Skills Assistance
Each semester the Counseling Center offers workshops and individual
sessions on test-taking skills and managing test anxiety. The Counseling
Center is also a place where students receive assistance with note taking,
time management, speed reading, and textbook study. Ask the receptionist
about these services.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs
Students and/or staff who are concerned about their own or someone else's
alcohol or drug use may receive consultation, assessments, short term
counseling or referral to a number of community resources to help address
these concerns. "Healthy Decisions About Alcohol" is an ongoing educational
group for students who want to increase their knowledge and awareness of
alcohol-related issues. The Counseling Center receptionist can schedule
these appointments.
REACH and SHARE Presentations
Student peer educators present programs on topics such as alcohol and drug
abuse, sexual assault, AIDS/STDs, campus violence, sexuality choices, and
other critical issues which affect our UW-L campus. Peer educators receive
extensive training and participate on a volunteer basis or receive credit
for their service. Applications are available at the front desk of the
Counseling Center.
Biofeedback Clinic
The Counseling and Testing Center has a biofeedback clinic that accepts
students by referral from the Health Center or from Counseling Center staff
for biofeedback assisted stress management training. Many stress related
symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, muscle tension,
anxiety, and borderline hypertension can be helped through a combination
of counseling and biofeedback training. Contact the receptionist to schedule
a biofeedback screening.
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 rest room for students using wheelchairs. Academic accommodations are arranged on an individual basis between the student and the instructor in consultation with 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. The office is located in 165 Murphy Library, (608)785-6900.
Health service is available to students who have paid the segregated fee (see fees and expenses section) and have submitted the medical questionnaire. A validated student ID must be presented at each visit.
Health Center staff include three full-time physicians, two nurse practitioners, nursing staff, physical therapists, medical technologist and secretarial staff.
The medical service is designed to protect the health of students within the campus community and services are aimed at alleviating conditions which negatively affect the student's performance while on this campus. Arrangements may be made for off-campus professional care to follow up the initial efforts of the Health Service. Any student facing the possibility of serious illness or who has a pre-existing illness is assisted in finding the appropriate medical care or off-campus hospitalization.
The Health Center is located on the lower level of Whitney Center, the food service building at 15th and Badger Streets. Telephone: (608)785-8558. Registration: 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays when school is in session. (Summer school hours are listed in the summer school Timetable.) In case of an emergency outside of regular Health Center hours, call or go to:
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center
1910 South Avenue
Telephone (608)785-0530
or
Franciscan Skemp Healthcare Medical Center
700 West Avenue South
Telephone (608)785-0940
or a local walk-in clinic:
Gundersen Lutheran Clinic
1836 South Avenue,
(608)782-7300
or
Franciscan Skemp Clinic
800 West Avenue South,
(608)782-9760
Since all outside care is at student expense, it is strongly recommended that you carry your insurance carrier's name and number with you. If you are not covered under your own or your parent's policy, a student hospital- medical-surgical insurance plan is available through the university. Applications are available at the Student Life Office or the Health Center.
About one-third of the students enrolled in the university occupy 11 residence halls on campus. Of the approximately 2,800 spaces for residents, most are assigned to freshmen and sophomores; however, increasing numbers of upperclassmen have been drawn back to campus by the addition of kitchen facilities, extended visitation hours, and other efforts to provide maximum comfort and security.
Residence halls are group living and learning centers financed and maintained by revenue from residents. Several living arrangements are offered to meet individual needs: coed halls, a women's hall, an upper class and international hall. Recreation, personal development programs, intramural sports, and cultural programs are some of the activities planned by residents of each hall with guidance and support from Residence Life staff members.
As an entering student, you may indicate your living arrangements preference when you return a room reservation and the required $75.00 deposit. (If you have not already reviewed the financial aspects of enrollment, turn to the Expenses and Financial Aid section.)
Specific housing regulations are communicated to all residents through the Residence Hall Handbook and The Eagle Eye. These regulations are consistent with the conduct code published in this catalog; they were formulated by the Chancellor under the authorization and direction of the Board of Regents.
The Office of Residence Life in 213 Wilder Hall also maintains and publishes a list of available off-campus rental units. This list may be purchased to assist in locating housing. Rental agreements are between students and landlords. The university does not inspect or approve off-campus housing.
The office of the International Student Adviser is located in the Office of International Education, 116 Main Hall. This adviser plays an important role in assisting new international students in their adjustment to UW-La Crosse 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:
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. For further information, contact the Inter-national Student Adviser in 116 Main Hall, (608)785-8921.
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 Student Association Office by calling (608)785-8717 or the Office of Student Life.
The primary goals of the Office of Multi-cultural Student Services (OMSS) at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse are to increase the undergraduate and graduate enrollment of American minority 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 is involved in specific recruitment activities, new student orientations and special academic support programs and services. The OMSS also sponsors numerous cultural events, supports minority student organizations, promotes community outreach efforts, consults and holds joint programming sessions with support services offices and encourages staff and faculty involvement in minority student assistance programs. In addition, the OMSS staff counsels students on financial, academic, postgraduate and personal matters. For further information, contact the Office of Multicultural Student Services, 243 Main Hall, (608)785-8225.
Academic Summer Institute Eight weeks of intensive instruction in college level English, mathematics, history and academic skills designed for minority freshmen. (See Special Academic Program Section)
The university has touch-tone registration for all students except new freshmen. Each student is assigned a registration time based on credits earned. Registration for spring semester begins in November; summer registration begins in April, followed by fall registration in May. Students may touch-tone register at their assigned time or any time after that through the fifth day of classes (third day for summer session). Some departments require advising prior to registration. Students must pay a deposit prior to registration, and have a zero balance on their account. The touch-tone registration system will not permit a student to enroll in a class for which a prerequisite has not been completed. The semester Timetable has complete instructions for registration and change-of-schedule.
New freshmen register in the summer at special registration sessions at which time they select their desired courses. They receive their schedule approximately one month later. (Also see Late Registration Period.)
This is a federally funded program that has been at the university since 1979. Each year, the program serves 400 students who meet federal eligibility requirements. A student must meet one of the following criteria: 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. Advising is very intensive with individualized academic, career, and personal advising; assistance in the selection of a career, major and minor; assistance in course selection to fulfill the General Education, college core, and major/minor requirements; orientation to policies and procedures of the program and the university; and referrals to campus resources and services. The program also provides tutoring services in mathematics 100 and 200 level courses; language arts tutoring in writing skills, reading skills, and oral communication skills; assistance in preparation for the PPST exam for education majors; and study skills assistance.
MTH 050, a basic algebra, non-credit pre-statistics course, and RDG 105, a course in developmental reading and learning strategies are services provided by the program. For further information contact (608)785-8535, 109 Wilder Hall.
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, monthly Saturday activities, college visits and a six-week summer residential program. Funded at UW-La Crosse since 1979, the program serves eligible students from La Crosse, Jackson and Monroe Counties. The Upward Bound Office is located in 176 Murphy Library Resource Center, (608)785-8539. WEB page address: ttp://www.uwlax.edu/StuServ/ Upbound/ ubhmpg.html
The English Department operates a Writing Center in 304 North 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 needs in any course. Students may be referred to the Center by their professor or may use the Center as their writing needs dictate. Students may make appointments to be tutored or may drop in and be tutored if a time slot is open.
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 or edit student papers and does not provide instruction in composition in lieu of writing courses.
The Office of Student Life staff strive to serve as advocates to promote the interest of students within the university. Its 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:
The Office of Student Life is also designated with the responsibility of enforcing the various conduct codes on campus and for publishing the Eagle Eye, student handbook. Students who experience harassment or discrimination or have questions regarding their rights and responsibilities, should visit the Office of Student Life for confidential advice and guidance. In addition, we can provide mediation services to students who may experience interpersonal conflict(s) and are interested in working toward resolution. The Office of Student Life is located in 149 Main Hall, (608)785-8062.
