Frequently Asked Advising Questions

Who is my academic adviser? 

Once you advisor is assigned, you can find the name and contact information by checking your WINGS Student Center on the right side of the main page.

How do I change my advisor?

You should call the College Dean’s Office if you have questions about switching to a different adviser. If you are undecided in the College of Science and Health or College of Liberal Studies, you will be assigned to an adviser from the Academic Advising Center. Undeclared students in the College of Business will be assigned a faculty adviser from the CBA. 

 When should I meet with my adviser?

      It is recommended that you meet with your adviser at least once each semester prior to registration, but meeting more than once a semester will allow you to get to know your adviser and feel more comfortable asking questions. You should meet with your adviser any time you have questions or concerns that may affect your academic success at UW-L.

 Where can I find my Advisement Report?

     You can find your Advisement Report on your WINGS Student Center.  Access the Advisement Report from the main menu by clicking on ‘Academic Requirements’  from the drop down menu and click on the double arrows icon to generate the report.     

 What is a “what if” Advisement Report?

     If you who wish to learn more about a particular major/minor, you may request a “what if” scenario showing the requirements for that particular degree program. The sample AR will also take into account the classes you have completed and/or in the process of completing.  See an adviser in the Academic Advising Center if you are unsure how to access your “what if” on the Advisement Report and/or to discuss your report.

 What is the difference between a BA and BS?

      You may earn either the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  The type of degree earned may be determined by the major programs selected. Meet with your advisor to discuss your choice and how this may affect your selection of classes.

I was told to see an Assistant to the Dean to have a ‘credit check’, what is that?          

     Each College has an academic adviser called an Assistant to the Dean who coordinates advising in the College and also assists students with matters that need attention in the Dean's Office. If you’re a declared major, you’ll want to see an Assistant to the Dean in your college sometime in your last year of study at UW-L.  They will do a ‘credit check’ and make sure you have completed all course requirements for graduation from your program within that college.

How do I arrange to take the University of Wisconsin Regional Placement Test (UWRPT) exams for English, math and foreign language?

      The UW-System placement exams in math and English are required for all new freshmen and some transfer students who enroll at UW-La Crosse.  Optional Placement Exams are also available in Spanish, German, and French.


      Registration Information/Test Dates: The UW-La Crosse Admissions Office usually mails out Regional Placement Testing information each spring after students have been accepted to the university.

To register for the exam or for additional information, call the Counseling and Testing Office at (608)785-8074 or go to testing.wisc.edu

Cost: A flat fee of $20.00 for Regional Placement Testing is automatically charged to each first-year (freshmen) student's university fee statement.

ID Requirements: Photo ID is required.

Estimated Length of each Exam:

  • English - 90 minutes
  • Math - 90 minutes
  • Foreign Language - 60 minutes

NOTE: Add approximately 20 minutes of time for completion of answer sheets and survey prior to testing.

Special Information: Students are allowed to use a non-graphing calculator on the Math Placement Exam.


 I think I might have a disability.  Where can I go for help?

     If you know you have a disability – or suspect you might – you need to contact UW-L’s Disability Resource Services Office. The experts there can help you determine what accommodations would be appropriate to ensure your success at UW-L. UW-L’s Disability Resource Services Office is located at 165 Murphy Library. http://www.uwlax.edu/drs/

 

Registration Questions

How do I register for classes?  

     Pay your deposit! After you have paid your $100 enrollment deposit, you will have to wait up to 15 minutes for the exchange to take effect. You will not be able to register until the deposit has successfully been applied. There are several online tutorials available that will assist in the registration process.  Students should be familiar with the process prior to registration time.

 http://www.uwlax.edu/wings/help/student.htm  

When do I register for classes each semester?

      Your registration date and time is assigned automatically based on the number of credits you’ve already earned and your current semester’s schedule. For that reason, seniors register first… followed by juniors… followed by sophomores… followed by freshmen.

     Your enrollment date and time can be found by clicking on the ‘Details’ link under ‘Enrollment Dates’ on the right-hand side of your Student Center page. You will have to change the term to the appropriate semester. Your registration date and time will be located in the ‘Regular Academic Session’ row.

How many credits should I register for each semester?

     To be considered full-time, undergraduate students must carry a minimum of 12 semester credits during the semester and six credits during summer term. Half-time is based on six credits for a semester and three credits for summer term. The standard undergraduate load is 16 credits per semester. Credit loads of 19 or more constitute an “overload” and may be carried only if an application is made in writing, and approved by the dean of the school or college in which the applicant is enrolled. Override forms for this purpose are available in the college deans' offices and are required at the time of registration.  Please bring the signed form to the Office of Records and Registration, 117 Graff Main Hall. 

Winter intersession credit load policy — you may earn, as a maximum, the number of credits corresponding to the number of weeks in any interim session — i.e., three weeks = three credits.

Overloads are not approved for first semester freshmen or for any student with a cumulative grade point average less than a 3.25.

*Registration help-line: (608) 785-8951 

How many credits can I take for summer?

     The standard undergraduate load during a 12-week summer term is 12 semester credits. This is the maximum number of credits that can be earned during the summer term.

     To qualify for federal student financial aid in the summer, you need to carry 12 credits to be full-time and six credits to be part-time.  

How do I remove a registration hold?

      A “hold” on your registration can happen if you still owe tuition for the current semester or if you have not paid your $100 deposit which is required prior to registration.  You may also have a “hold” because your major and/or adviser require you to meet with them prior to registration.  Contact your advisor to find out why you have a hold placed on your registration.

What is an “override” to get into a closed class?  How do I request this?

     If a class is full, you may contact the instructor of the course to see whether the instructor will allow additional students into the course.  It’s the instructor’s call as to whether more students will be let in.  In the case where the instructor will allow students to “override” into the course, you may request a course override form from the instructor. Completed override forms must be signed by the instructor, and in some cases approved by the dean. To enroll in a course with an override form, you must take the signed form to the Office of Records and Registration, 117 Graff Main Hall.

What is the difference between an ‘unofficial’ and ‘official’ transcript?

     "Official transcripts" are issued by the University Registrar's Office and bear the University seal and Registrar's signature.  The cost for an official transcript is $8.00.  Official transcripts are not processed if you have an outstanding obligation, financial or otherwise.  Third party requests will not be accepted.

 

 You can obtain an ‘unofficial’ transcript from your Wings Student Center if you have been enrolled Spring 2009 or after.  A copy of your record from your Student Center will be considered an  ‘unofficial record of enrollment’.  Not all institutions (colleges, employers, scholarship funds, etc.) will accept this document. It is up to you to verify with the receiving institution if official transcripts need to be sent directly from UW-L to them.  


Where can I obtain a copy of my ‘official’ transcript?

 ONLINE:

Transcripts can be ordered via the Internet 24/7 through the National Student Clearinghouse. You can place as many orders as you like in one session using any major credit card. Your card will only be charged after your order has been completed. Order updates will be emailed to you. You can also track your order online using your email address and order number.
Your signed consent may be required to fulfill your transcript order. For your convenience, a consent form will be generated that you can return to the Clearinghouse via fax, mail or as a scanned email attachment.
Orders placed after 9:30am Central Time will be processed the following business day by the University Registrar's Office. To continue and place your order online, please follow this link Clearinghouse secure site. 

If you have further questions regarding the National Student Clearinghouse order process, please feel free to contact them at (703) 742-4200 or via e-mail at transcripts@studentclearinghouse.org.

*Please note that if you choose to have your transcripts faxed to you, a faxed copy of the transcript is not an official document.

 IN PERSON

UW-L will issue transcripts to current/former students without prior obligations at the Registrar's Office at 117 Graff Main Hall. Requests submitted in person will be processed immediately. Payment options are cash, money order, or checks made payable to UW-L. Office hours are Monday through Friday 7:45am - 4:30pm.

 BY MAIL

To request your transcript by mail you will need to include our transcript request form as well as your payment option. Please be sure to sign your request after printing it from your computer. Multiple copies will be in separate sealed envelopes unless directed otherwise - use Special Instructions on the Transcript Request Form. Make checks payable to UW-La Crosse. Mail the request to: Attn: Transcripts, UW-La Crosse, 1725 State Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 Copyright 2010University of Wisconsin-La Crossrecords@uwlax.edu

Does UW-L offer online courses?

To search for online courses:

Log into WINGS at https://wings.uwlax.edu or go to the UW-L “searchable timetable”.

*Note: In addition to the standard tuition, there is a $75 per credit fee.

Where can I obtain verification for my insurance company that shows I am a full-time student? 

     The following information is intended for employers, credit card companies, car and health insurance companies, scholarship and loans. This site is also intended to provide agencies instructions on how to obtain degree verification. 

     The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to act as our agent for all verifications of degrees.  NSC may be contacted at:

     Web:    www.degreeverify.com
     Fax:     (703) 742-4239
     E-mail: degreeverify@studentclearinghouse.org
     Mail:     National Student Clearinghouse 
                 13454 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300
                 Herndon, VA  20171

Verifications are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year via the Clearinghouse web site.

  

Academic Policy Questions

How many General Education credits do I need?

     You must earn a minimum of 48 credits in General Education. It’s for that reason that we consider Gen Ed to be the core of every college degree at UW-L. See the UW-L course catalog for a detailed description of the requirements/options in each Gen Ed category.

How many credits are needed to graduate?

     The university requires a minimum of 120 credits to complete a Bachelor’s degree. Your Advisement Report will show how many total credits you need to earn a degree in your declared major. For more help, see your academic adviser.

What are the differences between dropping and withdrawing from a class? 

     Students may drop courses via WINGS Student Center through the FIFTH DAY for a full semester course. After THE FIFTH DAY students must have a drop/add form signed by the course instructor or advisor.   Drop/add forms are available at the Office of Records and Registration, 117 Graff Main Hall. Completed forms may be returned to the Office of Records and Registration between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

        Any student may withdraw from a class until one week beyond midterm of a semester or summer session. All withdrawals from classes after the drop/add change of schedule period will be recorded with a "W" on the student's permanent academic record along with the official date of withdrawal.

    NO STUDENT IS PERMITTED TO WITHDRAW FROM A CLASS DURING THE SECOND HALF OF A SEMESTER. ONLY A GRADE OF "F" OR "I" may be recorded for a student who remains in a class the second half of a semester but fails to complete the course. Exceptions may occur under the Procedures for Withdrawal from the University. A student who withdraws from all of his/her classes is considered to have withdrawn from the university.

     *Half‑term courses or short-term courses will have withdrawal time limits established on a basis prorated to withdrawal dates for full‑term courses. You must obtain either your adviser's or instructor's signature during this time period.

I’m struggling in a class. What are my options for help?

     First, talk to the instructor. While you may have done poorly on an exam, the instructor won’t necessarily know you’re struggling unless you speak up. All UW-L faculty are required to hold office hours; those office hours should be listed in the course syllabus. Make an appointment to see the instructor during those hours to talk about your progress in the class. Sometimes things aren’t as bad as they may seem to you. Other times, things may be much worse than you realize. Your instructor can provide you with a clearer perspective of your situation and options for additional assistance such as tutoring or study tips. In any event, communication with your instructors is essential to your success as a student. So don’t delay!

How do I know if I should drop a class?

     If you have met with your instructor and received additional help – but the situation in class isn’t getting any better – perhaps it might be best to drop the class and begin again at another time. The decision to drop is yours, but should be made only after you consider all the consequences. Will you go below full-time student status if you drop? (this may affect housing, financial aid, insurance and other benefits that you are entitled to.) What will you do with your extra time if you drop the class? Sometimes dropping a class and suddenly freeing up several hours a week can cause a temptation to be even less academically involved than you need to be, and put your performance in other classes at risk. If you stay in the class and receive a grade of “D” or “F” you also have the option to repeat the course.  See your adviser for guidance if you are concerned about dropping or repeating a class.

What is the course repeat policy at UW-L?         

     Undergraduate students may repeat a course for which they have earned a grade of "D" or "F". When an undergraduate course is repeated, the grade earned in repetition will supersede the previously recorded grade. The original grades earned are never deleted from the permanent academic record when a course is repeated; however, such grades are dropped from the calculation of cumulative grade point average.  It is thereby possible to improve your grade point average. Courses for which grades of “C” or better have been recorded may not be repeated. Do not register for a course in which you have an "incomplete" grade. Graduate courses may not be repeated.  Students may not go to another university to repeat a course in which a grade has been earned at UW-L.   

How do I change my major?

      Students wishing to change majors during the semester need to file a ‘Change of Program’ form. This form allows you to change majors, change minors, and add or delete majors and minors. The form must be submitted before midterm of the semester in order to be accurately reflected on your Advisement Report. Students who change from one major to another are usually assigned a new faculty adviser by the college office staff.  You can pick up the Change of Major form (green) from your College Dean’s Office or the Academic Advising Center.

How often can I change my major?

     You are not limited to the number of times you may change your major. It is important to recognize that the more you change your major, the longer it will take to graduate and will also add additional costs to accomplishing your degree. A good rule of thumb is to have a major in mind to declare by the end of your sophomore year as you will have, most likely, completed your generals by this time.  Meet with your adviser to start the discussion about a major/minor/career path early during your time at UW-L.

I have a family emergency/illness that will keep me from attending classes for an extended period of time.  Who should I contact to help me deal with this issue?

      You are responsible to your respective instructors for all absences. If you are absent an extended period of time (over one week), due to illness, family emergency, etc., contact the Student Life Office, 149 Graff Main Hall. That office will inform the instructors involved of your absence. This serves as notification only, not necessarily a formal excuse. It is your responsibility to contact each instructor for make-up work, etc.

 

ID Card and Email Questions

 Where can I obtain my student ID card?

     The Tower OneCard is the official UW-La Crosse form of identification (ID).  New students can obtain a Tower OneCard ID through the Tower OneCard Office, 223 Cartwright. Students’ ID pictures are taken, and official ID cards are mailed to the student's permanent mailing address, unless another address is provided. A temporary ID is provided for use until the student receives the official card. The card allows access to residence halls, meal plan and tower tender accounts, financial aid refunds, as well as textbook rental services, bookstore purchases, vending machines, and copy machines. The Tower OneCard ID can also be used as a debit card, with additional banking functions, if the student chooses to open a HigherOne bank account. Report lost ID’s to the Tower OneCard Office, 223 Cartwright. A $20 replacement fee will be charged for all lost ID’s.

What is my e-mail address?

     UW-L email is powered by Google and is called EagleApps, which offers email, calendar, docs, and more.  Your email address is your UW-L NetID, username@uwlax.edu, and can be found in your WINGS account shortly after registering for classes.

How do I check my email?

   Open a web browser and connect to http://email.uwlax.edu to access your EagleApps.

What is my UW-L NetID username? 

     Your username is based on a unique 8.4, which is the first eight letters of your last name followed by a period and the first four letters of your first name.  If you have a common name, a number may replace part of your first name.  Your NetID username can be found within your WINGS account.  https://wings.uwlax.edu 

 What is my UW-L NetID password?

Your UW-L NetID password is the last 4 digits of your student ID plus the month (01-12) and the day (01-31) of your birthday followed by @UWL, for example 57850929@UWL.

 I forgot my WINGS/email password.  Who can help me?

     ITS can help. The ITS Support Center is located in 103 Wing Technology Center. WTC is located between Main Hall and Morris Hall or contact them at itssupport@uwlax.edu or (608)785-8774

Transfer Questions

 I would like to transfer to UW-L.  Where do I start?   

     Applications for admission can be sent electronically by accessing www.apply.wisconsin.edu. The university will begin accepting transfer applications on January 1st for the summer session or fall semester and will continue until closed. The university will begin accepting transfer applications on September 1st for the spring semester and will continue until closed. On or shortly after the above priority dates, you should attempt to have your admissions’ records complete. This requires submitting the following items to the Admissions Office, UW-La Crosse, Cleary Center, La Crosse, WI 54601:

1.    A completed UW System application (available at apply.wisconsin.edu)

2.    An official high school transcript if student has earned less than 48 transferable semester credits.

3.    All official college transcripts. (Transcripts must be mailed directly from the institution(s) attended to the UW-La Crosse Admissions Office.)

4.    A list of courses in progress, if currently enrolled, with course numbers, titles and the number of credits for each course.

5.    A nonrefundable application fee is required for anyone applying as a transfer student from an institution other than one of the UW Colleges (two-year campuses).

6.    ACT/SAT scores

    After a student has applied and been admitted, paid the $100 deposit, we will perform an official evaluation of transfer credit.  Please click here for more information about our Transfer Credit Policies, including information about Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Exam Program (CLEP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits.  For additional information please see  http://www.uwlax.edu/admissions/html/transfer.htm

     All transfer students will be given the opportunity to register on the Web using the Advisement Report. The registration instructions and links to the online class timetable will be forwarded to those students admitted each semester. In preparing to register, you are encouraged to call and make an appointment with an adviser from the college or school to which you have been assigned. If you are undecided about a major, you may want to talk to an adviser in the Academic Advising Center at 608-785-6950.

Can I take a class at the college back home this summer and transfer the credits back to UW-L?

      If you are currently enrolled at UW-L, and have to take course work elsewhere either in a summer session or during an academic year, you must secure approval in advance of enrollment at other institutions for course work to be taken for transfer to UW-L.  See the Assistant to the Dean in the dean's office of the school/college in which you are enrolled and fill out the green ‘Off-Campus Permit’ form, to secure approval to transfer credits from other institutions before you register for the course. 

     Note that students interested in understanding how credits may transfer for a particular class from one UW institution to another may also want to check the Transfer Information System.  While information contained in the Transfer Information System should always be confirmed at both institutions, it is a good beginning point and helpful frame of reference as you talk with each institution. For additional information please see: http://www.uwlax.edu/advising/TransferringCredit.htm

I am a transfer student and my credits did not transfer to UW-L as expected.  Who can I see to address this issue?

     When credits are transferred and accepted, they are recorded in terms of UW-L courses. Your record shows courses, grades, and credits; however, only credits are used. Grades and/or grade points are not generally transferred. Exceptions to this policy are necessary for admission into certain programs/majors. The cumulative grade point average of each UW-L student is determined only by credits and grades earned in residence at the university.

     If you disagree with how a course(s) transfers or how a course(s) applies toward your program of study, a formal appeals process is available.  Consult with the Assistant to the Dean in your college Dean’s office.  They can review and explain the transfer credits and appeal process.

I am considering transferring to another school.  Who can help me?

     If you plan to transfer to a college outside the UW System, you will want to contact the Admission’s Office at the college you wish to transfer to so you can find out the transfer requirements and application process per that institution.  You can start your discussion by speaking with the Assistant to the Dean in the college you are currently enrolled or an adviser in the Academic Advising Center.