Quick Links
- Career Services
- Counseling and Testing Center
- Disability Resource Services
- Food Service
- Information Technology Services
- Murphy Library Resource Center
- Recreational Sports
- Student Health Center
- Housing
- International Student Services
- Legal Aid Services
- Office of Multicultural Student Services
- Campus Safety
- Office of Student Life
- Student Disciplinary Procedures
- Student Organizations and Activities
Student Services
Career Services
2nd Floor Wilder Hall, (608) 785-8514
The Career Services Office assists students in finding meaningful careers. The following services are available to assist in this process.
Individual Appointments:
Experienced staff members are available to meet with students to explore post-graduation options, and to discuss job search strategies.
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.
Counseling and Testing Center
112 Wilder Hall, (608) 785-8073
The UW-L Counseling and Testing Center, accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc., offers services designed to help the college students 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 persons 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, program assistants, 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-Students with Disabilities
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 assists the students in obtaining reasonable accommodations at the university.
In 1988, the Wisconsin 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 to identify their disability.
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 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.
Food Service
221 Cartwright Center, (608) 785-8891
www.uwlax.edu/uc/resources/index.htm#dining
The University Dining Services offers a diverse menu via an assortment of friendly, attractive and comfortable restaurants. The dining areas located in Cartwright Center are The Cellar (burgers, flatbread pizzas, rice and noodle bowls); The Galley (deli, grill, Mexican, soup and salad bar); Trattoria (pasta, pizza, salads, breadsticks); and the Cyber Cafe (frozen yogurt, smoothies, specialty coffee, cappuccino, lattes, baked goods). Additional venues located in Whitney Center are Chars (burgers, chicken, fries, salads); sub shop & convenience store; and the all-you-care-to-eat dining room. Purchases can be made with cash, Tower Tender or the block meal plan. Tower Tender and block meal plans can be purchased in Room 221 or at the Ticket Office in Cartwright Center.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Wing Technology Center, (608) 785-8774
ITS provides computing, network and educational technology services to the campus that are used to support instruction, research, student services, administration, and communication. A variety of services for students are available including computer labs, a help desk, training, e-mail, file storage and Web services.
The ITS Support Center provides technical assistance and consulting for students on campus-supported applications and technology. Assistance with e-mail, course management tools, file storage, applications and more is available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Extended hours are available during the fall and spring semesters from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Online help resources and information can be found at: www.uwlax.edu/itssupport. Technical Support Services works within the ITS Support Center and provides the institution with hardware consulting, diagnostics, upgrade, set-up, reservice and warranty repair.
General access computer labs are available in several locations on campus and are open at least 80 hours per week. Labs can be found in Murphy Library, Wimberly Hall and the Wing Technology Center. Computers in the labs run Windows 2000 and Macintosh OSX operating systems. A wide variety of application software, including Microsoft Office also is available. A schedule of open hours and locations is available online at: www.uwlax.edu/gca
Students can take advantage of free training through ITS. Training is available on Microsoft Office applications, electronic portfolios, web pages, scanning, and other common technology. A schedule of sessions is published each semester. Individual sessions may be scheduled. More information is available at: www.uwlax.edu/student
Educational Technologies offers a wide variety of production services for faculty, students, and staff including digital audio/video production, multi-media production and presentation, digital and analog photography, digital graphic design, large format printing and Web development. Production facilities and consultation are offered for student projects and presentations. Distance Education transmissions and receptions also are coordinated through this department. Services from Educational Technologies currently are extended to the Health Science Center. For more information on Educational Technologies you can go the Web site at www.uwlax.edu/edtech
Network Services provides an Internet connection to campus offices, buildings and residence halls. Wireless network access is available. For more information, see www.uwlax.edu/network
System Server Administration oversees the campus e-mail, Web, and online file storage servers. E-mail accounts are created automatically for all students and staff, and can be accessed through a Web interface from any location. All students receive 20mb of e-mail storage. Many forms of official campus communication are sent through campus e-mail addresses, so it is critical that all students use their university e-mail accounts. Information and assistance with e-mail is available through the ITS Support Center.
Online File Storage is provided on a central file server. This allows students to store documents and other files in a central location, which is available to them from home or from any campus computer lab. Each student is provided 75mb of storage. Information and assistance with online file storage is available through the ITS Support Center.
Information Technology Services provides a variety of other services including classroom technology support and campus Web servers (www.uwlax.edu). The campus Web server provides information on campus events, directories of people and services, and other information. ITS also supports the course management tool Desire 2 Learn.
ITS resources are provided to students, faculty and staff to support academic work and to create a community of shared inquiry. Principles of responsible use, to which all users are bound, are printed in the student and staff handbooks available electronically on the campus Web site.
Murphy Library Resource Center
(608) 785-8651 www.uwlax.edu/murphylibrary
The Murphy Library Resource Center houses a variety of general and specialized collections; individual, group, and late-night study facilities; wireless, laptop, and desktop computing environments; and is the campus gateway to a wealth of academic electronic information resources. Murphy Library provides services intended specifically for graduate students to ensure their success working with information resources at UW-L. A library Website for graduate students is available at www.uwlax.edu/murphylibrary/gradstudents/.
The remodeled building and addition contain over 685,000 volumes in open stack collections, including books, maps, periodicals, and microfilm. An online catalog allows users to locate print, electronic, and multimedia materials in local and regional libraries. The catalog also links UW System libraries, allowing users to find and request materials from all UW campuses for rapid statewide delivery.
The library’s web site (www.uwlax.edu/murphylibrary/) provides access to hundreds of information databases and thousands of online periodicals and books. Databases and tools for locating periodicals are interconnected to provide seamless access to full text resources throughout the library’s extensive online collections. Users can access library databases at more than 50 computer workstations in the library, from anywhere on campus, and from off campus using their UW-L email login. The library maintains an adaptive technology room for people with special needs.
The library offers a wide variety of reference materials and is a selective depository for state and federal documents. In addition to the general stacks, the library has separate collections of education-related materials, leisure reading books, digitized local resources, videos, and more. These materials can be checked out, and viewing facilities are available for videos and other multimedia materials.
The Special Collections/Area Research Center contains 15,000 rare or historically-significant books, over 3,000 hours of taped oral history interviews, a 140,000-image photo collection, books on Wisconsin history, and the university archives. It serves as a regional depository for Wisconsin Historical Society manuscripts and archives.
The library offers many services to facilitate student, faculty, and staff research including desk, phone, and electronic reference; research appointments; and information literacy instruction. Resource sharing services such as interlibrary loan/document delivery and expedited UW System borrowing provide prompt access to materials that are available at other libraries but not available at UW-L. By cooperative agreement, students may also use libraries of Viterbo University, Western Technical College, the La Crosse Public Library, and area medical centers.
Recreational Sports
(608) 785-5225
UW-L students study hard, work hard and play hard. Once you put down your books, check out the Rec Sports Department! The Rec has programs and facilities designed to help students stay active, meet new friends, and reduce your stress levels. For information, see www.uwlax.edu/recsports.
The REC includes a track, strength and conditioning center, aerobics room, martial arts room, four gymnasiums, climbing wall, racquetball courts, batting cages, TV lounge, vending area, Outdoor Connection, and the Child Care Center. The facility, funded entirely by student fees, is used for intramural sports, open recreation, and club sports.
Student Health Center
1st Floor, Health Science 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. Examples of services available include minor surgical procedures requiring only local anesthesia, gynecological and reproductive services, allergy injections, laboratory services and HIV testing and counseling. Minor injury care is available for the care of sprains, strains, minor fractures, treatment for lacerations requiring stitches, and minor burns. The Health Service has x-ray services available for a fee. The staff places a high priority on patient education to help students manage their own health care and learn how to interact with the medical system.
The staff consists of Board Certified physicians, certified nurse practitioner, two 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 during the fall or spring semester or a minimum of six credits during the summer session. The student health fee is automatically included in the full-time student fee statement. There is a semester fee charge for allergy injections. 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 are seen on an appointment basis 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays when school is in session. A nurse is available to screen urgent medical needs when an appointment is not available. Students who need emergency medical care when the Health Center is closed should go to the emergency department or walk-in clinic at 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, x-rays, 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.
Housing
213 Wilder Hall, (608) 785-8075
Limited space is available for graduate students in Reuter Hall. This is a suite style residence hall housing 380 upper class students and is located in a convenient on campus site. Each suite houses four students and each student has a single bedroom. All utilities are included in the room rate, including high speed Internet connection, cable TV, and local telephone service in each bedroom and living room. In addition, each suite has individually controlled heat and air conditioning and appliances such as dishwasher, garbage disposal, refrigerator, and stove/oven. There is a bathroom in each suite and bedroom and living room furniture is furnished. Occupancy is available from late August through May 31 and the option exists for summer occupancy.
Pending space availability, some graduate students may be able to live in Baird Hall which is a traditional hall (double occupancy with community restroom on the floor; single rooms are not available) located in the center of campus. A blend of freshmen, upper class, and international students reside in this hall. A kitchen is located on each floor for student use. Baird Hall is open during break periods and residents may stay in the hall for an additional charge.
On campus housing fills quickly and students interested in this housing option should contact the Office of Residence Life immediately after being accepted for admission.
No university-owned housing is provided for couples. The Office of Residence Life provides an off-campus listing service and these listings are provided free of charge to students via the following website: www.findaplacetolive.com .
International Student Adviser/ International Student Services
116 Graff Main Hall, (608) 785-8016
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).
The 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 a friendship family for the international student, as well as community interaction for new and continuing international students.
Legal Aid Services
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.
Office of Multicultural Student Services
243 Graff Main Hall, (608) 785-8225
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, along with 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 OMSS administers the Academic Success Institute, an eight-week intensive program in college level English, mathematics, history and academic skills designed for multicultural freshmen.
Campus Safety
Information Center, (608) 789-9000
www.uwlax.edu/stuserv/OSL/secrpt.html
The protective services unit exists for the protection of people and property within and adjacent to the university community. The staff of certified (commissioned) police officers strives 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. Protective Services is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This unit also is responsible for campus 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.
Office of Student Life
149 Graff Main Hall, (608) 785-8062
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:
- 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) www.uwlax.edu/ReturningAdults
The Office of Student Life also is designated with the responsibility of enforcing the various conduct codes on campus, which can be found in the Eagle Eye www.uwlax.edu/StudentLife/main2.html. 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, the staff can provide mediation services to students who may experience interpersonal conflict(s) and are interested in working toward resolution.
Student Disciplinary Procedures
In 1989, the Board of Regents adopted an administrative code Chapter UWS 14, which covers academic misconduct. Its principles state that "The Board of Regents, administrators, faculty, academic staff, and students of the University of Wisconsin System believe that academic honesty and integrity are fundamental to the mission of higher education and of the University of Wisconsin system. The University has a responsibility to promote academic honesty and integrity and to develop procedures to deal effectively with instances of academic dishonesty. Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the appropriate citation of sources, and for respect of others' academic endeavors. Students who violate these standards must be confronted and must accept the consequences of their actions."
The Board also revised Chapter UWS 17, which covers non-academic misconduct. In it, they state that "The Board of Regents, administration, faculty, academic staff and students of the University of Wisconsin system believe that the teaching, learning, research and service activities of the university can flourish only in an environment that is safe from violence and free of harassment, fraud, theft, disruption and intimidation. The university has a responsibility to identify basic standards of non-academic conduct necessary to protect the community, and to develop procedures to deal effectively with instances of misconduct while observing the procedural and substantive rights of students. Any person who violates state or federal laws on university property may face prosecution in the appropriate courts. In addition, students, faculty or staff who violate university standards are subject to university disciplinary action."
The procedures in both Chapters 14 and 17 describe the actions that the university may take in response to student misconduct; they define the conduct that is prohibited; and they outline the procedures that are to be used to resolve allegations of misconduct. The UW-L student disciplinary procedures are identical to those in UWS 14 and UWS 17. These documents can be found in the Eagle Eye, available at the Office of Student Life Web site, www.uwlax.edu/StudentLife/main2.html It also includes UWS Chapter 18, "Conduct on University Lands," which describes prohibited behavior and parking regulations.
The students at UW-L have adopted the following honor statement: "We, the students of UW-La Crosse, believe that academic honesty and integrity are fundamental to the mission of higher education. We, as students, are responsible for the honest completion and representation of our work and respect for others' academic endeavors. We, as students, and responsible citizens of the city of La Crosse, will aim to uphold the integrity of the university throughout the La Crosse community. It is our individual responsibility as students to uphold these ethical standards and to respect the character of the individuals and the university."
Student Organizations and Activities
There are many opportunities for campus and community involvement at the graduate level. The Involvement Center, 222 Cartwright Center, promotes volunteerism and involvement. The staff has access to a wide variety of resources to match opportunities with students' interests. They also present programs to classes and organizations.
The Pride Center, 223 Cartwright Center, can assist student organizations and individual students, faculty, and staff in understanding and valuing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexes, queer, and questioning (LGBTIQQ) population. It provides resources and educational programs that encourage the acceptance, respect, and appreciation of LGBTIQQ students, faculty, and staff. They also provide training for individuals interested in becoming an ally to the LGBTIQQ community.
There are 150 student organizations, which focus on departmental/professional interests, social organizations, honor societies, human diversity, religious and spiritual areas, service, special interests, social activism, sports and activities. The Recognized Student Organizations Guide is on the Web at www.uwlax.edu/sac/StuOrgs) and has descriptions of each organization. The Student Senate, the Faculty Senate appointed Graduate Council, and Graduate Curriculum Committee have graduate student representation.
The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is a recognized university student organization for all graduate students, which is led by elected student officers. Each year the GSO implements a variety of professional development activities such as; graduate research orientation, use of instructional technology, and career counseling. Travel funds are available, on a competitive basis from the GSO for students enrolled in a program and are presenting or attending professional conferences. A competitive Graduate Student Research Grant program is also available. Contact the Office of University Graduate Studies (608) 785-8124, for information about the GSO or funding opportunities.