FAQs

Admission/Enrollment Information

What are your admission requirements?
Where can I find more information about applying to the program?
When is the application deadline?
Will you only admit students once per year?
Do I have to take the GRE?
Do you accept any graduate credits from other programs (transfer credits)?
Can I take classes as a special student even though I am not formally admitted to the program?
Is there an enrollment limit?

Specific On-Campus Program Information

Is the SAA Program accredited?
How many classes will I need to take?
Am I required to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
How long does it take to complete the SAA program?
Is there a time limit on completing the degree?
What happens if I drop out for a semester or two?
Are there any classes that require special arrangements?
Do I ever get credit for work experience?
How does the Online program differ from the On-campus program?
What resources does UWL provide to help me as I go through the program?
What types of jobs are available for graduates of the program?
What is your job placement rate?

On-Campus Program -- Financial

How much does the program cost?
How do I apply for financial aid?

On-Campus Program -- Personal

Where can I learn more about UW-La Crosse?
How will I find a place to live in La Crosse?
What is it like to live in La Crosse?

Specific Online Program Information

Is the SAA Online Program accredited?
Do the classes "meet" at a certain time during the week?
How many classes will I need to take?
Am I required to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
How long does it take to complete the SAA program?
Is there a time limit on completing the degree?
What happens if I drop out for a semester or two?
What happens if I don't complete the AP in time for the May graduation but have completed all of my other coursework?
Are there any classes that require special arrangements?
Do I ever need to come on campus?
Are there any travel requirements?
I'd like to apply to the program but am not working in a higher education setting, can I still get in the program and would
I have any extra requirements?
Do I ever get credit for work experience?
So, is the internship required?
How does the Online program differ from the On-campus program?
What resources does UWL provide to help me as I go through the program?
What types of jobs are available for graduates of the program?
What is your job placement rate?

Online Program -- Financial

How much does the program cost?
Who is eligible for financial aid?
How do I apply for financial aid?
Can I get a Graduate Assistantship as an online student?

Online Program -- Technology

I have never taken an online class. How do I know I can do this?
Is it all really online?
How do we take exams and quizzes?
Are the Online classes self-paced?
What technology do I use?
What teaching technology is used in the Online program?
What do I do if I have trouble with my computer?

Admission/Enrollment

What are your admission requirements?
To qualify for unconditional admission to graduate study at UW-La Crosse, you must have:

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
(a) An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.85 on a 4.00 scale, or
(b) An average of at least 3.00 in the last half of all undergraduate work, or
(c) An average of at least 3.00 for no less than 12 semester credits of graduate study at another accredited graduate school.
Departmental or school/college approval to enter the graduate program chosen.
The SAA program does not require the GRE or other tests for admission to the program.

Your application will be considered "complete" when all of the following materials have been received by the SAA program as directed in the "Apply Now" section:

The Graduate Studies electronic application.
The SAA electronic application.
Your resume.
A writing sample.
Two letters of recommendation.
The names and contact information for two additional references.

Where can I find more information about applying to the program?
Please visit the Apply Now page.

When is the application deadline?
February 1st is the application deadline for the Online Program and February 15th for the On-Campus program. We start accepting applications on November 15th. The SAA Admissions Committee will begin their review of applications after these deadlines and it will take approximately 4-6 weeks before you will hear whether you have been accepted into the SAA Program. If we have questions or would like to arrange an interview with you to help with our decision, we will contact you via email as soon as we can after application deadline.

Will you only admit students once per year?
Yes, although that may change in the future depending upon student interest and faculty workload. Students who meet the February 1st deadline and are admitted to the Online program will start classes in May. Students will not be allowed to start the Online program in the fall or spring semesters because this is a cohort program and it's important to begin the program together. Students who meet the February 15th deadline for the On-Campus program will begin classes in the fall.

Do I have to take the GRE?
No, it is not required for admission to our program.

Do you accept any graduate credits from other programs (transfer credits)?
Depending on the coursework, you may be able to transfer nine credits from other graduate programs. All transfer credits must be approved by the SAA faculty. For a course to be considered for transfer credits, the course must closely relate to a course in the SAA curriculum. For more information, contact the Program Director.

Can I take classes as a special student even though I am not formally admitted in the program?
First, it is important to note that this is a "cohort" program which means that the students go through the program together. Decisions about allowing students into classes as a "special student" are done on a case by case basis and are unlikely to be approved by the SAA Faculty except in extenuating circumstances.

Is there an enrollment limit?
Each cohort group will consist of approximately 15-20 students.

I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact us if you still have questions. Contact us.

Specific On-Campus Program Information

Is the SAA On-Campus Program accredited?
The SAA On-Campus program meets North Central Association (NCA) accreditation standards and the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) requirements. The program has a rich history that goes back 40 years.

How many classes will I need to take?
The SAA On-Campus program will consist of 35-40 credits involving 10 -12 courses and 1-2 internships. The number of courses and credits depends upon whether you complete the thesis or comprehensive exam option. The thesis option consists of 4 credits in addition to the required courses. The comprehensive exam option requires the completion of two one-credit "Special Topics" courses in addition to the required courses.

Am I required to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
You must choose to either write a thesis or take the comprehensive exam (during your last year) to complete our program requirements. This is a decision that you will make during the spring of your first year so you can plan your coursework for your final year.

How long does it take to complete the SAA On-Campus program?
This is a two-year program for full-time students. Students will begin in the fall semester and graduate in the spring of their second year. It does not include summers. Although most students have full-time student status, it is possible to attend the On-Campus program as a part-time student. Note that part-time students will not be eligible for Graduate Assistantships. Generally, this is a cohort program (the students go through the courses together) so part-time students become members of several cohort groups.

Is there a time limit on completing the degree?
You have seven years from the start of your first course to complete your degree, however, we would encourage you to stay within the 2-year plan. Please go to the Graduate Catalog for more information about this policy.

What happens if I drop out for a semester or two?
If you drop out for a semester, you must notify the Program Director and will need to apply to the Graduate School for re-entry. You also would need to complete the "Leaving Program Form" that is found at the Graduate Studies Office website under their "Appeals & Forms" link.

Are there any classes that require special arrangements?
No.

Do I ever get credit for work experience?
Students who have work experience that pertain directly to this program may submit a request for one internship waiver to the SAA faculty. Students should contact the Program Director for more information.

How does the Online program differ from the On-Campus program?
The Online program will have a different curriculum because it is geared towards individuals currently working in a higher education setting. Also, the Online program will involve an Applied Project rather than a thesis or comprehensive exam.

What resources does UWL provide to help me as I go through the program?
You will have access to all the resources that our campus offers to all students including library services, advising, job search help, etc.

What types of jobs are available for graduates of the program?
Students in our program have found jobs in all aspects of student affairs in higher education. This includes positions in Admissions, Advising, Residence Life, Career Services, Multicultural Services, Student Centers and Student Unions, Financial Aid, Registrars Offices, Dean of Students Offices, International Education, and more.

What is your job placement rate?
Our graduating class of 15 students from the spring of 2006 had a 100 percent job placement in student affairs positions in higher education settings. The class of 2007 has had similar success with the exception of one student who is restricted to a specific area for personal reasons. Our class of 2008 has also been successful in their job searches except for a couple who are location-restricted as well.

I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact us if you still have questions. Contact us.

On-Campus Financial

How much does the program cost?
Tuition information is available on the UW-L Cashier's website. Please go to the "fee schedule" link. Generally, our tuition rates rise slightly every year. Note: Your tuition is not waived if you receive a graduate assistantship. Out-of-state tuition fees may be waived so that students from out-of-state pay the same tuition rate as in-state students.

How do I apply for financial aid?
For specific information, please refer to our Financial Info page. Generally, graduate students will be looking at loans as their primary source of funding. We also offer a large number of graduate assistantship opportunities that will provide you with a monthly salary as well as great professional student affairs-related experience. The application and interviews are part of the admissions process.

I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact us if you still have questions. Contact us.

On-Campus Personal

Where can I learn more about UW-La Crosse?
Our Admissions Office website will provide you with a good look at UW-L and includes a virtual tour. Essentially, the La Crosse community is simply a great place to live!

How will I find a place to live in La Crosse?
Your questions about accommodations in the area will be addressed during your interview process for admission to the program. Once you have been admitted to the program, a student mentor will be assigned to you and will be able to help you with many questions including options for places to live in La Crosse.

What is it like to live in La Crosse?
Nestled between the bluffs and the Mississippi River, La Crosse is a beautiful university town that sells itself! We are just over a 2-hour drive from both Madison and the Twin Cities. Learn more about La Crosse and the area at www.explorelacrosse.com .

Specific Online Program Information

Is the SAA Online Program accredited?
Yes! The SAA On-Campus program meets North Central Association (NCA) accreditation standards and the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) requirements. The Online program received NCA accreditation approval from the Higher Learning Commission as of October 23, 2007.

Do the classes "meet" at a certain time during the week?
No, the classes are taught asynchronously (ie… where the teacher and learner are not physically at the same place at the same time). Students work with materials either on their own or in discussion groups. They interact directly with each other and with their faculty typically through email, threaded discussions and discussion boards. All readings, work sessions, assignments and other tasks are pre-set and monitored on a continuous basis. Written and discussion assignments have deadlines and are submitted online. Exams and quizzes are taken online as well. Instructors provide feedback and grading information online in addition to being available via email or by a phone call.

How many classes will I need to take?
The SAA Online program will consist of 12 courses at 3 credits each. Students must complete a 3-credit internship experience (210 hours) although this can be waived if the student has student affairs-related professional work experience. Thus, you will earn 39 credits for graduation (or 36 credits if the internship is waived). Note: new students start their classes in mid-May, not in the fall. Students are part of a cohort group which means that they go through the program together. Only one cohort will start the Online program per year (in May).

Am I required to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
No. However, you will be required to complete an “Applied Project (AP)” during your final two semesters. It is expected that the AP will have a practical application to your current work setting. You will be enrolled in an "Applied Research" and "AP" course together in the fall to guide you through this process. In the spring, you will be enrolled in the Capstone and AP course with a focus on completing the AP in order to graduate in May..

How long does it take to complete the SAA Online program?
You can graduate in two years by participating in an intense program that includes two courses in every semester (including summers) all the way through the program. The first class starts in May and two-year students will graduate in May two years later. In your first year, each course lasts seven weeks and there are two courses offered per semester. Your second year is focused on the AP process. In the fall of your second year, you will be enrolled in the AP and AP and Capstone courses which span the full 14 weeks as well. The Capstone course includes attending a national conference with your classmates where you will present your AP at an Alumni & Friends Event!

Students who need more flexibility or a slightly less intense pace can opt for a three-year plan. In the three-year plan, students take the first course of each semester their first year and then the second course of the semester in their second year. The third year involves the AP process as described above.

Is there a time limit on completing the degree?
You have seven years from the start of your first course to complete your degree, however, we would encourage you to stay within the 2 or 3-year plan. This is referred to as "the 7-year rule" and it's important to note that this is a deadline of sorts to obtain a SAA degree once you have started the program. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Studies for more information about this policy.

What happens if I drop out for a semester or two?
If you drop out for a semester, you must notify the Program Director and will need to apply to the Graduate School for re-entry.

What happens if I don't complete the AP in time for the May graduation but have completed all of my other coursework?
You will be charged a "GRC fee" each semester that you go beyond your May graduation target. This fee is the equivalent of a one-credit tuition fee. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Studies for more information about this policy.

Are there any classes that require special arrangements?
Yes, you will be required to attend a national conference with your classmates as part of your Capstone course in your final semester. For example, the online class of 2009 is already looking forward to attending NASPA in Seattle in March of 2009! The 2010 NASPA Conference will be meeting in Chicago.

Do I ever need to come on campus?
No, however we would enjoy seeing you at the commencement ceremony!

Are there any travel requirements?
Yes, the Capstone course will require travel to a national conference. This will occur in your final semester and will include spending time with your classmates to share your Applied Projects. You will also present your AP via a poster session at an Alumni & Friends Event at the Conference.

I'd like to apply to the program but am not working in a higher education setting, can I still get in the program and would I have any extra requirements?
Yes, you could still get admitted to the program although it is important to understand that the program is geared towards individuals who are currently in a higher education setting. For example, the discussions and assignments include a lot of sharing of experiences and perspectives so you would have to "adopt" a university or college to participate. In addition, you would need to complete an internship experience during a semester period. For some students, this may require working part-time for that particular semester to complete the hours required. Finally, you must be able to attend the National Conference as part of the Capstone course which may require you to take some time off from your current job.

Do I ever get credit for work experience?
Yes, there is a 3-credit internship requirement that can be waived if the student has one year of student affairs-related work experience or equivalent. Waiver applications can be obtained from the Program Director and will require faculty approval.

So, is the internship required?
Yes, per the standards of the profession and for accreditation reasons, unless you meet the waiver requirements as mentioned in the previous question. In addition, the internship experience will give you the opportunity to develop new professional connections and make you more marketable in your job search. Students who are currently working in a non-higher education setting may want to consider working part-time to complete their internship experience.

How does the Online program differ from the On-Campus program?
The Online program will have a different curriculum because it is geared towards individuals currently working in a higher education setting. The Online program will involve an Applied Project rather than a thesis or comprehensive exam. In addition, the Online program involves a different course sequence and format. And, the Online Capstone course requires attendance at the NASPA Conference.

What resources does UW-L provide to help me as I go through the program?
You will have access to all the resources that our On-Campus students have including library services, advising, job search, etc. Tech support is provided by UWL's Instructional Technology (IT) staff and by Learning Innovations from UW-System. Students will receive more information about the resources available once they have been admitted to the program.

What types of jobs are available for graduates of the program?
Students in our program have found jobs in all aspects of student affairs in higher education. This includes positions in Admissions, Advising, Residence Life, Career Services, Multicultural Services, Student Centers and Student Unions, Financial Aid, Registrars Offices, Dean of Students Offices, International Education and more.

What is your job placement rate?
Our graduating class of 15 students from the spring of 2006 had a 100 percent job placement in student affairs positions in higher education settings. The graduating Class of 2007 had similar success with their job searches. Except for a couple of students who are "location-bound," our On-Campus Class of 2008 has experienced similar job search success. The bulk of the job openings are posted in the spring and summer.

I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact us if you still have questions. Contact us.

Financial

How much does the Online program cost?
For the 2008-09 academic year, tuition is $475 per credit plus a $75 per credit technology fee for a total of $550 per credit. Therefore, a 3-credit course costs a total of $1650 and 2 courses cost $3300. The cost is the same for everyone regardless of where you live. This cost will most likely stay the same for the 2008-09 academic yea, however, it is likely that the fee will increase slightly in 2009 as is consistent with On-Campus tuition costs (which rise slightly every year).

Who is eligible for financial aid?
You must be enrolled at least half-time (5 credits) to be eligible for financial aid. Thus, Online students who choose the three-year option will not be eligible for financial aid for the first two years because they take 3 credits per semester.

How do I apply for financial aid?
You will need to complete and mail the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the processor listed on the FAFSA or complete FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov . For specific information, please refer to our Financial Info page.

Can I get a Graduate Assistantship as an Online student?
No, graduate assistantships are only available for students in the On-Campus program.

I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact us if you still have questions. Contact us.

Technology

I have never taken an Online class. How do I know I can do this?
Participating in an online program requires great organizational skills and the willingness to participate in a "new" world of learning. If you have the skills to be looking at this website, you'll have the basic technology skills needed to be in our online classes and probably learn a few more. A system check is provided to help you determine if your equipment is adequate for successful navigation through an Internet class. Click here for the system check.

Is it all really online?
Yes, it is. However, note that you will attend a national conference as part of the Capstone course when you are in your final semester of the program.

How do we take exams or quizzes?
All exams and quizzes are taken online with a designated time frame for completion.

Are the Online classes self-paced?
This is not an independent program and each class works together through the courses. You will need to keep pace with the class as facilitated by the instructor. For example, you will have deadlines for participating in discussions and submitting assignments. Missing deadlines for participating in discussions would be similar to missing class in a traditional on-campus program. The flexibility is found in your ability to access the class weekly and complete the coursework at any time of the day or night.

What technology do I use?
Please refer to the Technology page for specific information about technology requirements. If you are considering purchasing a new computer, we highly recommend that you buy a laptop rather than a desktop computer. Our current students and faculty have indicated that the "freedom" that a laptop can provide is well worth the extra cost.

What teaching technology is used in the Online program?
We use D2L for all of our courses.

What do I do if I have trouble with my computer?
We offer 24 hour technical support. Call 1-877-724-7883 toll free or email the technical support personnel at techsupport@learn.uwsa.edu . Technical support staff is available daily with the exception of 1-6 am CST. If you are experiencing difficulties during that time after trying automated assistance, kindly leave an email message and a technical support staff member will contact you soon after 6 am. If you believe there are problems with the UW-L website or with D2L, contact the UW-L ITS staff at 608-785-8774. You may also want to check their website for specific announcements and general information at the ITS Support Center.

Contact Us

For more information, to schedule a phone appointment or a campus visit - please send an email to:

Kristin Van Vleet
SAA Graduate Assistant
vanvleet.kris@students.uwlax.edu