Mission                         _
Services                            _
Publications                            _
Staff                                                _

Office of Student Life
149 Graff Main Hall
608/785-8062

Mission                       ________ 

The Office of Student Life is committed to assisting the students of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse by:
     - serving as an advocate in promoting and defending the interest of the students within the   university at large; 
     - maximizing students' use of the services available to them at the University; and
     - intervening on the behalf of students when requested and appropriate. 

Services                          ________ 

The OSL provides a variety of services for students including but not limited to:  

Advising and Student Referral.  The Office of Student Life advises students on a number of concerns, i.e. personal, social, emotional, or academic problems.  The Office of Student Life does not provide counseling but may refer students to other offices.

Communication, Support, and Assistance to Faculty Concerning Student Absences and Other Student Problems.  
A student should contact the OSL when his/her absence will exceed five days and the cause for the absence is reasonable, i.e., illness, family emergencies, etc. The OSL will officially notify the appropriate instructors; however, the legitimacy of a reported absence is determined by the instructor.  If you, as a student, know you are going to be gone ahead of time, contact your instructors.  If faculty are concerned about a student's absence from class, they are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Life.  The Office of Student Life will then contact the student regarding his/her welfare.

Conflict Resolution Services
The OSL provides trained mediators to assist students who are in conflict.  Mediators facilitate a problem-solving process in which the parties in conflict define the issues and work toward the development of a mutually agreeable resolution.  This agreement is then formalized and put into written form.  The mediation process usually takes 1-2 hours, but can vary depending upon the issues.  The process is private and confidential.

Hate Incident Response Team
The Office of Student Life, in collaboration with other campus members, is responsible for responding effectively to hate incidents on campus. Any member of the campus community who experiences or witnesses a hate incident may complete a confidential reporting form. Any harmful act which appears to be motivated or is perceived by the victim to be motivated all or in part by race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, or disability is considered a hate incident.

Investigation of Student Complaints and Grievances.  
The OSL serves as a link between students and other campus offices in the investigation and resolution of student concerns or complaints.  

Investigative Office for the Administration of UW-La Crosse Disciplinary Procedures 
The Office of Student Life is charged with investigating and adjudicating violations of UWS Administrative codes; UWS Chapter 14, Academic Misconduct, UWS Chapter 17, Non-Academic Misconduct, and UWSChapter 18, Conduct on University Lands.  

Legal Services 
While classes are in session (including summer term) free legal advice is provided by attorneys sponsored and paid for by the UWL Student Association.  Currently enrolled students may make 15 minute appointments by calling 785-8062 or stopping in the Office of Student Life, Room 149 Graff Main Hall.  An attorney will be on campus for a short time on each Tuesday and Wednesday that classes are in session during fall and spring semesters. They are available to meet with students occasionally during summer term.  

Orientation
The Office of Student Life coordinates orientation programs for returning adult and commuter students.  These programs are designed to help students with their academic and social adjustment to the university.  

Oversees UW-La Crosse Student Elections 
Elections for Student Senate seats are held in April with the exception of freshmen seats, which are held in the fall. 

Responds to Incidents Against Students Concerning Sexual Assault, Racial Harassment, or Harassment Based on One's Sexual Orientation
Personnel in the OSL are sensitive to the above issues and encourage students with complaints to consult with us.  

Safety on Our Sidewalks (SOS) 
The OSL graduate assistant advises the coordinators and volunteers who provide safe walks to students, faculty, and staff on the UW-L campus and surrounding community every night that the University is in session.

Support Services for Returning Adult Students 
The OSL offers advisement and support for returning adult students by maintaining a graduate assistantship position that primarily focuses on providing service to returning adult students.  Generally, returning adult students are 23 years old or older, but students at any age may consider themselves returning adults.  The Returning Adult Student Organization (R.A.S.O.) meets each Wednesday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in Room 328 Cartwright Center for informal brown bag lunches.  The R.A.S.O. elects officers each spring for the following academic year.  The Office of Student Life publishes annually a Returning Adult Student Handbook addressing issues of importance to returning adult students.  Any full or part-time student is welcome to participate in the R.A.S.O.

Withdrawals from the University
The process of withdrawal from the university begins in the OSL. Students contemplating withdrawal should come to the OSL for a brief interview. Students who are experiencing a medical/psychological condition that prevents the normal pursuit of academic life may request a Medical Withdrawal from the University by submitting a signed letter from a licensed health care professional that describes the diagnosed medical/psychological condition, how it prevents the student from attending classes and completing the semester, and when they anticipate the student will again be able to attend classes. 

Services and other responsibilities

• Coordination of Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges
• Administrative responsibility of the UWL Child Center
• Student Apportionment Committee

Publications                               ______   

Eagle Eye -- Student Handbook 
Conflict Resolution Brochure

GLBT Brochure
Returning Adult Student Handbook

Staff                                           ______

Mick Miyamoto - Assistant Dean of Students
e-mail: miyamoto.mich@uwlax.edu

Marcia Johnson-Sage - Student Services Coordinator 
e-mail: johnson.marc@uwlax.edu

Marge Troka - Program Assistant
e-mail: troka.marj@uwlax.edu

Contacting the Office of Student Life            ____________

You can contact the Office of Student Life by using the following methods: 

FAX: (608) 785-8933 
Telephone: (608) 785-8062 
U.S. Mail Address:  
   Office of Student Life 
   Graff Main Hall, Room 149 
   1725 State Street 
   La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601

Copyright © 2005, The University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin.