Frequently asked questions (FAQ)Find the answers to frequently asked questions from the following categories: General questionsQ: Where are you located?A: We are located in La Crosse, Wis.; a community of 52,000 in western Wisconsin on the Minnesota border. Located right off I-90, we are about 130 miles from Dubuque, Iowa; 140 miles from Madison; 150 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul; 245 miles from Des Moines, Iowa; and 283 miles from Chicago. Q: How many students are enrolled at UW-La Crosse?A: The enrollment at UW-La Crosse is 9,975 students. There are 8,295 undergraduate students, 1,454 graduate students, and 282 international students. Our student body represents 43 states and 42 countries. Q: How does UW-L rank in comparison to other universities in the Midwest?A: U.S. News & World Report ranked UW-L third for Midwest regional public universities in its 2008 edition of America's Best Colleges guidebook. Kiplinger's Personal Finance ranked UW-L 33rd on its list of the 100 best values in public colleges across the country. Only one other Wisconsin school made the top 100 list. Q: What is the weather like in La Crosse, Wis.?A: One of the great things about beautiful western Wisconsin is that we get to enjoy all four seasons of the year. Temperatures can range from 95° in August to -15° in January! La Crosse experiences beautiful sunshine, wintry blizzards and everything in between. The residence halls are not air-conditioned, so you will need a fan in the warmer months. Air conditioners in the residence hall rooms are not allowed unless you have a doctor's note prescribing the need for an air conditioner. Dining areas, Cartwright Center, and academic buildings are all air-conditioned. You will need a variety of clothes to be comfortable in all seasons and weather conditions throughout the academic year. Your wardrobe may range from shorts, tank tops and sandals, to long pants, warm sweaters and snow boots. AdmissionsQ: How do I apply?A: Complete an application, send an official high school transcript, pay the $35 application fee, and send an official ACT or SAT score directly from the testing agency. You can submit the application online at www.apply.wisconsin.edu. Please call the Office of Admissions at (608)785-8939 for more information. Q: When should I apply?A: The best time to apply is early in your senior year of high school. We operate on a rolling admissions basis which means that we begin processing applications Sept. 15 and review them until our freshman class is full. You will have a better choice of housing and scholarship opportunities the earlier you apply. Q: When should I apply if I am a transfer student?A: Our Admissions Office begins processing applications Sept. 1 for spring admission and Jan. 1 for fall admission. Q: What are your freshman admission requirements?A: Admission to UW–La Crosse is based upon primary factors and secondary factors. The primary factors are:
The secondary factors are:
It is important to note that secondary factors will not take the place of a major deficiency in a primary factor area. The average freshman in fall 2007 was at the 84th percentile of their high school class with a 25 ACT. Q: What high school courses are required for admission?A: UW-L requires the following high school courses:
However, it is important to note that the average student admitted to UW-L goes above and beyond the minimum requirements in all areas, and also completes three years of foreign language. Q: Do I have to send the transcripts from the schools at which I am taking dual enrollment classes?A: Yes. After graduation you will need to send a final transcript from your high school, as well as all of the colleges/universities you have attended. Q: How do you use two or more sets of SAT/ACT scores?A: We acknowledge the highest SAT score from a single test date and recognize the highest ACT composite score. Q: How long does it take to find out an admission decision?A: Once we have received all of your application materials, you can expect a decision within approximately four weeks. Q: Are there any entrance exams that are required for admission?A: The only tests that UW-La Crosse requires for admission are the ACT or SAT. However, you might have noticed there are a variety of tests administered to students preparing for college. The following list explains the most common tests and contact information for each of them:
Q: What is credit by examination?A: A program through which many colleges grant university or course credit based on results of the advanced placement tests (AP), the College-level Examination Program (CLEP) or International Baccalaureate Examination (IB). Q: Do you accept AP or IB credit?A: Yes. Students who have participated in the Advanced Placement Program (AP) in high school and have received scores of 3, 4 or 5 will receive academic credit. UW-L will accept all International Baccalaureate (IB) "Higher Level" examinations with a score of 4 or greater. Refer to the following Web site for more detail: http://www.uwlax.edu/admissions/html/creditbyexam.htm AcademicsQ: What do you mean when you say that UW-La Crosse is an accredited university?A: Accreditation is the recognition of a college or university by any of the regional or national accrediting bodies, indicating that the institution as a whole has been judged to be meeting its objectives. UW-L was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1928 and has maintained this accreditation since then. Q: What academic majors does UW-L offer?A: UW-La Crosse awards bachelor's degrees in 85 majors, and our minors, concentrations and emphases provide additional areas to focus your study. A complete list of academic programs by college is available here. Q: What are your most popular majors?
Q: What if I am undecided about my major?A: There are many resources and services that can assist students in deciding on a major. One of these resources is the Academic Advising Center. This center has been established to improve and extend services to those students who are undecided about their academic plans or have decided to change their major or career directions. Changing majors and re-thinking career decisions are common and expected among students. Q: How and when do I choose a major?A: If you do not already know what you want to major in, you can enroll as an undecided major. If you are undecided, our Academic Advising Center will help you explore your career options. There is no set date by which you must choose a major, but be aware that many academic departments have specific timelines for the completion of a major. Q: What is your student teacher ratio?A: Approximately 24:1, and you probably want to know how large your classes will be. The average class size at UW-L is 29 students. You will most likely experience both large and small classroom situations. Q: Will I be taught by professors or teaching assistants?A: There are no teaching assistants at UW-L. A professor or faculty member will teach all your classes. Q: Do you have an honors program?A: Yes. The University Honors program is available to students that are ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class and scored a 26 or higher on their ACT. The honors program provides small classes, an environment for dynamic discussion, and independent and creative thinking along with the opportunity to learn cooperatively. Contact the Honors Program at (608)785-5250 with any further questions. Q: What is the average graduation rate?A: The average graduation rate is 4 1/2 years at UW-L. Many students choose to do more than one academic major or to add a minor or two to their primary area of study. Some students who take over four years to graduate were undecided about their choice of a major or they decided to make changes in their major along the way. Q: Does UW-La Crosse offer a four-year graduation guarantee program?A: Yes. UW-L offers entering freshman students the opportunity to participate in an agreement that ensures graduation in four years. If the student satisfies all the conditions of the agreement, but degree completion is delayed because of the University, then UW-L will relieve the student of tuition for the required course(s) remaining after the four-year period. (Note: some academic majors do not qualify for the four-year graduation agreement.) Q: What's the job placement like?A: UW-L's Career Services Office offers a full range of help from résumé writing and etiquette dinners to job and internship placement. It's devoted to helping students land that first job, and, as a UW-L graduate, you can utilize services for the rest of your life! UW-La Crosse has an excellent record of student placement, and the Career Services Office offers career fairs that make it easy to network with hundreds of potential employers from around the nation. For more about job placement, visit Career Services. Q: What is credit by examination?A: A program through which many colleges grant university or course credit based on results of the advanced placement tests (AP), the CEEB College-level Examination Program (CLEP), or International Baccalaureate Examination (IB). Q: Do you accept AP or IB credit?A: Yes. Students who have participated in the Advanced Placement Program (AP) in high school and have received scores of 3, 4, or 5 will receive academic credit. UW-L will accept all International Baccalaureate (IB) "Higher Level" examinations with a score of 4 or greater. Click here for more details. Campus housingQ: When should I complete my housing contract?A: It is up to the student to decide when to complete the housing contract, however, housing is granted on a first-come first-serve basis. Students receive housing information after the $100 enrollment deposit is made. To enhance the opportunity of receiving your first choice in residence halls or roommate request, we suggest you complete your contract as early as possible. The longer you wait, the less likely you will be to get the building you request. Q: I'm going to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and live on campus. What choices do I have for my living environment?A: There are several options for students who will be living on campus. Residence halls range in size and offer exciting opportunities for personal, social, educational, physical and emotional growth. Find out more about hall options and room dimensions. Suite style apartments are available in Reuter Hall. Q: While attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, how do I use my meal plan?A: Students living on campus choose a meal plan with their housing agreement. We operate on a "meals per week" system. You may choose from the following options:
Dining Dollars can be used at:
Q: Who lives in the residence halls?A: All freshmen attending UW-La Crosse are required to live in the residence halls on campus. According to the Board of Regents' policy, freshman and sophomore students who are not veterans, married, or living with parents or guardians are required to live in a university operated residence hall when such accommodations are available. Any exception must be in writing and cleared by the Office of Residence Life. The residence hall contract is for the entire academic year. Q: If I need assistance within my residence hall, whom do I contact?A: The Office of Residence Life hires professional staff members—area coordinators, hall directors and assistants to the hall directors—who are trained to manage the physical environment and to assist all residents in a positive living experience. In addition to the professional hall staff, resident assistants and desk managers are students who work with residents in each hall by planning personal growth and educational programs, becoming mentors and friends, and making residents aware of University policies and enforcing them. Internal hall organizations, including hall government, Residence Hall Association Council, National Residence Hall Honorary and others, encourage the involvement of residents to work with the Residence Life central office and professional hall staff to identify areas for improvement and to provide input. Residents, resident assistants, hall governments and the hall directors form a community with a common purpose and goals. Q: What address do I give to my family and friends if I am living in one of the residence halls?A: Each residence hall has its own street address, and your mail should be addressed to you in the following manner: Name The hall addresses are as follows:
Q: What may I bring when I move to campus?A: You will be able to talk or write to your roommate before you move to campus. Some students enjoy coordinating the colors or patterns of their room, or sharing larger items such as futons, rugs or extra furniture. Space is limited, so we encourage you to communicate with your future roommate about what you would like to share to avoid duplicating non-personal items. Each residence hall room is furnished with beds, mattresses, dressers, curtains, desks (with a chair), bookshelves, a refrigerator and a wastebasket. Essential Items You'll Need Include:
For your wardrobe:
For mishaps, emergencies and general "fix-its":
For getting around campus:
For study breaks and general relaxing:
For making the most of your study time:
To make your new home feel more like home:
Note: You may want to contact your roommate to coordinate who brings what so that you don't have two of everything. There is no storage available. Optional items you may want to bring:
The following items are not allowed in the halls:
Q: Can I bring my own furniture?A: Yes and no. The residence hall room is already provided a bed, mattress, chest of drawers, wardrobe or closet, desk, wastebasket, refrigerator and curtains. To make your room more comfortable you may bring other furniture such as rugs, small couch, chair, non-halogen lamps, etc. Remember that space is limited, and that any furniture that is in your room when you arrive must stay in your room. Storing residence hall furniture outside of its original room is prohibited. Q: Do we have cable access in our rooms?A: Each residence hall is equipped with cable access. This means you do not have to subscribe, and you can enjoy many channels from the comfort of your own room. We provide the cable, you provide the television. Q: I have so many things I want to bring. Can I store any of my extra belongings on campus?A: Additional storage space is not available. Anything you bring must stay in your room with you. Q: May I decorate my room?A: This is your home away from home, so decorating and personalizing your room is encouraged. You may hang posters and pictures from the wall; however, this must be done with non-damaging materials or removable hangers. Adhesive tape, staples, adhesive holders, brackets, tacks and nails are not to be used on the walls, woodwork, floors or ceiling. Damage done to walls, furniture, ceilings, doors, windows or anything else that was originally in the room is charged to the residents. Students are not allowed to paint their rooms. Money mattersQ: How do I apply for scholarships?A: All freshman scholarships can be viewed by visiting the UW-L Foundation homepage. The applications for these scholarships must be postmarked by February 15. Q: Are out-of-state scholarships available?A: Yes. The Chancellor's Scholar Award is a scholarship specifically for students who do not reside in Wisconsin or Minnesota. There is no application for this award; non-resident students are considered after they are accepted to the university. The Return to Wisconsin program offers a 25 percent discount on the non-resident portion of tuition to children and grandchildren of UW-L alumni that live in states other than Wisconsin and Minnesota: Q: Does UW-L offer special scholarships for multicultural scholarships?A: Yes, UW-L offers several scholarships for multicultural students. The Counselor Choice Award is a $1,000 new freshmen award for multicultural students from Wisconsin or Minnesota The Student Development/Academic Services Multicultural Student Scholarship is a $500 new freshmen award that is renewable for up to three years as long as the student remains in good academic standing. The Non-Resident Tuition Grant is a new freshman grant valued between $2,000 and $7,500 per year. It is renewable up to three years as long as the student remains in good academic standing. More multicultural student scholarships can be found at the UW-L Foundation homepage. Q: How much will it cost to attend UW-La Crosse?A: Estimated tuition and fees per academic year (including textbook rental), and room and board: $10,980 (resident); $11,466 (Minnesota); $13,390 (Midwest Student Exchange); $18,553 (non-resident). Q: What is reciprocity?A: Reciprocity is an agreement between the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota that enables students from Minnesota to attend Wisconsin state schools for comparable instate tuition. Minnesota is the only state in which Wisconsin has reciprocity. To apply for reciprocity, go to www.getreadyforcollege.org/hesod/reciprocity/apply1.cfm. Q: What types of financial aid are available?A: The traditional types of financial aid include grants, loans and work-study. For more detailed information, visit our financial aid Web site. Q: How do I apply for financial aid?A: To see if you qualify for federal aid at UW-La Crosse:
After the University receives the results of your application, we will send you an award letter describing your financial aid package. Award amounts are subject to change, and some applications will be selected for verification. Copies of your federal income tax returns may be requested if your application is selected to be reviewed for verification. Q: What is the FAFSA?A: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the application required for students to be considered for federal student aid. Obtain a FAFSA from a high school or college counselor for the appropriate year (usually available in December). The FAFSA is processed free of charge and is used by most state agencies and colleges. Visit the FAFSA Web site for more information. Q: What does EFC mean?A: EFC stands for Expected Family Contribution, the number used in determining your eligibility for federal student aid. Q: What is a Federal Perkins Loan?A: It is a loan funded by the federal government and awarded by the institution. The loans feature low interest rates and are repayable over an extended period of time. Q: What is a Federal Pell grant?A: It is financial assistance awarded by the federal government on the basis of need and is designed to provide the foundation of an aid package for post-secondary education. The grant may be used toward tuition, room and board, books or other educational costs and requires no repayment. Q: What is Federal PLUS (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) Program?A: This program provides low-interest federal loans to credit-approved parents of eligible undergraduate students. Repayment begins 60 days after loan funds are disbursed. Loans are available from participating banks, lending institutions and participating Direct Lending schools. Q: What is the Federal Stafford Loan Program?A: This loan program provides low interest federal loans to eligible students through banks and lending institutions. The federal government pays the interest for qualifying students while they are enrolled at least half time. Students who do not qualify for these interest subsidies are responsible for the interest while they are enrolled. Repayment begins after the student leaves school. Student lifeQ: What kind of health care is available?A: The Student Health Center, located in the Health Science Center, is staffed by physicians (doctors of medicine), doctors of osteopathic medicine, nurse practitioners, medical laboratory technicians, registered nurses, medical assistants, medical record specialists, laboratory technicians, X-ray technicians, research coordinators, counselors, dietitians and physical therapists. The center is open Monday through Friday when classes are in session. Students are charged for laboratory tests, allergy injections and any medications provided by the Student Health Center. Students whose health care needs cannot be met by the Student Health Center may be referred to the health care provider of their choice, community hospitals (Gundersen Lutheran or Franciscan Skemp) or the local emergency room. Q: What kind of extracurricular activities does UW-L offer?A: UW-L has more than 160 student-run organizations that add a great deal to the college experience! Visit the Involvement Center site to find out more about each of them. Q: What kind of jobs are available on campus and in the community?A: Many businesses in the La Crosse area prefer UW-L students as employees. With our reputation for higher standards and outstanding academics, employers realize that UW-La Crosse students often make ideal employees. The Financial Aid Office posts job opportunities that are available in the community. UW-L students have found employment with businesses such as local coffee shops, various stores in the Valley View Mall, local law firms, hardware stores, the La Crosse Center and just about every restaurant and hotel in town. If you are interested in working for a specific business in town, take the initiative and call the manager or send your resume and cover letter. On campus, students find employment in almost every administrative office including: Admissions, Athletics, Career Services, Information Technology Service, and the Involvement Center. Most of the academic divisions will also have opportunities for work. You can become a resident assistant, help run a student organization, work at the front desk of your residence hall, teach aerobics courses, or manage the student union and be compensated for your time. To find out what jobs are available on campus, keep your eyes and ears open or contact the department you would like to work for! Q: What should I do if I am interested in playing a collegiate sport?A: The first step is get in touch with the appropriate coach. Visit the UW-L Athletics homepage for coach contact information. Q: Does UW-La Crosse have a Greek Life?A: Yes, UW-La Crosse does have a Greek Life. There are fraternities and sororities for students to be involved with. The Greek community at UW-La Crosse helps incoming students to build leadership skills, develop character, and feel more connected to others through a bond of sisterhood and brotherhood. Greek Life is dedicated to the improvement of the quality of student experiences related to the educational, personal, social and service development of its diverse members and constituencies. Find out more about each chapter by visiting the Greek Life homepage. Q: Should I bring a car to campus?A: You may bring a car to college, but we do not recommend it. First-year students are unable to have parking permits on campus, and many of the areas surrounding campus are one-hour and two-hour parking zones. In addition, alternate side parking is in effect Nov. 1 through April 1, which requires cars to be moved every day. Since you are able to ride the La Crosse bus system for free as a UW-L student, the need for a car is slim to none. It only takes eight minutes to walk across campus, and many students bring bikes for on and off campus transportation. Also, ride boards are located in many buildings across campus to assist students in coordinating travels back to hometowns for the holidays. Q: Should I bring my bike?A: Absolutely. UW-L encourages bicycle transportation as a safe, fast, and environmentally friendly way to get around. Also, the bluffs have wonderful trails for bike riding. Bike racks are located outside of all buildings and residence halls. Q: Is UW-L a safe campus?A: UW-L is a very safe place to live and learn. The university police patrol campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. There are emergency blue light telephones visible from any location on campus that will put you in immediate contact with a university police officer. UW-L also offers Safety On Our Sidewalks (S.O.S.). This service, provided by UW-L student volunteers, provides safe walks for students to locations both on and off campus. The city of La Crosse ranks #7 on the 'Top 25 Safest Metro Areas in the United States,' published by Morgan Quinto Press. To learn more about safety at UW-L, read the UW-La Crosse Annual Security Report. Q: How do I get tickets for athletic events?A: All regular season athletic events are free with a student ID — you do not even need a ticket! For more information on athletics event information, visit the Athletics homepage. Q: How do I find out about religious opportunities at UW-L?A: Many opportunities are available to students. Go to the University Centers listing of religious and spiritual organizations to learn more. Q: How do I get involved in band, orchestra, chorus, or marching band?A: The Music Department has many options for students who want to join a performance group, and you do not need to be a music major or minor to be involved! There are several choral groups, (including concert, women's, and men's choir), several bands (symphony, wind, and marching band), and symphony and chamber orchestra, as well as many jazz ensembles. Some of these groups hold auditions during the first week of classes in September. For audition materials and more information, call the Music Department at (608)785-8409. Q: Where can I go to exercise?A: You are in luck! You won't need to join a local fitness club because we have two recreational facilities just for UW-L students and faculty. The Recreational Eagle Center (REC) includes a five-court, hardwood floor gym suitable for basketball, volleyball or badminton; a weight room; an aerobics room; a martial arts room; a rock climbing wall, racquetball courts; baseball and softball batting cages; and an elevated four-lane jogging track. You will find a wide range of cardiovascular training equipment, including treadmills, steppers and climbers, elliptical trainers, upright bicycles, recumbent bicycles, cross trainers and rowers. Locker rooms, indoor and outdoor equipment rental, a fitness room and a lounge with a large screen television are also located in the REC. Visit the Student Recreation Center Web site for photos of the facility. A smaller facility in Mitchell Hall provides a gymnasium with a multipurpose floor that can accommodate floor hockey, indoor soccer or ultimate Frisbee. An indoor track encircles tennis courts, and a rock-climbing wall is located on the back wall of the field house. Fitness rooms and indoor pools are also available in Mitchell Hall and Wittich Hall. |
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University of Wisconsin-La Crosse |