Frequently Asked Questions
When should I meet with my advisor?
When should I declare a major?
How do a declare/change my major?
How often can I change my major?
Where can I find my Advisement Report?
What is a "What If" advisement Report?
I think I might have a disability. Where can I go for help?
How do I register for classes?
When do I register for classes?
How many credits should I register for each semester?
How many credits can I enroll in during the summer session?
Does UW-L offer online courses?
How do I remove a registration hold?
I'm struggling in a class. What are my options for help?
What are the differences between dropping and withdrawing from a course?
When I should I consider withdrawing from a course?
Can I take a class over for a better grade?
Can I take a class on a pass/fail basis?
How many General Education credits do I need?
How many credits are needed to graduate?
What is the difference between a B.A. and B.S. degree?
What is the difference between an "official" and "unofficial" transcript?
How do I obtain a copy of my official transcript?
Where can I obtain verification for my insurance company that shows that I am a full time student?
I would like to transfer to UW-L. Where do I start?
I don't have an assigned advisor, who could help me choose appropriate classes to register for?
Can I take classes at a different institution and have those credits transfer to UW-L?
Who can I speak to if my credits did not transfer to UW-L as expected?
I am considering transferring to another school. Who can help me?
Advising Questions
When should I meet with my advisor?
We recommend that you meet with your advisor at least once each semester prior to registration. But, meeting more than once a semester will allow you to get to know your advisor and feel more comfortable asking questions. You should meet with your advisor any time you have questions or concerns that may affect your academic progress at UW-L.
When should I declare a major?
UW-L does not have a deadline for students to declare a major. However, 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 general education requirements by this time. Meet with your advisor to start the discussion about majors/careers early during you time at UW-L.
How do a declare/change my major?
You will need to complete a "Change of Program" form. This form is available in any of the College Dean's Office or in the Academic Advising Center.
How often can I change my major?
There is not a limit to the number of times you may change your major. That said, it is important to recognize that the more you change your major, the longer it will take to graduate and additional costs to completing your degree may be incurred.
Where can I find my Advisement Report?
You can find your Advisement Report in your WINGS Student Center. Access the Advisement Report form the main menu by clicking on "Academic Requirements" from the drop down menu and click on the double arrow icon to generate the report.
What is a "What If" Advisement Report?
If you wish to see the academic requirements of any UW-L major/minor program, you can create a "what if" report in WINGS. A "What If" Advisement Report creates a hypothetical Advisement report that takes into account the classes that you have completed and/or are in process of completing. What If Report Instructions. See an advisor if you have questions about the report.
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 should contact Disability Resource Services. The experts there can help you determine what accommodations would be appropriate to ensure you success at UW-La Crosse.
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 that you're struggling unless you speak up. All UW-L faculty are required to hold office hours; which are commonly listed in the course syllabus. Make an appointment to see the instructor during those hours to talk about you progress in the class. Sometimes things are not 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 take the Wisconsin Regional Placement Test (WRPT) 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 in UW-La Crosse. Optional placement tests are available for Spanish, German, and French. The Admissions Office usually provides new students with information/Test Dates about WPRT each spring after students have been accepted to the university. To register for WPRT or for additional information, please contact the Counseling & Testing Center or visit the Regional Placement Testing Program website.
Registration
How do I register for classes?
There are several online tutorials available that will explain the registration process. Students should be familiar with the process prior to registration time. Remember to pay you registration deposit early! There is a 15 minute window after you have paid the $100 registration deposit, before you can enroll in courses.
When do I register for classes?
Your registration appointment can be found by going to the "Enrollment Dates" feature in WINGS and clicking on 'Details'. Registration appointment times are determine the amount of credits you have earned. For that reason, Seniors register first, followed by Juniors, Sophomores, then Freshman.
How many credits should I register for each semester?
To be considered full-time undergraduate student, you 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
enroll in a maximum or three credits, 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 G.P.A. of less than a
3.25.
How many credits can I enroll in during the summer session?
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.
In order to receive federal loans for summer school you must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits for undergraduates and 5 credits for graduates). Students who are Pell Grant eligible may be eligible for a Pell Grant in the summer even if they are below half-time.
Does UW-L offer online courses?
UW-La Crosse does offer a limited number of online classes. Please visit www.uwlax.edu/online/ for more information about online instruction at UW-L.
How do I remove a registration hold?
A registration hold may be placed on WINGS for multiple reasons. Holds for "Registration Deposit", "Severe Tuition Balance", or "Advising" are just a few examples. Please contact the office that placed the hold if you have questions about the hold or are seeking to have the hold removed.
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.
Grades
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 that you're struggling unless you speak up. All UW-L faculty are required to hold office hours; which are commonly listed in the course syllabus. Make an appointment to see the instructor during those hours to talk about you progress in the class. Sometimes things are not 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!
What are the differences between dropping and withdrawing from a course?
Students may leave a full semester course without a penalty by dropping it via WINGS through the FIFTH DAY of classes. Leaving a course after the FIFTH DAY of classes will result in a Withdrawal. , students leaving a course
When I should I consider withdrawing from a course?
If you've met with your course instructor and received additional help, but the situation isn't going any better - perhaps it might be best to withdraw from the course and begin again at another time. The decision to withdraw is yours, but should be made only after you've consider all the consequences.
Will you go below full-time status if you withdraw? Going below full-time status may affect housing, financial aid, athletic eligibility, and other benefits that you are entitled to as a full-time student. See your advisor for guidance if you are considering withdrawing from a course.
Can I retake a class to earn a better grade?
Undergraduate students may repeat a course in 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 grade earned is never deleted from the permanent academic record when the course is repeated; however, the grade is dropped from the calculation of cumulative G.P.A. It is thereby possible to improve your G.P.A. by repeating a course. A course in which a grade "C" or better has been earned in not eligible to 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.
Who should I contact if a illness/family emergency cause me to miss classes for an extended period of time?
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., please contact the Office of Student Life, 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-u work, etc.
Can I take a class on a pass/fail basis?
Specific classes are approved for pass/fail grading. Students do not have the option to request to take a graded course on a pass/fail basis.
Graduation Requirements
How many General Education credits do I need?
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Students must earn a minimum of 48 credits of General Education courses.
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Students must earn the minimum credits within each category (totaling 39 credits.)
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Student earn the remaining credits from any combination of categories.
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All students must complete the Literacy Requirements (ENG 110 OR ENG 112, and CST 110 and a General Education Math course prior to earning 60 credits hours.
For a list of General Education courses and categories please see the course catalog.
How many credits are needed to graduate?
UW-L requires a minimum of 120 credits to complete a Bachelor's degree. Your Advisement Report will show the number of credits needed to earn a degree in your declared major. For more help, see your academic advisor.
What is the difference between a B.A. and B.S. degree?
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.A.) is determined by the college that your major belongs to. Some majors have a predetermined degree type, while others may chose between a B.A. or a B.S. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your options and how this may affect your selection of classes.
Each College has an academic advisor 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. You should schedule an appointment with an Assistant to the Dean in you College sometime during you last year of study at UW-L. They will complete a 'credit check' to ensure that you have completed all courses required for graduation in your degree.
Enrollment Records
What is the difference between an "official" and "unofficial" transcript?
Official transcripts are issued by the Office of Records and Registration and bear the UW-La Crosse seal and Registrar's signature. The cost for an official transcript is $10.00. Official transcripts are not processed a student has an outstanding obligation, financial, or otherwise. Third party requests will not be accepted. Official transcripts will be sent to the address indicated in the request.
You can obtain an 'unofficial' record of your enrollment from your WINGS Student Center if you have been enrolled at UW-L Spring 2009 or after. Not all institutions (colleges, employers, scholarship, etc.) will accept this document. It is up to you to verify with the receiving institutions if an official transcript is required.
How do 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 you 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 for your order that you can return to the Clearinghouse via fax, mail, or as and scanned email attachment.
If you have further questions regarding the National Student Clearinghouse order process, please feel free to contact them at (703) 742-4200 or via email at transcripts@studentclearinghouse.org. Please note that if you choose to have 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 Records and Registration Office at 117 Graff Main Hall. Requests submitted in person will be processed immediately. Payment options are cash, money order, or checks payable to UW-L. Office hours are Monday through Friday 7:45 am -4 :30 pm.
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 to students will be in separate sealed envelopes unless directed otherwise - use Special Instructions on the Transcript Request Form. Make checks payable to UW-La Crosse.
You may mail the request to: Attn: Transcripts, UW-La Crosse, 1725 State Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
Note: All transcripts sent to the students are stamped "Issued to Student". Not all institutions (college, employers, scholarships, etc.) will accept these transcripts even if they are in sealed envelopes. It is up to the student to verify with the receiving institution if transcripts need to be sent directly from UW-L to them. Many institutions require transcripts be sent directly from UW-L to their institution to be considered official.
Where can I obtain verification for my insurance company that shows that I am a full time student?
Students who need enrollment verification for health insurance, loan deferments, scholarships, etc. can print out a formal statement of attendance by clicking the "Enrollment Verification" tab under the Enrollment Resources menu in WINGS. This is a free service to students.
Transfer
I would like to transfer to UW-L. Where do I start?
Application for admission is done online at apply.wisconsin.edu. UW-L accepts transfer applications for the Fall and Summer terms beginning January 1st until admissions closes. Applications for the Spring and Winterim terms will be accepted beginning September 1st until admission closes. On or shortly after the above priority dates, you should attempt to have your admission records complete. This requires submitting the following items to the Admissions Office, UW-La Crosse, Cleary Center, La Crosse, WI 54601:
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A completed UW System application (available at apply.wisconsin.edu)
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An official high school transcript if student has earned less than 48 transferable semester credits
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All official college transcripts must be mailed directly form the institution(s) attended to the UW-La Crosse Admissions Office
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A list of course in progress, if currently enrolled, with course numbers, titles and the number of credits for each course.
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A non-refundable application fee is required for anyone applying as a transfer student form an institution other than one of the UW Colleges (two-year campuses).
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ACT/SAT scores.
After a student has applied, been admitted, and paid the $100 registration deposit, we will perform an official evaluation of transfer credits. 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 need to register for classes using our online registration systems WINGS. Registration instructions and a link to the online class timetable will be forwarded to those students admitted each semester. In preparing to register for classes, you are encouraged to call and make an appointment with an advisor from the college or school to which you have been assigned. If your are undecided about a major, you can to talk to an advisor in the Academic Advising Center.
I don't have an assigned advisor, who could help me choose appropriate classes to register for?
If you have a declared major, an Assistant to the Dean in your college (CLS, SAH, CBA) can assist you. If you are undeclared, a professional advisor in the AAC can assist you
Can I take classes at a different institution and have those credits transfer to UW-L?
If you are currently enrolled at UW-L, and plan to take a course elsewhere either in the summer or during the academic year, you must receive approval from UW-L prior to enrollment at another institution for course work to be transferred to UW-L. Please contact you Dean's Office for a "Off-Campus Permit" form, to secure approval to transfer credits 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 UW Transfer Information System. While information contained in the Transfer Information System should also 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: Transfer of Credit to UW-L.
Who can I speak to if my credits did not transfer to UW-L as expected?
If you disagree with how a course(s) transfers or how a course(s) is being applied toward your program of study, a formal appeal process is available. Consult with the Assistant to the Dean of your College. They can review and explain the transfer credits and appeal process.
I am considering transferring to another school. Who can help me?
You can start by speaking with the Assistant to the Dean in the college you are currently enrolled or an advisor in the AAC. If you are transferring to a school in the UW System, you can utilized the UW Transfer Information System (Credit Transfer Wizard, Transfer guides) in addition to working with the admissions office at the transfer institution. If you plan to transfer to an institution outside of the UW System, please contact that institution's Admission's Office to inquire about their transfer requirements and application process.