A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Welcome and thank you for your interest in the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. UW-L offers numerous graduate programs, many of which have a counterpart among the approximately 80 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations. We are proud of our innovation and the opportunities provided for close interaction with excellent faculty through coursework, research, independent studies, internships, and numerous other experiences. Our focus is on delivery of high quality experiences that prepare individuals for current and future positions in an ever-changing global environment.

Each of the four colleges that comprise the university - the College of Business Administration; the College of Science and Allied Health; the College of Liberal Studies; and the College of Education, Exercise Science, Health and Recreation - offers graduate programs. Through Continuing Education and Extension, we are able to expand our reach into the communities of the region and state, offering many courses, programs, and degrees where individuals can benefit from what we have to offer while not having to come to campus.

The graduate faculty and I are committed to providing high quality, innovative, and challenging opportunities for your personal and professional growth and development. We offer a learning environment that places you at the leading edge of your field and prepares you for continued success. We look forward to your joining us as we learn, grow, and change together. Visit our Web site at www.uwlax.edu/graduate .

Sincerely,

Garth Tymeson, PhD., Director

Note to Readers

Freedom of Thought and Expression

The faculty and administration of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse believe that it is the task of the university to make people safe for ideas, not to make ideas safe for people. Beyond formal lectures and laboratory experiences, the University provides opportunities for the presentation of diverse views to stimulate thought and discussion in the University community. It is the responsibility of the University to strive, over a period of time, to attain a diversified presentation of ideas by people who are engaged in research and social dialogue. Thus, the University seeks to increase student exposure to the ever-expanding world of ideas. In a democratic society we can do no less. No one shall be compelled to attend or listen. All must be free to hear. The appearance of any particular speaker on campus implies neither approval nor disapproval by the administration or the faculty of what that speaker says.

Civil Rights

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is totally committed to providing equal education and employment opportunity regardless of gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental status. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance by way of grant, contract or loan. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is similar in its prohibition of discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibit discrimination on the basis of physical or mental handicap. Equal educational opportunity includes: admission, recruitment, extracurricular programs and activities, housing facilities, access to course offerings, counseling and testing, financial assistance, employment, health and insurance services, and athletics. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is unlawful and contrary to the fundamental standards of a university community. All grievances, questions or requests for information should be referred to the Affirmative Action Officer.

Disabilities Accessibility

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Ongoing efforts are being made to ensure that facilities and programs are accessible to all students with disabilities. All students must identify and present documentation (no older than three years) of their disabilities to the Disability Resources Services office in order to receive ongoing accommodations.

Direct student services to those with physical or learning disabilities include, but are not limited to: classroom note takers, tutors, class pre-registration, taped textbooks, academic advising, individual/group counseling and equipment loan. Specific requests for assistance or information should be directed to the coordinator of the Disability Resource Services office, 165 Murphy Library.

Both disabled and non-disabled students are eligible to join Students Advocating Potential Ability (SAPA), a campus organization formed (1) to give academic and social support to students with disabilities; (2) to facilitate awareness of these students’ needs; and (3) to support the basic rights of all students and to resist discrimination in any form for or against people with disabilities.

Accreditation

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is accredited by:

— AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

— Accreditation Council For Occupational Therapy Education

— Accreditation Review Committee on Education of the Physician Assistant

— American Chemical Society

— Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

— Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education

— Council on Accreditation of the National Recreation and Park Association/American Association for Leisure and Recreation

— Council of Education for Public Health

— Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Radiation Technology

— National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)

— National Association for School Psychologists

— National Association of Schools of Music

— National Association of Sport and Physical Education/North American Society for Sport Management

— National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

— North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (30 North LaSalle St.,Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504; telephone 800-621-7440)

— Program in Nuclear Medicine Technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee of Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology through affiliated hospitals

approved by:

— American Association of University Women

— American Society of Microbiology

— National Association of School Psychologists

a member of:

— American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education

— American Association of State Colleges and Universities

— American Council on Education

— Association of American Colleges

     and Universities

— Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)

— Council of Colleges of Arts

     and Sciences

— Council of Graduate Schools

— National Commission on Accrediting

— Service Members Opportunity Colleges

— West Central Wisconsin Consortium

Mission

The System Mission

Each institution of the University of Wisconsin System shares in the mission of the System.

The mission of this System is to develop human resources, to discover and disseminate knowledge, to extend knowledge and its application beyond the boundaries of its campuses, and to serve and stimulate society by developing in students heightened intellectual, cultural, and human sensitivities; scientific, professional, and technological expertise; and a sense of value and purpose. Inherent in this mission are methods of instruction, research, extended education and public service designed to educate people and improve the human condition. Basic to every purpose of the System is the search for truth.

The Core Mission

As an institution in the “University Cluster” of the University of Wisconsin System,  UW-L shares the following core mission with other universities of the cluster. Each university in the cluster shall:

a.  Offer associate and baccalaureate degree level and selected graduate programs within the context of its approved mission statement.

b.  Offer an environment that emphasizes teaching excellence and meets the educational and personal needs of students through effective teaching, academic advising, counseling, and through university-sponsored cultural, recreational, and extracurricular programs.

c.  Offer a core of liberal studies that supports university degrees in the arts, letters, and sciences, as well as specialized professional/technical degrees at the associate and baccalaureate level.

d.  Offer a program of pre-professional curricular offerings consistent with the university’s mission.

e.  Expect scholarly activity, including research, scholarship and creative endeavor, that supports its programs at the associate and baccalaureate degree level, its selected graduate programs, and its approved mission statement.

f.   Promote the integration of the extension function, assist the University of Wisconsin-Extension in meeting its responsibility for statewide coordination, and encourage faculty and staff participation in outreach activity.

g.  Participate in interinstitutional  relationships in order to maximize educational opportunity for the people of the state effectively and efficiently through the sharing of resources.

h.  Serve the needs of women, minority, disadvantaged, disabled, and nontraditional students and seek racial and ethnic diversification of the student body and the professional faculty and staff.

i.   Support activities designed to promote the economic development of the state.

The Select Mission

In addition to the System and Core Missions, UW-L has the following select mission:

The primary purpose of UW-L is to provide education leading to baccalaureate and selected graduate degrees supplemented by appropriate research and public service activities as further detailed in the following set of goals:

a.   The University shall emphasize excellence in educational programs and teaching.

b.  The University shall provide a broad base of liberal education as a foundation for the intellectual, cultural, and professional development of the students.

c.   The University shall offer undergraduate programs and degrees in the arts, letters, and sciences; education; health and human services; health, physical education, and recreation; and business administration.

d.  The University shall offer graduate programs and degrees related to areas of emphasis and strength within the institution.

e.   The University expects scholarly activity, including research, scholarship and creative endeavor, that supports its programs at the baccalaureate degree level, its selected graduate programs, and its special mission.

f.   The University shall support studies related to the environment, culture, heritage, institutions, and economy of   La Crosse and the surrounding Upper Mississippi Valley region.

university administration 

Office of the Chancellor

Chancellor - Douglas N. Hastad

Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance - Ronald Lostetter

Assistant Chancellor, Advancement - Kenna Christians

Assistant to Chancellor, Affirmative Action and Diversity - Alfred Thompson

Office of the Vice Chancellor/Provost

Provost/Vice Chancellor -

    Elizabeth J. Hitch

Chief Information Officer/Associate Vice Chancellor for Information

Technology - John Tillman

Dean of Student Development and Academic Services - Petra Roter

Director of University Graduate Studies- Garth Tymeson

College of Business Administration

    Dean - William Colclough

    Associate Dean - Bruce May

College of Education, Exercise Science, Health & Recreation

    Dean - Rick Mikat (Interim)

    Associate Dean - George Arimond                    

         (Interim)

         School of Education

             Director - Richard Swantz (Interim)

College of Science and Allied Health

    Dean - Michael Nelson

    Associate Deans - Karen P. McLean,                                                Keith Beyer

College of Liberal Studies

    Dean - John Mason

    Associate Deans - Ruth Ann Benson,

         Charles Martin-Stanley

         School of Arts and Communication

             Director - Ruth Ann Benson

The University of Wisconsin system board of regents

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is governed by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. The Board of Regents as of November 2003:

— Toby Marcovich, Superior, President

— David G. Walsh, Madison, Vice President

— Nino Amato, Middleton

— Roger E. Axtell, Janesville

— Mark J. Bradley, Wausau

— Elizabeth Burmaster, Madison         

— Eileen Connolly-Kessler, Oshkosh

— Danae D. Davis, Milwaukee

— Guy A. Gottschalk, Wisconsin Rapids

— Gregory L. Gracz, Milwaukee

— Frederic E. Mohs, Madison

— Jose A. Olivieri, Milwaukee

— Charles Pruitt, Milwaukee

— Gerard Randall, Jr., Milwaukee

— Beth Richlen, Madison

— Peggy Rosenzweig, Wauwatosa

— Jesus Salas, Milwaukee

UW System Administration

— Katharine C. Lyall, President

— Cora B. Marrett, Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs

— David W. Olien, Senior Vice President, Administration

— Deborah A. Durcan, Vice President, Finance

— Linda L. Weimer, Vice President, University Relations

West Central Wisconsin Consortium

The University is a member of the West Central Wisconsin Consortium, a cooperative group of five institutions in the University of Wisconsin System. Other members are UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout and UW-Superior. The UW System Board of Regents has identified the consortium as the regional agency for planning, coordinating, resource sharing, and reviewing programs at all levels. The consortium has been especially active in the review of existing and proposed academic programs, improvement of instruction project grants, and the establishment and coordination of cooperative programs and efforts in all areas of university activity in order to maintain quality and to improve efficiency and economy in higher education.

UW-La Crosse: A Profile

UW-L is a public institution of higher education. In 1909 La Crosse Normal School opened its doors as a teacher training school. It became a state teachers college in 1927, a state college in 1951, and a state university in 1964. In 1971 the University became part of the University of Wisconsin System. The first graduate program began in the summer of 1956.

UW-L has 8,750 students, 650 of whom are graduate students. The students are from 32 states and 45 foreign countries; 5% are from racially under-represented groups. The University offers 44 undergraduate majors in 30 disciplines and 17 graduate programs. There are over 320 full-time faculty and instructional academic staff, 82% of whom hold terminal degrees.

There are many opportunities for students to participate in and benefit from the more than $7 million in grant funding that has been awarded to faculty and staff annually.

Upon graduation, 99 percent of master’s degree graduates in the job market found full- or part-time employment within six months of graduation.

The 118-acre campus has 33 buildings, including 13 used for instruction, academic support, and administrative purposes; 11 residence halls and three student centers.

location

The campus is in a residential section of the eastern part of the City of La Crosse (city pop. 52,000; metropolitan area pop. 107,000). A major point of interest is the “Great River Road” that winds north and south through 10 states along the Mississippi. La Crosse is on the east bank of the river below towering bluffs separated by steep-walled ravines known as coulees. The Seven Rivers Region is famous for its exceptional natural beauty. Abundant water, woodlands and varying terrain provide a year-round invitation for skiing, hunting, fishing, skating, riding, camping, and hiking. The community lies at the western end of a statewide network of bicycle trails.

                La Crosse is on direct transportation routes between Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, and Minneapolis-St. Paul. It is served by the Amtrak Empire Builder, which travels through Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul. Scenic highways (including Interstate 90) connect La Crosse with Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Rochester and the Twin Cities. American Eagle, Northwest Airlines/KLM/Continental airlines and Skyway Airlines provide regular passenger service to major Midwest air terminals.

THE SCHOOL YEAR

The academic calendar is based on semesters. Semester I (September through mid-December) and semester II (January through mid-May) each contain 14 weeks of instruction plus one week of final exams. The standard class period is 55 minutes. Additionally, J Term provides an intensive three-week term in January. Numerous workshops and special courses are offered throughout the year and may meet in an abbreviated time frame. Official grades are issued at the end of each term, not at the end of a course.

Summer Session consists of 3 four-week sessions. It begins immediately following the close of Semester II and ends in early August. Although the session is 12 weeks in length, most courses last 4 weeks, beginning in May, June and July. The university provides many courses ranging from General Education offerings to specialized courses for majors. There also are undergraduate and graduate level certification and update courses for school professionals and others. Undergraduate degree-seeking students are encouraged to use the summer session to work out irregularities in their programs, to add courses beyond minimum requirements and to make up deficiencies. Complete graduate programs are available for those who wish to attend in summers only. A select number of programs require year-round attendance.