FAQs

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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?
If I enroll in the On-Campus program, can I take some Online courses and vice-versa?
Is there an enrollment limit?

Specific On-Campus Program Information

Is the SAA Program accredited or ranked?
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?
What can I do to obtain more practical experience?
Where do students complete their internship experiences?
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?
Can I get scholarships or grants?
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?
Can I get scholarships or grants?
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?

More questions? Contact Sara at 608.785.6869 or email her at sflack@uwlax.edu .

Admission/Enrollment Information

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 (in this case, the SAA program).
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 "Application Instructions" section:

The Graduate Studies electronic application.
The SAA electronic application.
Your resume.
A personal statement
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 (Application Instructions) page.

When is the application deadline?
February 1st is the early consideration deadline for the Online Program and 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 will be offered an interview for the On-Campus Program or what your status is in the SAA Online 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. Note: When you apply to the SAA program, you must commit to only one of the two programs -- you can't apply to both programs at the same time.

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 1st 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. Only courses that have been completed within the past seven years can be considered for transfer credit. This is a UW-L Graduate School policy so there will be no exceptions to this rule. 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. You will need to complete a form and provide a copy of the syllabus as well as the course description of the course(s) you would like to be considered for transfer credit. 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.

If I enroll in the On-Campus program, can I take some Online classes and vice-versa?
Currently, our on-campus and online students can enroll in SAA 720 Special Topics courses together that are offered online during the spring semesters. This offers them an opportunity to meet each other in a special learning environment since these one-credit courses are quite popular. Other than that, you will only take classes in the program that you were admitted to which means that you will either take all of your classes on-campus or online. In addition to the administrative challenges that could arise, both of our programs operate in a cohort manner which means that our students go through the program together and get to know each other quite well. Changing that structure to allow people to come and go into the classes would change the dynamics of what is currently a great learning environment for our students.

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 or ranked?
The SAA On-Campus program meets North Central Association (NCA) accreditation standards and the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) requirements. Master's degree programs like ours are not ranked by any type of national organization although we would appreciate the information rankings could provide. The SAA program has a rich history that goes back over 40 years and has a solid national reputation.

How many credits will I need to take?
The SAA On-Campus program will consist of 43 credits involving a combination of 3-credit and 1-credit courses and 1-2 internships. For more information on the SAA courses, check out our Curriculum link. The course descriptions can be found in our Graduate Catalog.

Am I required to complete a Thesis or Applied Project?
You must choose to either write a thesis or an Applied Project (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. In addition, all students are required to create an electronic portfolio which is assessed in the Capstone course in the final semester of coursework. See SAA Electronic Portfolios for more info and to view the E Ports of current and past students.

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. Although students can complete the program as a part-time student, we highly encourage completing the program in two years because of the many benefits and experiences you will have while on campus on a full-time basis. Also, note that most of our classes meet during the afternoon and early evening hours (to accommodate both faculty and student evening responsibilities).

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 are dropping out in the middle of a semester, you need to notify the program director and contact the Office of Student Life. If you leave after successful completion of a semester, you will need to notify only the program director. If you are in good academic standing, you will be able to apply as a re-entry student to return to the program.

Are there any classes that require special arrangements?
No. Most classes meet during the afternoon or early evening hours to accommodate students and faculty who have professional responsibilities in the evenings. However, we also have some morning classes. In addition, some of our courses include some online learning activities.

Do I ever get credit for work experience?
Students who have student affairs work experience (post-bachelor's degree) 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 can I obtain more practical experience while in the program?
Although not required as part of the SAA curriculum, many students complete practicums. Students seek these on their own and should meet with a staff member in a particular office/area of interest to make the arrangements for a special project or experience. One practicum credit equals 70 hours and you can select a one or two credit practicum.

Where do students complete their internships?
Students generally obtain internship positions in student affairs-related offices at UW-L in addition to positions at Viterbo University in La Crosse. Internships consist of 3 credits for a minimum of 210 hours. Students must complete a form with their internship supervisor at the beginning and end of the experience. In addition, internship supervisors will meet with the Internship Coordinator to discuss the experience and conduct an assessment of the students role within the department/unit.

How does the Online program differ from the On-Campus program?
Aside from the internship requirements and one course, the two programs do not differ that much in terms of the coursework and program requirements. Due to the fact that the online students generally already work in a higher education setting, their course learning activities utilize this in various ways.

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, First Year Experience positions and more.

What is your job placement rate?
Our graduating class has a high job placement rate in student affairs positions in higher education settings. Although the economy has impacted the job opportunities within the profession, being open to various opportunities and having fewer location restrictions will definitely help your chances of obtaining a position in student affairs after graduation.

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: 2012-13 Tuition and Fee Schedules. 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. Also note: the Cashier's Office has to wait to post fall tuition rates until the State Budget is finalized so this can mean waiting until the end of summer before we know the exact rates for the On-Campus tuition rates for the upcoming academic year.

Can I get scholarships or grants?
Currently, there are three small scholarships available for SAA students through the UW-L Foundation named after alumni and friends (Wayne Jacobson Scholarship for Student Affairs Administration; Eleanor M. Kennedy Scholarship in College Student Development and Administration; and David and Sis Hogue College Student Development and Administration Scholarship). The application deadline is February 15th, 2013. Go to the UW-L Foundation website for more information. On-campus students are eligible for a minimum number of Graduate Studies grants. To enhance your search for non-UW-L grants and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office. Generally, most graduate students find that they must take out loans to finance their graduate education.

How do I apply for financial aid?
For specific information, please refer to our Financial Info page. Complete and mail the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the processor listed or complete the FAFSA online. 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. Note that you must have a minimum 2.85 GPA to qualify for a graduate assistantship.

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, we will send you more orientation and housing information. Except for those who have a Graduate Assistantship as an Assistant Hall Director, most of our students live in off-campus housing.

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. All the courses are offered as seven or fourteen-week courses. As such, it is very important to be organized to keep up with the pace of the program!

How many credits will I need to take?
The SAA Online program will consist of both 3-credit and 1-credit courses for a total of 43 credits. 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. Note: Students are part of a cohort group which means that they go through the program together.

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" course first followed by your "AP" courses to guide you through this process. The AP process and requirements are similar to a thesis project and resemble an independent study situation. In addition, all SAA students are required to complete an Electronic Portfolio which is assessed in the Capstone course. The E-Portfolios are also used by the faculty for SAA Program assessment. See SAA Electronic Portfolios for more info and to view the E Ports of current and past students.

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-three courses in every semester (including summers) all the way through the program. For those of you slated to start in May, the first class starts in mid-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 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 generally 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. It is important to note that 3-year students will be members of two cohorts and this can present an added dimension to the experience.

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 (and the Graduate Catalog) for more information about this policy.

What happens if I drop out for a semester or two?
If you are dropping out in the middle of a semester, you need to notify the program director and contact the Office of Student Life. If you leave after successful completion of a semester, you will need to notify only the program director. If you are in good academic standing, you will be able to apply as a re-entry student to return to the program.

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 Continuous Registration 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. The 2011 NASPA Conference will be meeting in Philadelphia and the 2012 NASPA Conference will be held in Phoenix.

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 the spring of your final semester (or year) 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 (a minimum of 210 hours) 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 a national conference (NASPA) 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. Internship Waiver applications will be completed during the first year in the Program 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 need to complete the internship in a higher education setting and should plan to make connections with a student affairs department at a nearby institution to determine their options. Once that connection is established and the site has agreed to supervise the internship, the process to determine objectives and assessment processes will be completed. 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?
Other than different internship requirements and one different course, the two programs are quite similar.

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. 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?
Generally, our job placement rate for our online students is very high. In fact, most of our online students already have a job in higher education and completing our program allows them to move up or pursue other opportunities within the student affairs field.

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 2012-13 academic year, tuition is $575 per credit. Therefore, a 3-credit course costs a total of $1725. The cost is the same for everyone regardless of where you live. This cost will most likely stay the same for the 2012-13 academic year, however, it is likely that the fee will increase slightly in 2014 as is consistent with On-Campus tuition costs (which rise slightly every year).

Can I get scholarships or grants?
Currently, there are two small scholarships available for SAA online students through the UW-L Foundation named after alumni and friends (Eleanor M. Kennedy Scholarship in College Student Development and Administration; and David and Sis Hogue College Student Development and Administration Scholarship). The application deadline is February 15th, 2013. Go to the UW-L Foundation website for more information. Because online students do not pay segregated fees, online students are eligible for a minimum number of Graduate Studies grants. To enhance your search for non-UW-L grants and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office. Generally, most graduate students find that they must take out loans to finance their graduate education.

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?
For specific information, please refer to our Financial Info page. Complete and mail the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the processor listed or complete the FAFSA online. Generally, graduate students will be looking at loans as their primary source of funding.

Can I get a Graduate Assistantship as an Online student?
Yes, graduate assistantships are available for students in the On-Campus program and Online program. In addition, we are piloting a new option called the "SAA Partner Program" that involves being admitted to the Online program and working in a Graduate Assistant-type position at an institution other than UW-La Crosse. As we reach agreements with institutions, we will post these opportunities on the Admissions page.

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.

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?
Although an Ipad or tablet computer is convenient, you would need to have a personal computer to complete all of the tasks required of the program. 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. All online students also need to have a computer camera or access to a camera.

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?
If you are having 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. You may also want to contact Sara (see below) if you need further assistance or a referral to on-campus services.

Contact Us

To schedule a campus visit, to get info on the program, or questions related to the application process as well as general campus information, please contact:

Sara Flack
SAA Academic Department Associate
345 Morris Hall
UW-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI 54601
Email: sflack@uwlax.edu
Phone: 608.785.6869