Online Degree Program

Please Note

The SAA Online program received UW System approval in April, 2007, and recently received the "official word" that it has been granted NCA accreditation approval from the Higher Learning Commission! The current student cohort started classes in May and the next admission deadline is February 15th, 2009, for a May 2009 start date. Applications are no longer being accepted for the Spring 2008 cohort group.

How to Apply

Beginning January 2nd, the application process for the SAA Online program involves the following steps:

  1. Complete the electronic SAA Online Application Form (available as of 1/2/08) . Please make sure to include your city, state, and zip code on the address line. Note: some applicants have had technical problems when sending their SAA application form. At the end of the form when you press "done," you should get a "thank you" and some other notes. If the screen goes blank when you press "done," it did not go through and you will have to try again (sorry). Our ITS staff is trying to fix this but make sure to let Susan know if you continue to have problems sending your application.
  2. Email your writing sample (see instructions below) and your resume as an attachment to larkin.susa@uwlax.edu on the same day that you submit your SAA Application form. Susan Larkin is assisting with the Online admissions process and may be contacted at 608-785-6507 if you have any questions.
  3. Complete the Office of Graduate Studies Electronic Application .  Go to the Graduate Admissions link and then to the "Apply Online" link. The SAA Program cannot officially extend an offer of acceptance until applicants have been admitted to the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse through the Office of Graduate Studies.  When applying, please be sure to send official transcripts from all institutions ever attended (undergraduate, graduate, and college courses taken while in high school) per the instructions in the Graduate Studies application materials. All other application materials should be sent to the address below.
  4. Two letters of recommendation should be emailed by your references to larkin.susa@uwlax.edu by the February 15th deadline to make sure that your application is complete. You will be asked to submit the names of two additional references in the electronic SAA Application form. Please use these references in the Graduate Studies application ( you don't need to come up with new ones). The letters may be addressed to the "SAA Admissions Committee."


SAA Writing Sample Instructions

Please address the following question: How have you (or how would you like to) contribute to the field of student affairs in higher education? Your response should be a maximum of 3 pages, double-spaced, using a 12 point font. Make sure to include your name and date on your paper. Submit your paper as an attachment in your email to larkin.susa@uwlax.edu.

Note

SAA application materials will be accepted beginning January 2nd.   All application materials are due by February 15th. All application materials must be submitted to be considered for admission by the SAA Admissions Committee. Late application materials will be accepted until the student slots are filled (check this part of the website for updates).

We appreciate your interest in our program and look forward to receiving your application! We will start processing applications on January 2nd and the Admissions Committee will begin reviewing applications after February 15th. We will be in touch with you via email.

What happens next?

Once we have received all of your application materials, we will email you to let you know that your application is complete. The SAA Admissions Committee will begin reviewing applications after February 15th to determine who will be offered the opportunity to join the SAA Online program. You may be called for a brief phone interview or contacted via email if we need more information regarding your application. Offers will be extended in March and must be accepted within a few weeks. Those who are put on the waiting list will be extended offers as space allows. Hopefully, this whole process will conclude in early April. The first course for this cohort group starts on May 12th!