Hear why our featured students chose UW-L...
Coree Burton, Resident Director at UW-Platteville,
First Year Online Student:
"The reason why I chose UW-La Crosse was because, being a part
of the UW System myself, I heard nothing but good things about
the institution and the programs provided. I had two co-workers
recently complete the SAA program and shared how much they
learned and I figured it was time for me to take the next step
in career and educational development."
Shannon Ketcham, First Year On-Campus
Student:
"After my program interview with the SAA program at UW-La
Crosse, I knew UW-L was the right fit for me. Not only did the
faculty seem interested in my educational background, but they
seemed to really be interested in getting to know me as a
person. In addition, as someone who learns through active
participation and hands-on learning, the reputation of the
program for the availability and quality of assistantship and
internship experiences made it a perfect fit!!!"
Natalie Magnus, First Year On-Campus
Student:
"I was searching for an in-depth learning experience where I
could grow both in the classroom and in an assistantship. UW-L
was this perfect match not only because of that but for many
other reasons. Being that I did my undergraduate at UW-L, I knew
my peers, advisors, professors, and anyone in between will
provide a positive relationship and I will be able to learn from
everyone alike. I feel confident in knowing the education and
hands on experience I will be involved in for the next two years
is preparing me for my future career. I also love the feel of
the student body, their progressive efforts, and the entire area
of La Crosse, with bluffs for biking and rivers for water
activities. I cannot wait to begin my graduate career here!"
April Farmer, Second Year On-Campus Student:
"The main reason I picked UW-L is because of the cohort
experience. I really wanted to take classes with people I would
get to know and see everyday. I really liked that there was a
small number of students in the program who you take each class
with together. Another major reason I picked the SAA program is
because of the practical experience that you get throughout two
years here. There was a large amount of graduate assistantships
to pick from and that fact that you can have a GA and take
classes at the same time played a major factor in my decisions.
A third reason I came to UW-L is because the faculty who teach
the classes are also full time working professionals in the
field. Lastly, the La Crosse area is beautiful and has tons to
do, both indoors and outdoors!"
Allison Rygh, Second Year On-Campus Student:
"I
choose UW-La Crosse because of the practical experiences I will
gain that I can take with me in future positions within the
field of Student Affairs.
We are able to work closely with many different
administrators across campus which not only fuels your passion
for the field, but enhances your learning.
This program is top of the line because all that you
learn in the classroom is complimented by all of your work
outside of the classroom.
Coming to UW-La Crosse is one of the best decisions I’ve
made in pursuing a career in Student Affairs."
Richard Anderson, Second Year On-Campus Student:
"Figuring out where I wanted to go to grad school was a long and
difficult process for me. I was looking for a university where I
could learn in the classroom and turn around and apply it to my
work with students that same day - a place where the students
came first and where I could learn just as much from them as
from my professors. That place ended up being UW-La Crosse! I
couldn't be happier here. You get to make connections with
everyone from all over campus, and it's great to see the passion
that your professors have for student affairs. I've just got two
more things to say: Welcome to UW-L and get ready to learn!"
Billy Werb, First Year On-Campus Student:
"I decided to choose La Crosse for a variety of reasons. I
really enjoyed my visit during my interview. When talking to
the faculty and staff I really felt like the experiences that I
have had during my undergrad felt important to them and that
they saw value in what I could bring to the table to the
cohort. I also was very interested by the curriculum that is
created by the SAA program, the classes that are offered provide
a strong base to move forward in a wide range of student affairs
positions and at a variety of levels."
Rachel Korb, First Year On-Campus Student:
"The most crucial element of one's life is self development. I
believe that deepening understanding of our world and what our
purpose is is part of this development. The opportunity to study
and live abroad has acted as a catalyst to expanding my
perspective. I feel that my purpose is to foster international
understanding and tolerance through education. I chose UW-La
Crosse because of it's dedication to multiculturalism and
internationalization, in addition to SAA's reputation as an
outstanding program."
Abby Novak, First Year On-Campus Student:
"I chose UW-La Crosse for a number of reasons. First of all,
the area is beautiful and active with all the bluffs, marshes
and walking trails. I loved the way the staff for the
SAA program seemed incredibly caring and like a family. Also,
the hands-on experience with all the assistantships and
internships really drew me in. Overall, the main reason I chose
UW-La Crosse for my graduate studies is because the university
and city make me feel at home."
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Julie Pitel, Second Year On-Campus
Student:
"The internship and assistantship
experiences offered through UW-L helped me
decide that this is where I wanted to be!
The combination of learning in and outside the
classroom helped me make solid connections and
relate concepts to my assistantship and
internship. Having the opportunity to work
directly with students on campus was also a big
reason I chose to come to UW-L. The
program provides me with a holistic learning
experience and the cohort set-up presents a wide
range of perspectives and furthers learning.
Being a part of this program has continued to
solidify my passion for student affairs."
Jessica Jurgella, First Year
On-Campus Student:
"I
chose UW-La Crosse because of the many
advantages it offers over other programs. UW-La
Crosse offers the opportunity to be a part of a
cohort and offers professional experience
through assistantships. I knew that by choosing
UW-La Crosse I would have a variety of different
opportunities for professional development and
many of these opportunities directly related to
my personal interests. After seeing how
beautiful the campus and surroundings are and
meeting the current students and faculty I knew
that UW-La Crosse was the right choice for me."
Kelsey Michels, First Year On-Campus
Student:
"When researching student affairs
programs, I was impressed by the number of
opportunities the University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse had for hands-on experience through
assistantships and internships. Throughout the
interview process, I felt that the faculty and
current students were really interested in my
undergraduate experience and what I’m interested
in doing in the future. I also really like the
university atmosphere and the involvement
students have on campus. This plus the beauty of
the La Crosse area is what made me choose the
SAA program at UWL."
Julie Hallman, Second Year On-Campus
Student:
"I am very excited that I chose to attend UW-La
Crosse! Every day that I drive by the bluffs
overlooking the river, I am just in awe at how
beautiful this little corner of the world is and
I can't believe that I get to live and work in
such a stunning location. I have been so
impressed with the faculty and staff in the SAA
program who have been so dedicated to helping us
learn. The people that I work with in my
assistantship in University Centers are
phenomenal. They made me feel welcome before I
ever even stepped foot on campus. I am very
grateful that I have an assistantship adviser
that gives me the freedom to work independently,
but also gives me the support and guidance along
the way. This program offers a perfect balance
between the academic "in the classroom" style of
learning and the experiential "on the job"
training. It's no cakewalk, so be prepared to
push yourself out of your comfort zone so you
can grow as an individual. I have learned so
much from this experience that when I graduate
from this program, I know I will be ready to
take on the world!
Jessica Joanis, Assistant Director of
Residence Life at Ripon College, Second Year
Online Student:
"The
program was recommended to me by an on-campus
student that I met at a conference. Once I
learned more about the online program I knew it
would be perfect for me! Working in Residence
Life leaves little time for going to class, but
knowing that my cohort would all be working in
higher ed as well gave me the added boost to
apply. I have learned so much from their
experiences at a variety of institutions and I
am constantly surprised at how supportive
everyone is! I have enjoyed the experience so
far and it has fit into my hectic lifestyle."
Kyle Rubin, Associate Director of
Financial Aid at Michigan Tech University, First
Year Online Student:
"I
chose the SAA program at LaCrosse because of the
deep passion I have for working with students.
This not only allows me to further my knowledge
in most aspects of student affairs, but gives me
the tools I need to continue growing and
advancing in the field. "