This resource is best suited for parents and families of currently enrolled students. Information is updated monthly during the academic year. Sign up to receive an email reminder when a new edition is available.
NOVEMBER EDITION
Thanksgiving Holiday Reminders:
Thanksgiving Break:
Break begins: Wednesday, November 25, 5:30 p.m.
Classes Resume: Monday, November 30
REMINDER:
Thursday classes will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2026.
Friday classes will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2026
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The most recent edition of Eagle Mail can always be found here.
UPDATES FROM ACROSS CAMPUS
UWL Spotlight Series
UWL Spotlight Series
The new UWL Spotlight Series highlights events that bring together UWL affiliates and the wider community through ideas, performances, research, athletics and cultural celebrations. These events showcase the many ways UWL connects with our region and beyond.
Check out the upcoming Spotlight Events, one of these might be an opportunity for you and your student to share a UWL experience together!
- A Christmas Carol – December 4-13 - Student tickets: $10
UWL Theatre & Dance's production offers an accessible opportunity to experience live theatre and support fellow students. - Charlie’s Kids Fest & Bubba’s Youth Day – December 12 - Free with registration
A fun, community-focused event that provides students another way to engage with UWL and the La Crosse community. - 62nd International Banquet - April 17 - Tickets available in February 2027
- Celebrates UWL's global connections through food, conversation and entertainment.
- Research and Creativity Symposium - May 7 - Free and open to the public
- Highlights student research and creativity accomplishments - come experience the enthusiasm students share in talking about their work.
Commencement
Key Commencement Information
Some key dates to be aware of:
- Caps off to Commencement is November 18
- Commencement is December 20
Check Commencement Website for all Commencement information.
Residence Life
Secure your on-campus housing!
Encourage your student to make a plan for housing for next year (2027-28)! Returning Housing applications are open now. Room selection occurs November 9-13. Remember that students can choose to cancel their future Housing Contract before March 1, with no penalty if their plans change.
Break Housing:
All residence halls remain open for Thanksgiving break. Students can stay for no additional charge. There are limited campus resources available during those 4 days, so students should be prepared.
Current on-campus residents wishing to stay on campus for any part of Winter Break should complete a Winter Break Application. There is a flat rate charged to students on campus between December 24 and January 19. That application will go live prior to Thanksgiving Break.
The Heat is On!
As the days become cooler, students often have many questions about how to navigate the temperature in their residence hall room. There is a large FAQ about heat available to help students problem solve and know when to submit a work request.
Resident Assistant (RA) Applications:
In mid November the RA Application will open for next year. If students want to indicate their interest and be notified when the application goes live, they can select the link on the Employment Opportunities page.
Financial Aid
FAFSA 2027-2028
The 2027-28 FAFSA is officially open. Students and parents should complete the application as soon as possible at studentaid.gov.
While our priority FAFSA deadline is February 1, we will continue to accept FAFSAs throughout the academic year. Since some types of funding are awarded on a limited basis, submitting early can help maximize a student's financial aid eligibility.
Does your student still have an outstanding balance in WINGS?
Unpaid balances may affect their ability to register on time for the winter and spring semesters. If your student has exhausted all available resources and still has a balance due, please encourage them to contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss their options.
Appointments with a Financial Aid Counselor can be scheduled through Navigate.
Scholarship Opportunity
Through the generosity of alumni and friends, the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation provided over $1.9 million in student scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. These scholarships reduce financial barriers and empower students to focus on achieving their academic and career goals. This continued support represents a meaningful investment in the next generation of UWL leaders.
2027-28 Scholarship Application Portal is Currently Open
To apply, visit the UWL scholarship application portal and log in using your UWL NetID credentials.
Application period: Oct. 1, 2026–Jan. 15, 2027
Academic Advising
Science and Math Career Forum:
Are you wondering, "What can I do with my science or math major?" or "How do I build relationships with potential employers?" Attend the Science & Math Career Forum!
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026
Student Union, The Bluffs (2nd floor)
The event is for students with majors/minors in:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Math
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Statistics
11 a.m.-12 p.m.: STEM Networking and APpetizers (SNAP)
Talk in a relaxed atmosphere with UWL alumni, faculty, and other students about career paths while enjoying tasty food!
12-2 p.m.: Career Fair
Connect with regional employers who are recruiting students for science-based jobs and internships.
The event is free for students; you don't need to pre-register. Stop in as your schedule allows. Casual attire is OK.
Records & Registration
November 9th is the last day to drop a semester long course with a 'W'! The last day to drop a second-half semester class is November 24th.
Winter Registration begins November 12th, with Spring Registration opening November 16th! You can find your registration date and time in WINGS. Make sure you don't have any holds on your account so you don't have any delays when registering! Registration information, tips and tricks, and how-to guides can be found on the Records and Registration page.
And for our graduating students- Caps Off to Commencement is November 18th! Stop by The Bluffs in the Student Union to get questions about the ceremony answered, update your address for diploma delivery, and more!
It Make$ Cents
FREE Financial Coaching Sessions:
Take control of your financial future with UWL’s It Makes Cents Financial Literacy Program! Schedule a free, confidential, and personalized peer-to-peer financial coaching session to learn more about budgeting, saving, investing, credit, loans and debt, and scholarships. Whether you're looking to build a budget, improve your credit, or explore ways to save, our peer coaches are here to help you feel confident in your financial decisions.
Start your financial education today! Visit uwlax.edu/it-makes-cents, email itmakescents@uwlax.edu, or call 608-785-8852 to schedule your session.
International Education & Engagement
International Education Week: November 16-19
- Monday, November 16:
- Education Abroad 101
- 10 a.m. 1140 Centennial Hall
- Student Fulbright Session
- Education Abroad 101
- Tuesday, November 17:
- Education Abroad 101
- 11 a.m., 1140 Centennial Hall
- La Crosse International Film Festival
- 4 p.m. Doors Open, 5 p.m. Films Begin, Lower Level of the Student Union
- Education Abroad 101
- Wednesday, November 18:
- IEE Open House
- 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 1140 Centennial Hall
- SAIIE Alumni Meet Up
- 4-6 p.m., The Rookery
- IEE Open House
- Thursday, November 19:
- Education Abroad 101
- 4 p.m., 1140 Centennial Hall
- International Education Showcase
- 5:30-7:30 p.m., Bluffs Student Union
- Education Abroad 101
To purchase tickets and sign up for events, visit this website.
Dining Services
All Things Dining:
November is here and that means your student’s Dining Dollars and Block Meals (Stryker Deluxe) will expire soon! Dining Dollars and Block Meals do not carry over into Spring Semester. To ensure students are receiving full value from their meal plan, we will be offering many different specials and deals around campus. This is the time for your student to stock up on their favorite items!
- Upcoming Dining events!
- Our next Cultural Food Celebration will take place on Tuesday, November 10 at lunch from 11:00am – 1:30pm in the Whitney Main Dining Room. The menu will celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
- ThankFul is our traditional holiday meal in the Main Dining Room and this year it takes place on Wednesday, November 18 for lunch from 11:00am – 1:30pm!
- Late Night Breakfast, a true campus favorite, will take place on Wednesday, December 16 from 9:00pm – 10:30pm. We will be serving breakfast favorites, have live music from DJ Martee McFly, and more!
Special Hours of Operation are posted on Dine on Campus for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Students will receive an email from the Card Office the week of 11/16 with a reminder about prorated meal swipes/meal plans during the week of Thanksgiving.
Residence Life will open the Residence Satisfaction Survey on November 4. Please encourage your student to provide input on their dining experience in this survey.
Rec Sports
UWL's Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk is La Crosse's original Trot! The event has been a popular Thanksgiving tradition for over 30 years for many students, parents, faculty/staff, alumni and local area families! The event is held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Learn more and register on the Rec Sports website.
Rec Sports is where work sparks growth and friendships. We hire in November for positions starting in late January. Students can learn more and apply online.
Center for Civil Dialogue and Civic Engagement
UWL Celebrates: Veterans Day
Join UWL Celebrates for a Couch Conversation with UWL alumnus and veteran Nate Wolfe on Monday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Student Union Grandad Bluff Room. Nate will share reflections from his military service and his work supporting veteran and military-connected students. Lunch will be provided, and the event is free and open to the public.
Register for UWL Celebrates: Veterans Day
UWL Celebrates: Native American Heritage Month
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with UWL Celebrates on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Student Union Grandad Bluff Room. This month’s Couch Conversation will feature Sierra Krueger and provide an opportunity for students and community members to gather for food, storytelling, and conversation.
Register for UWL Celebrates: Native American Heritage Month
Before Council at UWL
CDCE is partnering with Before Council to bring conversations about La Crosse city government directly to campus this fall. These live podcast recordings give students an opportunity to learn more about local issues, hear from community leaders, and better understand how decisions are made in the City of La Crosse.
The first November recording is Friday, Nov. 6 from 9–10 a.m. in Centennial Hall 3130, with additional November programming to follow.
Graduate & Extended Learning
Thinking about graduate school options?
Did you know that UWL offers graduate certificates, master's degrees, and even two doctoral degree programs? Programs are available in on-campus, blended, and fully online formats. We also offer several accelerated graduate programs, which combine an undergraduate and graduate degree to allow for shorter time to completion.
Current undergraduate students and families who might be interested in graduate study after college can learn a bit about UWL's graduate programs by helping choose the People's Choice winner for the Say it in 6 Competition. Online voting is open November 6- November 11.
Say it in 6 is an online competition that challenges students to share a message about their graduate work using just six words and a single image. It's a great way to learn about the variety of programs at UWL, and learn from students about their experiences. Plus this year's theme is The Driftless Difference - so the entries will highlight some of the features that make UWL so special.
You can learn more about the event by visiting the Say it in 6 website. Or, check out our program options by visiting our online graduate program listing.
