Eagle Mail Newsletter
A page within New Student & Family Programs
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.
OCTOBER EDITION
Welcome to Eagle Mail!
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The most recent edition of Eagle Mail can always be found here.
UPDATES FROM ACROSS CAMPUS
Financial Aid
The 2026-2027 FAFSA® is now open!
All students should fill out the 2026-2027 FAFSA as soon as possible. A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)is the key to accessing federal student aid, allowing students to potentially receive grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loans. Work with your student(s) to complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA® online today at www.studentaid.gov.
Key points about the FAFSA®:
- Access to financial aid: Completing the FAFSA is the only way to apply for federal student aid like Pell Grants and subsidized loans!
- State and college aid: Many state of Wisconsin and UWL administered financial aid programs require current FAFSA information for awarding.
- Early submission is key: Some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA® as soon as possible!
- Important for all students: Even if you think you might not qualify for federal aid, it's still recommended to fill out the FAFSA as it can open other funding options.
Do students need to fill out the FAFSA® every year? Yes! Be sure to include UWL’s school code (003919) on the FAFSA. Once UWL receives a student's FAFSA, our Financial Aid Office will email the student to confirm it was received and, in some cases, request any additional information that may be needed.
Paying for school can be a complex and difficult task, but our UWL Financial Aid Office team is here to help. Our Financial Aid Office is open Monday-Friday 7:45am-4:30pm for drop-in appointments or students can book appointments online. Contact our office with your FAFSA® questions today at finaid@uwlax.edu or 608-785-8604.
FAFSA Website: www.studentaid.gov
UWL FAFSA School Code: 003919
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UWL Foundation Scholarship Application is OPEN!
The Scholarship Portal for UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation will officially open October 1st for students to apply for scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The portal will remain open until January 15th, 2026.
Students can apply for scholarships by going to https://uwlax.academicworks.com/ and using their NetID Credentials to login.
Records and Registration
Winter and Spring Deadlines:
Winter and Spring Timetables open October 6th! Students will be able to view which classes are available and times for those classes in preparation for Registration. Shopping carts will open October 7th, meaning students can begin building and saving their schedules in Schedule Planner. You can search the schedule of classes and get more information on Registration here.
Planning on changing your major? Make sure to submit your change of major form by mid-semester to have it reflected in your plan for registration! Mid-semester is October 20th.
Dining Services
All Things Dining…
- Is your student looking for something to do on Thursday or Friday nights? They should check out The Cellar! It is located in the Lower Level of the Student Union across from the theatre and next to the game room! They offer premium menu items such as The Cellar Supreme, flatbread pizzas, and gourmet mac & cheese! Plus, on Friday nights, Eagles @ Nite will be hosting different events for students to attend! It is a definite must see!
- We want to make sure your student is getting full value from their meal plan. As a reminder, all meal plans include Dining Dollars. The Stryker Deluxe plan also includes Block Meals. Both Block Meals and Dining Dollars expire on the last day of the semester, which is December 17. They do not roll over to the spring semester. That gives your student plenty of time to use them in any of our dining locations or in our two convenience stores located on campus.
Fall and Winter Graduates
For students graduating this fall and winter:
- Remember to order your regalia; the deadline for associate and bachelor's degree candidates is October 11, if they want to pick it up at Caps Off to Commencement. More information about Commencement apparel can be found here.
- Remember to submit your application to graduate by November 1 to ensure that your name is included in the Winter Commencement program. For more information, visit the Commencement website.
- Caps Off to Commencement is taking place on November 12.
Counseling and Testing
Empowering Your Student: Essential Self-Help Resources
Universities of Wisconsin students have access to additional mental health support which are intended to fill gaps in existing on-campus services and complement currently available mental health resources. Through partnerships with Mantra Health and Togetherall, students have access to a variety of self-help options available 365/24/7.
The Mantra Care Hub is your student’s digital gateway to access self-guided mental health resources such as:
Peer Support: Join a 24/7, anonymous online community powered by Togetherall, where students can give and receive support from peers. The platform is moderated by professionals and designed to provide a safe, judgment-free space for sharing and connection.
Self Care & Productivity Content: Explore self-guided wellness content anytime, anywhere. These short, interactive courses are built around Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills and cover topics like mindfulness, distress tolerance, productivity, and healthy relationships.
Share these valuable resources with your student to experience the benefits of learning new skills and connecting with other college students just like them online.
Access, Belonging, and Compliance
Indigenous Peoples Day (Oct. 13, La Crosse & UWL): An all-day celebration with music, dance, storytelling, educational discussions, a Caabna tournament, Historical Trolley Tours, Indigenous vendors, and a keynote by Amy Lonetree with a community meal in the evening.
Free Speech Week (Oct. 20, UWL): Events themed “Truth in the Noise: Navigating Facts, Media, and Ideologies” include guest speakers, workshops, and dialogue sessions to encourage respectful discussion and critical thinking around free expression. Hosted by the Join Committee for Civil Discourse (JCCD).
LGBTQ+ History Month (Oct. 31, UWL): Part of the UWL Celebrates Series, featuring a Couch Conversation with Librarian Jonathan Majak in the Bluffs Ballroom, focused on storytelling, dialogue, and community.
Rec Sports
UWL's Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk is La Crosse's original Trot! The event has been a popular Thanksgiving tradition for nearly 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.
Center for Civil Dialogue and Civic Engagement
During New Student Orientation this fall, nearly 2,000 students participated in Dialogue Matters: Bridging Voices @ UWL, a session designed to introduce campus values, free expression, civil dialogue, and belonging. The session encouraged students to explore how respectful communication and diverse perspectives contribute to a thriving campus community. Students reflected on personal growth, identity, and how college is a time to explore and express their values and connect meaningfully with others.
Students left with a deeper appreciation for open, respectful communication, valuing diverse identities and opinions, building relationships, understanding their rights and responsibilities around free speech, and engaging thoughtfully in campus life.
Here's what students said:
- "I learned that sharing your ideas and listening to others is important to allow yourself to grow as a person and in your connections."
- "Diverse opinions are crucial for our success and development, so express yourself!"
- "It is so important to always respect other people’s opinions and ideas so that you can feel respected and supported by them in return."
Students plan to apply what they learned by participating more in class discussions, attending campus events, and practicing respectful dialogue in everyday interactions—helping foster a community grounded in free expression, connection, inclusion, and growth.
Academic Advising and Career Services
Upcoming events:
Pop-In Resume Reviews:
Monday, Oct. 6 through Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., outside the AACCS, 1209 Centennial Hall
Fall Career & Internship Fair:
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Student Union, The Bluffs
International Education & Engagement
International Education Week is Coming — November 17–20!
Celebrate global learning, cultural exchange, and international perspectives during UWL’s International Education Week! This annual celebration highlights the value of international experiences and the diverse voices that enrich our campus and community.
Stay tuned — more details coming soon about exciting events happening both on and off campus! Learn more about UWL International Education.
Learn more and start your journey today with UWL International Education & Engagement:
- Ed Abroad/Away 101 Sessions (3 times per week)
- Education Abroad/Away Student Panel, November 18, 2025, 5:30-7pm, 1300 Centennial Hall
