Campus Connection | UW-La Crosse

Ellen Rozek, who holds a Ph.D. in psychology and gerontology, studies the way cognitive experiences can be affected by social experiences. Loneliness is an example of an experience affected by our perceived social experiences.

The loneliness epidemic Posted 10:18 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 Tips from UWL psychologist on overcoming loneliness, building meaningful connections Read

Current news

Víctor Macías-González, professor of history, shares some of his favorites.

Faculty faves Posted 10:15 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 A profile of a favorite faculty Read

Eric, '85, and Kristin Jungbluth are supporting students and faculty through new gifts to the College of Business Administration and School of Education.

Investing in impact Posted 10:15 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 Jungbluths' latest gifts support faculty innovation, student success Read

Yia Vang is the award-winning chef and creative force behind the Minneapolis restaurant Vinai. After countless accolades, Vang still sees himself as a shy kid from rural Wisconsin — one who is still inspired by his parents. Photos from PBS

The ink in their quill Posted 10:14 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 How a passion for food and family propelled Yia Vang to culinary stardom Read

The Wisconsin Legislature has approved funding to complete UWL's Prairie Springs Science Center — a project that will enhance research, education, campus-community partnerships and workforce development for the state of Wisconsin. Picture here is the first half of the center, completed in 2018.

Prairie Springs! Posted 10:14 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 Campus, community, state look ahead to transformative impact of new science facility Read

Stewart Eskew, assistant teaching professor of philosophy, heads the new AI Ethics Certificate program. Photo modified with AI assistance.

Navigating the AI fronteir Posted 10:13 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 UWL's new AI Ethics certificate prepares students to lead in AI-driven world Read

From academics, to student life, to recreational opportunities and more, here are just some of the reasons why UWL is truly exceptional.

Reasons to love UWL Posted 10:13 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 An obviously incomplete list of what makes UWL so special Read

Share your news suggestions

Submit your news suggestions using UWL Share by no later than noon on Wednesdays preceding the next Monday's edition.

For more information, contact University Marketing & Communications at 608.785.8487.

Currents

UW-La Crosse Psychology Professor Ryan McKelley recommends no phones in bedrooms overnight as a lack of quality sleep is tied to almost every mental health condition.

Screen time for kids Posted 9:57 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025 UWL psychologists share advice for healthier habits navigating technology Read

More news

Light Reads

An aerial view looking east to the bluffs over the La Crosse State Teachers College with athletic field and fair grounds in the background ca. 1939. Photo courtesy UWL Murphy Library, Special Collections/ARC.

UWL history quiz Posted 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 Take this short quiz spanning UWL’s 114-year history Read

More news

Announcements Add Announcement

Human Resources News

Open Enrollment for 2026 Posted 1:39 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 The Benefits Open Enrollment period is October 6 – October 31, 2025! This is an annual opportunity for benefits eligible employees to enroll in or make changes to most benefits for the upcoming calendar year. Read

2024 WRS Financial Report Posted 8:44 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 ETF Releases 2024 WRS Financial Report Read

Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program Webinar Opportunity! Posted 9:22 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 Make plans to join a webinar specifically for employers hosted by ETF and the WDC. Read

Manager Responsibilities in Workday Posted 8:36 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 A short list of Workday tasks every Manager needs to do in Workday. Read

Annual Employee Notification Posted 7:58 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 Monthly review for September Read

General Announcements

SSP Locally Grown Scholarship Breakfast

Greetings from SSP at UWL!

The UWL Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP) invites the UWL campus and greater La Crosse area to the Self-Sufficiency Program Locally Grown Scholarship Breakfast. We extended a special invitation to former and current SSP students and their families. Children are welcome.

Join us in recognizing the accomplishments of SSP graduates attending our area colleges. You, our community of donors, friends, allies, SSP graduates and families, are the reason we can celebrate each year. Your support and encouragement make such a difference for these tenacious students, and SSP.

Each fall, SSP friends are invited to make a donation to the program and attend the scholarship breakfast. The event features an inspiring message, recognizes SSP graduates now attending college, and gathers SSP donors and friends to say thank you. It is a heart-warming affirmation of the power of education to change lives, often two generations at a time!

Online registration will open in the fall for this free event. However, if you have questions, please contact Susanne Koehler at 608.633.3501 or skoehler@uwlax.edu.

Have you seen the new SSP video, ‘I know I can do it’?
Watch it at www.uwlax.edu/SSP and also find updates for the (free) breakfast.

For questions about this event, or to request disability accommodations, contact:

Susanne Koehler at 608.633.3501 or skoehler@uwlax.edu
Alec Lass at 608.785.8357 or rgss@uwlax.edu

For questions about this event or to request disability accommodations, contact Susanne Koehler at 608.633.3501 or skoehler@uwlax.edu.

Parking is free for registrants at the UWL Parking Ramp (levels 1-3), 1623 Farwell St., La Crosse, WI. A volunteer will be onsite to register vehicles. An online parking registration link will be provided via email to registrants who wish to register for parking before the event.

Handicap Parking
You can park in the handicap spaces in Commuter Lot C-12 at the Cleary Center if you have a handicap hanger or license plate. Also a number of handicap parking spaces are on Farwell Street across from the Student Union.

Renting $mart 101

Looking to move off campus? Don't sign a lease too soon! Keep contracts and policies in mind before signing a rental agreement. Know your rights as a tenant and how to handle money-matters with roommates. Learn what steps to take while keeping safety and security at the forefront of your renting experience. Bring your questions along, they can be answered!

FREE Pizza!

It makes cents to learn life-skills!

Don't forget! There are two ways to make your time and money count! By attending our events you have the chance to win a $50 scholarship each time! What's even better? Double up your odds to win a $150 scholarship if you attend an event and come in for a financial consultation. Cha-ching!

Grant Writing Webinar: Spark & Ignite Grants for Applied Research

Tony Hanson, WiSys’ Manager of Intellectual Property and Licensing, will present about two Universities of Wisconsin (UWs) and WiSys grant programs that can jumpstart your research activity. Spark Grants advances small-scale, proof-of-concept research projects, while Ignite Grants fund applied research projects that support economic development in Wisconsin. Register in advance online. Contact the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs with any questions.

Introduction to Mindfulness

UWL Counseling & Testing, Wellness & Health Advocacy and Rec Sports have teamed up to provide non-credit "Intro to Mindfulness" courses for the campus community! UWL "Intro to Mindfulness" courses use curriculum designed by the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (MIEA).

Mindfulness is simple, but not easy. Our four-week "Intro to Mindfulness" is an introductory class that will teach students the skill of mindfulness. It will also help you build the habit of using it in your life on a regular basis. Positive outcomes include:

Less self judgment

Manage stress

Increased self-compassion

Better sleep

Increased calm

Faculty & Staff - Please consider referring students to attend!

The course is open to UWL students, staff and faculty only. There is no fee to attend, however attendees must register in advance by the deadline. More information and registration is available on the Rec Sports Intro to Mindfulness webpage.

UWL Celebrates: Hispanic Heritage Month

Registration Link

UWL Celebrates is a yearlong series that brings people together through food, storytelling and shared conversation. Hosted by the Center for Civil Dialogue & Civic Engagement, each event features a guest speaker whose experiences and work help us explore the world around us—and each other. These gatherings are about connection, reflection and supporting a campus culture where everyone feels seen, heard and part of the community. Learn more on the UWL Celebrates webpage.

Each story shared adds a new thread to the tapestry that is UWL—woven together, we create something stronger, richer and more connected.

Vitaliano Figueroa serves as vice chancellor for Student Affairs at UWL — a role he has held since February 2018 . Figueroa brings deep passion and purpose to supporting the whole student through inclusive leadership and community-building. He holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Argosy University, a master’s degree in college student personnel and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Rhode Island.

Before joining UWL, he held senior student affairs roles at San Diego State University and Valley City State University, where he led initiatives focused on student retention, leadership development and equitable access.

At UWL, Figueroa oversees departments including Admissions, Child Care Center Counseling and Testing, Intercollegiate Athletics, Rec Sports, Residence Life, Student Health Center, Student life, and University Centers. He also co-leads the Universities of Wisconsin Student Affairs Leadership Academy, supporting emerging student affairs professionals across the state.

Honored as one of Wisconsin’s 46 most influential Hispanic leaders, Figueroa continues to model inclusive excellence and student-centered leadership.

UAPUWL (faculty & staff union) meeting

Meet with colleagues who care about our working conditions. We will provide any updates from AFT activities at UW campuses across the state and plan for upcoming actions, including efforts to address Act 15 (state-mandated faculty work requirements & gen ed transfer requirements). All faculty and staff are welcome, including members and non-members.

UWL Athletic tickets are now digital — students, access your free pass now!

Admission to all UWL athletics home events will now be digital! Visit the UWL GoFan Page.

Want the line to move quickly? Make sure you're ready with your passes in GoFan ahead of arriving to a home contest. You must select and show your active ticket or pass to gain access at the gate.

STUDENTS: Get your FREE pass for the 25-26 season! Make a GoFan account and use your student ID to 'buy' a UWL Student Pass. Directions on how to get your student pass>>

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY: If you don't already have one, make your GoFan account now so you're ready to make your gameday ticket purchases. Then, if you plan on coming to volleyball on Wednesday, soccer on Thursday, or football on Saturday... purchase your tickets ahead of time!

Pricing*
Football games: $11 for adults and $8 for youth/senior/faculty/staff
All other home events: $8 for adults and $6 for youth/senior/faculty/staff

Please note: All fans must purchase tickets online — there will be no cash sales available at home events.

Thank you for getting prepared to help us make the lines move quickly as we adjust to this new system. GO EAGLES!

See full release on tickets and tailgating info for the 2025-2026 season>>

*Pricing may differ for WIAC & NCAA events hosted at UWL

Album Encounter multimedia light and laser show at the UWL Planetarium

The next Album Encounters multimedia light and laser show at the UWL Planetarium will feature the Black Sabbath's album "Paranoid." The cost is $10. Learn more on the planetarium webpage or call 608.785.8669.

Return to Graff, HVAC project conclusion

Over the course of the last year, Graff Main Hall has been undergoing HVAC renovations. This project was scheduled in two phases with different offices temporarily relocating during their scheduled phase.

We are pleased to share that phase 2, and therefore the entire Graff Main Hall HVAC project, is coming to its conclusion.

Completing phase 2 (middle and West side of Graff) – During the week of September 15, these offices will be returning to their permanent locations:

Office name	Location
Academic Affairs, Provost	227 Graff Main Hall (GMH)
Access, Belonging & Compliance	145 GMH
Administration & Finance	233 GMH
Budget	245 GMH
Business Services	125 GMH
Cashier’s Office	121 GMH
Contracts Administration	118 GMH
Human Resources	144 GMH
Institutional Research & Planning	227 GMH
Procurement	118 GMH
Psychology	335 GMH
SRCEL	223 GMH
Student Affairs, Student Life	149 GMH
Veteran Services	223 GMH
Chancellor's Office	October return to Graff

All affected Graff departments/offices will have updated contact information on their respective websites. We will also have directional signage to assist visitors.

UWL In the News

Monday
UWL program bridges generational gap through weekly walks, WKBT
Walk With an Eagle program at UWL fosters intergenerational bonds through walks, WXOW

Wednesday
UW-La Crosse projected to eclipse first-year enrollment record set last fall, La Crosse Tribune
Record number of first-year students enroll at UWL, WKBT
First-year student numbers at UWL set record, WIZM
La Crosse college students reunite for Operation RiverWatch, WKBT
Operation: RiverWatch returns for another school year, WXOW

Thursday
UW-La Crosse’s first-year enrollment reaches all-time high, WEAU

Friday
Political science expert explains how rhetoric can lead to violence following Charlie Kirk shooting (quoting UWL instructor, UWL College Republicans), WKBT
Nobel laureate Dr. Carl Wieman to share insights at UWL lecture series, WXOW

Upcoming events Calendar

Today

Tomorrow

Thursday, Sept. 18

Friday, Sept. 19

Saturday, Sept. 20

Sunday, Sept. 21

Monday, Sept. 22

Kudos Add Kudos

Copy kudos

Thanks Add Thanks

Graduate & Extended Learning thanks Business Managers

Thanks to Business Managers for helping us figure out how to handle faculty and staff payment processes as we progress through the Workday transition. Our unit had a lot of payments to set up and your hard work and attention to detail in making that happen have been invaluable. Thank you!
— Graduate & Extended Learning

Sona Kazemi, Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies thanks Cody Organ, Information Technology Services

Thanks to Cody Organ, Information Technology Services, for your dedication and tireless work in supporting students and faculty through the first two weeks of classes. Without you, we wouldn't have been able to start the semester as smoothly as we did, considering how many of us were new to the classrooms we were placed at. :)
— Sona Kazemi, Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies

Abby Daleki, Executive Assistant, Access, Belonging & Compliance thanks Ellen Cervantes, University Communications

Thanks to Ellen Cervantes, University Communications, for working at mach speeds to make pamphlets, brochures and signage for the AB&C division in the last hour! Thank you for being amazing! We appreciate you so much!
— Abby Daleki, Executive Assistant, Access, Belonging & Compliance

Abby Daleki, Executive Assistant - Access, Belonging & Compliance thanks Kelly Kamrowski, Dining Services, and the entire Chartwells catering staff

Thanks to Kelly Kamrowski, Dining Services, and the entire Chartwells catering staff, for catering AB&C's Fall Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Your hard work getting prepped and set up in all seven of our locations for the day was immaculate and does not go unnoticed! Thank you for all you do!
— Abby Daleki, Executive Assistant - Access, Belonging & Compliance

Tracie Banning, Educational Studies thanks Emily Roraff, Budget Office

Thanks to Emily Roraff, Budget Office, for assisting with new faculty accounts.
— Tracie Banning, Educational Studies

Classifieds Add Classified

2013 John Deere X730 Lawn Mower $6,500

2013 John Deere X730 Lawn Mower — Used lawn mower with only 485 hours. 54" mowing deck. Front hydraulic hookups for snow plow or blower. Locking rear differential. Two-wheel drive. $6,500. For more information, contact Anita Willis-Frels at 608.785.8333 or awillis-frels@uwlax.edu.

Choose another audience

Choose another audience

Choose another audience

Choose another audience

Choose another audience

Campus News

Current news

Sections

Share your news suggestions

Currents

Light Reads

Announcements Add Announcement

Human Resources News

General Announcements

SSP Locally Grown Scholarship Breakfast

Renting $mart 101

Grant Writing Webinar: Spark & Ignite Grants for Applied Research

Introduction to Mindfulness

UWL Celebrates: Hispanic Heritage Month

UAPUWL (faculty & staff union) meeting

UWL Athletic tickets are now digital — students, access your free pass now!

Album Encounter multimedia light and laser show at the UWL Planetarium

Return to Graff, HVAC project conclusion

UWL In the News

Upcoming events Calendar

Kudos Add Kudos

Thanks Add Thanks

Classifieds Add Classified