On-Campus Life

Alumni & Friends Foundation

Cleary Alumni & Friends Center
https://www.uwlax.edu/foundation/give-now

The focus of the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation is to build lifelong relationships and raise private support to advance UWL. The goal is to provide anyone who loves UWL with the opportunity to stay connected, get involved, and give back. Each year, thousands of alumni and friends give their time, talent, and treasure each year to create a lasting impact on our campus community.

Stay connected to UWL by engaging on social media, attending alumni events, joining an alumni network, wearing your UWL gear as much as possible, attending a reunion, nominating an alumnus for a distinguished alumni award, or coming back for a visit!

Philanthropic support is integral to the mission of preparing UWL students for the world. The UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation is the largest private funding source for the university. Donor gifts directly support UWL. There are over 250 areas of interest and passion to support at UWL for everyone to find what is meaningful to them.

We have resources for you as a student, including:

  • Scholarships - many scholarships have been established over the years by alumni and special friends of the university in an effort to enhance students' experiences and make their education more affordable. 
  • Student Philanthropy Council - undergraduate volunteer organization promoting a culture of philanthropy at UWL. 
  • Student Outreach Center - paid positions for students to contact alumni, parents, and friends by phone, email, and text to develop, build and strengthen their relationships with UWL while soliciting their financial support of the university
  • Hosting Caps Off to Commencement - your one-stop shop for all of your commencement needs and hosted every semester at Cleary Alumni & Friends Center
  • Connecting you with alumni in your field of study

Stay connected after you graduate - UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation provides services such as:

  • Hosting networking events to bring fellow alumni together in your area
  • Keeping you updated with campus news
  • Planning reunions with your student organization, club, athletic team, or graduating class
  • Honoring distinguished alumni and connecting award recipients with current students
  • Creating opportunities for alumni and friends to give back with their time, talent, and treasure

We know you are only a student for a short time, but you will be an alum for a lifetime. Once you move-on from UWL, we hope you will come home and visit!

Departmental honors programs policy

Departmental honors programs are available in the Departments of Archaeology and Anthropology, Economics, English, Geography, Global Cultures and Languages, Mathematics, Microbiology, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science and Public Administration, Psychology, and Sociology.

Designed to provide opportunities for special in-depth research, reading and writing for majors in the departments listed above, department honors programs also emphasize independent and creative work with highly personalized student-teacher contact and discussion.

The minimum requirements for all departmental honors programs are:

  1. Admission: junior standing, 12 credits in major, 3.25 cumulative grade point average in the major, recommendation of two faculty members from major department.
  2. Program: completion of the regular major, one course in a seminar, independent study, research study, or other appropriate honors options within the major program of study.
  3. Evaluation: a cumulative 3.50 grade point average at graduation in the major, distinguished performance on a paper or project (a project might be a ballet in the area of the arts, or a study of some aspect of local economic conditions in the area of business), and presentations of the paper or project to a colloquium of faculty and students in the major.

Honors programs may vary by department. See departmental listings underneath the colleges and schools.

Additionally, there are numerous student honor organizations. See the "Honor and Recognition Society" category in the online listing of recognized student organizations on MyOrgs.

Intercollegiate athletics

126 Mitchell Hall
608.785.8616
www.uwlathletics.com

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has a longstanding commitment to excellence in both the academic and physical development of its students, as memorialized in the university’s seal, which is emblazoned with the phrase "mens corpusque" ("mind and body"). The intercollegiate athletics program sponsors 21 sports competing as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA), and the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). UW-La Crosse’s rich history in intercollegiate athletics is highlighted by 74 national championships, 438 conference championships, and thousands of All-American performers. Just as importantly, UW-La Crosse’s student-athletes have set a high bar in the classroom, with a cumulative GPA that consistently ranks as the highest in the WIAC and, for 21 out of the last 22 years, has exceeded the GPA of UW-La Crosse’s general student body. The nearly 600 student-athletes competing in UWL Athletics embody the program’s mission: Building Champions. In Sport. In School. In Life.

UW-La Crosse Athletics is committed to equal opportunity for student-athletes and staff. The program offers 12 women’s sports (basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball) and nine men’s sports (baseball, basketball, cross country, football, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and wrestling).

UWL Athletics is a member of the Division of Student Affairs and, as such, the director of athletics reports to the vice chancellor/dean of students. Two faculty athletics representatives provide academic oversight to the athletic program. In keeping with the campus commitment to shared governance, an Athletics Committee comprised of students, faculty, and staff monitors and advises the program on budgetary matters. A Student-Athlete Advisory Committee that includes representatives from every sport program meets regularly and consults with the program’s leadership.

McNair Scholars Program

2101 Centennial Hall
608.785.6913
www.uwlax.edu/mcnair-scholars

The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is federally funded by the United States Department of Education to provide eligible students with support and preparation for graduate school. McNair Scholars must either be low-income, first-generation college students and/or be members of a traditionally underrepresented group in their field (usually African American, Latina/Latino, Native American and/or Asian Pacific Islander). The program at UW La Crosse began in October 2009 and is housed in the Division of Diversity & Inclusion. The program considers students from all majors that would lead to a Ph.D. as the terminal degree.

Music activities

608.785.8409
www.uwlax.edu/music

The Department of Music welcomes all University students to participate in its performing organizations. Music ensembles function as part of the curriculum for our music majors and minors but non-music major students from all colleges and programs make up a large percentage of the participants in our ensembles. There are a variety of music ensembles available including: Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Screaming Eagles Marching Band, Jazz Bands and combos, Concert Choir, Women's Chorus, Mannerchor, Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz Choirs, Korean Percussion Ensemble, and various other chamber ensembles. The large ensembles regularly perform on tours within the state, nationally, and internationally. Auditions are required for admission and placement for some ensembles. Contact the Department of Music for details on audition dates, times, and repertoire. Also, for students who enjoy listening to music, the abundance of concerts presented by our ensembles throughout the academic year provide ample opportunities to attend a wide spectrum of musical events.

Recognized Student Organizations

For a current listing of over 200 UW-La Crosse Recognized Student Organizations, visit MyOrgs.

Recreational sports

130 Recreational Eagle Center
608.785.5225
www.uwlax.edu/recsports

UWL students study hard, work hard, and play hard. Once you put down your books, check out what the Rec Sports Department has to offer. We have programs and facilities designed to help you stay active, meet new friends, and reduce your stress level. Programs include: intramural sports, sport clubs, group fitness classes, personal training, special events, Esports, Outdoor Connection gear rental, trips, and an indoor climbing wall.

The Recreational Eagle Center (REC) houses a climbing wall, 200-meter elevated track, two racquetball courts, six basketball courts, 10 volleyball courts, seven badminton courts, three multi-purpose rooms, a 15,000-sq. ft. fitness center, cardiovascular equipment, aerobics studio, conditioning room, locker rooms with showers, outdoor trips, and rental program. The EZONE Esports & Gaming area offers gaming for both casual and competitive gamers on 24 high-end gaming PCs and on XBox, PlayStation, VR, and Nintendo Switch gaming consoles. The space also includes a viewing area and a shout casting room for streaming on Twitch.

Rec Sports programs also operates out of Mitchell Hall and the Fieldhouse. Both house intramural sports games and sport club practices. Rec Sports programs include lap swimming in the Mitchell Hall pool. 

Student Association and Student Government

2244 Student Union
608.785.8775
www.uwlax.edu/student-association

Chapter 36.09(5) of the Wisconsin State Statutes reads: "The students of each institution or campus shall have the right to organize themselves in a manner they determine and to select their representatives to participate in institutional governance." To exercise that right, the students have established the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Student Association (UW-LSA). Each student enrolled at UWL is a member of the UW-LSA. The student government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative (Student Senate), and judicial. The executive and legislative branches are elected by the members of the UW-LSA each year. The judicial branch is appointed by the executive branch and approved by the legislative branch. The Student Association seeks to provide a student voice by advocating for student rights and responsibilities, fostering leadership, communicating student issues, and demonstrating respect for diversity in their actions.

Student-Faculty Committees

The Academic Initiatives Differential Allocation Committee (AIDAC) is responsible for the annual distribution of academic initiatives differential tuition money to programs which fall under one of four cornerstones: advising, research, internationalization and diversity. AIDAC is made up of students, faculty and staff members who must determine how to allocate the budget so as to be the best advocates of student money through program presentations and budget deliberations.

The Segregated University Fee Allocation Committee (SUFAC) recommends to the Student Senate the manner in which funds collected by the university for support of student activities are to be distributed among eligible organizations. The committee also allocates funds to eligible groups for equipment and supplies, reviews requests for the Sustainability Fund, and makes recommendations to the Student Senate.

The Legislative Affairs Committee is responsible for encouraging student participation in voting and other events and maintaining the by-laws of the various Student Senate committees.

The Student Organizations Committee is responsible for recommendations to the Student Senate for general policies concerning Recognized Student Organizations. The committee reviews new Recognized Student Organization requests, bylaw and name changes for existing Recognized Student Organizations, and grants for non-budgeted organizations. The committee is also responsible for choosing commencement speakers and reviews requests for graduation regalia applications.

The Student Services and Buildings Committee recommends policy concerning services provided to students with regard to the Student Union, Recreational Eagle Center, Student Health Center, Campus Child Center, and Whitney Center. In addition, it is responsible for making recommendations to SUFAC for distribution of segregated fees for sport clubs, and student media.

The Marketing and Special Events Committee focuses on organizing and planning events sponsored by UW-LSA. With the help of the Executive Cabinet, the committee also aids in facilitating creative discussion on the best way for the group to positively impact the experience of UWL students.

Student Governance Associations

Student governance extends beyond the UWL Student Association on campus. The Fraternity and Sorority Life Community is governed by The Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council. 

University Centers (UC)

3200 Student Union
608.785.8888
www.uwlax.edu/university-centers

University Centers is a financially self-sufficient part of the Division of Student Affairs, comprised of the Student Union and Whitney Center. The focus of the Student Union is on student involvement, development, leadership and services, while Whitney Center provides the main dining operations on campus. Our objective is to support the academic mission of the institution by providing a wide variety of engaging educational and cultural programs, while supporting students with a multitude of free or affordable services and amenities.

  • University Reservations and Audio Visual Lighting Support (AVLS) assists the university community by coordinating reservations, offering information for event planning, and serving as a liaison with university services. The Reservations Office offers equipment and assistance for events and meetings occurring in the Student Union. In addition, they can assist with reserving classrooms (when classes are not scheduled), fundraisers, and outdoor events. Event Support consists of experienced technicians and event planners who help Recognized Student Organizations develop and produce events of all sizes.
  • Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a student-run programming board that provides cultural, educational, and entertaining activities for the entire campus community. Events such as small and large concerts, comedians, craft nights, bingo, game nights, and special events are offered. CAB events are open to all students. 
  • Dining Services offers an assortment of different dining locations within the Student Union and Whitney Centers to meet the variety of needs and tastes of the campus community. Students may select from several contract dining plans, block meal plans, and cash/Campus Cash options. Students looking for a light snack or beverage between classes can visit the coffee shop located in Centennial Hall, which features a variety of sandwiches and pastries. Murphy's Mug in the library also serves a great cup of coffee, along with sandwiches and pastries.
  • Eagle ID/Dining Plan Office is located in the Student Union, Room 1131. Students can request information regarding their Eagle ID card, dining plans, or Campus Cash. It is also the place to have your Eagle ID card picture taken. Your Eagle ID may be used as an official ID document when voting in Wisconsin. Please be sure to sign the back of the card if intending to use it for this purpose. The ID card does not expire while the student is actively enrolled.
  • Center for Organizations, Vision, & Engagement (The COVE) is the student organization suite located in 2200 Student Union. The COVE is a space for all student organizations to come together to share ideas, collaborate, and find resources specifically for student organizations. It physically houses: Campus Activities Board, COVE Graphics Garage, Leadership & Involvement Center, Green Fund, Fraternity and Sorority Life, designated Multicultural Student Organizations, the Pride Center, Student Association, Racquet Press, and UWL Votes. The "front porches" in each of the spaces are an extension of the organization's office space, giving students the opportunity to interact with others in a relaxed setting. Although some porches are open for any student to sit in, students are asked to respect these spaces and be mindful that organizations use this space for meetings and gatherings. Public computers and workspaces, two conference study rooms, as well as a variety of graphics supplies are available for use within the COVE.​ The two student-staffed groups that operate out of the COVE are:
    • COVE Graphics Garage provides resources and opportunities not only for Recognized Student Organizations, but for all UWL students and staff. COVE Graphics Garage offers free graphic design services and low-cost printing and laminating for a variety of projects.

    • Leadership & Involvement Center offers a variety of leadership, involvement, and service opportunities for students, including support of the Ugetconnected volunteer portal. 

  • Ugetconnected matches prospective volunteers with service opportunities that fit their interests, skills, and availability. Ugetconnected is a collaboration between Great Rivers United Way, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Viterbo University, Western Technical College, and more than 200 community agencies. Ugetconnected is a tool for UWL students to use and get involved in the community. It also produces a volunteer resume with room for site leaders to write references and recommend you for other volunteer opportunities. Service learning is a way to get involved in the La Crosse community. Login to the site with your net ID and password.
  • MyOrgs Student Organization database provides resources regarding information on starting a new Recognized Student Organization, campus publicity guidelines, flyers & posters on campus, cash box forms, fundraising registration forms, event funding assistance requests, and t-shirts, apparel & swag artwork approval forms (t-shirt/apparel printing approvals).
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life Community (FSL) is rooted in the four pillars of: leadership, scholarship, friendship, and service. These are the core, shared values that all of the social fraternities and sororities have in common. Members of the community engage in a variety of different areas of campus and community development including individual philanthropic partnerships, participation in leadership conferences at the local and national level, community service and outreach endeavors, and academic development opportunities. The goal of the FSL community is to empower students to reach their fullest potential by living the values of their organization every day.
  • The Pride Center provides education, advocacy, support, outreach, and resources to UW-La Crosse LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff, and their allies. We work collaboratively to improve the campus climate and to foster a sense of belonging for all LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff.
  • The Campus Food Pantry is housed in The COVE and is a free service provided to all faculty, staff, and students. Interested users should visit MyOrgs to register for access to the pantry or complete the Campus Food Pantry Access Request online.

University theatre

608.785.6701
Box Office: 608.785.6696
www.uwlax.edu/academics/department/theatre-and-dance

The Department of Theatre and Dance produces a theatre season of seven shows in the 418-seat Toland Theatre and in the more intimate Frederick Theatre including musicals, dance performances, and a children’s show. Additionally, Summer Stage, the summer theatre, produces a major musical each June-July. The theatre season is a thoughtful mix of contemporary plays, classics, musicals, and cutting edge new works. Tickets for all Toland Theatre productions may be purchased in advance, either as season tickets or tickets for individual performances. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Any UWL student registered for at least three credits is eligible to audition and be cast in productions. The same applies to any student wanting to work backstage or in various capacities of the production team. Whether or not you are experienced in theatre, your participation is welcomed. Students work both with faculty and guest directors, designers, and choreographers on a wide variety of theatrical offerings. Opportunities to become involved are announced across campus, or you can contact the theatre department for more information.