Strive & thrive fall 2014

Fall 2014&Inside this issueAcademics/Choosing Classes 2-3 WINGS Schedule Changes Registration Tools Academic Advising Placement Tests Dropping/Withdrawal

Who to Talk to About 4-5 Study Abroad Academic Standards Choosing a Major Tutoring Stress Tough Times Financial Aid Scholarships TowerOne Card

Residence Life 6

Off Campus 7

Student Orgs 8

OMSS Staff 9

September Events 10

Take Note 11

Upcoming Events 12

_________________________Office of Multicultural Student

Services1101 Centennial Hall

(608) 785-8225 www.uwlax.edu/mss

Welcome Hello, my name is Antoiwana Williams and I’m the direc-tor of Multicultural Student Services (MSS). I have worked on campus since 2000. On behalf of the office, I would like to welcome you to UW-La Crosse. In the office of Multicul-tural Student Services, it is our goal to get you acquainted with college life and ultimately see you graduate from this institution.

The office is here to assist you with concerns you have in and out of the classroom. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to stop by 1101 Centennial hall, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. -8:30 p.m. or call and schedule an appointment at 608-785-8225. Evening appointments can be arranged by request.

Our student organizations’ have several events planned for the spring semester, so please visit our website for more information http://www.uwlax.edu/mss/calen-darevents.htm. Please find enclosed the spring 2014 Strive and Thrive newsletter to help familiarize you with UW-La Crosse and the La Crosse community! We look for-ward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

Antoiwana WilliamsAntoiwana Williams, Director

Multicultural Student Services

The goal of Strive and Thrive is to respond to issues and conerns raised by past multicultural students. This booklet is intended for students and families to become acquainted with college life at UW-La Crosse. The Office of Multicultural

Student Services (OMSS) hopes to assist you in making the most of your educational and social experience at UW-L.

A guide for success at UW - La Crosse from Multicultural Student Services

Strive Thrive

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Academics

UW-La Crosse students register for classes using WINGS, a campus wide application accessible via the internet. This program makes registration and advising a smooth and cohesive process. If you need assistance regarding registration or any information found on your WINGS account, please

contact Records and Registration at (608) 785-8576 or www.uwlax.edu/records.

Schedule Changes

Registration Tools

WINGSUse WINGS (https://wings.uwlax.edu) to:(You will need your Username (student ID number) and your Password. This was emailed to you shortly after applying to UW-L)

•Register for classes and view your advisement report

•Pay your student bill, make a deposit, or other financial transactions

•View billing detail

•Check your financial aid award information

•Change your contact information (i.e. address or phone number)

•View end of the semester grades

We at OMSS strongly recommend that you attend your classes for the first week and assess your course load, time commitments, and capabilities before changing your schedule. If you feel it is necessary to change your schedule, you can do so using WINGS through Monday, September 8th, 2014. After the first week of classes any changes to your schedule will require a drop/add form, available in each academic department, and a faculty signature.

Instructions for changing your schedule are available at : www.uwlax.edu/records•The last day to change your schedule using WINGS: Monday, September 8th, 2014•The last day to drop a course without a “W” on your transcript: Monday, September 8, 2014•The last day to drop a course with a “W” on your transcript: Friday, October 24, 2014

NOTE: After October 24th, any student who fails to drop a full semester class will be given the grade they have earned at the end of the semester!!

Undergraduate Catalog:The Undergraduate Catalog provides detailed information about all the majors and requirements at UW-L. Academic and student conduct policies are also de-tailed in the catalog. The current Undergraduate Catalog can be found online at: http://catalog.uwlax.edu/undergraduate/

Advisement Report:The Advisement Report is your personal road map to graduation. You can find your Advisement Report in your WINGS Student Center. Access the Advisement Report from the main menu by clicking on ‘Academic Requirements’ from the drop down menu and click on the double arrow icon to generate the report.

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Choosing Classes

There are a number of places to go for help regarding your courses, schedule, and declaring a major. As always, you are encouraged to visit Multicultural Student Services in 1101 Centennial Hall for

assistance with any of your questions.

Academic Advising•Students who have declared a major are assigned a faculty advisor within that major. Ideally, this advisor should be your best source of information about which courses you need in order to graduate in a timely manner. You should develop ongoing communication with your advisor, and meet with them each semester before registering.•Students who have yet to declare a major are assigned an advisor in the Academic Advising Center, 1140 Centennial Hall. The AAC is also a great resource for students who are interested in changing majors, exploring careers options, and have questions regarding General Education courses.OTHER OPTIONS:Assistant to the Dean in your college: •College of Business Administration: 138 Wimberly Hall, 608-785-8090•Collge of Liberal Studies: 260 Morris Hall, 608-785-5454•College of Science and Health: 228 Graff Main Hall, 608-785-8156

Placement tests for Math and English are offered the first evening of classes each semes-ter. To register for a test contact:

Counseling and Testing Center, 2106 Centennial Hall608-785-8073

•Students who have not taken a placement test for Math can do so on Tuesday Septem-ber 3, 2013 at 4:30pm in Centennial Hall 1400.

•Students who have not taken a placement test for English can do so on Tuesday Sep-tember 3, 2013 at 6:30pm in Centennial Hall 1400

• If you would like to take the Foreign Language placement test, you may do so also on Tuesday September 3, 2013 at 8:30pm in Centennial Hall 1400.

•Before you drop a class, make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office, your academic advisor or an OMSS advisor: Be advised, the last day to drop a class is too late to begin this process!!

•After your first two semesters, you’re are allowed only FOUR WITHDRAWLS dur-ing the remainder of your time at UW-L.

•Withdrawls after the first week of classes are permanently recorded on your transcripts with a “W”.

•Withdrawing from a course impacts your attempt/complete ratio, which dic-tates your financial and academic eligability. It is important to determine the impact before dropping a course. See your advisor to determine your current ratio.

Placement Tests and Retroactive Credits

Deciding to Drop or Withdraw from a Class

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Who do I talk to about...

Study Abroad

If you are interested in studying abroad:

Choosing a Major

If you need help choosing a major:

Academic Standards

To learn about aca-demic expectations:

Tutoring

If you need help with your classes:

Stress

If you are feeling overwhelmed:

While enrolled at UW-La Crosse you can

travel to other countries, all while

completing courses in the areas of

General Education, and in some situations, your declared major.

CONTACT:

The Study Abroad Office

1209 Centennial Hall608-785-8016

[email protected]

Financial Aid is avail-able for study abroad!!

To remain in good standing, students’

cumulative GPAs must be 1.60 if they have attempted between 1 and 18 credits; 1.80 if they have attempted between 19 and 44 credits and 2.00 or above if they have

attempted 45 or more credits.

Please see the follow-ing link:

http://www.uwlax.edu/records/UGCat/07-09/Regulations/Retension.

htm

Don’t worry, undecid-ed is the most popular

major at UW-La Crosse. Most college students change their major at least once.

Experience may help you decide on a major.

If you are having a hard time, consider

volunteering, job shad-owing, informational

interviewing, and part-time jobs.

CONTACT: The Academic

Advising Center1140 Centennial Hall

608-785-6950

If you are finding one or more of your

courses to be espe-cially challenging

- consider getting a tutor. Be proactive,

and begin getting help before you are overwhelmed!!

CONTACT:

In OMSS:Richard Sims 608-785-8838

[email protected]

In Student Support Services:

608-785-8535

College can be stress-ful and overwhelming for many students, for all different reasons.

There are a number of places to go for help. Consider talking to a friend, a roommate,

your RA or Hall Director, or a profes-sor. If none of these are an option for you, there is the Counsel-

ing and Testing Center which has licensed counselors on staff.

CONTACT:

The Counseling and Testing Center

2106 Centennial Hall608-785-8073

Protective Services525 East Avenue North608-789-9000 (office)

608-789-9999 (emergencies)

Remember to lock your door when you are not in your room.The Violence Pervention Office is located in 149 Graff Main Hall. The staff can assist with issues of sexual assult, stalking, or abuse. Ingrid Peterson can be reached at 608-785-8062.The Safe Ride bus offers a safe ride between downtown and campus on Thursday, Friday,

and Saturday nights. There are stops on and off campus, around town and downtown, which are marked with a maroon and silver Safe Ride bus sign. The Safe Ride bus circulates

through the route every 15 minutes! UW-L Students, friends, and the general public ride free on the Safe Ride bus. No student ID’s are required. Visit their website at: www.uwlax.

edu/af/upass/saferide.htm for a detailed route map.Cam

pus S

afet

y

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Who do I talk to about...

Difficult Times

If you have missed several classes:

TowerOne Card

If you need informa-tion about your ID:

U-Pass/Safe Ride

If you need transportation:

Students miss classes for a number

of reasons. If you are going through difficult

times due to illness or personal reasons, there are people who can help. To discuss your options, such as deadline extentions, taking incompletes, or withdrawing from some or all of your

classes,CONTACT:

The Office of Student Life

149 Graff Main Hall608-785-8062

[email protected] sooner you con-tact them, the better

Your Tower One Card will be your university identification card. It gives you access to the residence halls,

computer labs, dining services, the library,

and more.

One feature of the card is Tower Tender - it is a debit card that eliminates the need to carry cash. Financial

Aid change checks and University paychecks can be directly depos-

ited on your card.

http://www.uwlax.edu/uc/uwlonecard/index.

htm

Students get daily, unlimited, free passage on all MTU bus routes and the Safe Ride (see campus safety, p. 4)

thanks to a joint proj-ect between the UW-L Student Association,

UW-L Administration and MTU.

You only need to show your UW-L ID Card!

For MTU schedules and stops, visit:

www.cityoflacrosse.org

The Student Health CenterHealth Science Center

1300 Badger St., 608-785-8558 http://www.uwlax.edu/studenthealth/index.htm

The Student Health Center provides convenient, accessible, high quality, low-cost health care to all students registered for seven or more credits at UW-L. The fee for most services is automatically included in your tuition. Some services, prescriptions, or care may require

an additional fee. You must show your ID every time you use the health center.

Services include: Immunizations, women’s health, acute illnesses (colds, coughing, pain management), on-going care (allergies, blood pressure, diabetes, eating disorders, depres-

sion), lab services, injuries, fractures, X-ray services, HIV and STD testing and counseling.Stud

ent H

ealth

Financial Aid

If you have not received a Financial Aid Award Package:

Please complete your to-do-list on your WINGS Student Center. If you have already received an award package, to make sure your financial aid is disbursed in a timely

manner:• you have to either accept or decline the offered Finan-

cial Aid by going to your WINGS Student Center• If you were awarded Federal Work study, complete and submit the Federal Work Study Assignment Question-

naire,• If you were awarded federal loans and it is your first

Direct Loan, you have to complete the federally required Entrance Loan Counseling (ELC) and Direct Loan Mas-

ter Promissory Note (Direct Loan MPN)• And if you receive a refund, you have to activate the

TowerOne/I.D. Card and choose the method of disburse-ment for refund.

• Federal Law requires the Financial Aid Office to moni-tor a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Please review the SAP Policy at www.uwlax.edu/finaid/acadeprogr.html. Failure to comply could result in the

loss of federal and/or state financial aid.If you have any questions, please contact the

Financial Aid Office at 608-785-8604 or visit in 215 Graff Main Hall.

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Residence Life

Emai

lLiving on-campus can be a big adjustment. You may have never shared a room,

especially with someone you don’t know. Below are some tips that may make the adjustment to life with a roommate easier.

RoommatesWithin the first few weeks of school, discuss your pre-

ferred noise level, cleanliness, overnight guests, music, and

hours you keep. Knowing your roomates preferences will help make your relationship happier

in the long run.

Stress

If you are stressed, find a healthy way to relieve it. Work out at

the REC, listen to music, dance, do yoga, watch a funny movie, or

check out a local faith commu-nity. For more information:

www.uwlax.edu/counseling

Did you forget?1. A fan (most halls are not air conditioned).2. Bedding for an extra-long twin bed.3. A microwave (no toasters, hotplates or grills allowed)4. ALARM CLOCK!!5. A shower caddy for toilet-ries. It will make the trip to the shower much easier.6. Bandages, aspirin, cold-medi-cine.7. Clothes, layers are good for unpredictable weather and climate-controlled buildings. 8. A refillable water bottle.

While you more than likely had an email account prior to arriving on campus, your stu-dent email should be set up immediately and become an account that you check daily. Very important information to ensure your success as a student at UW-L will be sent to you through your student email account. It will be the main form of communication for

professors, campus and administrative offices, other students, and advisors. Campus email (EagleApps) is powered by Google. Go to: www.uwlax.edu/eagleapps/setup.htm

to get started!

The InternetAll rooms in the residence halls at UW-L have internet access. Residence Life Infor-mation Services supports the internet connections within the residence halls. Contact RLIS at [email protected] or by phone at 608-785-8075.

ComputersIf you do not have a personal computer or laptop, each hall has a computer lab, and there are many other labs across campus

you can access with your student ID. There are also computers for use in the

OMSS Resource Center in CH1112

For more information visit the below website:

http://gca/uwlax.edu/gca

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Le

gal

Off CampusWhile most of your needs can be met on campus, there are essential

resouces out in the local community. Below are a few suggestions to meet these additional needs.

Ethnic Grocery StoresAsian Market:510 Lang Dr., 608-784-0534People’s Food Co-op:315 5th Ave., 608-784-5798Woodman’s Food Market9515 Hwy 16 Onalaska, WI 608-783-2233

While classes are in session (including summer term) free legal advice is provided by attorneys sponsored and paid for by the UWL Student Association. Currently enrolled students may make 15 minute appointments by calling 785-8062 or stopping in the Student Life Office, Room 149 Graff Main Hall. An attorney will be on campus for a

short time on each Tuesday and Wednesday that classes are in session during fall and spring semesters. They are available to meet with students occasionally during summer

term.

Hair CareSalon Medusa203 4th St., 608-782-0707

Oasis Spa & Tanning (Danya Day) 4329 Mormon Coulee Road 608-738-8542

Sally Beauty Supply9348 US HWY 16 Onalaska, WI608-781-5760

Financial Institutions

•Associated Bank605 Main St., 796-4200•Community Credit Union2025 South Ave., 779-2400•Coulee State Bank1516 Losey Blvd., 784-9550•US Bank201 Main St., 782-8101

Spiritual Needs•Roncalli Newman Catholic Parish1732 State Street, La CrosseP: [email protected]

•Crossroads-United Campus Ministry1334 Pine St., La CrosseP: 608-784-7600 [email protected]

•St. Luke’s United Methodist1022 Caledonia Street, La CrosseP: 608-782-6421

•Neighborhood City Church525 7th St S, La Crosse P: 608-782-4494

•Othman bin Affan Mosque206 Rose Street, La CrosseP: [email protected]

•Diamondway Buddhist Center507 Main St, La CrosseP: [email protected]

•Baha’i Religion (Buddhist)1303 Green Bay St., La CrosseP: 608-784-7024

Health CareIf you need immediate medical care and the Student Health Center is closed, go to either local hospi-tal’s emergency room or walk-in clinic. If it is a true emergency, call 911 or 789-9999 In addition to the Student Health Center, there are local health care options: Franciscan Healthcare700 West Ave.785-0940EMERGENCY ROOM

Gundersen Lutheran1900 South Ave.782-7300EMERGENCY ROOM

Options Clinic1201 Caledonia St.800-657-5177WOMEN’S HEALTH & CONTRACEPTION

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Be a Part of the PuzzleALANA—Asian, Latina, African, Native American Women

Purpose: to provide social, academic, and political support to women of ALANA (Asian, Latina, African, and Native American) descent. For further information, please visit http://www.uwlax.edu/alana/

ASO—Asian Student Organization

Purpose: to provide Asian students with academic, cultural, and social opportunities. The organization offers cultural enrichment by bringing together Asian students interested in sharing their cultural differ-

ences.

For further information, please visit http://www.uwlax.edu/aso/

BSU—Black Student Unity

Purpose: to establish and promote the fellowship, education, empowerment, and positive awareness of issues concerning the survival, success, and development of Black students on the UW-La Crosse campus.

For further information, please visit http://www.uwlax.edu/bsu/

HOPE—Hmong Organization Promoting Education

Purpose: to promote Hmong students’ education; provide students with leadership skills, adjustment to campus and academic life, cultural and social events. Provides awareness of the Hmong community,

serves as a resource to learn about and to retain the Hmong culture.

For further information, please visit http://www.uwlax.edu/hope/

IOPA—Intercultural Organization Promoting Awareness

Purpose: to provide awareness of the community being intercultural, and to establish opportunities to benefit multi-ethnic individuals and other members of the organization educationally, socially, and cultur-

ally.

LASO—Latin American Student Organization

Purpose: to address the various needs of Latino students on the La Crosse campus and community. LASO is open to all UW-L students interested in Latino/Latin American Culture.

For further information, please visit http://www.uwlax.edu/laso/

NASA—Native American Student Organization

Purpose: to provide a safe place for students to discuss topics and plan events around Native American student issues throughout the year including fundraisers, arts and crafts and community involvement

events. NASA hosts the Widening the Circle Symposium each year and supports the POW-WOW hosted at UW-L each spring.

For further information, please visit http://www.uwlax.edu/nasa/

SFT—Students for a Free Tibet

Purpose: to educate and promote awareness of human rights violations which occurred and continue to occur in Tibet. SFT works to empower young leaders to make changes and create awareness not only for

the Tibetan cause, but for all causes fighting for human rights, justice, and equality.

For further information, please visit http://www.uwlax.edu/sft/

Student Orgs

The Office of Multicultural Student Services supports eight different student-run multicultural organizations. If you would like to receive more information about becoming a member of any of these groups, please visit our website, www.uwlax.edu/mss. We

encourage participation from ALL of our campus community in order to foster positive relationships and create an environment that supports, learns, and prospers from the amazing individuals that make up UWL.

ASO

ALANA

BSU

HOPE

IOPA

LASO

NASA

SFT

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OMSS Staff

OMSS currently houses eight staff members and several student workers.

The following are those you need to know upon arrival to campus, they have many things to offer you.

Antoiwana Williams - Director, Multicultural Student Services Overseeing the office and working as a liaison to the campus and La Crosse Communties.

Monica Yang - Precollege Programs Coordinator Pre-College, community liaison, counselor/advisor.

Carmen Boortz - Office Manager Support for multicultural programs, budget management and assistance to student organizations, the director, and staff.

Connie Vanderhyden - Academic Success Institute (ASI) Coordinator Advisor for Latin American Student Association, counselor/advisor, and peer tutoring coordinator.

Thomas Harris - Assistant Director of OMSS Leadership coordinator, counselor/advisor, liaison to the campus and La Crosse communities, and advisor to the Asian Student Orga- nization, and Students for a Free Tibet.

Richard Sims - Financial Aid Liason Financial retention specialist, and counselor/advisor.

Angela Birrittella - Retention Coordinator Student retention specialist, Eagle Alert coordinator, counselor/advisor, publications & promotions and liaison to the campus community.

Additional Support StaffShaundel Spivey: Graduate InternGaozong Her: Graduate Assistant

**Look for more information on our support staff in our Prism Newsletter**

Chelsea Ophime : Precollge Outreach Specialist

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Calendar

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OMSS Welcome Back CookoutMyrick Park Main Shelter

Wednesday, September 10th, 5:00 p.m.Must RSVP!

608-785-8225

Take Note

Multicultural Student Organizations, Student

Senate, Greek Organizations & More

Multicultural Leadership Development Weekend

with special guest, Dr. Eddie Moore Jr.

Camp DecorahSeptember 26 - September 28, 2014

OMSS 101Learn what OMSS can

do for you!!

Wednesday, September 10th

Right after OMSS Cookout

Opportunity!Pre-College Mentoring and Readiness for College

Interested in volunteering or earning work-study allotments by mentoring an elementory, middle or

high school student?

Apply online at : http://www.uwlax.edu/Multicultural-Student-Services/Resources-for-current-and-prospective-tutors/

Apply by September 11th to be considered.

A committee dedicated to enhancing Inclusive Excellence in the Residence

Halls

Wednesdays at 7:30 in Centennial

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Upcoming Events

Date Event Time Location

Friday Sept 5 Murphy Library Tour 12:00pm Murphy Library

Free Movie Friday 6:00 & 9:00 PM Graff Main Hall AuditoriumSaturday Sept 6 Penny and Sparrow Concert (Free) 7:00 PM Between Hutch and Angell

HallsTuesday Sept 9 Game of Life: Office of Student Life Open House 3:00-4:30 PM 149 Graff Main

LGBTQQIAAP Welcome Social 5:00-7:30 PM Valhalla, Cartwright Center

Wednesday Sept 10 Involvment Fest 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM Wittich Field

Multicultural Student Services Cookout (must RSVP) 5:00 PM Myrick Park’s Main Shelter

Multicultural Student Services 101 After Cookout Myrick Park’s Main Shelter

Thursday Sept 11 Asian Student Organization (ASO) Social 4:00-6:00 M Myrick Park

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD 7 PM – 9 PM

260 GRAFF MAIN HALL

WITH DR. EDDIE MOORE, JR.

Who is allowed to say

the word?

Ignoring the N!gga(er) word is

not an option anymore!

Now is time for courageous

conversation!

Sponsors include: Campus Activities Board,

Office of Athletics, Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Office of Multicultural Student Services,

Office of Residence Life, University Centers

For accommodations please contact: Thomas Harris at [email protected] or (608) 780-‐7153

Indigenous People’s Day

Event

Key Note Presentation delivered by Dr. Sarah Deer

“Decolonizing the Rape Law: A Native Feminist Synthesis of Saftey &

Sovereignty”

Free and open to the public

Monday, October 13th, 2014 6:00 PM

Hall of Nations, Centennial Hall

Audition for UW-L’s Got Talent!

Audition DatesSaturday, September 13, 10am-12pmThursday, September 18th, 2-4 pmFriday, September 19, 4-6pm

Talent Show DateSaturday, October 4th, 20147:00 PM Valhalla, Cartwright

More information can be found at www.facebook.com/uwlaso or www.uwlax.edu/aso

1725 State St., 1101 Centennial HallLa Crosse, WI 54601

LA CROSSEUniversity of Wisconsin

Office of Multicultural Student Services

&StrIVEThrive

A guide for success at UW - La Crosse from Multicultural Student Services

Fall 2014

Strive & thrive fall 2014

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