University Catalogue: 2009-10

Student Support and Services

 

OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES (Schofield 208)

Undergraduate Studies, in conjunction with faculty colleagues and community partners, assist University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students to reach their unique potential in the areas of intellectual, personal, social, and cultural development. This is achieved by providing oversight and leadership for a number of administrative and support units that work collaboratively with academic departments and colleges to enhance student learning. These activities play an important role in helping students navigate the campus environment and providing programs and services that enrich students’ personal and educational development.

The area of Undergraduate Studies encompasses the following offices that support students in their transition to college life, academic planning, and career development: Academic Skills Center, Advising and New Student Initiatives, Blugold Fellows, Career Services, Educational Opportunity Centers, First Year Experience, Honors Program, International Education, McNair Program, Service Learning, Services for Students with Disabilities, Student Support Services, University Assessment, and Upward Bound.

Undergraduate Studies provides assistance to all students including nontraditionally aged students, ethnic minorities, students with disabilities, low income students, and first generation college students.

The Office of Undergraduate Studies is located in Schofield 208, (715) 836-4353, fax (715) 836-2902, or visit the Web site at: www.uwec.edu/acadaff/who/turell.htm.

ADVISING AND NEW STUDENT INITIATIVES (Schofield 226)

Advising: Students who have not yet chosen a major (undeclared) are assigned advisers in the Advising office. Students can expect their advisers to help them develop academic and career goals based on their interests and abilities; assist them in choosing courses that explore various majors while keeping their curricular options open; and clarify university policies and procedures. They can also expect advisers to be knowledgeable about a wide variety of campus resources and to refer them when appropriate.

Students with declared majors or who are “between majors” can also see advisers in Advising for general information on university policies, requirements, and resources. The transfer advisers work with transfer students regardless of major to help them understand policies and procedures related to transferring. The transfer advisers review the transfer course evaluations for all transfer students to identify issues students need to address to best use their transfer work to meet UW-Eau Claire’s requirements. Visit the Web site at: www.uwec.edu/advising.  

Academic Testing: The testing area administers English, mathematics, and foreign language placement tests for the University, as well as a number of national tests, including the ACT, PPST, PRAXIS II, and most graduate admission tests. Academic Testing also serves as an Educational Testing Service computer-based testing site, offering the GRE, PPST, and TOEFL exams. It also administers the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).  Advanced Placement results are also processed by this office. Visit the Web site at: www.uwec.edu/advising/testing.

New Student Orientation: All new freshmen and transfer students are expected to participate in a New Student Orientation program prior to registering for classes. One day sessions for new freshmen who are starting in the fall semester are held in June and early July, with a final session in late August. New freshmen starting in January attend a session the week before classes begin.

Orientation sessions for transfer students who are starting in the fall begin the end of March and continue throughout the summer. Transfer students starting in the spring semester may attend one of many sessions held the end of October through January.

These programs are designed to facilitate the student’s adjustment to the University. Students meet with academic advisers, develop a class schedule, and register for classes. Students and their parents have an opportunity to meet with faculty and staff members, tour the campus, and obtain information on a wide variety of topics related to both academics and student life.

Questions regarding orientation programs should be addressed to the Coordinator of New Student Orientation in the Advising and New Student Initiatives office. Visit the Web site at: www.uwec.edu/orientation.

Nontraditional Student Services: Nontraditional-age students comprise an important component of the University’s student body. The nontraditional student adviser serves this constituency through a variety of offerings that address the special needs and experiences of adults returning to college. Evening students, students with children, veterans, returning women, and adults in transition will find programs, publications, services, and consultations tailored to their circumstances and schedules. Further information may be obtained from the nontraditional student adviser. Visit the Web site at: www.uwec.edu/advising/nss.

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BLUGOLD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (Phillips 233)

The Blugold Fellowship program recruits high school students to come to UW-Eau Claire. The fellowships are awarded to incoming freshman based on merit and include a scholarship and work-stipend. The program places the students into research environments to expose them to scholarships early in their university careers in order to highlight the opportunities available at UW-Eau Claire, including the UW System Center of Excellence for Faculty and Undergraduate Student Research Collaboration. Visit the Web site at: www.uwec.edu/blugoldfellows.index.htm.

CAREER SERVICES (Schofield 230)

Career Services assists students with their career education and development from the time of their orientation to the university, into their alumni years. Specific services include: career counseling, career assessments, internship opportunities, resumé and cover letter development and assistance, interview preparation assistance, campus interviews, and graduate school admission assistance. Visit the Career Services Web site at: www.uwec.edu/career for more information.  Various phases of a student’s career development and accompanying programs are addressed as follows:

Career Exploration and Development: Career Services offers individual career counseling, career testing, programming, and information to assist students with their career decision-making. Students meet with a career counselor or visit the Career Discovery Center to learn more about their majors and how it relates to a future career. An alumni-network is also designed to connect students with professionals in their chosen fields. 

Career Discovery Center: An interactive and self-directed resource area combines online and current hardcopy resources to assist students during all phases of their college career. Included is information on career options, internship information, graduate school information, employer directories, and resumé, portfolio, and interview preparation resources. Trained Career Associates in the Career Discovery Center are available to assist students to find and use the materials and resources. The Career Discovery Center is available to all students from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Internship Center: Internship programs are designed to integrate academic learning with related work experiences. Over 4,000 internship opportunities are posted in the Internship Center. Students are given an opportunity to test career choices, improve their basic work skills, and develop professional competence. Students may earn money or receive academic credit as part of the internship program. Students who participate in at least one internship receive higher GPAs when they return to the classroom, receive higher salary offers upon graduation, secure employment faster, and report greater job satisfaction.

Blugold CareerLink: Blugold CareerLink is an online database used by UW-Eau Claire students and alumni. Employers who choose UW-Eau Claire as a primary institution to assist in meeting their workforce needs post full-time and internship positions. Students can search for opportunities and apply for these positions. They can also participate in on-campus interviews and receive invitations to employer information sessions. Verified employers are able to view students’ resumés and contact them directly regarding opportunities.

Career Events: Each year Career Services sponsors a variety of career events designed to allow students to explore career and internship options:
     Career Conference — fall semester
     Explore Your Possibilities — fall semester
     Graduate School Fair — fall semester
     Internship Mania — spring semester
     Job Search Bootcamp — spring semester
     Nursing and Health Care Professionals Fair— fall and spring semesters

These events bring together students, faculty, and employers who meet and discuss career and internship opportunities in an informal setting. Over 500 professionals representing a wide variety of organizations are represented at these fairs.          

On-Campus Recruitment Program: More than 250 employers visit the campus each year to interview students interested in internship and full-time professional positions. All interviews are coordinated and arranged at the Career Services office.

Additional information about these and other career development and life planning resources and services can be found at Career Services, Schofield 230. Or check out the Career Services Web site at: www.uwec.edu/career.

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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTERS

(Old Library 2134)

The Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to assist and encourage adults who seek to enter or continue post-secondary education. The target population is potential first generation college students who meet income guidelines. Services offered include: academic, financial, and/or personal counseling; career assessment and exploration; program and college selection; assistance with the application, admission, and financial aid request processes; and ongoing mentoring for the nontraditional student. Program counselors offer workshops and information sessions to promote post-secondary education awareness and to acquaint the community with higher educational opportunities and institutions available in the area. The Educational Opportunity Centers is one of only two programs of its kind in the state and serves a 10-county area in west-central Wisconsin. Offices are located in Eau Claire and Rice Lake. Services are provided free to eligible adults through the TRIO Grant awarded to University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Visit the EOC Web site at: www.uwec.edu/eoc.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Academic Skills Center (Old Library 2112)
The Academic Skills Center is a resource for students needing individual tutoring to enhance learning strategies and skills in writing, mathematics/problem solving, and reading/study methods. An English as a second language program is available for permanent resident students. Group tutoring is also available for selected entry-level foreign language courses, as well as several physical and social science courses. Diagnostic evaluation is available in reading, writing, mathematics, study strategies, test anxiety, and English as a second language. Further information may be obtained from the Academic Skills Center staff or the ASC Web site at: www.uwec.edu/asc.

The Developmental Education, Collegiate Bridge, and Commanding English Programs are coordinated by the Academic Skills Center staff (see descriptions under Special Academic Programs).

Services for Students with Disabilities (Old Library 2136)
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) facilitates the provision of academic accommodations for eligible students with documented disabilities. It is the primary campus resource for students with disabilities.  Program goals include providing academic and physical access in an environment emphasizing variations, not limitations. SSD staff members work in conjunction with students, faculty, and staff to provide disability-related accommodations including, but not limited to, alternative testing, note takers, interpreters, and course materials in alternative formats. Students seeking accommodations should request assistance from SSD as soon as possible. Verification of need is based on current disability documentation provided by the student. Requests should be made in a timely manner, preferably before or at the beginning of the semester. Information about required documentation and procedures for arranging services can be obtained by contacting the SSD office or visiting the SSD web site at: www.uwec.edu/ssd. If students feel they have experienced discrimination or wish to appeal a denied accommodation, they can refer to the Disability Accommodation Policy and Procedure available from the Student Affairs and Dean of Students Office, Schofield 240, or visit the Web site at: www.uwec.edu/sdd/documents/Handbook07.pdf.

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE (Phillips 131)

All new freshmen at UW-Eau Claire have the opportunity to take a First Year Experience (FYE) course to assist them to make a successful transition to college life. These are small sections of regular university courses (English composition, math, biology, sociology, history, etc.) that are open only to freshmen. Each class has a student mentor as well as an experienced faculty member eager to help students in their adjustment to college.

Students meet their FYE instructor and fellow classmates during Phase II Orientation prior to the start of classes in the fall. This casual atmosphere helps students make connections with their FYE classmates, instructor, and mentor.

Students in FYE classes participate in out-of-class activities together. These vary, but can include educational events such as forums, concerts and plays, or fun activities such as bowling or pizza parties.

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HONORS PROGRAM (Schneider 209)

The Honors Program provides an extra measure of challenge and enrichment for students who are academically distinguished by previous and current achievements and by high levels of motivation and curiosity. It seeks to challenge exceptionally able students to perform at the highest level of which they are capable, to enhance their capacity for critical inquiry and for independent learning, and to develop their potential for leadership in their future vocations.

The UW-Eau Claire Honors Program has two components: University Honors and Departmental/School Honors. Students may complete one component or both.

Honors Program participation is documented on the student’s University record, thus enhancing his or her opportunity for future acceptance by graduate or professional schools or in gaining preferred employment.

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION (Schofield 3)

The Center for International Education makes study abroad available to every UW-Eau Claire student. At UW-Eau Claire, study abroad is affordable and is connected to the curriculum to allow students an academic experience abroad without unnecessarily adding time to their graduation goals. With study abroad programs on every populated continent, 25 percent of UW-Eau Claire students choose to take part in the life-changing experience of living and learning in another country, and in another culture.

The Center for International Education also welcomes students and scholars from throughout the world. Hosting students from nearly 50 nations, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire creates a global community in western Wisconsin. The Center for International Education offers many exciting programs that promote cross-cultural learning; these include the Host Friend/Host Family Program, International Speakers Bureau, the Buddy Project, the Peer Guide Program, and the International Ambassador Program. In addition, excursions to local cultural events and attractions are organized every semester for the benefit of our international students and scholars.

Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
(Old Library 2134)

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, a TRIO program of the U.S. Department of Education, assists eligible upper-division students to prepare for and enter graduate school to pursue research-based doctorates. Targeted to academically talented first-generation students from low-income families  and students from groups underrepresented among doctoral recipients, the McNair Program includes two years of intensive mentoring, specialized curricular and co-curricular offerings, collaborative research, and internship opportunities. McNair Scholars who desire to become college professors and/or researchers learn to appreciate, support, and undertake collaborative research. They gain an interdisciplinary and historical perspective on the American research community and become familiar with career opportunities and the professional climate of the Academy. Each year 10 to 12 new Scholars are chosen by means of a faculty nomination process. Visit the Web site at: www.uwec.edu/mcnair.

SERVICE-LEARNING (Human Science and Services 205)

All candidates for the baccalaureate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire must satisfactorily complete 30 or more hours of approved service-learning activity. UW-Eau Claire’s Service-Learning requirement fosters habits of public engagement and service to society. This requirement is intended to provide students with an opportunity to serve their community, apply knowledge gained in the classroom, enhance their critical thinking skills, and become informed, active, responsible, and ethical citizens. Visit the Service-Learning’s Web site at: www.uwec.edu/sl for information on available projects, the completion procedure, and a link to the Service-Learning Guidebook for a list of courses approved to meet this requirement.

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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM (Old Library 2136)

Funded by a TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the Student Support Services program provides a variety of supplemental services for qualified students. Due to federal eligibility requirements, the students served must be from a low-income household, be a first-generation college student, or have a documented disability. The staff assists eligible students in assessing their academic skills and in developing individual goals that promote their academic and career success. The program provides participants with free tutoring, career exploration opportunities, special advising and mentoring services, financial aid information, and a variety of social and educational activities. Some students qualify for additional federal grant aid based on their participation in the program. Further information may be obtained from the Student Support Services staff. Visit the SSS Web site at: www.uwec.edu/sss.

UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENT (Hibbard 428)

The purpose for assessment is to ask useful questions about student achievement of learning outcomes, gather and analyze valid data about student learning, and to use these findings to better understand and improve student learning. The methods for assessing student learning include high level, institutional measures such as the ACT-CAAP, the National Survey of Student Engagement, the Alumni Outcomes Survey, and exit interviews focused on the Liberal Education Learning Goals and Outcomes.      

Additionally, assessment of student learning occurs in departments and programs that teach and directly serve students. Each academic department is required to have learning outcomes for majors and have assessment plans and procedures. Annually, departments establish assessment priorities and based on findings develop action plans to advance student learning.

Upward Bound (Haas Fine Arts 281)

Upward Bound is a federal TRIO program awarded to UW-Eau Claire by the U.S. Department of Education. All participants are from high schools in Eau Claire. Most students are recommended by school counselors during the last semester of middle school. Once enrolled in the program, students continue through high school graduation. The program serves 63 promising high school students who face barriers to the completion of high school and the attainment of post-secondary education. During the academic year, students receive tutoring, counseling, and study skills support. The summer six-week residency program, for which students receive high school credit, provides an academic core enhanced with field trips and cultural, social, and athletic activities. Upward Bound develops career exploration and decision-making skills and assists students in selecting appropriate post-secondary educational options. Assistance is given in completing college admission and financial aid applications. Further information may be obtained from the Upward Bound office or by visiting the Upward Bound Web site at: www.uwec.edu/upbound.

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STUDENT AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE

Student Affairs and Dean of Students professionals, in conjunction with faculty colleagues and community partners, assist University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students reach their unique potential in the areas of intellectual, personal, social, and cultural development.  This is achieved by providing a variety of student services that include information sharing and advocacy, curricular and co-curricular offerings, professional development and training opportunities, as well as diagnostic and clinical services. These activities occur in the context of a liberal education enhanced by experiential learning and civic engagement.

The division of Student Affairs and Dean of Students encompasses the following offices that support students in their transition to college life: Office of Multicultural Affairs, Counseling, Student Health Service, GEAR UP Program, Center for Alcohol Studies and Education, Women and Gender Equity Center, Athletics, Children’s Center, University Centers, Recreation and Sports Facilities, Housing and Residence Life, Associate Deans of Students, Blugold Family-Parent, and advise Student Senate.

Student Affairs and Dean of Students provides assistance to all students including nontraditionally aged students, ethnic minorities, undergraduate and graduate students.

OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF STUDENTS
(Schofield 240)

The Student Affairs and Dean of Students Office plays an important role in helping students navigate the campus environment and providing programs and services that enrich students’ personal and educational development. The staff works with programs and services to create a learning environment that integrates co-curricular and classroom experiences.

Services provided by staff in the Student Affairs and Dean of Students Office include:
1. student advocacy, counseling, advising, and assistance to students experiencing personal and academic problems.
2. support and advising for student government and campus organizations and the administration of student conduct procedures.
3. administration and coordination of the National Student Exchange Program and Academic Leaves.
4. crisis intervention.

Students are encouraged to seek assistance related to student life concerns and to use the office as a referral resource. The staff assists students to make positive connections with faculty, staff, other students, and services. The Student Affairs and Dean of Students Office is located in Schofield 240, (715) 836-5626, fax (715) 836-5911, or visit the Web site at: www.uwec.edu/sdd.

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Each student enrolled at the University is expected to be familiar with University standards and to abide by the rules and regulations published in the Student Services and Standards handbook and the publication “Your Right to Know.” Copies of these publications are available in the Student Affairs and Dean of Students Office and are also available on the Web at: www.uwec.edu/sdd/publications.htm

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STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE

The UW-Eau Claire Student Health Service assists students in the pursuit of their academic goals and personal/social development through the provision of quality, accessible, comprehensive, and cost-effective health care. Students’ potential for intellectual growth and development is enhanced through strong health education efforts that foster individual responsibility and decision-making skills while developing healthy lifestyles. Education permeates everything, from phone calls to clinic visits to educational presentations. Hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, when classes are in session. It is staffed by a full range of health-care professionals.

Clinical services provided include evaluation and treatment of illnesses and injuries including those of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems. Physical examinations, minor surgical procedures, laboratory services, and reproductive health services, including contraceptive exams and supplies, are also offered. Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases are also available. Appointments are required except for emergencies. All visits are confidential.

Wellness is considered an important part of a student’s health. To assist in evaluating and learning ways of improving healthy personal behaviors, a variety of health education programs and services is available. Peer educators offer educational outreach programs for residence halls, student groups, and classroom instruction. Health information is available through printed materials and on the Student Health Service Web site at: www.uwec.edu/shs.

Some services are prepaid by student segregated fees, and some services and supplies are provided for a nominal fee. Additional information on the Student Health Service is available on the Web site. 

COUNSELING SERVICE (Old Library 2122)

Staff psychologists in the Counseling Service office assist students in overcoming problems which may interfere with their educational, social, and emotional development. This is accomplished through individual, couple, and group counseling; psychological and personality testing; psycho-educational workshops; and outreach services. Among the issues that students may bring to counseling are personal development, adjustment to college, depression, stress management, relationship/abuse issues, alcohol and drug use, goal setting, time management training, and other personal concerns and psychological problems.

Confidential and free counseling is available to any student of the University. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is also available for faculty and staff. The Counseling Service is an accredited member of the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS). Visit the Counseling Services Web site at: www.uwec.edu/Counsel.

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OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS (Schofield 225)

The mission of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is to provide leadership in creating a welcoming and engaging campus for students from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds so they are able to thrive and achieve their full potential. OMA assists African-American, American Indian, Asian (with special emphasis on Southeast Asian), and Hispanic/Latino students in utilizing the University as a productive educational resource. Staff members offer multicultural students advice in areas such as admission, housing, financial aid, counseling, employment, academic advising, and with applications to graduate schools. Multicultural Affairs provides the majority faculty, staff, and students with an awareness of racial and ethnic diversity. This awareness is raised through classroom presentations on diversity issues and through cultural programming. All UW-Eau Claire students are encouraged to participate in a variety of opportunities and events sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Visit the Web site at: www.uwec.edu/multicultural.

GEAR UP WINGS ( Wisconsin North GEAR UP for Students)
(Human Sciences and Services 216)

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, in partnership with UW-Stout, the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal School, Winter School District, Menominee Indian School District, and the Menominee Tribal School, works with 516 students in grades 6-10. The grant follows them through high school to prepare them to be successful in college. This holistic approach to academic preparation is built on reading, math, science, and social studies to build the foundation for success and other activities that enhance self-esteem, motivation, and an appreciation of cultural heritage. Parents and the entire community participate in making GEAR UP a success.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

The University recognizes that international students on this campus bring with them both special resources and special needs. The increased international awareness which they create is important to the entire academic community. At the same time, the University wishes to ensure that each student has the best possible educational and personal experience while in the United States. To achieve these objectives, the office of the International Student Adviser (located in the Center for International Education, Schofield 3) offers a variety of services to international students. These include academic advising, vocational and educational counseling, assistance with immigration regulations and personal problems, introduction to and involvement in the social and cultural life of the University and the community, and coordination of services provided by the Admissions, Financial Aid, Business, Housing, and Registrar’s offices.

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VETERANS SERVICES

Veterans Services (Schofield 128) assists veterans in applying for G.I. Bill educational benefits and advises them about other benefits available from the state and federal governments.

UW-Eau Claire is a member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), a consortium of over 1,300 institutions pledged to be reasonable in working with servicemembers and veterans trying to earn degrees even while pursuing demanding, transient careers. As an SOC member, UW-Eau Claire is committed to easing the transfer of relevant course credits, providing flexible academic residency requirements, and crediting learning from appropriate military training and work experiences. SOC is sponsored by 15 national higher education associations with the military services, the National Guard Bureau, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense serving as cooperating agencies.

Wisconsin Army National Guard Tuition Grant
The Wisconsin Army National Guard tuition grant pays 100 percent tuition to student soldiers. All Wisconsin Army National Guard enlisted members and warrant officers who do not possess a bachelor’s degree are eligible. The tuition grant is based on 100 percent of the resident undergraduate tuition charged by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The grant may be used at any school with a Title IV school code. This tax-free tuition grant is paid as a reimbursement to the soldier/student after completing a class or semester of school. For more information, go to www.wisconsinguard.com or call the Wisconsin Army National Guard Education office, (800) 292-9464, extension 2. You may also send e-mail to: WIAR-PA-ED@wi.ngb.army.mil.

Wisconsin G.I. Bill
The “Wisconsin G.I. Bill” (Wis. Stats 36.27 (3n) and (3p), created in July of 2005, provides remission of tuition and certain fees for eligible veterans, and for the spouses, unremarried surviving spouses, and children of veterans who have died or have incurred certain service-related disabilities. Eligibility is determined by the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs and the UW-Eau Claire Veterans Services office, so questions regarding eligibility should be directed to them. Additional information is also available online at: www.dva.state.wi.us.

HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE

The University provides accommodations for 3,924 students in on-campus residence halls. Except for those who are married, living with parents or guardians, or veterans of the United States Armed Forces, all freshmen and sophomores are required to live in University-operated residence halls when such accommodations are available. Through the Housing and Residence Life office (Towers Hall 112), the University also provides information to assist students in locating suitable housing in the community. Off-campus housing lists are available online from December through August.

Applications for residence halls are automatically sent to candidates for admission to the University. Completed application forms for residence halls should be returned to the Housing and Residence Life office with a $75 deposit. The deposit is refundable through May 1 (see Deposits, under Expenses). Applications are processed in the order received, and students are notified of individual room assignments prior to attending new student orientation, usually sometime in early June.

Each residence hall is staffed by a hall director and resident assistants selected from qualified continuing students. Insofar as demand permits, students are given a choice among the kinds of on-campus accommodations available. The residents of each hall determine, in accordance with the Wisconsin Administrative Code, certain policies and regulations for the governance of their hall.

All students living in University residence halls are required to participate in the contract meal plan (see Dining Service).

The University has no housing facilities for married students and students with children. Further information concerning all housing and residence life policies and services is provided in the Residence Hall Information and Housing Contract booklet, available upon acceptance by the University or upon request to the Office of Housing and Residence Life, phone (715) 836-3674.

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CHILDREN'S CENTER

The Children’s Center, a nationally accredited and state licensed child development center for the children of students, faculty, and staff, is operated by the University in the Campus School building. Directed by professionals in early childhood education, the Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition to a program for children age two to five, the Children’s Center has a program for children through age 10 during the Summer Session. Children ages two and older are admitted by application for admission to the Director, 1616 Park Avenue, phone (715) 836-2178.

The Children’s Center has a Infant and Toddler Program for children six weeks through two years of age. The program is partially funded through a CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School) Grant. It is located off campus and is available to student parents who qualify for a Pell Grant. Call the Children’s Center for more information.

ID CARD (BLUGOLD CARD)

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire identification cards are issued and replaced at the Blugold Card office in Davies Center. Upon initial enrollment at the University, a Blugold Card is issued to every student; students retain their ID cards throughout their undergraduate or graduate enrollment. The Blugold Card entitles the bearer access to contract dining facilities; use of McIntyre library; access to McPhee Center facilities; reduced ticket prices for many campus activities and events; free use of the Eau Claire Transit System; and access to the Blugold Account debit card system. Through the university’s partnership with U.S. Bank, students also have the option of using their Blugold Cards as ATM or debit cards for transactions both on and off campus. The privileges conferred by a Blugold Card and the conditions under which it is issued are more fully described in the Student Services and Standards handbook.

COMPUTING SERVICES

UW-Eau Claire continues to transition to the use of technologies which can put more control into users’ hands, speed up processes for students, and increase the efficient use of resources.

MyBlugold allows students web-based access to registration, schedules, course information, Webmail, Desire2Learn, and other common links. Students can access grades, request degree audits, and change personal information such as their address and password. MyBlugold also provides links to academic, career, computing, and other resources for students.

All students are automatically assigned an e-mail account, username, ID#, and PIN (Personal Identification Number) upon enrolling in any credit course. If a student enrolls in consecutive terms, the e-mail account will remain continuously in effect.

UW-Eau Claire uses e-mail as a primary means of communication.  It is a student’s responsibility to activate the University e-mail account since the University distributes grades, bills, and some financial aid information via e-mail. Many instructors and advisers use e-mail to contact students about class assignments and/or require students to correspond or participate via e-mail in some way.

Some courses have web-based components which allow students to not only receive course information on the Web and/or use it for research, but also to communicate with the instructor or other class members, and to collaborate on group projects online. To feel comfortable using the system, an introduction is offered and the LTS Help Desk will provide support.

General Access and Residence Hall labs provide students with access to these campus computing resources as well as standard (e.g., Microsoft) and curricular-specific software. To find out specific information (i.e., hours and location) for each lab, visit labs.uwec.edu. Students may also check out a laptop computer at no charge at the circulation desk in the Library. Students are provided with 200 MB of personal file storage space (the H drive). DeptDir (the W drive) is a network space that professors and students can use to exchange files.

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UNIVERSITY CENTERS

University Centers is integral to the educational mission of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. It develops people as well as intellects through programs and cultural opportunities, university organizations and governance, services and facilities, and employment and internships. As the center of campus life, it responds to the diverse and changing needs of present and former students, faculty, staff, and community, encouraging quality, social responsibility, and citizenship.

The three buildings comprising the University Centers serve as hubs for co-curricular activity on campus.
•   Social and cultural interaction predominate in Davies Center on the lower campus. Offering a number of flexible meeting and program spaces, dining facilities, and service areas, Davies Center is the administrative core of the University Centers.
•   Hilltop Center spans the road that connects the upper and lower campus. The university’s division of Student Affairs as well as the programs and services of University Recreation and Sport Facilities are based in Hilltop Center. The building also houses the upper campus contract dining facility and a food court/convenience store.
•   Crest Wellness Center, on the upper campus, features a gathering place called Higherground, and also houses a fitness center, the student health service, and the offices of the University Police. A challenge ropes course is on the grounds.

Blugold Dining
Cafeteria, fast food, a la carte, catered, and fine dining options are offered to the University community and to the public. Students living in residence halls (except Chancellors Hall) participate in one of several meal plan options and are offered the most economic options at cafe-terias in Davies and Hilltop Centers. Davies Center retail facilities include a fast food restaurant, health food store, coffee café, cafeteria, and fine dining area. Food courts are located in Davies and Hilltop Centers; Crest Wellness Center has a gathering place for informal dining; and cafés are located in the lobbies of Haas Fine Arts Center and Hibbard Hall. Meal plan information is available online at: www.uwec.edu/dining.

University Bookstore
Located on the lower level of Davies Center, the University Bookstore sells a variety of course-related and general interest reading materials; licensed emblematic gifts and clothing; greeting cards; and school, art, computer, and office supplies. Gift certificates and a special order service for books and merchandise are also available. American Express, Discover, MasterCard, VISA, and Blugold Account purchases are welcome.

UW-Eau Claire undergraduates may rent textbooks and other course materials from the University Bookstore’s Instructional Resource Rental Department, which is funded by a designated portion of undergraduate tuition. Textbooks and other teaching resources are selected by instructors for each course and are arranged by department and course number on the bookstore’s lower level. Several weeks are set aside every semester when rental materials may be purchased for 75 percent of their replacement price, giving students the opportunity to build their professional libraries.

Event Services
A comprehensive calendar of nonacademic activities on campus is maintained by the Event Services office in Davies Center. Meeting rooms, auditoriums, audiovisual equipment, display spaces, and other campus facilities may be used or rented by registered campus organizations, offices and departments, faculty/staff, or students. The office works with campus organizations and offices in the planning and execution of seminars, workshops, institutes, and other University-related activities. Non-University organizations may reserve and rent campus facilities through the Event Services office, which assists with technical arrangements, dining services, and other needs.

University Printing Services
Located in Davies Center’s west lobby, University Printing Services offers offset printing, high-speed black-and-white digital copies, quality color copies, and a range of design and bindery services. Cash, Blugold Account, campus account, MasterCard, and VISA are welcome. The area also coordinates off-campus printing done through state contracts and administers the convenience copying program.

University Service Center
The central source of campus information, the Service Center offers one-stop convenience for many essential services—particularly postal services and tickets. Checks, including payroll and two-party, can be cashed with a Blugold Card. The Service Center provides telephone directory assistance, activities information, campus and community maps and brochures, and vending machine refunds. Rent a locker in a campus building, obtain Notary Public services, or buy a money order at the Service Center, which is the campus-wide lost and found, and where posters for on-campus display are approved and distributed. The Service Center manages the sale board in Davies Center, as well as its online site. MasterCard, VISA, and Blugold Account purchases are welcome for most of the services offered.
•   Postal Services—The Service Center is a U.S. Postal Service substation offering domestic and international mail services. United Parcel Service (UPS) ground service is also available. A variety of plain and padded envelopes is sold.
•   Tickets—Tickets to campus events including basketball, hockey, football, films, concerts, performing arts, and lecture programs, are available at the Service Center. Bargain movie passes good for community theatres also can be purchased in advance at the Service Center.

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