Student Life
Campus Ministry
“Peace and every
blessing” (Pax et Bonum). This traditional Franciscan
greeting expresses the focus of campus ministry at Viterbo University. As an
institution committed to developing the whole person, Viterbo University is
proud of its spiritual heritage. Campus ministry provides opportunities for
faith formation, pastoral care of individuals, education for justice and service,
retreats and reflection, sacramental preparation, as well as prayer and worship
in several religious traditions in addition to the Catholic tradition.
San Damiano
Chapel is prominently located on the Viterbo University campus. The chapel is
open each day for prayer and reflection. Contact campus ministry at campusministry@viterbo.edu
or visit the campus ministry website.
Cultural Activities
The art, music,
and theatre departments provide a wide variety of opportunities for enjoyment
and participation. In addition, the annual Bright Star Season and NexStar
Series bring performances from around the nation and world to the Fine Arts Center.
For many performances, Viterbo University students receive a discount on one
ticket when presenting an identification card.
Dining Services
Two campus dining
facilities are located in the Student Union—the cafeteria and Crossroads snack
bar. Franny’s, located in the library, is another facility for coffee and
snacks. During the fall and spring semesters, the cafeteria serves three meals
on weekdays. Brunch and dinner are served on weekends.
Commuting
students, faculty, and staff members may purchase V-Hawk Value Bucks in the
cafeteria office or the business office. Value Bucks provide a discount for
purchase of meals or food items in the cafeteria, Crossroads, or Franny’s.
Infectious Disease Policy
Avian flu, H1N1,
influenza A, measles, mumps, SARS, and other infectious diseases may pose a
threat to the university community as they do to communities across the nation
and world. In the event of an infectious disease outbreak, university officials
will monitor progress and work with local, state, and national authorities to
determine the best course of action regarding institutional operations.
Information related to any widespread infectious disease outbreak will be
available on Viterbo University’s website and Viterbo University health services
website. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
has extensive information on health threats (www.cdc.gov).
If you have specific questions about your personal health, contact your family
physician or health services.
Security
Viterbo
University is committed to maintaining a safe campus by actively promoting a
safe living and working environment. This is the responsibility of campus
security, which is part of the campus safety department. Campus security is
dedicated to the safety and protection of the entire Viterbo University
community in many ways including continually educating and advising all in the
community about the nature and frequency of criminal acts on campus.
Utilizing
contracted security officers and the director of campus safety, campus security
provides 24-hour security services, response, and patrols throughout the year.
The director is located in the Student Development Center, room 7. The security office is located in the Student
Union adjacent to the student union desk and mailroom.
The
campus security office can be contacted several ways. To contact the director
of campus safety who oversees the operations of campus security, the
non-emergency, daytime number is 608-796-3913. Voicemail is available to leave
a message. To contact campus security for emergency situations or after office
hours, dial 3911 from any Viterbo University on-campus phone (except a pay
phone), 608-796-3911 elsewhere, or use any of the emergency phones located
across campus. This number rings the cellular phone carried either by a security
officer or the director of campus safety. For any situation that requires
immediate medical, police, or fire assistance, call 911 direct. The emergency
or “Code Blue” phones are located strategically across campus and at the
entrances to most campus buildings.
The
contracted campus security officers who are on duty during the weekends,
holidays, and after hours are all registered with the State of Wisconsin after
passing a background check. They are not deputized law enforcement officers and
do not have the police arresting authority. They do not carry firearms. A
Viterbo University campus security officer can be identified by a light blue
collared shirt, silver badge, and Viterbo University name/identification card.
As
designated agents of Viterbo University, every campus security officer is
authorized to ask students and employees for identification and assistance in
the course of carrying out their duties. These include, but are not limited to,
assisting visitors and serving as concerned public relations representatives,
protecting personnel and students on the premises, locking/unlocking doors,
serving as a deterrent to prevent anyone from committing criminal acts
including vandalism, theft, illegal drugs and under-age alcohol consumption.
The security officers also report potential hazards and restrict access for
unauthorized people.
Campus
security personnel are trained in basic first-aid and assessing mental health
situations. They are certified in the use of the 10 AEDs (automatic external
defibrillators) which are located on campus.
Campus
security, on behalf of the university, maintains a working relationship with
the city of La Crosse police department and the La Crosse County sheriff ’s department.
As situations warrant, campus security may ask either of these departments to
respond to problems on campus. Upon entering campus, both law enforcement
agencies will contact campus security, whether responding to a request for assistance,
investigating a situation, or questioning a student.
Viterbo
University students, employees, and guests are subject to all local, state, and
federal laws, in addition to Viterbo University policies set forth in the
Student Handbook and Personnel Policies and Regulations Handbook. All
security-related incident reports are to be filed with the director of campus safety
(a form is provided online) per the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security
Act.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Viterbo University
values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse
backgrounds. Viterbo University does not discriminate on the basis of race,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or ethnic
origin, age, disability, or veteran status in the administration of educational
policies, programs, or activities; admission policies; scholarship or loan
awards; athletic, or other university administered programs; or employment. The
Office of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the
non-discrimination policy and may be contacted at Viterbo University, 900 Viterbo
Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601; 608-796-3930.
Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act
Viterbo
University is in compliance with Public Law 101-542, the Student Right-to-Know
and Campus Security Act. Information on the completion/graduation rate for
full-time, degree seeking undergraduate students may be obtained from the registrar
or the website. Information on campus security and crime statistics may be
obtained from the director of security or from the campus safety website.