Student Life
Campus Activities
Learning does not
end in the classroom. Studies have shown extracurricular involvement to be an
important factor in developing management skills and community leadership. The
Office of Campus Activities offers a variety of opportunities for campus
involvement through activities, student organizations and leadership skill
building opportunities. Activities include VU After Dark weekend late night
activities, concerts, entertainment, dances, lectures, diversity programs and
annual events such as Family Day, Homecoming Week, National Collegiate Alcohol
Awareness Week activities and Welcome Week. The coordinator prepares the
student organization handbook, plans monthly club officer roundtables, serves
as advisor to the program board, offers leadership workshops and teaches a
one-credit class annually designed to prepare students for campus positions of
leadership (i.e., club officer, orientation leader, program board member,
resident assistant, residence hall council member, student government
representative, etc.).
Student
Activities Board
The Student
Activities Board (SAB) is a student group that coordinates entertainment and
activities for the entire campus. Students interested in joining the activities
board should contact the coordinator of campus activities and orientation who
serves as advisor.
Student
Government Association
Through ongoing
communication between the students, faculty, staff and administration, the
Student Government Association (SGA) helps to ensure a positive Viterbo University
experience for students and helps to address student concerns. The SGA serves
as the student assembly for the university. Interested students may become
involved in SGA by becoming a representative or serving on a committee. For
further information, contact the vice president for student development.
Student
Organizations
Over 30 student
organizations at Viterbo University serve as an added educational resource to
students, giving them experiences related to their study and providing activity
for balance in their lives. Involvement in a group can offer a place to develop
skills, experience the interplay of working with others and assume a leadership
role. To start or learn more about a campus club, contact the coordinator of
campus activities and orientation.
Student
Publications
The Lumen
is Viterbo University’s student newspaper and Touchstone
is its art and literary magazine. Both extracurricular
publications are student edited and student produced. They represent an
extension of the academic experience.
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
608-796-3804 or visit the campus ministry Website.
Counseling Services
Counseling at
Viterbo University is supportive of a student’s academic, social, and personal growth.
Counseling can be an integral part of one’s individual growth and learning
process. The counseling process aims to enhance self-esteem as the student is
faced with many changes and adjustments that are part of college life. It is
not unusual for students to experience emotional struggles related to family,
self, and others. A counselor can help bridge the gap and offer support as the
student is facing these challenges.
Services at Viterbo University
involve short-term counseling to students free of charge. The counseling office
also acts as a referral resource to community mental health facilities when
additional services are needed. Students are invited to contact the counseling
office in person or by telephone. Services involve primarily education,
one-on-one sessions, and programs on mental health.
Successful
counseling depends upon a trusting relationship between a student and a
professional counselor. Counseling at Viterbo University stresses respect and
genuine concern for the struggle and search of each individual. Therefore, the
counselor is committed to ensuring that information resulting from counseling
contacts is held in strict confidence. The counseling staff is committed to and
functions out of the professional standards of ACPA (American College Personnel
Association). No information is released without a student’s permission. The
only exceptions are in the unlikely event that there is clear and imminent
danger to an individual or society, or the information is subpoenaed in legal
proceedings.
Cultural Activities
The art, music, and
theatre departments provide a wide variety of opportunities for enjoyment and
participation. In addition, the annual Bright Star 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 a Viterbo University 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. Students living on
campus are required to participate in a meal plan. 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 Snack Bar or Franny’s.
Health Services
Viterbo University
has a nurse-directed health services staffed by a registered nurse on a
full-time basis. In addition, the university has the service of a consulting
physician. Services through the health services office are available to all
students. La Crosse has excellent medical facilities available if needed. The
Mayo-affiliated Franciscan Skemp Healthcare medical complex is located adjacent
to the university. It includes a hospital, an emergency department, and
clinics. Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center is located within eight city blocks
of the campus. Each student is required to complete a student health record
form and mail it to the health services office one month prior to the start of
the semester. All students are required to complete the personal health history
form and to obtain the required immunizations (see below). A physical
examination by a physician or nurse practitioner is required for international
students and students participating in intercollegiate athletics. Students in
the School of Nursing are to complete a physical exam within six months prior
to clinical nursing, scheduled second semester of their sophomore year. All
health records are retained in the health services office and information is
strictly confidential.
Health
Policies
To ensure a healthy
campus, Viterbo University has a Health Record
Policy requiring a documented record of each student’s
immunizations to be submitted on or before enrollment in the university. All
students must turn in their health history/immunization records to the health
services office prior to the start of classes the semester of their initial
enrollment at Viterbo University.
Required
Immunizations include:
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (combined
are referred to as MMR)—two doses required: Two documented measles (rubeola)
vaccinations are required unless documented illness or the student was born
prior to 1957.
- Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td)—after initial
series, a booster needed within the past 10 years.
- Polio—a record indicating the total
number of polio vaccinations received.
- Hepatitis B—required for students in
clinical health-related studies, and highly recommended for all students.
Recommended
Immunizations:
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)—Documentation
of illness or dates of immunization(s). Vaccination recommended if no history
of disease.
- Meningococcal Vaccine is recommended at
entry into the university for freshmen living in residence halls. Any
undergraduate less than 25 years of age should consider receiving the vaccine.
Consult with your primary health care provider for more specific
recommendations.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test—A TB test
or a chest x-ray within the past year is recommended for all students prior to
entering the university. May be required for students in clinical health
related, educational, and human services studies.
Student records will
be checked within the first week of classes. If these health records are not
completed and turned in to health services, the university reserves the right
to impose sanctions until forms are filed. You may request to sign an
immunization waiver form for religious or other appropriate reasons.
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
infection disease outbreak will be available on Viterbo University’s website
and Viterbo University Health Services website. In addition, the Center for
Disease Control (CDC) website has extensive information on health threats (http://www.cdc.gov) If you have specific questions about your personal
health, contact your family physician or health services.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Viterbo University
offers intercollegiate sports competition for men and women. Viterbo University’s
intercollegiate opportunities include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross-country,
golf, soccer, and track for men and basketball, bowling, cross-country, golf,
soccer, softball, track, and volleyball for women. Viterbo University holds
membership in the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) and affiliation in the
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
The entire Varsity
Athletics Center (VAC) is devoted to intercollegiate athletics. The VAC
includes R.W. Beggs, Sr. Gymnasium, varsity strength center and the Wall of
Fame lobby. The Outdoor Athletics Complex on Highway 16 includes three fields
for baseball, soccer, and softball.
Prevention Services
Alcohol
and other drug use is frequently a factor in student misconduct, student attrition
and poor academic performance, the risk of student injury and arrest. Alcohol
misuse is also a cause of interruption of sleep and study, depression, and
alcohol overdose. Safety can be impaired and can result in the need to aid
intoxicated students. Other problems associated with excessive consumption are
unwanted sexual advances/assaults, violence among students, depression, and
even death. Viterbo University recognizes these challenges and takes a
multi-faceted approach to alcohol and other drug abuse prevention and
reduction.
Each
of these student development operations – campus activities, counseling
services, health services, intercollegiate athletics, orientation, recreational
sports, residence life, student conduct and student development – have routine
procedures and/or programs designed to enforce and encourage safe and healthy
practices. The Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Task Force made up of student
development professionals, faculty, staff, and administration also works to
implement initiatives related to the reduction of alcohol, tobacco and drug
usage. University administrators and students are actively involved in the
Tri-Campus Community Advocacy Group with involved Viterbo University, the
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Western Technical College with
organizations throughout the community in working to reduce the misuse of
alcohol. Viterbo University personnel also participate in a community coalition
working to change the culture of risky drinking behavior. In addition, the psychology
department offers an alcohol and drug counseling certificate program. Students
majoring in nursing complete required training related to alcohol and other
drugs.
Recreational Sports
The mission of
recreational sports is to provide recreational, health, and wellness activities
for Viterbo University students, faculty, and staff that encourage healthy
choices, competition, personal satisfaction, and enjoyment, and promote an
increasing number of participants throughout a broad scope of programming interests.
Recreational sports
participants compete in regular league activities, sport clubs, tournaments,
fitness classes, strength and conditioning programs, wellness initiatives, and
community outreach projects. Although recreational sports activities occur
throughout campus, the Amie L. Mathy Center for Recreation and Education is
where most events take place. The Mathy Center is a 58,000 square foot
recreational facility that provides its users with the latest cardiovascular
and strength training equipment, an indoor running track, a multi-purpose room,
a three-court gymnasium for leagues and tournaments, and men’s and women’s
general locker room facilities.
Residence Life
A variety of housing
options are offered at Viterbo University including traditional residence
halls, apartments and theme houses. Housing facilities are secured 24 hours
each day. Viterbo University policy states that freshmen are required to live
on campus unless living with a parent, spouse, legal guardian or are 21 years
of age. Housing arrangements are made in the Office of Residence Life.
Named for Mary,
Mother of God and St. Bonaventure, Marian and Bonaventure Halls are traditional
residence halls. Incoming freshman students under the age of 21 are assigned to
either Marian Hall or Bonaventure Hall. Freshmen must participate in a 14 or 19
meal plan.
Sophomores,
juniors, and seniors have the option of living in any residence hall, apartment
or theme house building. Apartment buildings include McDonald Terrace, named
for Sr. Grace McDonald, former Viterbo president, Rose Terrace, named for St.
Rose of Viterbo, and Treacy House, named for the former bishop of La
Crosse—Bishop Treacy, and the 712 house. Students living in these units must
participate in one of these meal plans—19, 14, 10 or 80-flex meal plan with
V-Hawks Value Bucks declining balance.
For further
questions about housing, meal plans or the residence life program, contact the
Office of Residence Life at 608-796-3116.
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 Building. Room 7. The security office is located in the Student
Union adjacent to the student union desk and mail room.
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 and security. 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 AED’s (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
and security (a form is available online and must be used) 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 Development
It is the role of
the vice president for student development to serve as student advocate,
ombudsman and as a catalyst for improving student life. Working in partnership
with students, faculty and staff, the vice president develops policies,
services and programs that promote learning, interaction and healthy living.
The vice president is also responsible for producing the student handbook and
for its interpretation and enforcement and is administrative advisor to the
Student Government Association. Oversight and support of these areas also falls
within the purview of the vice president—campus activities, counseling
services, dining services, health services, intercollegiate athletics, new
student orientation, recreational sports, residence life and student conduct.
As a division, student development offers multiple services and places students
at the center of its focus. Student development professionals work to foster
active student learning, leadership and service. Many campus events and
services are coordinated by student development professionals. These include
athletic competitions, intramural sports, family day, the health fair,
homecoming week, lunch ‘n’ learn programs, Midnight Madness, the president’s
holiday dinner, Founder’s Day festivities, welcome week, the student leadership
recognition dinner and more.
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.
Information on campus security and crime statistics may be obtained from the
director of campus safety and security, or from the campus security website.