Life on Campus
Serve Your Community
We hope your life on campus includes service—one of Viterbo's core values. Students, staff, faculty, and alumni are involved in a variety of efforts to promote the common good through service learning, volunteering, service trips, community action research projects, and study abroad/away opportunities. Service Saturdays are one of the most popular ways to give back.
Strengthen Leadership Skills
There are several professional and student organizations on campus aimed at enriching student experience, enhancing communication, and building leadership skills. The Student Government Association (SGA) is an elected board of students that represents and advocates for their fellow students. The Weekends at VU team plans safe and free activities and special events for all Viterbo students. Resident students can join the Residence Hall Association (RHA), which formulates, recommends, and reviews policies concerning residence life. The National Society of Leadership and Success aims to create a community where motivated, goal-oriented individuals help each other to succeed.
Engage Your Creativity
Attend or participate in the creative or performing arts on campus. Take in a professional touring Broadway production or support Viterbo music, theatre, and music theatre students in their performances. All students receive discounted tickets. Visit the University Gallery where respected national artists and students exhibit their work. Or join one the university's three choral groups open to all students regardless of major.
Create a More Just World
Through our core values of integrity, service, and contemplation, at Viterbo we strive to better ourselves as we work towards a more equitable and just world. This is central to the educational and developmental experience of all learners. Visit the Diversity and Inclusion Center, and explore our compiled resources to learn more about ways you can begin or continue your journey toward a more equitable world. Get involved with the award-winning Identities Project, or learn more about the Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council. You are encouraged and invited to report all instances in which you feel unsafe or unwelcome using Viterbo Speaks Up.
Viterbo Campus Life Highlights
Take Part in the First-year Experience
From your first steps on the Viterbo campus, you will discover all that is waiting for you here. The First-Year Experience program eases your transition from high school to college and introduces you to the services and fun activities offered through campus life.
Enjoy Student Living
Life on campus includes dining services, which offers three options on the Viterbo campus. The Caf is based on a food court concept, meaning short lines and a great selection. Einstein Bros. Bagels at Franny's offers a variety of fresh items. Crossroads P.O.D. is a small convenience store on campus, carrying a variety of products.
Get Involved in Student Organizations
With 35+ student organizations and activities on campus, students have a wide range of options to stay involved and engaged. There are student organizations based on academic interest, social justice, leadership, service, or just fun.
Get Career Ready
We offer multiple opportunities to help you develop your resume to make you career ready or prepare you for graduate school. Take part in undergraduate research, get job experience through an internship, or find an on or off-campus job.
Explore La Crosse
Studying here is not just about a robust campus life. The Viterbo campus is also just blocks from downtown La Crosse. Discover why La Crosse is ranked as one of the country's best cities. Don't have a car? No problem. With the U-Pass free bus service, you can go virtually anywhere in La Crosse at no cost.
Explore Your Spirituality
Viterbo has a proud Catholic Franciscan heritage that can be felt throughout campus. Students with diverse faith and cultural backgrounds are invited to embrace and live our core Catholic Franciscan values.
Get Moving
Participate in intramurals or club sports to have fun or join one of the 19 varsity V-Hawk athletics teams. There are seasons and sports for everyone. For a less competitive option, the Mathy Center and Recreation Department offers group fitness classes, personal training, a fitness center, and 1/8 mile track.
Share in Viterbo Traditions
Throughout the academic year, Viterbo celebrates several traditions on campus. These traditions include St. Francis Week and the Feast of St. Francis in the fall, the President’s Holiday Dinner (photos on Flickr), Courtyard Carni (photos on Flickr), and free Late Night Breakfasts in The Caf at the start of finals.