UWL Student Union: A Hub of Services, Community, and Convenience
The Student Union at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) stands as the community center, the living room, of the university. It's more than just a building; it's a dynamic space providing a wide array of services, conveniences, and amenities essential to the daily lives of students, faculty, and staff. As part of the educational program of the college, the Student Union fosters informal interactions, relaxation, recreation, and a sense of community for all its members. This article delves into the diverse offerings and resources available within the UWL Student Union, showcasing its vital role in campus life.
A Historical Perspective on Student Unions
The concept of a student union has deep roots in higher education. The original idea was to form a university-wide society which cut across college lines, aiming to achieve a semblance of unity through understanding differences. The name "union" was used as the organization “united” the existing debating societies. The first union was organized at Cambridge University in 1815. In 1866 the students built a permanent building. Houston Hall, at the University of Pennsylvania, marked the establishment of the first official union building in the United States.
Since 1959, UW-La Crosse has had five Union Directors: Dr. Robert Steuck, Mr. Donald Strand, Mr. Calvin Helming, Dr. Robert Mullally, and Dr. Larry Ringgenberg. In 2021 UW-La Crosse welcomed its sixth University Centers Director, Mr. Kyle E.
Essential Services and Resources
The UWL Student Union hosts a multitude of services designed to support the academic, personal, and social well-being of the campus community.
Campus Food Pantry
Located in The COVE on the second floor of the Student Union (Room 2220), the Campus Food Pantry is accessible to all students and staff at UWL whenever the Student Union is open. To gain access, individuals must complete a Registration Form and allow 1-3 business days for their Student ID card to be activated. For any inquiries, the Leadership and Involvement Center is available to provide assistance.
Read also: Understanding Student Unions
Information Center
The Information Center, situated on the first floor of "The U," serves as a central point for inquiries and assistance. Lost and found items are housed here. The U also provides public computers for convenient access to technology.
Textbook Rental
Located in the lower level of the Student Union, the Textbook Rental service allows students to check out textbooks by presenting their student ID. Students must obtain a student ID from the Card Office (Room 1131 Student Union) if they do not already have one. While undergraduate students pay a textbook rental fee each semester as part of their tuition, graduate students do not. Additional items such as lab manuals or workbooks may be available for purchase in the University Bookstore.
University Bookstore
The University Bookstore, located on the first floor of the Student Union, offers a wide selection of UWL apparel, gifts, decor, and other merchandise. Online shopping is also available.
UW Credit Union
The UW Credit Union (UWCU) has an on-campus branch on the first floor of the Student Union, next to the Eagle ID Office, providing a range of banking and financial services. Surcharge-free ATMs are available at the branch and in the main hallway of the Whitney Center.
Family Room
For convenience and privacy, a family room is available at 1138 Student Union. Access can be obtained by picking up a key at the Information Center after checking for availability.
Read also: Campus Life at Ole Miss
Dining and Sustainable Initiatives
The Student Union offers various dining options and promotes sustainable practices.
Dining Options
- BOOST Mobile Ordering: Mobile ordering is available at Murphy's Mug and Erbert and Gerbert’s.
The Ozzi System
The Ozzi System encourages the use of reusable containers for to-go meals purchased in the Student Union and Whitney Dining Center. Participants can purchase a token at the Information Center ($4.00 for students, $5.00 for faculty/staff) to receive a reusable container. After use, the container can be scanned and deposited into the Ozzi vending machine (flatware not deposited).
Environmentally Preferred Cleaning
The custodial team implements environmentally preferred cleaning technology where applicable.
Entertainment and Recreation
The Student Union provides various entertainment and recreational opportunities.
PLAY Arcade
The PLAY arcade on the lower level offers a space for students to unwind and de-stress.
Read also: Student Union at Fresno State
Campus Activities Board (CAB)
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosts events in the lower level of the E-Café.
Union Lawn
Lawn game equipment is available for use on the union lawn.
Other Recreational Activities
Students can enjoy playing pool, air hockey, foosball, or darts in the PLAY arcade. A piano is available for use on the second floor of the Union.
Photo Opportunities
- Find Waldo in the UWL mural on the lower level near The Cellar.
- Find Stryker and strike a pose.
- Strike a pose in front of the wing wall and tag the Student Union on Instagram.
Audio Visual Lighting Services (AVLS)
Audio Visual Lighting Services (AVLS) is a student-run team within University Centers that supports events requiring production services, from lectures to large-scale A/V productions. Recognized Student Organizations and campus groups are given primary consideration.
Services Offered
- Equipment Reservation: AVLS has a wide variety of production equipment that may be reserved or rented on a first-come, first-served basis. All equipment reservations must be made 2 weeks in advance of the event.
- Lighting: AVLS offers various lighting setups, including up lighting, DJ-style moving lighting, and accent lighting. The E-Café and Bluffs venues have installed lighting designed for various applications, including presentations, weddings, bands, and variety shows. Installed lighting features include flashing fixture effects, hazer-based light refraction, changeable room accent colors, moving washes/spots, and immersive effects.
- Projectors: Small portable projectors are available for checkout. Projectors installed in various rooms within the Student Union are generally included within a room rental.
- Audio: AVLS provides Public Address (PA) systems for events of all sizes.
Important Policies
- No acrobatics may be performed on stage.
- Only non-marking tapes may be used on stage surfaces.
- Spills must be cleaned by the booking organization.
- Decorations must be approved by the AVLS Coordinator.
- Banners and decorations must be given to the AVLS Coordinator a minimum of 3 days before the event.
- Equipment that has not been reserved may not be used.
- Purposeful abuse of equipment will not be allowed.
- Pyrotechnics are prohibited without prior permission.
- Dressing rooms must be reserved.
- Electrical connections must be made by a UW-La Crosse electrician.
- Maximum sound pressure levels will be set by AVLS Staff.
- Outdoor events are subject to weather conditions and volume regulations.
Inclement Weather Policy
Inclement weather calls are made by 12 noon the day before the event. If AVLS delivers and sets up equipment and the weather worsens, all equipment will be shut down and packed up. Some equipment may not be available due to high winds or cold temperatures.
Music Sources
All music must be legally purchased and played through a source such as iTunes, Windows Media Player, or VLC. Streaming music from YouTube, Pandora, Spotify, or other online sources is not an acceptable source for music.
AVLS Staff
AVLS employs eight to ten student staff members who support events, maintain equipment, assist with inventory, and work on other projects.
Event Spaces and Reservations
Spaces in the Student Union are available for off-campus group reservations. The Student Union also hosts wedding receptions. Tabling in the student union is available for external groups.
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