On Wednesday, Sept. 18, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Student Association (SA) met with Chancellor James Beeby to discuss his priorities for this year and share his ideas on improving the campus for the future.
Beeby, the 11th chancellor of UWL, had nothing but praise for the city of La Crosse and its residents during his first few months in the role. He also spoke highly of the university. “This institution is excellent academically and we care about students and their success, students from all different walks of life… we support them.” He emphasized that supporting the students, faculty and staff of UWL is a top priority.
“It’s the people that make a place,” Beeby said.
Chancellor Beeby introduced his strategic planning process to SA, which will act as a framework for where the university wants to be in five years. He expressed his desire for students to be involved in the planning process to remain student-centered. One of the ways Beeby intends to focus on student interests, he explained, is by partnering and meeting with the community to provide more opportunities for internships and post-graduation employment.
Senator Fleegal asked the chancellor how students would be able to engage and get involved with the process. Beeby responded that he aims to have students from diverse campus environments share their concerns and ideas for consideration and have students on the committee he forms.
Chancellor Beeby was asked by Senator Hanstedt about his plan for prioritizing mental health on campus after extended Wellness Weekend was cut in 2023.
“I think it’s something we’ve got to be very, very intentional about – we need to be caring and compassionate about – and we need to make sure we are doing all we can to support students, but also our faculty and staff that are having challenges,” the chancellor said.
He clarified that the return of extended Wellness Weekend is not off the table but requires discussion on how reimplementation could be made possible.
Beeby continued, “Our biggest challenge in this state is that we start our semesters so late and we have to have a certain number of days of academic classes… in order to maintain our accreditation.”
Following Beeby’s statements on the mental health of students, Senator Poels suggested a fun, informative weekend of mental health-related events on the UWL campus. Beeby expressed his support for this idea, even if Wellness Weekend is eventually able to make a return.
Once the chancellor made his final remarks, SA switched focus to advisement reports.
Kyle Burke, director of University Centers, informed SA of new resources that are available to UWL students. The A9 Eatery is a program that allows UWL students with any of the nine major allergies to dine in an allergen and gluten-free environment. The A9 Eatery is housed in the Whitney Center and students can gain access to the option by contacting the Access Center.
Burke next informed SA of the free legal resources on campus offered through Lawyers for Learners. “It is a contract-less system that provides students an opportunity to schedule an appointment with a lawyer,” he said.
Burke emphasized that the program does not provide legal representation, rather it makes legal help more accessible to students through guidance and advice.
Director Burke and Senator Kopperud made SA aware of a four-week introduction to mindfulness course that is now offered by the Recreational Eagle Center (REC). The program is non-credit and free to UWL students. Session options and registration information can be found on the REC Website.
SA then brought forth possible resolutions to be discussed further in future meetings, such as designated areas for students to hammock that align with campus policy, changes to the REC’s opening time on the weekends and student access to the REC and the Health Science Center during winter and summer sessions.
SA will meet again on Wednesday, Sept. 25 to swear in new senators and discuss possible resolutions.
