Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out about living on campus, such as size of beds, storage, and parking on campus?

Many of these questions can be answered by contacting the Office of Residence Life, and much of the information can be found on their Prospective Students web page.
For answers to these specific questions: The size of the mattresses in campus housing are twin XL. Storage is available in all campus housing except Marian Hall, Bonaventure Hall, La Verna Apartments, and Clare Apartments. Parking permits are available to sophomores, juniors and seniors via a lottery system. All new first-year and transfer students are welcome to park on the streets near Viterbo; please be aware that the City of La Crosse follows alternate side parking October through March. Relatedly, your student's Viterbo student ID functions as a free bus pass on La Crosse's Metro Transit Utility (MTU), which may mitigate their need for a vehicle on campus.

Is cable provided in the residence hall rooms and apartments?

Yes. However, for the student's TV to work, it must be newer than 2009 and have a QAM tuner to use with Fiber Connect Plus (FC+) on campus. If purchasing a new TV for your student, please verify the specifications with a sales representative to ensure it has a QAM tuner that works with FC+.

How safe is campus?

Great question - safety matters! Viterbo's annual university security report, which details our relatively low crime statistics and important safety information, can be found on the Viterbo's Campus Safety and Security website. Our Campus Safety and Residence Life staff are available at Viterbo University 24 hours each day, every day, all year. Security officers make regular rounds on campus, and both Security and Residence Life staff are trained to handle a variety of calls and and concerns from the Viterbo University community. Security officers and Residence Life staff have the authority to ask individuals for identification and, in the case of of Campus Safety and Security, to determine whether those persons have lawful business with the University and to issue parking tickets billed through the business office. The safety and wellbeing of the Viterbo campus community is a priority, and many campus and community officials are involved and invested in keeping the campus safe.

Will I be able to see my student's grades?

Federal law makes the distribution of a student's records to anyone other than the student illegal. Viterbo University fully complies with this federal law known as the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Parents and families should encourage students to share their grades with them so that they may be able to provide support. Many families find it helpful to set expectations with their student in advance about when and how students will share their grades.

What assistance is available for students who may experience academic difficulty?

If your student seems to be struggling academically, they should reach out to their advisor. The advisor can help your student find resources on campus specific to their need. Students who may be having difficulty in one or more courses may benefit from help from the Academic Resource Center (ARC). The ARC provides academic support for ALL students. Students needing assistance with determining a major, career planning, finding jobs or internships or job search skills can contact the Advising and Career Development department by emailing advising@viterbo.edu or calling 608-796-3190.

Where can we find information about study abroad opportunities?

Viterbo University offers many study abroad opportunities. For more information, please visit the Study Abroad web page.

Where do I send mail to my student?

Students residing on-campus residents halls and apartments receive mail at: Student Name, 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601. Your student's mailbox number can be useful to include, but is not required.

Are the residence halls open during scheduled breaks?

With the exception of summer break, residence halls are open over breaks. Students are expected to register to stay on campus so Campus Safety and Residence Life personnel have a clear sense of who is on campus should an emergency arise. There is no extra charge associated with remaining on campus during breaks occurring during the academic year. Residence halls close at 6 p.m. on the last day of finals each May; students may apply to live on campus during the summer on a week-to-week basis for a reasonable fee. More information about summer housing can be obtained by contacting residencelife@viterbo.edu.

What if my student and their roommate have a conflict?

Students work with their roommates and Resident Assistant (RA) to complete a roommate success plan each year to help guide the rules of living together. Should a conflict arise, we always encourage students to talk out their problems before going to their RA or a staff member. If the roommates need assistance with the issue, have your student talk with their RA who has access to many resources and can tell them the next steps in solving roommate conflicts. If, in the end, one of the residents would like to move out of the room, they will need to talk with a Residence Life professional staff member to discuss options in terms of available spaces on campus.

What if my student gets homesick on campus?

Being homesick at the beginning of the school year is common. We suggest that students stay on campus for the first few weeks of school to learn their way around, get involved in on-campus activities, and make new friends. Sometimes, however, there may be an underlying issue. If you believe this may be the case, ask your student to speak to their Resident Assistant (RA), a professional staff member in the Office of Residence Life, a member of our Counseling Services team, or the school nurse. You may also submit a CARE Report to our Campus Assessment, Referral and Education (CARE) team, and we'll discreetly follow up with your student to help ensure they receive the care and support they need (don't worry - your name won't be attached to or associated with our outreach!). Should your student become ill during the school year, they will be encouraged to seek medical attention from the school nurse or one of the local clinics/hospitals. It is always important that your student contact professors when missing classes or going home for a medical condition. For more information, visit Counseling Services or Health Services.

When should I get involved in problems at school?

The college years are years of growth and maturity for your student. As much as possible, we ask that you allow your student to gain experience handling their own affairs in Viterbo's student-centered environment. We encourage your involvement if you feel your student needs help or is in danger. As much as we would like to tell you everything that is going on with your child, we are prohibited by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Your student may authorize you to access their privileged information, but they must first sign a release of information. To access the release of information, please follow the instructions outlined here.
Know that we consider you as partners in your student's success. If you have questions or are looking for guidance on how best to support your student, know you can always reach out to us! Please consult the "Who Can I Contact for Help?" page for a pictorial directory of key University support staff.