The historical development of the Career Services Office at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse from 1965 to 1985

This study presents the historical development of the Career Services Office at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse from 1965 to 1985. Although a career services function, formerly referred to as placement, has always been a vital element on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus, it did not become a separate, independent entity whose sole function was governing all placement activity for every student until 1965. The primary purpose of this study was to present the chronological sequence of events which illuminated the growth and development of this office. In addition, the philosophies and intentions governing the office, the various programs offered to students, organizational structure, economic influences, relations of Career Services staff to faculty and other staff, and the individuals who helped shape the office was discussed. There was also an emphasis placed on student concerns about the career decision process. Those concerns greatly influenced the philosophy and attitudes of the student population. This study was presented in chronological sequence with two major periods. The first period covered the placement activities on campus from the initial year of La Crosse Normal in 1909 and chronicled events until 1965. The second period covered the years from 1965 to 1985 in four major parts, each part being the tenure of the four directors of the office