Feedback on Name Change
STUDENT
WSU should change its name to Minnesota State University, Winona for those student who get a job outside of MN. Many employers aren't going to know where Winona State University is located.
student.
Yes, we are one of the state schools but, it is nice to be seperated from the rest-we are all differendt and should be treated that way. We have a personalized name compared to the University of WI-then the place. We have a unique small school lets let the name be. Besides overall it will save money for everybody including the bookstore to the Admissions office!
Student
I don't believe that Winona State should change it's name. There is just no reason to do so. It is located in Winona and every other state college is named according to the city that it is in (ie. Duluth, Morris, St. Cloud.) It just seems like a ridiculous suggestion.
Student
I am a student at WSU and I feel that we need to keep the name the same to keep our identity and our students feling like they are part of a school not a system! thanks for including me in this process!
student
No, I don't think WSU should change it's name. Why should it? There is no need for the change, what would it do? What would be the point? I would like to know why people think we need to change the name, I just don't understand.
Student
I don't know any reasons why we should change our name. I think it is finr the way it is. My brother goes to Mankato and he siad it was just confusing. Minnesota State University, Winona. If we are trying to join the schools, they should all have the same names.
STUDENT
WHY SHOULD IT BE CHANGED? IT'S FINe THE WAY IT IS. LEAVE THE NAME ALONE
Student
I do not think that it is necessary for Winona State to change the name for the simple reason....Why spend money to change something that really doesn't need to be changed. It is going to cost many people a lot of money in different ways.
Student
i am a senior at winona state university. i do not think changing the university's name would do much but confuse people. i have been attending this university for four years now, and look forward to being an alumi of winona state university, not some different name that wasn't even in existence while i was here. i you really feel that you must keep up with the jones' and change the university's name, please don't make it minnesota state university, winona. if anything, format it more like wisconsin does: U.M. Winona (that is, university minnesota winona, like university wisconsin lacrosse). over all, i believe winona state university has made a fine name for itself in the past years it has been around. why change the name and confuse people as to which school you're talking about? i do appreciate your open-mindedness about listening to everyone's ideas. thanks for your time in hearing mine. I think that everything should stay the same. What is your motivation for changing something so huge. Winona State is Winona State. Where is our sense of Pride and Tradition if we change our name. I think that this is the dumbest idea ever.
student
I think that it should change to Minnesota State University just for the reason that it sounds like a bigger and more reputable school if it has a state name in it. Minnesota State University or Logan State University
Student
I believe a major change would be to get rid of the "state" in the title. Prospective students, other people, tend to look down on the fact that it is a "state" university. I'm from Wisconsin, and you never hear of state universities, and the general feeling of them is that it is worst. From a marketing stand point, getting rid of that would be useful. However, changing it would hurt name recognition. I have no idea.
Student
I am a student. I do not think Winona State should change its name. It would cost a lot of money to change letterheads, forms, logo items. Winona State University represents Winona well. People relate more to city name than a state name on a personal level.
Student
I think WSU shouldn't change its name, for one thing because I like the way it sounds now. I also think you might upset the Alumni with a name change, since they freaked out over the change from Purple to Blue. Finally, I don't really understand what purpose it would serve. When I was chosing colleges I narrowed it down to Winona or Northeast Missouri State (now known as Truman State) I didn't go there partly because I didn't like the fact that they were changing their name--it just made me uneasy.
Student
I believe that Winona State University is an accurate depiction of the university which I attend but I would be open to other suggestions for alternative names for WSU. I have no suggestions for an alternate name.
Student
No, I think the name should be left the same. I think people know Winona as WSU. If you change the name, people will be unsure of what is happening.
Student
It corresponds to the location
Student
1. Why do you believe WSU should or should not change its name? (Please include as many reasons as you can) Should not. First of all, Winona State simply SOUNDS better than University of Minnesota-Winona, AND it's shorter and easier to say. Second, I like the idea of it being a little more unique than other MSUS schools. If they all start with U of M, it gets a bit redundant.
Student
I think it should be changed to put Winona on the map, by identifying the school with the state of Minnesota. MSU-Winona. University of Minnesota at Winona
Student
1. Why do you believe WSU should or should not change its name? (Please include as many reasons as you can) WSU should not change their name because it would only cause confusion. I am a transfer student from RCTC, and I know how confusing it is to try to explain to people exactly where you go to school. And how do you explain that for some of the time you went to RCC and the rest RCTC? Keep it simple and traditional.
Student
No I do not think that Winona State University should change it's name. WSU has been known as a school of great academic excellence and I don't think it would be in the best interest of the school to change it's name at this time. Maybe sometime in the future it would be benifical, but not at the current time.
Student
I believe that WSU should not change it's name, because it is a well-known school by it's name and by it's departments. If WSU had been a different name, I probably wouldn't be here going to school, because I heard about WSU through someone who knew about their education department from the past as WSU.
Student
With regards to the above matter, I feel that the name Winona State University is a perfect name for this university and don't see the necessary measure to alter the existing name to a new one. I am currently a student here and would like to tell people 5 years from now " I graduated from WSU" and not " I graduated from WSU but now know n as ...". The State Board of Governors passed the motion requiring state universities to examine the issue of changing its name but not required to. Therefore, I strongly dissagree to make any changes to the current name. After all we did go through a huge change in our system from quarter to semester. I don't think we need another one, not to add the many existing printed stationaries bearing the name Winona State University. In addition to that, I also feel that this name change, one way or the other affect Winona as a community. Maybe you should also ask the general public too. Thank you (name)
student
changing wsu's name would confuse our identity to the outter public. unless it were highly publicized, no one would know what or why we changed our name. suggestions- Winona University of Minnesota
student
Not, because why should it???
FACULTY
No good reason to. Faculty has not been furnished with data indicating that our graduates cannot get good jobs because the university has no name recognition status. This is the oldest of the state universities--the geographical location,Winona, has always been a part of its name. Why not keep it? If MnSCU wants a universal name that allows for better name recognition of MnSCU itself, it should mandate a uniform change such as Wisconsin did many years ago: Winona State University-MNSCU (yes all caps). Mankato could have taken a little more effort in choosing a name. A comma is a very weak mark of punctuation. Minnesota State--looks like an old television sitcom.We already have the word "university" in our name to reflect the variety of our professional programs and our efforts to promote academics.
STUDENT
NO MORE PEOPLE WILL RECOGINIZE THE NAME WSU THAN MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERITY, WINONA AND THE EXPENSE
Student
I believe that WSU should not change its name. I think that WSU is finally being recognized by people nationwide and if we changed the name, we would have to start our reputation over. I believe this also could hurt people applying for jobs if the employer had never heard of that school.
faculty
WSU should not change its name. Mankato State seems to be attempting to put itself on equal footing with the "State" university present in most states. For example, U of Iowa, Iowa State; U of Michigan, Michigan State. In the public's eye, it might be argued, any state's two main universities (and, hence, the best schools) are the "U of ____" and "_____ State U". Maybe there is some truth in this - maybe there isn't. However, if we change our name at this time (even to anything else), it's just as easy for the public to see this as just a PR move done in reaction to the Mankato name change. On the real downside, a name change involves a lot of bucks in getting all WSU materials reprinted to reflect the new name. And a new name for WSU may have no effect other than to alienate our alums and confuse parents/prospective students. I was just in Memphis, and they still can't figure out if the university there is "Memphis State" or the "University of Memphis". The alums are mostly angry and loyal to the name Memphis State, the students aren't sure what to call their school since some of their materials still bear the Memphis State name, and the locals I talked to think the whole thing is really silly! (Giving them just another example of the stereotypical university people living in their own little world and having no clue about the real world.
Student
I am a Wisconsinite, and as you know they have a pretty neat naming system. After talking with some upper-classmen here I have decided that changing WSU's school namr would only lead to a lotta' overall expendature. Why bother changing name, after name after name. We have already changed our title a few times, and for the better. The nation knows us as a university and not a college just for teachers, an acceptance has been made to society saying we are more than just a teacher college. However, this new change in name will really benefit us in what way? We'll see what the student-body says huh? Thanks for asking us and getting our input or else students complain...
Faculty
WSU connotates a community college, Minnesota State would,in fact, help students relate to the rest of the state system. Minnesota State University
Student
'Minnesota State University, Winona' 'd be great.
Faculty
a name change to msu-winona would aid our recognition outside of the local area.i have met people in minnesota who have not heard of winona.i am faculty.
Staff
No name change. RE: WSU has worked hard to establish itself as a University with distinction. WSU's name is listed in the "top 10 best buys...". Changing names now would undermine this.
STAFF
IF WE ARE ALL PART OF THE SAME SCHOOL SYSTEM, BUT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS THE NAMES SHOULD BE SIMILAR (IE: MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - WINONA OR UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - WINONA
faculty
No, I do not. Our name provides a unique identity that would be lost if we were "Minnesota State University at---" which is the only likely alternative. The name Winona has been on an institution of higher education longer than any other in Minnesota--why give that up for a generic label?
Student
WSU should not change its name because name recognition is a very important aspect of PR and advertising for any institution. If the name is changed that will be lost, especially for an institution with as much history as WSU.
Student
I really can't think of a reason to change the name. I think Minnesota University, Mankato sounds really unprofessional.
student
cannot be affiliated with the school as it is known to us. Employment- incorrect on a resume looks unprofessional
Student
I think Winona State should place their concentration elsewhere... a name change isn't needed...so don't pretend it is....
Staff
Hi, In answer to your questions, I am a staff person at WSU and also an alumna of WSU. I prefer to keep the name we currently have as it has a stronger identity to the community in which it is located if the name Winona is the first word in the title. I prefer that the stronger identity be for the community and not just the state. It makes more distinctive, I believe. I like our current name and would like to see it remain the same. Thanks for asking for my opinion.
Faculty
I am an Assisant Professor in Health & Human Performance. I believe that a name change with Minneosta in the title would help our University's name recognition by the national public. Minnesota State University-Winona
Student
I am a student at WSU and I think we should keep our orginal name because it's what we've to come to know it as and no matter what it's changed in our minds it will always be WSU. I am from the Mankato area and I still refer to it as MSU.
Student
I am a junior here. I see no reason to change the name. I feel anyother name, such as Minnesota State University-Winona, is absolutely stupid. There is no need for this institution to be recognized as anything other than what it is currently known. Conforming with the ridiculous trend Mankato has started is a waste of time. Plus, does the administration really want to take years to change all of the current letterheads and logos with student money???
Student
Winona State is a good name and it is well known so I see no reason to change the name . Except for the reason of finding a more appealing name. I have no suggestions Sorry!
Faculty
NO CHANGE!!! Philosophically I feel we've been around for over 125 years and people don't seem to have any trouble finding us or identifying us. Today's technology puts people on our home page in a click! Practically, I cannot see the need to invest a huge amount of resources to change stationary, athletic team uniforms, logos on everything!!! The WSU Nursing pin would need to be redesigned! PLEASE, leave WSU WSU!!
student
I don't believe it's necessary; it seems like "the thing to do," but it doesn't really serve any purpose.
student
Winona State should not change it's name!! I think that we should stay with Winona State University because that is what people know us by. Sure, the papers would let everyone know, but I think a lot of high school people would be intimidaed by a new name for us.
Student
I don't think WSU should change the name because what would be the point. The university in in Winona and therefore should stay WSU.
FACULTY
I'M NOT SURE WHETHER THE NAME SHOULD BE CHANGED OR NOT. ON ONE HAND, I BELIEVE WSU SHOULD CHANGE IT. MOST STATE UNIVERSITIES IN THE COUNTRY CARRY THE NAME OF THE STATE FIRST, THEN THE CITY. IT IS EASIER TO IDENTIFY AND REMEMBER THE LOCATION OF THE UNIV. FOR OTHER PEOPLE. IT'D ALSO GIVE A STRONGER SENSE OF MERGER. HOWEVER, THERE IS AN IMPORTANT PROBLEM, GIVEN THAT THE WINONA CAMPUS IS NOT THE ONLY CAMPUS IN WSU (PLEASE SEE ANSWER TO QUESTION 2). IF THERE'S NO WAY TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM SATISFACTORILY, THEN I'D VOTE FOR NO CHANGE OF NAME AT ALL. I'D VOTE FOR MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - WINONA HOWEVER, I HAVE ONE CONCERN. HOW WOULD THE NAME OF WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY BE CHANGED FOR THE ROCHESTER CAMPUS? SO FAR IT IS WSU-ROCHESTER. IT IS CLEAR THAT IT'S ANOTHER CAMPUS, SO IN TERMS OF CORRESPONDANCE, IT GETS HERE MOST OF THE TIMES. THE 2 CAMPUSES SHOULD NNNOOOTTT SHARE THE SAME NAME IF THOSE OF US WHO WORK AT THE ROCHESTER CAMPUS WANT TO RECEIVE MAIL ON TIME OR MAIL AT ALL FOR THAT MATTER. BUT IT'D BE VERY CONFUSING TO HAVE IT NAMED MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - WINONA - ROCHESTER CAMPUS. IN VOTING FOR A NAME, PEOPLE NEED TO KEEP IN MIND THAT WE DON'T HAVE ONLY 1 CAMPUS.
Student
I am a junior here at Winona State University, and I would really like to continue to be a student at WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY. There are several reasons for this. First, and in my opinion most important, is simply the history of the name. This institution has been around since 1858 and other than changing from Winona State College to Winona State University, there really haven't been any name changes over the years. I think we should keep it that way. I know of friends who attended Northeast Missouri State before they became Truman State University, and no one liked the transition. Their allegiances had all been formed to the original name. Everyone owns sweatshirts, t-shirts, coffee mugs, window stickers, and much more containing "Winona State" or "Winona State University" and it would be a real dissappointment for most of the students who spent hundreds of dollars building a wardrobe of clothing bearing the school name and then have to go out and purchase all new "patriotic" clothing. Well, these are just a few reasons for not changing the name, but I could go into many more if I had the time. My vote is to definitely keep what we have going. Sincerely, (name)
Student
i am proud to say that i go to Winona State University. It is a great school that isn't like all of the other University of Minnesota's or Wisconsin or anywhere else for that matter. Why change the name when we already have a great school? I think that it would be very sad to see Winona State changed to something that sounds a lot bigger and better.
staff
Answer to question #1. No I don't feel we need to change our name. Reason: Our current name is simple and to the point. It lets people know we are in Winona and we are a state university. However, I realize it doesn't identify the state we are in, so if national recognition is our goal, that may cause a problem. I have no suggestions at this time for an alternate name, but am definitely against University of MN-Winona. That name is to broad and boring, impersonal.
Student
I do not believe the name should change, the name itself is very rich in history and it does set us apart from Minnesota State University, Mankato or others like St. Cloud. It gives Winona a seperate identity.
Student
Personally I do not have any suggestions if we must change the name. I would however like to be informed about the names being considered so I can have a say in the matter. Thanks!
Student
They should not change the name. It is a very unique and distinctive name. It you change the name then some tradition is lost and the University looks like one on a big list. I think that the name of this university is just fine and should stay that way.
STUDENT
I DON'T THINK WSU SHOULD CHANGE ITS NAME. IT SEEMS LIKE SUCH A TRIVIAL CHANGE FOR ALL THE PROBLEMS ITS GOING TO CAUSE. FOR EXAMPLE, THE COST OF CHANGING THE THINGS WSU IN ON LIKE CLOTHING, SIGNS, ETC. I LIKE WSU.
Student
I think that changing the name of Winona State University is not the way to go. WSU is more than just the name of a school. It means alot to the people who attend classes here. It is a bonding tool which aids in creating a sense of unity. Changing the name of the school leaves me with a feeling like the 4 years I have spent here didn't really happen because Winona State wouldn't exist anymore. I know you are looking for concrete reasons but I don't know if I can give you quantitative data supporting my opinon. Changing the name would make futher communication efforts more difficult. Think of all the money it would take to replace all the stationary, catalogs, forms, advertising, recruitment materials. It costs a ton of money to have to redo all of those forms and stuff. What kind of message does a name change make on in comming students? Does it make WSU look like a stable institution? Does the name change reinforce a feeling of history with alumni? Will this name change affect the amount of money WSU allums are willing to donate? I just don't think this is a great idea. Have you thought of questioning alumni? These are my thoughts. Hope they answer your questions and give you a little to think about. Let me know if you need anything else.
Student
I am a student. To me the name of the school is inconsequential, as long as education is decent.
Student
I am a student. It doesn't really matter to me. It's not the name of the school that matters, it's how well the school teaches.
student
no, we should not change the name. our university name is associated with our good repution as a university. why change the name and confuse people. it's fine the way it is.
Student
Answer to #1: My experience in travels around the U.S., in Asia and at international meetings indicates that when I identify Winona State as part of the Minnesota System, then people can "place" me. I even have this on my professional card. The name "Winona" does not convey a location identification for most people. Answer to #2: I would be happy to have Minnesota State University at Winona for a name. It follows the Wisconsin labeling which I think is very successful. I don't think people understand how important this kind of identification can be in communicating with others.
Student
Q1. I do not think that we should change our school name, especially to Minnesota St. Univ., Winona, because making our school associated with just the state of MN might deter the possible students from Wisconsin or Illinois. It's sounds dumb but it happens. Keeping it Winona St. Univ. also makes is seem more hospitable, there's a community involved with it. Q2. I don't think it should change. I think that the name should stay the same, It gives us our own identity. It has also been named this for years, WHy the change now. People I think will not recognize it as well.If it were going to change, I think we mine as well go along with the Universityof Min.-Winona. If we weren't going to change it to that why change it all?
Student
I am a student at W.S.U.. Reason's for not changing W.S.U's name...... 1.We would have to throw out all old clothes saying W.S.U 2.why change a good name. 3.we would lose our self as a school, people know what W.S.U is and stands for
Student
hi i'm a student. my name is (name). i feel that winona should keep its name, i am from illinois and that how i picked the school - by the name. i saw winona and thought it was a cool name. wsu shows an individual name- not a number or a part of a bigger whole. keep the name, its awesome. one other thing - it shows a relationship with the own, community.
Student
I am a student here at Winona State University. The resasons I would not want us to change the name of the school is because it will deface the value of my degree. Also I don't see the necessity in it. Who will it benefit? I don't know any student that wants this change. IF they were to change it a suggestion would be Winona STate university and all of that other stuff that is needed in the end so it doesn't change the name all that much.
Student
I think that WSU should change its name because it is not sound so good of that old name. Minnesota State University, Winona or State University of Minnesota, Winona.
Student
Personally, I don't see any reasons for changing the name. I think we're doing just fine with the one we already have. Why waste the money and resources it would take to change the names on buildings, equipment, ect. for something that really offers no benefit to any of us. Honestly, if you could give me one good way this name change would benefit anyone, I might think about it.
student
I don't really understand why Winona State SHOULD change its name. I think the name of Winona State kinda gives it a distinctive sound, it doesn't sound like its just some MN school. I don't think Winona State should change its name.
student
change the name because many people do not know Winona State or what state it is in. If it was University of Minnesota, Winona people would know the state and that it is part of the state system. University of Minnesota, Winona
STUDENT
WSU SHOULD KEEP ITS NAME. ITS STUPID TO CHANGE IT BECUSE THERE IS GOING TO BE A LOT MORE MONEY GOING IN TO CHANGE THE NAMES ON CLOTHES AND SPORTS UNIFORMS. TUITION WOULD PROBABLY GO UP FOR THAT REASON TOO. KEEP IT THE SAME. WHATS WRONG WITH WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY?
Student
do not change the scool's name--wsu has very favorable recognition in the upper midwest and i'm concerned of adding "minnesota" to a school that draws so many of its students fm wis, ill. & iowa.
STUDENT
SHOULD NOT, Because having a name like Mankato's will take away from Winona's own identity. It's already been Winona State for so long, calling it anything else would be strange. The only way it would be good for the university is if it were to change to a U of M school, like Morris or Duluth. University of Minnesota - Winona
Faculty
I feel that the Winona State University is just starting to separate itself from the rest of the state university's as one that has more to offer to it's students. Changing the name may lose some of the recognition that it has gained recently over the past few years (Top 10 best buys). I don't personally feel that the university needs to change it's name. What is there to gain by doing this? Mankato changed it's name to the Minnesota State University, Mankato. To me it sounds as though they were big fans of the TV show COACH. If I was to see WSU change it's name I would want more than just a name change. I would want them to change the name to the University of Minnesota, Winona. Like UMD (University of Minnesota, Duluth) in order to use this name I think that we would have to drop out of MnSCU and file under the University of Minnesota system. I feel that the only way to gain any further recognition as a university or "gain presteige" by name changing is to lose the "State" from our name and file with the U of M, like the Wisconsin system.
Faculty
We should not change our name. We need all the stability and continuity we can muster. This name change appears to be another tool of MNSCU to implement greater and greater centralization and control. Are we really free to reject the orders of the higher ups. Or is this a similar situation to semester conversion?
Student
I am a student here at WSU and I may not have gratuated yet but I do realize the amount of tradition that has occured here. I also realize that WSU was once WSC and other teaching monnickers. The nescesity for change has led us to what we are know, WSU, I do not see a new reason or function for change. The only change possible would be to Laptop University at Winona. I believe we should get the laptop program to work before we change to that one. On this current topic, I say we allready have a wonderful identity and that identity should be steadfast, and not changed.
Student
I do not think it should change its name because then it is too much like the other schools.
Student
They should change the name only if it is very important for them to do that. There is no problem with the name we already have since it reflects the city name of Winona. This name change thing can become to political. I think Sugar Loaf State University is one possible name change or Bluffs State University, home of the Worriors. These two names are good because it relects the city of Winona.
student
WSU should not change its name because its name gives it a history and an identity. It shouldn't sound like an extension of the University of Minnesota, because it is a seperate institution. Also, adding any more words to the school's name makes it tougher and less appealing to say or write.
student
keep it for identity's sake. change it to align ourselves with the whole mnscu system. to associate our university with the university of minnesota. University of Minnesota- Winona campus
Student
I don't think that the name should be changed because for one why change it when it has been like this for so long. Secondly, the other ways that I have heard just sound dumb. It should stay the same. You are not accomplishing anything by changing it. I think that people need to just leave it alone. Just because some Universities changed doesn't mean that we have to. Thanks.
Student
I think that WSU is well known by that name and it would be wrong to chane it. The only thing that would be good is if it was call University of minnesota winon like all the UW system is it might sound like a better school or may be looked at by more perspective students.
Student
I think WSU should stay the same because we are an individual school and that is what makes it Winona State. If everyone is called University of Minnesota-whatever then non one could individually pick out each school. I definitely think WSU should stay as WSU
Student
Winona State University is just fine!
Student
It may be a good idea because when a person moves and gets a job, "Winona State University" isn't recognizable. University of Minnesota, Winona
Student
no i don't want you to change the name of winona state i came here as a winona state student and i want to graduate as a winona state student and i also want to be an alumni of winona state. that is just stupid to change the name.
Student
1. In response to the question of why should or shouldn't WSU change it's name, I have a question. What is wrong with the name Winona State University. It's a state university, and it's in Winona. I think that name fits well. Also, you don't see other schools changing their names for apparently no reason.
Student
I am a student(senior) at WSU. I think we should not change our university's name. WSU is well known, easy to say and very recognizable. I had a friend ttellme he went to Minnesota State University and I had no idea what he meant. Then he told me he went to Mankato. I think changing names will be confusing. Also, much money will be lost on all materials labeled WSU.
