Feedback on Name Change
FACULTY
I BELIEVE A NAME THAT HAD "MINNESOTA" AND "WINONA" IN IT WOULD ALLEVIATE CONFUSION, GIVE US BETTER IDENTITY. MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, WINONA.
staff
I have been on the library staff since 1975 and am currently a Library Technician in the Interlibrary Loan Department. I would like WSU to remain Winona State University. I think a name change beyond this is silly. We have an identity and a reputation and why confuse people with another name change. Actually Winona State College was fine by me, but I do understand the need to be a "University". Let Mankato do as they wish, and even if all the rest of the State University System change their name, we can still outshine them as Winona State University.
Student
I am a student at WSU. I do not think that the University should change its name. I am a senior, and I do not want to explain that I attended a school formally known as ... I am proud of what I have achieved here, and somehow that achievement will seem like less if the school decides to change its name. I won't feel like a part of tradition, rather I'll feel like I'm from the past, a "used to be." Secondly, I think that the money that would have to be pooled into new ads, posters, literature, etc could be better spent. Everything that has "Winona State University" written on it will have to be updated. Wouldn't it be better to update the selection of books in the library, or some of the older computer terminals? I don't see anything wrong with the name we have. Why change it? I would like to know more about this suggestion to change our name. Is it whim, a fashion statement, or something more grounded that is motivating this proposition? Personally I feel that changing the name of Winona State University is an unnecessary change. I think Winona has made itself a name with being in the top 10 best buys in the country and obviously other countries are very aware of us being here. I don't think changing the name of the Universary is in anyway going to help with anything. It is just going to confuse people and cause problems. Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion. (name)
Student
I am a fifth year student at this university. Being familiar with the library I have noticed many books stamped with another name to this university. However, this is not just a teaching college any more. I suspect that lead to the name change back then. Personally, I don't feel that a name change is critical at this point in time. Winona State University is just that. A state university located in Winona. Straight to the point. If a name change would go into effect I would hope that it would not be expanded into something longer than need be, i.e. MN State University, Winona. Much to long in my opinion. Winona State is located in Winona MN. If someone couldn't figure out that we are a MN state college than they need to take a geography course. Sincerely, (name)
Student
I am a student at WSU. 1) I think the name of the university should remain to be Winona State University. It would be too confusing to change the name and many people would still call it WSU, so it should stay the same.
Student
To whom it may concern: I am a student here at Winona State. I do not believe that we should change our name at all. Winona State has a prestigious reputation because of its history and because of the programs that we offer (Composite Engineering). When we went from College to University, this was not a huge change. However, I feel that going from WSU to perahps Minnesota State University, Winona, or something along those lines might be mistaken with the University of Minnesota system. I have attended two MSUSA conferences with Student Senate and no other school except Bemidji is considering changing. I believe that keeping it Winona State University would keep us more unified with the other state universities. Sincerely, (name) WSU student and IRHC President
Student
to whom it may concern I am a sophmore at Winona and think a name change would be that bad of an idea. if you were to change it like duluth has it, umd, we could be like umw. university of minnesota at winona. i think it might add more prestige to our degrees if we had the U's name attatched to our school. just a suggestion.
Student
I think that the name should stay the same as it is now. It has been this way for how long? There is no reason to change the past. I feel that WSU is a great name and it is a place where my family has been going to school and graduating from. I would feel like it isn't the same place if the name is changed. But what does one student matter? I hope you reconsider changing the name! Thank you, (name)
Student
I am a first year student here at WSU. 1. I feel it is in the university's best interest to change it's name to Minnesota State University-Winona. In doing this the university will become better known on a national level as an institution of higher education. It would give us students who wish to persue careers outside of the tri-state area a GREAT advantage by coming from a recognized institution. Also, by changing the name in this manner I feel the Minnesota State Universities will become more closely related. By sharing the name we would appear more united and stronger. The name change would do nothing but help us students! 2. Without a doubt, Minnesota State University- Winona. I don't see any reason to change the name. The name represents the town and community that WSU is nessled in. As a student here, I find it nice to say I go to Winona State University rather that U of M Winona. The name gives us idividualization, something not many state universities still have. I think it would be a mistake to change the name.
Student
I believe that Winona State should NOT change it's name. Winona State University has become a symbol of quality education in Minnesota, as well as Winona. Changing our name would deface our sense of individualism and pride. By NOT changing our name it would be evident to other schools, throughout the nation, that Winona has not followed the norm. We are proud of what Winona has to offer and should not feel pressured to change our name to simply because other universities have already. Let's continue to be the best, and only, Winona State University that we can be. Together, Winona State is stronger. Winona State University Go Warriors!!!!!
Student
I don't believe that Winona State, should change it's name. It is my belief that the school name is fine the way it is. I don't know what the cost of changing the name would be, but I would guess with changing the signs around campus and whatever else would be expensive. Also depending on what name is picked the University could lose some of it's identity.
Staff
I am a librarian at WSU. I think we should keep the school name as it is. I feel the name is distinctive--especially if other schools adopt Mankato's "Minnesota State University, ________" model. President DuFresne, in the early '70s,felt that " Winona State College" should have a name change to "Winona State Unversity". He felt the word "University" was important in the name. He won his campaign with the legislature. If there is a name change now so be it. But the word "University" I feel is the important part in any name.
Student
My name is (name) and I am a Junior transfer student at WSU. This is my first year here and I am proud to be here. In response to the E-Mail about the school changing it's name, these are my responses: - WSU should keep it's name the way it is. I believe the only reason anyone would want it to change is to make it sound more respectable. Mankato for example, is trying to hide behind the name Minnesota State. It is the same school, and I personally wouldn't want to go there with or with out the name change. - Another reason is think of the financial aspect of changing the name. Stationary, Advertisements, School listings, Jerseys, and whatever else this school has invested it's name in. Personally I would rather that money be spent on something that would be more beneficial to the students. -Also students and faculty have a hard enough time trying to cheer for a team which they all agree on the name of. Imagine the lack of the already lacking fan support if the school ends up with a name not everyone agrees on. -Finally If the name does change and the students aren't the ones who changed it you can expect the students to be very angry. -the name shouldn't change, but a change in school colors wouldn't be out of the question. Thank You for your time and concern, (name)
Student
I fully support changing the name of Winona State University. 1. Changing the university's name to something like University of Minnesota Winona will give this university name recognition. The advantages to increased name recognition are in recruting students, attracting higher profile visitors, speakers and entertainers. Finally, an increase in name recognition helps immensly every graduate find that first job. 2. University of Minnesota Winona
Student
What is your relationship to Winona State? (I am a student) I don't think WSU should change its name because it takes away the individuality of the University. This also may be stupid, but on my resume, I am proud to put Winona State University as where I got my degree from and I don't want to have to put any other name. I don't want it to be changed!
Student
I don't think it's necessary so I don't think we should change it. Either way you look at it, we have to explain the same things to people who ask where WSU is. It's either that you say "Winona State University in Minnesota" or you say "Minnesota State University in Winona." The only reason I can see to change it is for the sake of change. It would be fun but a little confusing for the students, especially after switching to semesters.
Student
Hard Knock U (just kidding) I'd like to see it stay the same. Thanks for asking.
Student
I am a Junior, a student at WSU. I think naming it "university of minnesota, Winona" would be okay since it allow others to know where Winona is located. I do like WSU because it is far easier to say and I think many locals will still call it that anyway. Wouldn't it be rather expensive to change the name anyway. All the materials and bookstore things would need updating and I don't know if that would be worth it for the tax payers and the poor students who pay the tuition. What about all the pople who are alumni of this school? wouldn't it be strange to say "yes, I graduated from WSU in 1998 but my sister 2 years later graduated from U ofM winona????!!!" I think it would get rather confusing and that change really isn't neccessary if it has been successful as it is. It has already undergone name changes in the past of Winona state teacher's college and others.. Just leave it or name it WSU of Minnesota.
Student
I think Winona State University of Minnesota would incorporate both aspects of WSU and UMW. PLease don't change it to something stupid like South eastern UM Winona schools or anything. Thanks for asking the students for imput as well. I appreciate being considered an active part of the university whatever its name might be. (name), WSU junior
Faculty
Faculty member of the Computer Science Department. I think that WSU should change its name, however, I do not think we shouldchange our name to Minnesota State University - Winona, but rather we should change our name to the University of Southeastern Minnesota. That enables us to retain our autonomy while at the same time incorporating the name MINNESOTA into our name which I feel will help with respect to national recognition. In essence, it would define us as a regional state university that at least appears to be somewhat autonomous. I would suggest the University of Southeastern Minnesota.
Student
I am a WSU student. It is my opinion that a name change would be highly beneficial to WSU. 1. Wynona Ryder and Winona Judd notwithstanding, no one outside of Southeastern Minnesota has ever heard of Winona. The name sounds like a "cow college" possessing little or no distinction, located in the backwaters of the northern Mississippi River, i.e. the middle of nowhere. Not a likely name to attract anyone ... even people who live here. 2. USM - University of Southern Minnesota Nice cachet, don't you think? Vague enough to allow the imagination to spawn images of fine architecture and endless programs of academic distinction taught by Nobel Prize winning professors who will transform students into tomorrow's leaders of the Free World (never mind that the e-mail system goes down on a regular basis, and that you can find broader course offerings in the back of Popular Mechanics magazine - Image is everything). Yet the name is specific enough that one could find its general location on a well-labeled map of the United States (first find Minnesota, then figure USM is somewhere in the southern part).Thanks for asking, (Name)
Student
I feel that Winona State should not change it's name. WSU is known for it's great name and has a history of being called Winona State University. Think of all the alumni from WSU; do you really think they would like to be proud to say they are from Winona State University, if that name doesn't even exist anymore? I know I won't like it if you decide to change the name and I definately won't like it if the change happens after I graduate. Also we aren't like any other college. We are our own school, and a great one at that, why should we comform to the other state schools, when we are all so much different? And if the name change is not to comform, why should we even be thinking about the name change?
Student
I am a student. I really hope that WSU remains as is, Winona state University. Minnesota State sounds gay and so does Winona State at Minnesota. Leave the name alone!!!!!
student
Should not change its name. That's how people know the college.
Student
Keep it the same, this University is known for what it has achieved, why lose that!
faculty
1. Provide more national recognition. 2. Even locally, I believe potential students would think more highly of it if the name showed more "association" with the state of MN University of Minnesota-Winona. Minnesota University of Winona
Student
University of Minnesota, Winona. Is easily recognized where is the school located. Might give students a better opportunity at getting good jobs.
Student
The name should not be changed. There is no need, especially since it is known. The new name might confuse people who will think it is a different school. Thank you.
Student
No, People already know us as WSU, if you change it now it will just confuse people, it will always be WSU to the people that have gone here in the past. Changing the name will also be a very large expense, to change letterhead, advertisements, and all other publicity. Students are already paying enough for various other reasons, not many would be willing to pay an extra fee to replace everything from headings on papers to the big Winona state university sign on campus. I think that changing the name of WSU would confuse more people thanit would help clearify things. It doesn't matter what name you give to a University, the quality of the education that you get from that University is all that should matter.
Staff member.
Winona State University should NOT change its name. - Because the school has the historical significance of being the first teacher-training institution west of the Mississippi, and is the first of the seven state universities, it has a unique and distinctive identiy already and it would be shame to let that go. - Because WSU has made incredible strides in the last decade in improving its institutional image. WSU is now recognized throughout the region (in higher education circles at first, but now also in the minds of students, and parents of students, considering college selection choices). Of the Minn. state universities, Winona is perceived as being the "best" with regard to educational quality and preparedness for college in its student body. The current name has a recognition factor and it would be an error to let that identity slide or become less clear with a name change. - Winona State University is a one-of-a-kind institution with a name all its own. The Mankato State University change to Minnesota State University, Mankato, makes it sounds like it is a satellite school of some larger entity somewhere (similar to the Univ. of Minn. - Morris, as it relates to the Univ. of Minn. in the Twin Cities ... or, even more salient, the University of Wisconsin-la Crosses, as a "lesser" school to the University of Wisconsin "main" campus in Madison). There is negative value of a name changge like Mankato's that makes Winoan State sound like it is a "little sister" to some bigger, better institution that does not, in fact, exist. in fact, if we change now to a similar sounding name, it may very well ebenfit Mankato and put them in the role of the "main" Minn. State University. - This institution has always been named "Winona State." Those two words were accompanoied by "Normal School" from it's inception and for about 60 years, until the accompanying words were changed to "Teacher's College," then shortened to the single accompanying word 'college" until finally becoming "university" in 1975. But, through all the name "changes" the insitution has always retained an identity as "Winona State" so even thouh there have been official name changes, the alumni have always been able to maintain a relationship with their school: Winona State. - Alumni may feel cut off from the "new" institution. - Developemnt dollars that flow naturally from an involved, included alumni associaiton, may decrease due to a feeling of alienation from the alumni if the name is changed.
student
I believe that WSU should keep its name. People know the university by this name, and it will cause a huge confusion for people. Also I don't think we should conform like all the other schools, keeping our name the way it is shows this school's individuality/uniqueness. Plus I have always know the university as WSU, and there is no way I would call it any other name. No change please.
Student
It shouldn't change its name.
Student
i am a student here at wsu, and i assure you that Winona State University is as good a name as there is for this place. i transferred to here this fall after going to mankato state for 3 years. almost everyone there thinks that "University of Minnesota State at Mankato" is a stupid and unnecessarily long name. i think this university should show some class and let its accademics speak for itself. (name)
STUDENT
WHY SHOULD WE??? IT SOUNDS GOOD AND GIVES US OUR OWN IDENTITY. ALSO WE WOULD HAVE TO CHANGE EVERYTHING, CLOTHES, SIGNS, NOTEBOOKS AND OTHER NOVELTY ITEMS! NO NAME CHANGE NEEDED
Student
i dont think you should change the name first of all why should we second of all whats the point of changing it if we dont even have to change it to msu at winona. theres no point whats wrong with wsu. if you change the name you will greedy everyone who goes here and has anything that says winona state on it will have to get new things that say the new name. all in all i think it would be stupid to change the name and i think thats my best reason
Student
i am a student at wsu, and i feel that the school should not change its name. what's the point anyway... i think it would only cost a lot of money as far as having to change the school's logo on all of its clothing and other advertisements.
Faculty member
I know that there must be valid reasons for changing our name, but I have not convinced myself that it is in the University's best interest. I believe that we should build off the tradition that has already been established. This does not mean that there are no valid reasons to change Winona's name. In fact, I would like to hear some of these reasons. The most logical name would be MSU at Winona. But this does not look out for our interests at Rochester, and maybe we should be working harder at that.
Student
I'm a student at WSU and I don't think the name should be changed because it would only cause confusion. Besides, I like the name Winona State University, it's easy to refer to it as Winona State.
STUDENT
WSU SHOULD NOT CHANGE IT'S NAME. IT SOUNDS FINE AS IT IS. PEOPLE WILL GET CONFUSED AS TO WHAT UNIVERSITY YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. THEY CHANGED THE NAME OF MANY OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN MY HOMETOWN. PEOPLE WERE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE NEW NAMES AND OFTEN BECAME CONFUSED AS TO WHAT SCHOOL PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT. THEY DID THIS CHANGE 5 YEARS AGO AND PEOPLE ARE STILL CONFUSED. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, WINONA
Student
I am a Senior Student here at Winona State University. 1. I think that Winona State would sort of lose its identity by changing its name. However, I think that it is more important for the University to change its name if it includes Minnesota in the title. I have told many people that I go to Winona State University, and they ask me what state is that in? Even Minnesotan have asked me that! So, I think it would bring more students in to our unversity since it seems to be struggling to keep students here or even bring in freshmen, that is just graduated from High School seniors type freshmen. So, I would definately say CHANGE IT! :-) 2. Minnesota State University-Winona Thanks for including the students in this poll/survey. It is nice to know that at least one faculty member values our input. Sincerely, (name) Senior Business Education Major.
student
It should not because the name it currently has keeps this school unique from the other universities in Minnesota. It would also be a waste of money to change the catalogues and everything else that has WSU's name on it. I like the one we have.
Student
If WSU creates a more creative name I believe that would be a good change because it may bring more interest to the university, most colleges are named after the city in which they are located. If the change is going to be University of Minnestoa, Winona I believe that the individuality of the college will be taken, especially if the university is looking for the image of being better then other state universities instead of the same as.
Student
I cant's think of anything off hand if i do i 'll be sure to foward it to you.
Student
I believe that we should not change our name. I don't understand why this is even an issue? For years its been this way and why all of a sudden they decide that everybody should look at changing there name. If every college in this state changes its name you'll start to confuse everybody. Leave things the way they are. People realize who we are by the name we have now and if you change it it will only cause problems. Winona State University should be proud with its name.
Student
Thanks for asking,I am a student here at WSU, but for the record, I think WSU is to broad. When people ask, "where do you go?" WSU isn't enough. At least with a name like University of Minnesota at Winona, it's clear. Also, I think that having some uniformity makes minnesota schools look more representable. Thanks for your time (name)
Student
To whom it may concern: I think that the name change is about the biggest waste of time I could think of. Why not spend MnSCU dollars on something worthwhile. I see no advantage in changing our name, regardless of what new name is chosen. What is so bad about Winona State University. That's what we've been for as far as most people can remember, why change now? Is there a good reason, I doubt it. The push is probably coming from some big whig big spender somewhere in an office who thought that it would be "prudent" for us to give ourselves a trendy new name. Why not give the students what they really need; like some better professors, up-to-date equipment and books and videos that have been written or filmed within the last 20 years in our library and media centers. I"m so sick of hearing about this stuff, in the future, concern yourselves with something worthwhile for a change. Besides, "University of Minnesota, Winona" doesn't exactly roll off your tongue like saying, "Winona State" or "WSU" does when a person gets asked where they go to school.
student
wsu should not cahnge it's name. It has a unique name that is rememberable- u of m winona is not I don't think the name is of great concern. It wouldn't bring about national recognition and I don't think many students even care if Winona changed it's name
Student
I think that it would be stupid to change the name to MN State U at Winona. I like WSU and it is a state school, it isn't really a University. WSU is a lot easier, and it would be more cost effective to not have t0o change all letter heads, etc. Everyone I have talked to agrees with me--just leave the name alone.
Student
I do not beleive that WSU should change it's named. One strong reason is that it would cost an ample amount of money, and also it would not benefit anyone. In no way am I affected by the name Winona State University. I see nothing wrong with the name, and quite frankly I like it. I beleive that university names should represent the location of the university i.e, University of Minnesota. I think changing the university would be a huge hassle, and a waste of time.
Student
I have a question. If the State Board proposed that all schools consider changing their name, but left it open to the school board to consider any name, what are they trying to accomplish by this? I could understand if the board was proposing the whole "Minnesota State..." thing, although I wouldn't like it. But, it seems to me the only thing the school and the state would be accomplishing by giving all of it's colleges/universities a new name would be killing a little tradition. I don't see the point in changing the name of a university that has beennamed WSU for over 100 years. The name change would only cause confusion and problems. It is a waste of money and time. Winona State is already good at wasting time and money and i would prefer to save as much as possible.
Faculty
I am on the faculty in MAth and STatistics. Don't change the name. Our "brand recognition" seems pretty good right now. The common choice that would follow, Mankato's lead would be Minnesota State U, Winona. That leaves our Rochester campus in an increasingly didfficult name situation. Would it be Minnesota State U, Winona, Rochester campus,,,,,, ?
Student
As one travels around the country, and the world, long explanations are necessary as to where Winona State is. Perhaps the best reason for a change of name is what happened a few years ago. A kissing contest for the Guinness Book of records was held at Winona State and a couple got the "honor" of being the champion kissers. Johnny Carson, on the Tonight Show, mentioned the contest as having been held in "a little know college in southeast Minnesota." Perhaps it had to be explained to him! Perhaps the best name recognition we could have would be by being affiliated with the University of Minnesota. But, that is not likely, under the present conditions. We could still wish, or dream. Short of that, what about the designation that Mankato received: Minnesota State University - Winona?
Student
hi. new name: U of M ~Winona.
student
I am a 3rd year student at WSU. I don't think that Winona State University should change its name at all, just because Mankato State changed its name doesn't mean WSU should do the same. WSU should be unique. I like the name WSU already has. What a pain in the butt to change it after everyone already recognizes WSU as WSU!!!
