External Assumptions

Population

Population changes will affect WSU in the decade ahead. Though the minority population of Minnesota is not likely to increase dramatically, by the year 2000, experts estimate that the number of 'minorities' will be greater than the number of Caucasians in the workforce. Because much of the growth in minority populations will be in the southern third of the United States, Winona State will have to continue to strive hard to achieve cultural diversity goals.

Federal laws pertaining to students with disabilities will impact our campus in terms of facilities and services. The international student population will likely grow, as the United States still educates 1/4 the population of the entire world.

In addition, the fact that life expectancy will continue to increase throughout the 1990s will have an impact on WSU as 'non-traditional' students elect to continue their education.

Government

It is expected that the Federal subsidy for education will continue to be uncertain. Because state funding will continue to be an important percentage of state budgets, the decade ahead is likely to see state governments exercising more control over what happens in schools--K-12 as well as higher education. Such control demands may be felt in the areas of assessment, testing, standards.

K-12 is already being mandated to move to outcome based education by 1992. There seems to be general agreement that legislative accountability is 'coming' to the state university system. The Q-7 initiative is an attempt to take a proactive rather than reactive stand on the issue.

Environment

The environment will continue to be an issue of pressing concern for persons throughout the world. Toxic waste, ozone depletion, and the green house effect are a few of the mounting concerns in this area. New methods of waste disposal and new ways of recycling will be important to the world.

Alternative energy sources will be vitally important to the country.

Family

The family unit will continue to be redefined throughout the next decade as the traditional nuclear family becomes more and more of a rarity. With single parent and dual career families continuing to be the norm, a significant increase in child care needs will be important.

Minnesota Growth

The majority of the population growth in the state of Minnesota will be in the St. Cloud, Rochester, and Twin Cities metropolitan areas.

National Economic Condition

The U. S. economy will continue to be in direct competition with the international sector. The trade deficit will continue to be large and the budget deficit will not be reduced without a significant increase in taxes.

Science and Technology

Science and research will continue to be a major part of the U.S. economy, driving the biotechnology, medical, and engineering industries. The U.S. will continue to move from a manufacturing society to an information society. More people will have options to work in various locations via computer. Automation will put many people out of work--and will be likely to require additional education.

Educational Requirements

There will be a large number of jobs available for which few people will be qualified. Employee retraining will become a necessary and regular part of employment,

People will continue to change jobs frequently during their careers, leading to a commitment to life-long education.

Other Educational Institutions

Winona State will be significantly impacted by decisions made at the K-12 level, at the community colleges, vocational colleges, and the University of Minnesota. As the University of Minnesota begins to cut their undergraduate enrollments, more students are likely to seek their education from the state university system instead.

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