Winona State University

Office of Assessment

Winona State University is a mid-sized, comprehensive institution of higher learning located on the Mississippi River in rural southeastern Minnesota. In fall 1994, over 7,200 students enrolled in programs offered on the 40-acre main campus in downtown Winona; a Residential College living/learning community located across town; a commuter branch site in Rochester, Minnesota, 45 miles to the west; and other selected off-campus sites. The Winona sites appeal to traditional undergraduates, one-third of whom live in University housing in Winona. The Rochester campus is non-residential.

Traditionally, two-thirds of Winona State students have been Minnesota residents. Many come from the Twin Cities (two-and-a-half hours to the north), southeastern Minnesota and Winona proper. Some 94% come from the quad-state area of Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa; 2% come from other states and 4% from foreign countries. In the past few years Winona State has enrolled more women than men and an increasing number of non-traditional, minority and international students.

Thirty-four academic departments offer associate, baccalaureate and masters degree programs in over one hundred academic areas through five colleges. The College of Liberal Arts enrolls most declared majors: 28%, followed by Education - 24%, Business - 19%, Science and Engineering - 17%, and the College of Nursing and Health Services - 12%.

Of the 318 full-time faculty at Winona State University, 59% have doctorates or terminal degrees. With a small student faculty ratio of 23-1, students have an opportunity to work closely with faculty in conducting research and designing unique internship experiences that go beyond the boundaries of the classroom walls. Exceptional students have an opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary Honors Program, which offers core courses, special seminars, and requires completion of a comprehensive senior project.

The University also offers a number of pre-professional programs and a variety of adult, continuing education and extension programs, including seminars, workshops, credit and non-credit extension courses, and special educational programs designed to serve the needs of specific, individual organizations.

Founded in 1860, the University was the first higher education institution established by the state of Minnesota and the first teacher preparation institution established west of the Mississippi. Full university status was granted in 1975. Today, Winona State is one of sixty-two institutions included in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The University of Minnesota is a separate entity.

WSU's undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The education program is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Minnesota Board of Teaching; Department of Chemistry programs are approved by the American Chemical Society; the Nursing program is accredited by the National League of Nursing; and the Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The WSU Mission Statement is as follows: Winona State University provides well prepared students with high quality educational programs and student services in an all-inclusive learning community. Students should expect rigorous programs and instructional excellence in an environment that respects diversity and fosters intellectual maturity. Winona State University baccalaureate graduates will have the foundations necessary for meeting the challenges of society and formulating a viable philosophy of life, through:

* Mastery of basic skills

* Expertise in chosen disciplines

* Ability to think critically

* Understanding of cultural differences

* Positive regard for self and others

* Respect for different value systems

* Ability to work together collaboratively

* Appreciation of aesthetic values

* Commitment to life long learning

WSU's graduate programs provide students the opportunity to build upon undergraduate foundations be achieving mastery in a chosen discipline.

The WSU Rochester Center specifically offers professional upper division and graduate programs, and is a center for professional growth.