ADMISSIONS

Campus Visits 
Admission Requirements & Procedures 
New First-Year Student Admissions
Transfer Student Admission
International Students Admission
Special Admissions Categories
Placement Testing
Veterans Assistance
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Advanced Placement

Office of Admissions
Maxwell Hall (800 DIAL WSU or 507-457-5100)
www.winona.edu
Email: admissions@winona.edu

The Office of Admissions is responsible for recruiting prospective students to WSU, evaluating and approving applications for admissions, recommending newly admitted students for scholarships, facilitating student transfer to WSU from other post-secondary institutions, evaluating international transcripts for WSU equivalency, and verifying eligibility for veteran’s assistance.

CAMPUS VISITS
Anyone interested in WSU is welcome to visit the campus at any time; tours begin in the Office of Admissions. When school is in session, student-conducted tours are available at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tours are also offered at 10 a.m. on selected Saturdays from September through January (except holidays). Summer tours also are available. For more information or to request materials, contact the Office of Admissions at the telephone number or web address above or via the U.S. mail at:
Winona State University - Office of Admissions
P. O. Box 5838
Winona, MN 55987-5838

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES
Students can apply for admission for either semester during the academic year. WSU requires students applying for admission to meet certain entrance requirements. A student’s ACT and SAT scores are factored into the admission decision for students who come directly from high school or who do not have a class rank. The ACT is required for registration to assist in placement and advising.
Even if they have not graduated from high school, students can be considered for admission if they have a High School Equivalency Certificate based on successful completion of the GED test and an acceptable score on one of the college entrance examinations.

NEW FIRST-YEAR STUDENT ADMISSION
High School Preparation Requirements
To be considered for admissions to WSU, students must have completed the following high school curriculum in grades 9-12:
• 4 years of English (includes composition, literature, and speech).
• 3 years of mathematics including 2 years of algebra and 1 year of geometry.
• 3 years of science including 1 year of biology and 1 year of either
chemistry or physics. All courses should include laboratory
experiences.
• 3 years of social studies including 1 year of U.S. History and 1 year of geography or its equivalent is highly recommended.
• 2 years of a single world language (including non-English native languages and American Sign Language).
• 1 year of specified electives chosen from the following: World
culture (including world cultures, area studies, and cultural or ethnic
studies); the arts (including visual arts and the performing arts of
theatre, music, dance, and media arts); and computers.

Application Process
Students coming directly from high school may apply as outlined below. Applicants are encouraged to submit all admissions material as early as possible during their senior year. For the past several years, WSU has closed new student admissions for the next fall semester by early March.
1. Complete a WSU Admission Application. Application forms are available online at www.winona.edu or at the Office of Admissions (Maxwell Hall).
2. Return the completed application to the WSU Office of Admissions with
a $20 non-refundable fee.
3. Request that your official high school transcript be forwarded to the
Office of Admissions; the transcript should include high school rank.
4. Request that the ACT/SAT testing agency send your official score to the
WSU Office of Admissions. The WSU ACT test code is 2162. The
WSU SAT test code is 6680.

Types of Admission
Depending on their class rank, ACT/SAT scores, and high school curriculum, students are awarded either distinctive or university admission status at WSU.
• Distinctive Admission: Students are admitted with distinction if they rank in the upper 15 percent of their high school graduating class and have an ACT score of 26 or above or an SAT score of 1100 or above and have completed the 16 units of high school preparation requirements. Students admitted with distinction attend an orientation and registration program during the late spring preceding their first year at Winona State University.
• University Admission: Students are admitted with university admission status if they have an ACT score of 21 or above or an SAT score of 1000 or above and have completed the 16 units of high school preparation requirements. Students who score an 18, 19, or 20 composite on the ACT must also be ranked in the top 50% of their graduating class. Students admitted with university admission status attend an orientation and registration program during the mid-summer preceding their first year at Winona State University.

Proof of Immunization
Minnesota Law (M.S. 135A.14) requires that all students enrolled in public or private post-secondary school in Minnesota be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella–allowing only for certain specified exemptions. See “Student Health Service” on page 32 for more information about the requirements related to immunizations and medical history.

Appeals Process
First-year applicants coming directly from high school who do not meet the admission requirements because of special and unique circumstances may be considered for admission by special appeal. If unusual circumstances exist, the student should first complete the regular application process. Then, if the student is denied admission to the University, he or she should write a letter of appeal to the Director of Admissions. This letter should outline the unique circumstance and should be supported by appropriate documentation and two letters of recommendation from high school faculty.

TRANSFER STUDENT ADMISSION
Preparation for Transfer to WSU
Minnesota’s technical colleges, community colleges, and universities are working to make transfer easier. Students can help by planning ahead, asking questions, and using pathways created by transfer agreements. Students who are enrolled in a college or university should first discuss their plans with a campus transfer specialist on their own campus. Whether currently enrolled in school or not, a student considering transfer to WSU should:
1. Contact the WSU Office of Admissions and consult the Minnesota Transfer website at www.mntransfer.org. The student should ask for the following materials and information:
• Transfer brochure and application.
• Information about admission criteria and materials required for ad mission (e.g., portfolio, transcripts, test scores). Note that some majors
have limited enrollments or their own special requirements such as a
higher grade point average.
• Information about financial aid (how to apply and by what date).
2. After reviewing the materials, make an appointment to visit with a transfer counselor specialist at Winona State University. Be sure to ask about course transfer and admission criteria.
Note: Although WSU does not offer correspondence courses, the
University will, transfer correspondence courses from accredited colleges
and universities.

Admission Requirements for Transfer Students
The following information applies to students who are transferring from a community college or a four-year college with regional accreditation for college-parallel courses:
• Students are admitted if they have completed 24 transferable academic semester hours and have a cumulative 2.40 GPA for all colleges attended.
• Students may be considered for admission to WSU if they have completed 24 transferable academic semester hours and have a cumulative GPA of 2.20 to 2.39 for all colleges attended. Students who meet these criteria must visit the campus and interview with a transfer specialist.

• Students with fewer than 24 transferable credits must meet the admission criteria for first-year students, including high school preparation requirements, class rank, and admissions test scores.
• Students receive credit for courses taken at accredited institutions in which the grades A, B, C, D, P, or the equivalents were attained.
• Technical College Students: Students transferring from a technical college will receive a 16-credit general elective package of their technical courses. General education courses will be accepted on a course-by-course basis. To apply, students must send their official high school and technical college transcripts and request the ACT/SAT testing agency to send their official ACT/SAT scores to the WSU Office of Admissions.
• Students also may be considered for admission by special appeal if they are transfer students who do not meet the above requirements because of special and unique circumstances. The student should write a letter of appeal to the Director of Admissions, outlining the unique circumstance. The letter should be supported by appropriate documentation and two letters of recommendation from high school faculty.

Transfer students should be eligible to return to their former colleges or universities. An official transcript, including a statement of withdrawal if the student formally withdrew, is required from each college attended. Students should request that the registrar at each college attended send an official transcript directly to the WSU Office of Admissions. Students are subject to suspension if they fail to comply with the transcript requirement and are inadvertently admitted to WSU.
Most credits earned at a community or junior college may be accepted in transfer (remedial classes are not transferable); however, to earn a bachelor’s degree, a student must earn 64 semester credits from a four-year institution. If students have a total of 64 semester credits earned at a community college, any credits exceeding those 64 semester credits are not counted toward the 128 credits required for a WSU baccalaureate degree. Transferred credits should have at least a “D” grade to transfer.

Transfer Application Process
1. Students should submit a transfer application and $20 application fee as early as they can before the deadline, which is 45 days prior to the semester in which the student expects to begin.
2. Students should request an official transcript from everyinstitution they have attended. Students also might be required to provide a high school transcript or GED test scores. WSU does not make an admission decision until all the required documents are on file.
3. An evaluation of credits that will transfer will be enclosed with the acceptance letter. The degree audit tells students which courses transferred and which courses did not transfer.
4. Students who have questions about the evaluation degree audit should contact the Office of Admissions and ask to speak with a transfer specialist. Students can appeal if they are not satisfied with the evaluation.

Transfer Student Rights and Appeal Process
Students have the right to:
• A clear, understandable statement of an institution’s transfer policy.
• A credit review and an explanation of why credits were or were not accepted.
• A review of their eligibility for financial aid or scholarships.
• A copy of the formal appeals process. Usually the appeals procedure is as
follows:
a. Students submit a completed appeals form. (Appeals forms are
available at the Maxwell One Stop Center.) Students are encouraged
to attach supplemental information such as a syllabus, a course
description, or a reading list.
b. A department or committee reviews the appeals form.
c. Students receive notification, in writing, of the committee’s decision.
d. Students then have the option of appealing the decision to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (Somsen Hall, Room 211).
Note: If a student is not satisfied with the college or university transfer appeal decision, the student may appeal to the Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs at the Office of the MnSCU Chancellor.

University Studies and the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum is a cooperative transfer program in which all the public colleges and universities in Minnesota participate. If a new transfer student’s former school certifies that he or she has completed all ten areas of emphasis of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, he or she is deemed to have satisfied the general education requirements of her or his new school. The ten areas of emphasis are written and oral communication; critical thinking; natural sciences; mathematics/symbolic systems; history and the social/behavioral sciences; humanities–the arts, literature and philosophy; human diversity; global perspective; ethical and civic responsibility; and people and the environment. Information about the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum is available online at www.mntransfer.org.
If the former school of the student transferring into Winona State University certifies that she or he has completed some, though not necessarily all, of the ten areas of emphasis of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, the student will be deemed to have satisfied WSU University Studies.
WSU’s physical development and wellness basic skill category has no corresponding Minnesota Transfer Curriculum area of emphasis. Students transferring to Winona State University will not be deemed to have completed this requirement unless the schools from which they transfer certify completion of the entire Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ADMISSION
Office of International Services and Cultural Outreach
Kryzsko Commons, Room 128 (507-457-5303)
www.winona.edu/international
Email: intrec@winona.edu

Prospective international students who will hold F-1 visa status are welcome to apply for admission to Winona State University. Applicants should request the necessary application information from the Office of International Services and Cultural Outreach (see above). Prospective international students should follow these procedures:
1. Submit a completed WSU international admission application and $20
application fee. The fee should be payable to Winona State University in U.S. dollars. The Office of Admissions encourages students who are non-U.S. citizens to complete the application process three months before the first day of class for the semester in which studies are to begin.
2. Include official, certified academic credentials, verifying the completion of previous educational studies; this document(s) must include official mark sheets from all schools attended, including language schools. Please note that syllabi (course descriptions) should be provided for all non-U.S. college or university subjects. This is essential for the correct awarding of transfer credit. English translations must accompany any foreign language documents.
3. Request that an original or a certified true copy of your TOEFL score be forwarded to the WSU Office of International Services. The WSU code is 6680. The TOEFL score must meet the minimum of 190 on the computerized version, 520 on the paper version, or 68 on the Internet version.
4. Include either an original or notarized financial support statement from each sponsor or an original or notarized official bank statement for personal savings. Such statements must provide proof of financial responsibility for the duration of study at WSU. The amount of available funds must be indicated in U.S. dollars and dated within six months of the application date. The international application includes specific forms to be used for this purpose.

International students should be aware of the following information regarding admission to the University:
• Failure to supply official mark sheets/certified true copies from all schools previously attended is considered fraud and grounds for canceling admission or enrollment to the University.
• The financial support statement submitted during the admission process is scrutinized carefully because very little financial aid is available to students who are not U.S. citizens. Upon enrollment at the University, all financial obligations, including tuition, fees, room and board, laptop program, and health insurance must be paid by the due date.
• In most cases, immigration regulations prohibit students from applying for or accepting employment outside the campus community.
• WSU cannot assume responsibility for emergency situations that may arise while international students are attending the University.
• WSU requires international students to have health insurance; in most instances, this insurance must be purchased through the University.
• The University also requires all F-1 visa holders to complete an on-campus English placement exam unless the student is transferring
to WSU with English composition credits accepted by the University. The English test, administered during orientation week, determines the appropriate English placement.
• Cross-cultural scholarships are available to all students accepted for admission. Based on the TOEFL score, Presidential Honor Scholarships are available to students who come to the University as freshmen with no transfer credits. To request additional information, contact International Services at intrec@winona.edu.

International students must report to the Office of International Services upon arrival to campus. International students are also required to be enrolled for a minimum of one academic year prior to being given permission for transfer to another institution.

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS CATEGORIES
Adult Entry Students
Outreach and Continuing Education Department (OCED)
Somsen Hall, Room 109 (507-457-5080)

The Adult Entry Program serves the educational needs of adult students within the University’s service area, on and off campus. The program is for adults who want to pursue an Associate in Arts or a baccalaureate degree. This innovative program features flexible admission requirements. The application process involves an assessment and review of prior learning, which the applicant has acquired through informal education or life/work experience. (A processing fee will apply.) WSU validates credits earned; the credits may apply toward a student’s degree program. For more information, contact the OCED office.

Non-Matriculated Undergraduate Students
Outreach and Continuing Education Department (OCED)
Somsen Hall, Room 109 (507-457-5080)

The Non-Matriculated Undergraduate Student Program allows adults who are not seeking a degree to take undergraduate classes on campus without going through the formal admission procedure. To participate in the program, the applicant must be a high school graduate (and be out of high school for at least one year) and/or have five years work experience. A maximum of 6 credits can be taken per semester, and a maximum of 12 credits can be transferred to a degree program.
The program opens the University’s doors to persons in the community desiring courses for general interest, professional enhancement, or personal enrichment. Contact the OCED office for more information.

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program
Students who have completed the 10th grade may be considered as applicants if they are currently enrolled in high school and have demonstrated an unusually high ability and/or achievement and are recommended by a high school counselor or principal. To be eligible, high school juniors must be in the top 15 percent of their class or have an ACT of 26 or higher; seniors must be in the top 25 percent of their class or have an ACT of 25 or higher.

Previous Undergraduate Degree Students
Students are classified as Previous Undergraduate Degree students if they have a baccalaureate degree and are taking additional undergraduate courses to satisfy a second major, minor, or certificate. Applicants must submit the following to the Office of Admissions:
• A Previous Bachelor’s Degree Application
• A $20 non-refundable application fee (unless they have attended WSU and paid the fee previously)
• Transcripts of previous college work and proof of baccalaureate degree

Returning Students
WSU students who have not attended the University for one or more semesters (summer excluded) are classified as returning students. Returning students must complete the Intent to Return form, which is available in the Registrar’s Office (Maxwell Hall). The Registrar’s Office then evaluates the student’s record for possible re-admission.
Students who intend to take further coursework at WSU are considered to be returning transfer students if they have attended another college or university (summer excluded) since they last attended WSU. Official transcripts are required for all college/university attendance. Returning transfer students must complete the WSU Application for Transfer and Returning Transfer Admission form, which is available in the Office of Admissions. The Office of Admissions evaluates the transcripts for possible re-admission.
Returning students who have been academically suspended should refer to page 26 for guidelines concerning re-admission under the University’s suspension policy. Under some circumstances, a returning student may petition to have a portion of his or her prior WSU transcript set aside and the GPA recalculated. See page 26 concerning the academic pardon policy.

Undergraduate Special Students
Students are classified as Undergraduate Special students if they are taking undergraduate courses for enrichment, general interest, credit to transfer to another school, or if they have no intention of earning a degree at WSU. Applicants must provide the following:
1. File an Undergraduate Special Enrollment form
2. Submit a $20 non-refundable application fee (if they have not attended WSU and paid the fee previously)
3. Submit transcripts of previous college work or a Statement of Good Standing. This step is applicable for students who want to transfer credits to their “home” university or college.
Admissions decisions are based on the same standards established for students coming directly from high school and for transfer students.

PLACEMENT TESTING
Incoming students with no college credit in English and/or mathematics will be placed in their initial English or mathematics class based on their ACT sub-scores. Students who are not satisfied with their ACT placement or who do not present ACT scores may take the Accuplacer® exams for placement. Additional information about the Accuplacer® exams can be found at www.winona.edu/advising/placement. Information about specific dates, times, and locations of exams is available at the Advising and Retention Center (Maxwell Hall, Third Floor; 507-457-5600) and at www.winona.edu/advising.

VETERANS ASSISTANCE
Veterans Affairs Office
Maxwell Hall (507-457-5109)

WSU is approved by the State Approving Agency for Veterans Training. Students should present their eligibility certificates to the Veterans Affairs Office when they enroll.

Policies and Procedures
1. A student’s application for veterans’ benefits can be submitted through the county Veterans Service Office or through WSU. Along with the application, students must submit a certified copy of their DD-214 form or a Notice of Basic Eligibility.
2. Students should submit both copies of their Certificate of Eligibility for WSU when they apply for admission.
3. Enrollment is certified only after students present their DD-214 forms to the Veterans Affairs Office (after they have been admitted to the University). Enrollment for full-time students is usually for the academic year. Summer sessions and/or workshops are separate enrollment periods. The date of students’ enrollment is based on the school calendar, workshop dates, or contract periods. Note: A mixture of graduate and undergraduate credits is allowed only under special arrangements.
4. Students must report each change in academic load to the Veterans Affairs Office.
5. Payments of benefits: Allowances are paid on a monthly basis, conditional on students’ satisfactory progress in an approved course and their conduct. Payments are released upon certification furnished by the school. Students must notify the Registrar’s Office and the Veterans Affairs Office when they complete a course, drop a course, or have an interruption in their course of training.
6. Veterans with Dependents: The Veterans Administration (VA) requires students to submit certified copies of marriage certificates, birth certificates, and/or adoption papers for their dependents before they can receive payments based on their marriage and dependents. They are paid a single rate until these documents are on file with the VA. The WSU Veterans Affairs Office and the county Veterans Services Officer can help expedite this procedure.
7. Re-enrollment: Students can re-enroll without a new Certificate of Eligibility. They must notify the WSU Veterans Affairs Office.
8. Academic Load: Full-time training requires 12 semester hours (S.H.) of undergraduate credit or 9 S.H. of graduate credit. Three-fourths time training requires 9 S.H. of undergraduate credit or 7-8 S.H. of graduate credit. Half-time training requires 6-8 S.H. undergraduate credit or 6 S.H. of graduate credit.
9. Tutorial assistance: This program provides tutors to help students overcome a deficiency in any subject required for the satisfactory pursuit of an educational objective. It is available to Vietnam-era veterans. Contact the WSU Veterans Affairs Office for detailed information.
10. Credit for military schools: Service schools and training are evaluated according to the recommendations of the American Council on Education’s Guide to the Evaluation of Educational. Experience in the Armed Services when students present an official AARTS or SMARTS transcript to the Office of Admissions.
11. Waiver of physical education activity requirements: This requirement is waived if students have been on active duty for more than one year.

COLLEGE-LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)
Office of Admissions
Maxwell Hall (507-457-5100)

The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP®) is a College Board program that allows students to earn college credit by demonstrating their mastery of college-level material in introductory subjects. CLEP provides students of any age with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. CLEP exams do not relate to a specifically designed college-level course taught in high school. Rather, CLEP exams test mastery of college-level materials acquired in a variety of ways including general academic instruction, significant independent study, or extracurricular work.
CLEP exams cover material taught in courses that most students take as requirements in the first two years of college. A college usually grants the same amount of credit to students earning satisfactory scores (50 or higher) on the CLEP examination as it grants to students successfully completing the designated course.

CLEP Examination Accounting American Government American Literature Analyzing and Interpreting Literature Biology Calculus Chemistry College Algebra College Mathematics English Literature French Language Freshman College Composition German Language History of the United States I History of the United States II Human Growth and Development Humanities Information. Systems & Computer Applications Introduction to Business Law Intro. to Educational Psychology Introductory Sociology Introductory Psychology Natural Sciences Precalculus Principles of Macroeconomics Principles of Microeconomics Principles of Management Principles of Marketing Social Science and History Spanish Language Western Civilization I Western Civilization II Western Civilization I AND Western Civilization II

WSU Credit for General elective Political Science 120, Intro. to American Politics English120, Introduction to Literature   Math 115, College Algebra Math 100, Survey of Mathematics English 120, Introduction to Literature   History 150, U.S. History to 1865 History 151, U.S. History Since 1865 Psychology 250, Developmental Psychology Electives, Humanities in University Studies General Elective Elective, Social Science in University Studies Sociology 150, Introduction to Sociology Psychology 210, Intro. to Psychological Science  Elective, Natural Science in University Studies Math 120, Precalculus Economics 202, Principles of Macroeconomics Economics 201, Principles of Microeconomics General Elective Marketing 300, Principles of Marketing Elective, Social Science in University Studies History 120, Western Civilization to 1500 History 122, Western Civilization 1815 to Present History 121, Western Civilization 1500–1815 AND History 122, Western Civilization 1815 to Present

      
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Office of Admissions
Maxwell Hall (507-457-5100)
Email: admissions@winona.edu

All departments offer advanced placement credit to qualified students who achieve satisfactory scores of “3” or above on Advanced Placement Tests. For specific details, contact the Office of Admissions.