General Information

Academic Calendar

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Since 1917, Winona State University has served students in Rochester, Minnesota and the surrounding area.  In 1993, Winona State University, along with the University of Minnesota and Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC), collaborated to create the University Center at Rochester (UCR).  The Greater Rochester area served by the UCR has a population of over 100,000 people; area residents have a high level of education attainment, and they are highly receptive to the lifelong learning opportunities offered by WSU-Rochester and the other institutions. 

Its location in the growing city of Rochester provides WSU-Rochester with unique opportunities to offer specialized classes and programs aimed at key industries in the area, including computer science, the health care professions, business, and education.  WSU-Rochester’s strong “commitment to community” is evident as students, faculty, and staff from a variety of programs engage in experiential community-based learning in area organizations, businesses, and schools.

WSU-Rochester has served the region with distinction, and the numbers tell the story.  Over 2,000 students are served each year through day, evening, and weekend classes.  Over 5,000 bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates have graduated from programs offered at the WSU-Rochester campus. Approximately 40 resident faculty serve WSU-Rochester; in addition, 20 faculty from the Winona campus are dedicated to the Rochester campus.  A number of adjunct faculty professionals from area industries also serve students.

DEGREES AND PROGRAMS

WSU-Rochester provides upper-division courses for the completion of a number of WSU baccalaureate degrees.  Entering students can transfer credits from other institutions through individual transcript evaluation or official 2+2 program agreements with RCTC.   Through the 2+2 Program, students can complete 12 baccalaureate degree programs by transferring lower-division credits from RCTC and completing upper-level courses at WSU-Rochester.  Students at WSU-Rochester can also complete numerous undergraduate minors and five graduate degrees within 16 different graduate programs at the Master’s Specialist, and Doctoral levels.  

Non-Credit Programs

WSU-Rochester cooperates with community and professional groups and WSU’s Outreach and Continuing Education Department to provide non-credit continuing education programs for educators, business and industry, agencies, and government.

Adult Entry Program

This program is designed for mature students who have never attended college or who are returning to college.  Counselors are available in Rochester on a regular basis to assist adult students seeking a college education. Under this program, college credit may be awarded for life/work experience. (See “Outreach and Continuing Education Department” on page 4 for more information.)

ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION

Students who are not seeking a degree can enroll in WSU-Rochester classes without being formally admitted to the University; however, they must apply through the Provisional Admission process.  Students seeking a degree must apply for admission to the University.  Some degree programs also require an additional admission process.  For general information about undergraduate admissions, see page XX.  For general information about registration and academic records, see page XX.

While students applying for graduate degree programs must apply through the Graduate School office, it is possible to enroll in graduate courses as a “Graduate Special” student without applying to a graduate program.  The student must provide proof that he or she has earned an undergraduate degree.  For information about graduate admissions, consult the WSU Graduate Catalog. 

STUDENT SERVICES

Campus Visits

Students are encouraged to visit the WSU-Rochester campus any time.  For more information about programs and services, call 800-366-5418 or 507-285-7100.

Career Services

Rochester Campus:  SS 125 (507-280-5079)
Winona Campus: Maxwell Hall (507-457-5340)
www.winona.edu/career
Email:  RochesterCareer@winona.edu

Career Services assists undergraduate and graduate students seeking career direction, part-time work on and off campus, work-study positions, summer opportunities, internships, and full-time employment.  Alumni are also eligible for assistance in their search for full-time employment.  Students are encouraged to register early to take full advantage of the broad range of services offered through Career Services.

Students may schedule individual advising appointments to discuss career direction and questions related to the job search, to critique resumes and cover letters, and to obtain tips on interviewing.  They may also schedule appointments for mock interviews on the Career Services virtual interview kiosk.

Career Services provides opportunities for students to interact with employers through career fairs, job fairs, and on-campus interviews.  Once students register with Career Services, employers have access to their resumes directly through our website.  Additionally, students can access job openings or update their resumes via the Internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Employment information, graduate follow-up results, and additional resources are available in the office as well as our website.

The Career Services office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the academic year and from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the summer. Evening and weekend hours are available by appointment.

Computer Facilities

WSU-Rochester is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for interactive television (ITV) and computer systems that link UCR students with the Winona campuses and the world.  The computer facilities consist of multiple smart rooms, one open computer lab, and a laptop rental center.  All labs allow students access to mainframes on the Winona campus.

Counseling

Academic counseling services are available through WSU-Rochester (507-285-7100). Staff members are professional counselors with extensive academic experience in counseling.

Financial Aid

 Students must apply for financial aid online through the FAFSA website:  www.fafsa.gov.  Representatives from the WSU Financial Aid Office are available on the WSU-Rochester campus each week.  Interested students should call to arrange an appointment with a financial aid advisor (507-285-7100).

Housing and Dining

The University Center at Rochester (UCR) is a commuter campus.  However, a variety of housing options are available in the Rochester area, including furnished and unfurnished apartments, efficiencies, single room rentals, and houses.  RCTC has a listing of housing information available for students.  In addition, Professional Property Management, an independent local agency, provides housing information for UCR students. Students may obtain housing information from both of these sources at the UCR Information Desk or on the WSU-Rochester website, www.winona.edu/rochester. 

The UCR cafeteria is located on the third floor of the College Center.  In addition to the cafeteria, the Café Express offers light meals and snacks during the early evening hours.  Students may also use the microwaves located in the cafeteria as well as food and beverage vending machines located throughout the campus complex. 

International Students

Staff members from the Office of International Services are available on the WSU-Rochester campus.  Students may schedule appointments or request information by calling the Office of International Services on the Winona campus (507-457-5303).

Disability Services

Special services and accommodations for students with special needs are available by request.  Students may schedule appointments or request information by contacting the WSU Disability Resources Center on the Winona campus (507-457-2391; drc@winona.edu). 

Child Care

Child care for WSU-Rochester students is available on the UCR campus.  Students may request information by contacting the UCR Child Care Center (507-285-7232). 

Library

WSU-Rochester students have access to the UCR Goddard Library in Rochester and the Darrell W. Krueger Library on the Winona campus.  WSU-Rochester’s library holdings are integrated into UCR’s Goddard Library holdings of over 57,000 volumes. This arrangement provides students with an extensive resource of reference and research material on the WSU-Rochester campus.  In addition, students may request overnight courier service to the Winona campus library for articles and books; they may also do online searches using MnPALS and a number of other systems.

Parking Services

Students will be charged a $4.00 parking fee per credit with a maximum parking fee of $60 per semester (subject to change).  This fee will automatically be added to a student’s semester billing for tuition and fees.  No parking permit will be issued; student lots are designated. 

Student Disclosure Policy

Educational records of students taking classes at the UCR campus may be made available to employees of WSU and RCTC while the student is attending the UCR campus if access to a student record is required in order to provide services to the student.

Last Modified: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 16:18 by Charmaine Gorak