Parents & Families
Your child is starting college, but you never stop being a parent. At WSU, we want to work with you to help your student reach their goals.
As your student transitions into greater and greater independence, your role as a parent certainly changes but doesn’t diminish.
Parents are an important influence as they support their student’s success, stay connected, and encourage them to take advantage of the many resources Winona State University has to offer.
Attending college presents many financial decisions for both you and your student.
We have resources and tools to help you make sense of your options and make informed choices while your student attends WSU.
It’s a good idea to talk to your student often about how their education is being funded and how they are managing money while attending WSU.
Financial aid counselors are available to help students and families understand the financial process and payment options. Feel free to call the Warrior Hub at 507.457.5090 or email financialaid@winona.edu if you have any questions.
Both you and your student are welcome to explore free personal finance tools.
Find Money Management Tools
It’s best to apply for housing as soon as possible to have more choices for room assignments.
The room selection and roommate request processes are completed in your student’s Housing Portal.
Students typically move into their residence halls in late August prior to the start of Fall semester.
More details will be announced in your student’s Housing Portal as Move-In Day decisions are finalized.
WSU counselor Mick Lynch offers advice to help your student find their way at WSU.
If you have any concerns about your student’s adjustment to college, academic performance, or career preparation, the Warrior Success Center can help.
We are a team of professional academic and career advisors who meet one-on-one with students and offer customized support and guidance.
You can trust us to assist your student whenever needed along their educational journey. When in doubt, send your student to us.
Be a Coach, Not a Manager
The most effective learning involves doing, so resist the urge to contact a professor, talk to the RA, or otherwise intervene when your student is facing a challenge. This sort of “management” of your student’s issues won’t help them develop skills they’ll need to navigate daily life in and beyond their college years.
Instead, try to take on the role of a “coach”—someone who helps the student consider various options and likely outcomes.
Encourage your student to try new things and get help as needed to ensure that they graduate successfully and enjoy their experience at WSU. Ultimately, they should take action to overcome any challenges.
If you have serious concerns for your student’s safety or mental health, you should of course reach out to campus resources right away.
Resources for First Generation Families
Starting college is an exciting time for both students and parents. Students will be making new friends, attending interesting classes and learning how to tap into their potential as young adults.
However, being a first-generation college student can bring challenges related to resources, academics and finances. As the parent of a first-generation college student, there are things you can do to help your student succeed.
Most new students are away from home for the first time, which can be scary.
Encourage your First-Gen Warrior to get connected on campus through student clubs, intramural sports, attending campus events or volunteering in the community.
Many new students also get overwhelmed by how different – and challenging – college classes are.
WSU offers many free support programs, so if your student is struggling, encourage them to reach out and get the help they need.
Contact the First-Gen Warrior support team at firstgenwarrior@winona.edu for more ideas on how you can help your First-Gen Warrior be successful.
Here are a few ways you can stay up to date on WSU news, events, and deadlines as well as stay connected with your student while they’re attending college.
Check the academic calendar for dates and deadlines related to registration, billing, holiday breaks, and more.
Follow WSU on social media to see more about life at our campuses.
Mark your calendar for Family Weekend. It’s the perfect time to come back to campus and see how your student is settling into college life.
Plan to celebrate Homecoming with your student and show your Warrior Pride together.
Sign up for the WSU Alert system to stay in the loop in case of severe weather and emergencies on campus and in the local area.
You’re proud of their achievements but perhaps sad to see them all grown up and worried about whether they’ll be okay at college.
You can connect with other parents of WSU students on the WSU Family Facebook Page.
There are also resources to help you navigate the transition to being the parent of a college student.
WSU Family Facebook Page