Mission & Commitments
At Winona State University, we are a community of learners improving our world.
We earnestly believe in being a force for good and making a positive impact.
A community of learners improving our world
The mission of Winona State University is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic vitality of the people and communities we serve.
We offer undergraduate programs based on the traditions and values of the arts and sciences and an array of graduate and professional programs that are especially responsive to the needs of the Upper Midwest.
We prepare our graduates to serve generously, lead responsibly and respond imaginatively and creatively to the challenges of their work, their lives and their communities.
We enact our institutional mission and commitments through area-specific strategic plans that guide operations across the University.
WSU offers not only an excellent education, but also meaningful learning experiences for students.
More than learning knowledge in classrooms, students at WSU apply the knowledge in career paths through engaged learning opportunities.
With a hands-on approach, students have internships, practicums, and clinical placements with prominent companies and gain experience in their fields prior to graduation.
As one of the first universities in the U.S. to provide laptops to students, WSU knows how important technology is today and in the future.
From tech-enabled classrooms and makerspaces to 3D printers and simulation labs, WSU has modern technology to prepare students to be career ready in a tech-centered world.
Our faculty are enthusiastic about their programs—and it shows.
Leveraging industry connections and their own continued professional development, our professors deliver high-value educational experiences.
We want our students to excel in their careers with a return on their investment and as little student debt burden as possible.
Between financial aid programs, need-based institutional awards, and WSU Foundation scholarships, students have many options to fund their education.
The U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 ranking recognizes WSU’s success in enrolling and graduating large proportions of economically disadvantaged students.
The WSU Foundation scholarships are awarded for a variety of criteria, including GPA, current major, year in program, career choice, hometown, volunteer experience, and more.
That’s why WSU provides services to support the whole student—everything from healthcare and mental health resources to the Warrior Cupboard and Advocacy Center.
Students at WSU have access to support services at no extra cost, including tutoring, help with career development, and advising.
Faculty and staff get to know students as individuals and offer their time, energy, and support to students on a one-on-one basis.
We also connect students to outside resources in Winona and Rochester to make sure they can get the help they need.
We’re working to build a campus culture that values, elevates, and celebrates people from all backgrounds and perspectives.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Excellence
Our Equity & Inclusive Excellence Department has 3 full-time staff who provide services that address unique challenges and obstacles faced by students from historically marginalized communities.
We value the lived experiences of each of our students, faculty, and staff.
We intentionally create opportunities for our community to share their experiences, cultures, and identities, and learn from others.
WSU offers yearly trainings for administrators, staff, and faculty to raise cultural competency and address racial equity.
We are also developing a task force to create and modify academic curriculum to be culturally sensitive and inclusive.
In addition to the George Floyd Scholarship, WSU aims to increase access to higher education with the Resident Tuition Scholarship.
This scholarship evens the financial playing field for out-of-state students by offering in-state tuition for students who meet WSU’s admissions criteria.
The Bias Response Team will serve as a support system for any employee or student to bring forward a bias concern to be investigated and further addressed.
Alongside an affirmative action program, we look to hire candidates with skills for the job and the mindset to contribute to a diverse and inclusive community and culture at WSU.
All job applicants must submit a diversity statement about their personal or professional experiences in working with diverse populations.
With the Equity 2030 initiative, Minnesota State has set out to eliminate gaps in educational equity at every college and university in the system.
This is an opportunity to intentionally rethink the way WSU operates and make changes, so that all our students can create a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Our students find lifelong friendships with their peers and mentors in faculty and alumni.
They build fulfilling connections with our local communities as they engage in internships, jobs, and everyday life.
Our faculty and staff are likewise members of our local communities, and those partnerships bring valuable educational experiences and networking opportunities to students and alumni.
We value being part of our local communities and acting as good neighbors.
Community members are welcome to enjoy our campus grounds, attend events, and take advantage of the resources we offer.
WSU is mindful to seek input on major projects that extend into the local community because we understand the deep ties people have to their hometowns.
We believe that once you join our community, you’re a Warrior forever—and our alumni prove that year after year.
Alumni stay involved by engaging in classrooms, attending campus activities, and showing their Warrior Pride wherever they go.
The Legal Studies Department gave 15 students the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life by helping prevent certain legal cases from being an obstacle to employment and housing.
Alumni from WSU and SMU, along with affiliates with Home & Community Options, participated in a street cleanup to help beautify Winona.
After closing four years ago, the Rollingstone Community School is opening its doors to elementary students once again, thanks to the efforts of community members, 3 WSU alum teachers, and a former WSU staff member.
We have a responsibility to honor the history of this place. We recognize and acknowledge that WSU is situated on the ancestral lands of the Dakota people.
We acknowledge and honor the Dakota Nations and the sacred land of all indigenous peoples.
For decades, we’ve been working to practice and promote a culture of sustainability with everything from:
- President’s Climate Commitment
- campus facilities
- curriculum and academic programs
- opportunities for our community to take action
Along with having the largest solar panel energy system, WSU is the most energy efficient university in the Minnesota State system.
Between upgrading utilities, installing solar panels, investing in weatherizing measures, and focusing on other areas of impact, WSU’s LESS project is lowering our annual carbon footprint by 25%, among other savings in utilities and water usage.
Courses, research, and program offerings are infused with ideas of sustainability.
Through the Sustainability minor, students can learn how to address complex sustainability issues that impact every area of our lives now and for future generations.
Initiated by students, the Green Fee is used for campus sustainability projects, such making electric vehicle charging stations available, creating community gardens, and installing more campus bike racks.
It’s also used for education, student work, and outreach through the Green Action Project.
Free Speech & Academic Freedom
WSU endeavors to be an inclusive and intellectually open institution. We support the free exchange of ideas and the unhindered pursuit of knowledge for everyone in our community.
We believe exposure to a wide range of perspectives deepens our understanding of each other and the world around us. Free speech and free inquiry are indispensable to this goal.
Moreover, we believe placing limits on the scope of discussion has too often been used to silence legitimate dissent. We proudly protect the freedoms of conscience, expression, association, and peaceful assembly as set forth in the laws and Constitution of the United States.
We value these freedoms, but they are not our only values. We also value the climate of civility and respect that makes genuine dialogue possible. We also value the well-being and security of each member of our community.
Furthermore, our commitment to free speech does not mean that we recognize no restrictions whatsoever.
We aspire to be a community of learners improving our world. Free speech and free inquiry are crucial to that work.
It is our willingness to come together to listen, speak, and allow each other to be heard that enables us to learn from one another, and over time to discover and implement ideas that make the world a better place.