Mar 19, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Life



Dr. Denise McDowell, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Life
225 Maxwell Hall (507.457.5478)

The Division of Student Life and Development advances student learning and supports and enhances the educational mission of Winona State University. With an emphasis on holistic student development, faculty and staff within Student Life and Development (SLD) strive to assist students in becoming self-directed in all activities and achieving their potential.

Student Life and Development promotes and contributes to a University community centered on student learning and success. SLD is responsible for planning and administering an array of programs, services, and activities designed to accomplish the following:

  • Encourage the optimal growth and personal development of students
  • Contribute to student success and well-being
  • Foster a sense of community
  • Support an environment which is personal in nature, intellectually and culturally diverse, and which encourages the integration of all student experiences

SLD creates supportive environments and innovative opportunities for student learning. We promote individual student excellence; we invite collaboration and discovery; and we challenge students to take responsibility as members of a diverse global community.

Dean of Students

Dr. Karen Johnson, Dean of Students
230 Kryzsko Commons (507.457.5300)

The Dean of Students manages and oversees the University’s conduct processes, TRiO, community relations, and integrated wellness services - including Counseling & Wellness Services, Intramurals and Fitness. The Dean serves as a strong student advocate and provides leadership to the University in promoting and maintaining student rights and responsibilities and sustaining a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment.

Student Services

This section briefly describes key points of service available to address a broad range of student needs and interests. These services are designed to help students succeed at WSU. Please see Academic Resources  for additional information on academic services offered through student life including advising, new student orientation, tutoring services, and other academic resources.

Campus Card - Purple Pass

233 Maxwell Hall, Warrior Hub (507.457.2480)
Email: campuscard@winona.edu

All WSU students, faculty and staff are issued a photo Warrior ID card. Warrior ID cards are used to access sporting events, on-campus buildings, residence halls, and the Integrated Wellness Complex. This smart card can be used as an internal debit card called Purple Pass, which is a personally-funded declining balance account. Purple Pass is easy to use and allows for convenient cashless transactions. All Purple Pass users should setup a GET account or download the free GET app. GET provides built-in security and 24/7 access to account tracking with a six month transaction history. Students, parents, friends, faculty, and staff can deposit funds to a Purple Pass account or make guest deposits using GET. The Warrior Hub cashiers also accept cash/check/debit/credit deposits. Purple Pass does not accumulate fees, will never go into the negative, and all funds are carried over each year a student attends WSU. GET tracks all card spending, including Purple Pass transactions, meal plans swipes, and Dining Dollar balances. Purple Pass funds are accepted at all WSU vendors such as Jack Kane and Lourdes Dining Centers, Somsen Café, Zane’s (Panda Express, Pizza by the Slice, Mondo’s Subs, Grab n Go Food, Sono’s Mexican, and Sushi Do), Education Villiage Cafe, Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bros Bagels, WSU Bookstore, Library Services, IT Media Printing Services, Campus Vending, and Warrior Entertainment Network ticket purchases. Discounts and promotions available throughout the year can be found on the WSU digital boards and the WSU Purple Pass Facebook page. Warrior ID cards should be reported as lost or stolen through GET. For more information, visit WSU’s campus card website.

Counseling and Wellness Services 

222 Integrated Wellness Complex (507.457.5330)
Email: counselingservices@winona.edu

Counseling and Wellness Services provides short-term counseling to currently enrolled students who are experiencing difficulty in their personal lives. Common concerns students often bring to Counseling and Wellness Services are anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, family problems, relationship concerns, academic concerns, self-esteem, grief, alcohol use/abuse, etc. Counselors also assist with off-campus referrals/resources if appropriate for the student’s care. In addition to personal counseling, Counseling and Wellness Services also offers career counseling, including the use of testing instruments such as the STRONG. Outreach educational presentations are offered to both the WSU community and the community at large.

Services are provided at no cost to the student. The information exchanged during the counseling process is confidential; students are advised of their client rights and the exceptions to confidentiality. Information will be released with the student’s written consent when appropriate.

To schedule an appointment with a licensed counselor, students can email counselingservices@winona.edu, call 507.457.5330, or stop into the Integrated Wellness Complex 222 between 8 am and 4:30 pm.

Health & Wellness Services 

222 Integrated Wellness Complex (507.457.5160)

Medical services at Health & Wellness Services are provided by a physician, nurse practitioners, registered nurses (RN), and licensed practical nurses (LPN). Laboratory tests can be performed within Health & Wellness Services by our medical technologist. All information is managed in a confidential and personal manner. Some of the most common services provided are listed below.

  • Ask a Nurse Message Line: 507.457.2292
  • Upper Respiratory Illnesses
  • Injuries
  • Allergy Injections
  • Pregnancy Testing
  • Contraception (Birth Control)
  • Emergency Contraception Pill (ECP or “Ella”)
  • General Illness
  • Mental Health (Anxiety, Depression)
  • Gynecology (GYN) Exams
  • Immunizations
  • COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination
  • Physical Exams
  • Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening (STIs)
  • Outreach Programming

There is no payment at the time of service. Comparatively low charges are generated for medications, vaccinations, supplies, procedures, and laboratory tests, just as in any other medical facility. Any costs incurred will be billed to the student’s health insurance. One statement will be mailed for any remaining balance and the charges will be put on the student’s WSU account.

Health Insurance

All Students (except International Students)
The Affordable Care Act requires everyone to have health insurance or be subject to penalties. There are several options available to students, which include being covered under their parent’s policy until age 26 or by purchasing coverage through the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange (MNsure).

International Students
MN State will continue to offer student health insurance to international students according to Board Policy 3.4.1 part 3, subpart B.2. WSU requires international students to have health insurance; in most instances, this insurance must be purchased through the 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. Records must be on file with the Health & Wellness Services. The law also requires that all students, in order to remain enrolled, must submit their Immunization Record within 45 days of the semester beginning. Visit the Health & Wellness Services website for more information.

Pre-enrollment physical exams are not mandatory; however, the University recommends that a physical exam be done.

Notes:

  1. For students who are planning to participate in athletics, a physical exam is mandatory and must be completed after July 1. A special form is available from the Athletics Department.
  2. Health records for transfer students are not sent automatically with transcripts from other colleges; transfer students must specifically request the records.

Equity & Inclusive Excellence

230 Kryzsko Commons (507.457.5595)
Email: cdstudent@winona.edu

Winona State University and the Equity & Inclusive Excellence Office are committed to cultural diversity and support by building an inclusive and pluralistic community through co-curricular education, community outreach, acceptance, and respect of issues related to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, beliefs, ability levels, economic status, sexual identity, gender identity, and religion.

As part of our mission we are committed to inclusivity and cultural diversity and support the following initiatives:

  • Promote understanding of the cultural and ethnic heritages of African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and other diverse cultures at WSU through co-curricular programming of events and activities.
  • Encourage the retention, and success of historically underrepresented and under-served students (i.e., diverse students, students of color, and first-generation students. 
  • Enhance curriculum development through the inclusion of multicultural perspectives by providing resources for intercultural campus and community initiatives.

In the spirit of broadening horizons, taking seriously the perspective of others and educating campus and community members to appreciate different cultures and ethnicities, the ultimate aim of Winona State University’s commitment to inclusivity is to empower our campus and local community for successful living in a global society.

KEAP Diversity Resource Center

162 Kryzsko Commons (507.457.2286)
Email: keapstudent@winona.edu

WSU’s KEAP Diversity Resource Center (KEAP stands for Knowledge, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Pluralism) is an inclusive and welcoming space on campus respecting all diverse persons and issues related to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, beliefs, ability levels, economic status, sexual identity, gender identity, and religion and is open to students, faculty, staff and community members. The KEAP Center operates under the Equity & Inclusive Excellence Office as a decentralized location, whose missions align with commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity on campus and in the community.

In support of the university’s mission to build a community of learners, the KEAP Center critically engages students, faculty, staff, administrators, and other allies to create and sustain a campus culture in which diverse persons, organizations, and groups can learn and develop to their greatest potential and participate in society to their maximum ability.

The KEAP Center collaborates with others in providing a variety of programs, activities, and services to help diverse learners to systematically explore the ways we culturally construct identity (who we are), knowledge (what we mean), power (how we assert influence), community (how we relate and belong to each other), and culture (how we make meaning).

International Student & Scholar Services

132 Gildemeister (507.457.5303) Fax: 507.457.2474
Email: is@winona.edu

The International Student & Scholar Services is dedicated to serving WSU’s international students, and to promoting and enhancing WSU campus internationalization efforts. Its goal is to provide excellent service and proper assistance to all international students attending this institution. Information and advice is available regarding international admissions, scholarships, immigration concerns and employment regulations regarding F-1 visa holders, orientation, cross-cultural programming and events, and other information related to the well-being of international students. The University requires international students to meet with a staff member at International Student & Scholar Services immediately upon arrival to the University. At that time, students will receive detailed information on the required International Student Orientation held the week prior to the beginning of the semester.

Parking Services 

233 Maxwell Hall (507.457.5062)
Email: parking@winona.edu

Parking permits are required in all University parking lots on the Winona campuses; WSU permits are also required for students who have state-issued handicapped permits. The application process for parking permits starts April 1 of each year to be effective for the following academic year. Once permits are sold out, applicants’ names are put on a waiting list. For more details and information, please contact Parking Services.

Kryzsko Commons Student Union

Kryzsko Commons (507.457.5310)
Email - General Inquiries: studentunion@winona.edu
Email - Director, George Micalone: George.micalone@winona.edu
Email - Asst. Director Event Services, Phil Steffes: phillip.steffes@winona.edu

Kryzsko Commons Student Union is the living room of campus and the hub of student life at WSU where students can eat, purchase books or WSU swag, hang out with friends, make new friends, and attend events. Kryzsko Commons Student Union also houses several departments including Student Union & Activities, Housing & Residence Life, Equity & Inclusive Excellence, the KEAP (Knowledge, Empowerment, Advocacy, Pluralism) Center, Dean of Students Office, Chartwells Dining Services, and the WSU Bookstore.

Located on the upper level, Jack Kane Dining Hall offers students an all-you-care-to-eat dining option. On the lower level is Zane’s Food Court offering Panda Express, Starbucks as well as sushi, grill options, fast mex, Indian, mac n cheese bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, and grab-n-go items. The facility has over 20 reservable meeting and event spaces with AV included. The larger and more widely used spaces are the Kryzsko Ballroom, Baldwin Lounge, the Solarium and the Student Activity Center. Students can also hang out in Baldwin Lounge to connect with friends or study. There are four private study rooms available for student use. A Meditation Room with Footbath is available on the lower level. A wellness/lactation room is also available. Kryzsko Commons Student Union is home to the WSU Student Senate, Warrior Entertainment Network, The Winonan student newspaper, Greek Life and Student Organizations.

Also in the Student Union is the Warrior Esports Lounge. This free, recreational Esports gaming lounge (located in the lower level of Kryzsko Commons) is outfitted with eight High Powered Gaming PCs, high refresh rate monitors, eight Nintendo Switches, five - 65” Sony TVs, peripheral equipment like controllers and keyboards, and more than 30 games including Super Smash Bros, FIFA, Fortnite, Minecraft, Rocket League, Madden, and League of Legends. This space is available to new and seasoned players to lounge and enjoy video games in the company of others.

The newest addition to Kryzsko Commons is the outdoor Fire Feature Patio. This space is beautifully landscaped with high end outdoor furniture and features a 10’ fire table. Available by request, this space is used for roasting marshmallows, hanging out with friends or hosting events.

Student Activities and Leadership 

117 Kryzsko Commons (507.457.5310)
Email: Tracy Rahim: trahim@winona.edu, Alex Thompson: alexandra.thompson@winona.edu, George Micalone: george.micalone@winona.edu

Getting involved in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities outside the classroom is extremely important to students’ success at Winona State University. Involvement in a variety of activities helps students meet new people, get further involved in their field of study, develop new interests and life skills, and create a full college experience. WSU students can get involved in more than 150 clubs and organizations that encompass a wide variety of interests including:

  • Academic Clubs
  • Campus Organizations
  • Diversity Organizations
  • Faith-Based Clubs
  • Greek Life Organizations
  • Honorary Societies
  • Special Interest Clubs
  • Sports Clubs

There are club/organization fairs each fall to help students meet student leaders and get connected to the different groups on campus.

In addition to clubs and organizations, the Student Activities and Leadership staff work with other types of groups and activities on campus to help ensure a robust experience for all WSU students:

  • WSU Student Senate: the representative body of Winona and Rochester students
  • Warrior Entertainment Network: the student-run organization that plans entertainment events
  • The WINONAN: WSU’s student newspaper
  • Greek Life: social sororities and fraternities
  • Homecoming: an annual fall tradition
  • Family Weekend: a time to show off your life at WSU to your family and friends
  • Warrior Game Day Experience: a giant tailgate event for students, alumni, and the community before each home football game

The Warriors LEAD Series is a co-curricular leadership development series designed to:

  • Assist students in their leadership journey by providing a hands-on leadership experience
  • Allow students the time and space to discuss, learn and grow in their leadership skills
  • Provide students with tangible skills and tools to be great leaders

Teaching, Learning and Technology Services  (Information Technology Services)

130 Maxwell Hall (507.457.5240, Option 3)
Email: tlt@winona.edu

Teaching and Learning Technology Services (TLT) empowers the campus community to utilize technology effectively by providing a wide range of learning opportunities, designing and maintaining engaging learning spaces, managing academic and workplace technology projects, and exploring new technologies that enrich digital life and learning.

TLT’s Digital Learning Commons (DLC) offers students technology usage, media color printing, and 3D printing assistance, both online and in-person (Darrell W. Krueger Library 105). Staffed by WSU student technology and resource specialists (STARS), the DLC helps students complete class projects, learn to use digital tools and services, and build technology skills for success at WSU and beyond.

Warrior Hub 

222 Maxwell Hall (507.457.2800)
Email: warriorhub@winona.edu

The Warrior Hub, located on the west side of Maxwell Hall, is an integrated student enrollment service center. This area incorporates the functions of seven departments (Admissions, Advising Services, Career Services, Financial Aid, Parking, Registrar, and Student Accounts) all under one roof. The Warrior Hub provides students, families, and the WSU community with integrated and efficient services in a single stop.

The heart of the center is the second floor Hub where WSU team members assist students with enrollment service needs in a one-stop setting. When necessary, team members link students with specialists who work one-on-one with students to address specific needs. Most of these specialists have offices within the Hub.

WSU Bookstore

Lower Level, Kryzsko Commons (507.457.5319)
Email: wsubookstore@winona.edu

The WSU Bookstore provides necessary course materials for student purchase including new and used textbooks as well as services such as book rental and book reservation. The Bookstore also sells WSU apparel, gift items, and school/office supplies.

By signing up for the Textbook Reservation Service, the bookstore will reserve all required material for a student’s courses for easy pick up. The reservation service offers priority preference for used materials. More information and reservation forms are available at the Bookstore.

Academic texts and supplies can be charged to a student’s account each semester for a $15 fee.

The Winona State University Bookstore is owned and operated by the University with 100% of all Bookstore profits contributed to WSU student scholarships and student campus improvements.

WSU Children’s Center

Helble Hall, 108 E. Sandborn St. (507.457.2300)
Email: childrenscenter@winona.edu
Director: Karen Sullivan (interim)

The WSU Children’s Center, as part of the College of Education, provides:

  • A full-service, affordable, and inclusive early education and child care setting for children
  • An interactive classroom setting for University students seeking a variety of Minnesota teaching licensures, affording students participation in practicum/field placements, student teaching, and employment opportunities
  • A professional development center for regional early childhood professionals

All sites operate year round excluding University holidays and part of each semester break. Daily hours are 7 am - 5:30 pm. Infant-Preschool aged children may be enrolled as part-time or full-time participants. Children aged 6-11 receive after-school and full-day summer enrichment programs.

WSU students who have children are strongly urged to contact the Children’s Center as soon as they are admitted to WSU due to high demand for the center’s services and to learn more about resources available for students who are parents.

Programs are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and have received the highest (4-star) Minnesota Parent Aware Quality Rating.

Policies and Regulations

Affirmative Action Office
202 Somsen Hall (507.457.2766)

The Affirmative Action Officer provides information and investigates complaints of discrimination or harassment based upon race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law. The Affirmative Action Officer also investigates concerns regarding sexual assault at WSU. These confidential services are available by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Call the Affirmative Action office for more information or to make an appointment.

Security Services

Chris Cichosz, Director of Security
Main Floor, Sheehan Hall (507.457.5555)
Email: ccichosz@winona.edu or security@winona.edu

WSU Security is charged with the responsibility of protecting life and property in a manner that will provide the safest possible learning environment for those we serve.  This service is rendered with creativity, compassion and competence through the understanding of the needs, values and goals of our community. We offer a wide range of programs and services designed to assist the campus community in maintaining personal safety and the security of property.

WSU encourages all members of the University community to be fully aware of the campus safety issues and to take action to prevent and report illegal and inappropriate activities. Personal awareness and applying personal safety practices are the foundation of a safe community. The Campus Security Report is designed to inform and educate the campus community on the measures that can be taken and the services available to assist in maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. All members of the University community are encouraged to contact the Director of Security with any concerns and questions regarding campus security and related issues.

Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Clery Report)

Winona State University recognizes providing the safest environment possible is an integral element of the University’s educational mission and annually publishes a Campus Security Report that is available to everyone. This report provides statements of policy for a broad range of safety, community relations, environmental safety, enforcement authority, Annual Fire Safety Compliance Report, missing persons policy, emergency notification and response and a three-year statistical review of designated crimes on campus.

A printed copy of this report may be obtained at no charge from the Winona State University Security office: Sheehan Hall, 264 W. Mark Street, Winona, MN 55987 or by calling 507.457.5555. View the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Student Conduct

Office of the Dean of Students
234 Kryzsko Commons (507.457.5300)
Email: studentlife@winona.edu

The WSU Student Conduct Code expresses expectations concerning student behavior and states the rights of students. Copies of the WSU Student Conduct Code and related policies are available online and in the Office of the Dean of Students. Students are responsible for being aware of and complying with all WSU student policies and regulations.

The purpose of the conduct system at WSU is (1) to provide an educational experience through which students learn to understand, accept, and promote attitudes and behavior conducive to responsible citizenship; (2) to provide a system by which students are held accountable for actions that violate University proscribed behaviors listed in the Student Conduct Code; and (3) to protect the due process rights of students charged with conduct violations.

At the discretion of the University, students may be held accountable for behavior both on and off campus that constitutes a violation of the Student Conduct Code or local, state, and federal laws. The WSU Student Conduct Code does not replace or reduce the requirements of civil or criminal laws. Contact the Office of the Dean of Students for additional information or for assistance with a complaint.