Get Ready to Begin Your Warrior Journey
With Virtual Registration Day, you’ll be prepped and ready for Fall 2021.
You are in for a fantastic first year at WSU as the faculty and staff are all working hard to:
- give you the best education
- provide the support you need to succeed
- offer fun experiences for campus life
We’re so excited to welcome you to the Warrior family – whether you’re coming to campus this fall or joining us through online classes.
Welcome from Vice President of Student Life, Dr. Denise McDowell
Welcome from WSU Dean of Students, Dr. Karen Johnson
Next Steps for Students
There’s a lot to do before the school year starts.
But don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of help along the way.
Info for Parents
Help your student get ready to head off to college.
You’ll also find resources to help you embrace being a parent to a college student.
All the Resources
Find all the on-campus resources you need to start your semester off right.
Learn about life in Winona and get to know your new home.
FAQs
We know you’ve got questions about how to prepare for your first semester at WSU.
Consult the FAQs for all the answers.
Students
Your first semester at WSU is going to be full of new experiences from exploring academic interests and getting started on a career path to living on campus and making friends.
Here are things you need to do and things you need to know to be prepared for Fall 2021.
If you have any questions, check the FAQs or contact the Warrior Success Center at
wa********************@wi****.edu
.
Things to Do
Plan Your Class Schedule
First, you’ll need to understand what types of courses you need to take for your major and the General Education Program.
You can read through course descriptions in the Course Catalog.
Advising Tips for Your Major
Get hints and tips on how to work with your advisor to build a great schedule.
- General Education Program
- Business Majors
- Education Majors
- Liberal Arts Majors
- Science & Engineering Majors
- Nursing Majors
Math Placement Exams
Not sure which math class you should take? The ALEKS placement program will help you find the right class for your math skills.
Mentorship Program
In the College of Science Engineering and Mentorship Program, you’ll be paired with an experienced current student with similar background, interests and career goals.
This mentor student will help you make connections on campus and support your success.
ALEKS PPL:
https://www.winona.edu/scienceandeng/getting-started.asp
College of Science Engineering and Mentorship Program:
https://www.winona.edu/scienceandeng/mentorship-program.asp
Register for Classes
With your advisor’s help, you’ll register for courses in eServices. Your assigned advisor will reach out to you set up an advising time.
Check your email or watch for a phone call.
What is OR 100?
In Orientation 100 (OR 100), you’ll learn about resources that will help you be successful at WSU and get to know campus.
All new students take this course in their first semester at WSU.
Head to the Forms Kiosk
Use your StarID to log into the Forms Kiosk. There are a variety of forms you’ll need to complete, including:
- Laptop Distribution Sign Up
- Warrior ID Card Application
- FERPA, which deals with student data privacy
- Emergency Contact Information
Sign into Your Email
Your WSU email is the main way you will get notifications about financial aid, tuition payments, and other important information.
It’s also how your professors will contact you outside of class.
Be sure to check your WSU email often and contact Tech Support if you have any issues signing in.
Get to Know the My Warrior Life Portal
The My Warrior Life portal bring all the resources you need into one easy-to-use personalized dashboard that you can access with your StarID login.
It has everything from your class schedule and your advisor contact info to notifications about your next steps for financial aid and registration.
You’ll also find easy access to support services as well as updates about news and events around campus in the My Warrior Life portal.
Learn more about the features in the My Warrior Life portal.
Things to Know
Move In Day & Welcome Week
Move-In Day is being planned for mid-late August. More details will be announced in your Housing Portal as decisions are finalized.
There is also a plan to hold an in-person Welcome Week in a way that maintains social distancing.
Understand Your Financial Aid
Your financial aid award letter will be posted in Student eServices and mailed out in the first week of July. Your award letter includes the the details of what types of financial aid and how much you’re able to get.
Then you can make a plan for financial aid disbursement and paying your tuition bill.
If you haven’t submitted your FAFSA yet, there is still time to receive financial aid for Fall 2022.
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Work Study vs. Student Help Jobs
- Types of Federal Loans
- Optional Loans
- How to Accept Federal Loans
- FAFSA Verification
- Special Conditions & FAFSA
Scholarships are a great way to pay for college. Learn how to search for scholarships at WSU.
Learn about the types of grants offered at WSU.
Thinking about working on campus? Learn about the differences between work study and student help jobs.
Learn the differences between a subsidized and unsubsidized Federal student loan.
Wondering what “optional alternative loan” means on your financial aid award notification?
This video explains what the optional alternative loan is and provides you with information on how to apply for additional student loans if necessary.
This video walks you through how to accept the Federal Direct loan on student e-services.
About a third of all student are selected for a process called verification. The Department of Education requires the WSU Financial Aid Office to verify certain information on your FAFSA prior to calculating an award.
This video provides helpful tips if you are unsure of what information we are asking for.
How to Choose a Major
Not sure what you want to major in yet? That’s ok!
There’s no rush to decide your major in your first semester, or even your first year.
Here’s some resources on deciding your major to help you figure out your career interests and eventually declare a major.
How to Use Student eServices
Student eServices is an online tool where you can manage course registration, student records, grades, payment, financial aid and more.
Learn how to navigate eServices and find these resources.
Manage Your Money
Going to college means becoming more independent and making your own decisions. It’s also an opportunity to take charge of your personal finances.
There are many ways to learn about money management, and CashCourse is a free online resource with tools designed for college students.
Here’s some strategies for building a budget fit for college life.
Set Up Direct Deposit at WSU
If you work on campus, take out financial aid to help pay for off campus housing, or receive a refund from WSU you will need to have direct deposit information on file for us to send you money.
Explore Study Abroad
Travel is beginning to open up! Now is a great time to start planning your future study abroad experience.
If you’re not sure where to start, browse the Major Guides to see recommended programs for some of the most common majors.
You are always welcome to contact the Study Abroad office for more information!
Learn About the eWarrior Laptop & Technology Program
The eWarrior Technology Program provides every student with a new laptop computer, all the necessary software and access to tech support.
With these top-of-the-line tools and services, you’ll be equipped for a successful semester.
Be sure that you understand the Student eWarrior Technology Agreement. Also, you have the option to purchase laptop insurance as protection against damage or theft.
Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Student
As a WSU student, you are expected follow several policies for student conduct.
These policies are in place to make sure that we all treat others with respect and to protect students’ safety and well-being both on campus and in the community.
Alex Kromminga, Director of Student Conduct & Citizenship, explains more about your rights and responsibilities as a WSU student.
Parents
Even though your relationship is changing with your child, you will never stop being a parent. We at WSU want to work with you to help your student reach their goals and achieve their dreams.
Move-In Day & On-Campus Housing
As we continue to navigate the effects of COVID-19, Move-In Day is being planned for mid-late August.
More details will be announced in your student’s Housing Portal as decisions are finalized.
Help Your Student be Successful
WSU Counselor Mick Lynch offers advice to help your student find their way at WSU.
The best thing you can do is guide your student to set goals, access campus resources and solve their own problems.
Paying for College
Your student will find their financial aid award letter and their tuition and fee statement in Student eServices.
Learn about payment options and the financial aid disbursement process.
Take Care of Yourself
It can be tough to send your child off to college.
You are proud of their achievements, but perhaps sad to see them all grown up and worried about whether they’ll be ok at college.
You can connect with other parents of WSU students on the WSU Family Facebook Page.
There’s also resources to help you navigate the transition to being the parent of a college student.
Mark Your Calendar
Family Weekend is the perfect time to come back to campus and see how your student is settling into college life.
This long weekend is packed with event and activities both on campus and in the Winona area.
Homecoming is another campus event to look forward to. Join your student in celebrating and showing your Warrior Pride!
Due to the changing campus environment during the COVID-19 Pandemic, these events are tentative and not confirmed at this time. Please continue to check the event websites for updates.
Resources
Get to Know Campus
From academics to wellness to student activities and so much more, student have access to everything they need right on campus.
Housing & Dining
Explore the residence halls to find your new home before room selection starts in June.
Keep in mind that all traditional halls will be single person rooms due to social distancing precautions. But this is great news for those of you who like your personal space.
While you may not have a roommate, there will be many ways to connect with others in your hall and make friends.
You’ll also choose your meal plan that gives you access to the dining centers and Dining Dollars to spend as you please.
Purple Pass is another way you can buy meals and snacks in Zane’s food court, Einstein’s Bagels and other cafes on campus–even vending machines!
Learn more about meal plan options and how the meal plan works. Explore the Purple Pass program.
Student Life & Clubs
Your social life is a huge part of your college experience.
At WSU, it’s easy to make friends while having fun and exploring interests outside the classroom.
So you can look forward to taking part in our campus and community traditions or make your own.
No matter your niche, you’re sure to make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Explore campus life at WSU.
Health & Counseling Services
Nobody likes to be sick, so you can count on the Health Services team to help you get well as soon as possible.
And your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Counseling Services offers free confidential counseling to all students.
Both Health Services & Counseling Services are providing telehealth appointments. This makes it easy to access these wellness services whether you choose to return to campus or not.
Equity & Inclusive Excellence
Something that makes college so exciting is meeting people from different backgrounds. And WSU is no exception.
The Office of Equity & Inclusive Excellence and KEAP Diversity Resource Center collaborate year-round to support every learner.
Family Ties and Guiding Warriors Mentoring are two programs that are offered to help new students build connections and achieve their college goals.
This partnership also empowers Warriors to successfully live in a global society and use their voice to change the world we live in.
Building an equitable community requires hard work and sustained effort. WSU is taking our first action steps and asks our community to do the same.
Student Support Services
The Warrior Success Center has just about everything you need for academic and career support:
- Advising Services – meet with professional advisors to help you explore majors, improve academic success and more
- Career Services— find an on-campus job, get your resume in order and polish your career-readiness skills
- Tutoring Services – sign up for free one-on-one and group tutoring in a variety subjects
- Access Services – request accommodations like note-takers and low-distraction test areas if you have a documented disability
TRIO
TRIO is a grant program that helps eligible students reach their goal of graduation.
TRIO advisors meet with you one-on-one to provide encouragement, advice, course selection guidance, career exploration and much more.
Fitness & Sports
Everything you need for your wellness journey is just a quick walk across campus in the IWC.
Achieve your healthiest self and have fun with:
- Variety of exercise equipment in the three-floor fitness center
- Personal trainers
- Free group fitness classes
- Intramural teams and club sports
- Indoor swimming pool
- Climbing wall
Warrior Athletics
Show your Warrior Pride by cheering for our athletes on the field, court and track.
There’s always a game to watch no matter the time of year, and the best part– WSU students can attend all home sporting events for free!
Warrior Hub
The Warrior Hub is your one stop for help with variety of services such as:
- Student accounts
- Financial Aid
- Course registration
- Student employment
- Parking Services
- Purple Pass & Warrior ID Cards
What is Purple Pass?
With the Purple Pass program, you can use your Warrior ID card like a debit card across campus and at locations around Winona. You can purchases food and drinks, tickets to campus events, gear from the WSU Bookstore and so much more.
These funds are yours– you will never lose your dollars, go negative in your account or be charged fees to add money to your Purple Pass. Family and friends can even make guest deposits to your account as well.
WSU Bookstore
Sign Up for Textbook Reservation
Textbook Reservation is a service where Bookstore staff box your books and you pick them up. It’s easy, all you have to do is sign up!
The textbooks are charged to the student’s account, plus a one-time $15 processing fee for the semester.
Connect with the WSU Bookstore
Like us on Facebook to:
- Be the first to know about upcoming sales and promotions
- Enter in giveaways
- Stay up to date on important store information
Get to Know Winona
Winona is a great place to call home for your college years. Nearly everything you need is in walking distance from WSU’s main campus from basics like groceries and ATMs to convenient coffee shops and fun things to do downtown.
Grocery Stores
Stock up on snacks and staples at local grocery stores Midtown Foods, Hy-Vee and the Bluff County Co-Op.
Banking
Keep your money close at hand by opening an account with a bank or credit union in Winona.
Find the local branch that best fits your needs:
Transportation Options
The WSU Shuttle will get you between Main Campus and East Lake Apartments for free.
And there are many ways to get around Winona from walking, biking, taking the city bus or calling a Lyft.
If you do bring a car to campus, make sure you buy a parking permit or prepare for street parking.
Restaurants & Coffeeshops
For all you foodies, Winona is the perfect place for a mix of the popular chain restaurants you love and local eateries—like coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries and ice cream parlors—you won’t find anywhere else.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
At WSU, we are lucky to be surrounded on all sides by natural beauty.
Whether you prefer the scenic views, a casual stroll around Lake Winona or the thrills of hiking, biking, rock-climbing and more outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
See more outdoor life in Winona.
Fun & Entertainment
As businesses have started opening up again across Minnesota, so to has Winona’s downtown.
No matter your tastes, there’s plenty of things to keep you busy and entertained within walking distance of campus.
Get some pals together and test your trivia smarts in Taproom Trivia at Island City Brewing Company or listen to live music at local cafes.
Shop around downtown for whatever’s on your list, from hand-crafted jewelry, art and other gifts, to books, boardgames and music.
Faith Resources
Hidden Pane
Student Clubs
There are a variety of faith-based student clubs at WSU.
Christian Faiths
There are several church communities in Winona, including Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Episcopalian.
The Lutheran Campus Center (LCC) is a campus ministry based out of the ELCA and open to anyone–definitely not just Lutherans.
As their T-shirts say, they are a grace-filled community of: disciples, seekers, dreamers, skeptics, doubters, questioners, explorers, sinners, saints, scientists, poets, artists, wanderers, wonderers, queer, trans*, gender-fluid, straight, coffee lovers, tea drinkers, speakers, listeners, secure, insecure, curious, concerned, hopeful, hopeless, open, opening, committed to being better ancestors and anti-racists–all beloved children of God.
There is also LSF Winona, a college ministry affiliated with St. Martin’s Lutheran Church (LCMS) that welcomes all students. Visit the LSF Winona Facebook page for more information and a chance to win a gift card!
Islam
The Islamic Center of Winona is located at 71 W 3rd St. in Winona.
Judaism
The Congregation Sons of Abraham is located in La Crosse, WI.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any other questions, contact the Warrior Success Center at
wa********************@wi****.edu
.
What COVID-19 safety precautions is the campus taking?
We will follow the guidelines as indicated by the Minnesota Department of Health.
These are ever changing, but will include social distancing guidelines, masks when appropriate, sanitizing stations, and encouraging students, faculty, and staff stay home when they are showing potential symptoms.
For more information see our COVID-19 website.
I don’t think I do well with online learning, what resources are there for me?
First and foremost, your faculty are here for you to help you succeed. If you think you may struggle, reach out to them early and talk with them about your concerns.
We also have tutoring and the Writing Center to help you with courses.
Use a planner to track deadlines.
Many of our students have found that finding a place to study that is outside their room helps them stay focused.
Keeping yourself disciplined is the key.
Will campus be "normal" in the fall?
Well yes and no. Campus will be open.
The Residence halls will be open. Dining will be open. The Fitness Center will be open. The Library will be open. Kryzsko Commons will be open.
We will take safety precautions, but the campus will be open for business.
When can we move in?
Check the Housing website for that information.
What health services are available?
We have a well-staffed and qualified Health Services team who is in constant communication with both the surrounding health care facilities as well as the Minnesota Department of Health.
How do online classes work, and will I get training on how to use the online system?
We use D2L Brightspace, a very popular “learning management system”, to support all courses at WSU. Every section of every course has a corresponding Brightspace course site online.
Instructors use their Brightspace courses as their online “home base” for their classes. They use them to communicate with students through email messages, online announcements, discussion boards, and feedback on assignments. They post course materials online for students to download.
Students can check their grades, submit assignments, and interact with each other in Brightspace.
Faculty teaching online have the tools and support to deliver high-quality online learning experiences and students taking online courses are fully-supported by the same great services and staff who are here for them every day.
If you have questions email them at
dl*@wi****.edu
.
Are services provided for personal counseling, either in-person or virtual?
Counseling appointments will be available primarily over Zoom but some in-person may eventually be available depending on various health and safety factors.
For questions, to discuss options for counseling, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Counseling Services at
co****************@wi****.edu
.
