With the dining hall abuzz with the roar of a thousand stories to the local streets outlined with bumper-to-bumper cars, the ever-moving congregation of students pays testament to what a thriving student body looks like. Since the fall semester of 2022, Winona State University has seen a 15% increase in student enrollment. With a current student population 6,072 strong, nearly 1,200 belong to the newest class. Due to this, students both on and off campus are experiencing what this notable wave of newcomers means for their day-to-day lives and collectively wonder what could have caused the spike.
Tracing the residential streets with a careful eye to ensure no empty parking space has been neglected, many commuters leave earlier than usual to ensure punctual arrival to their classes. One such student recounts his daily vexation with finding a parking space. Jackson Dvorak is an off-campus student in his second year of college who has noticed the extra vehicles. “Last year, the furthest I would be from campus was three blocks. Now the closest I can get to campus is three blocks.” Dvorak said. It’s a reality felt by many commuters.
Dorms are a place where students unite under the shared experience of leaving home and living somewhere new for the first time. Naturally, some students have their ideal living situation in mind when selecting a dorm. However, it is not always possible when there are many requests to fulfill and hundreds more to serve. As a freshman herself, Dani Lee shares the struggle she faced when it came to dorm availability “ I have definitely noticed places such as the lunchroom and dorms being packed. It was very hard to find a single room, and I ended up having to dorm with someone, because there were so many people!”
What exactly attracted these new students to Winona State? It’s clear that many students want to be here, and WSU is on demand! In search of answers, I made my way to a cozy office adorned with cross stitching on its walls and ample Jolly Ranchers in a bowl on the table. It was in this charming wonderland that I would find all the knowledge I was seeking.
Tania Schmidt is the Director of Admissions for Winona State, and she certainly knows a thing or two about the sudden influx of students . . . or was it so sudden? Schmidt doesn’t believe so. “I think that we got stronger over the last two years at getting the message out. . . I think that was the result of a lot of strategic management and a wonderful, wonderful team.” Schmidt said, proudly recognizing the success of the marketing and admissions staff. “When you have a fully staffed office, and your recruiters are here . . . you can actually get out to your territories. You can go to those high schools. You can meet with students. You can have a presence at the varying fairs in Wisconsin, in Minnesota, in Illinois, and in Iowa.”
To the students reading this, you play a part in recruitment too! When high school students tour campus and see how you enjoy your time here, engage with activities and utilize the lobbies, they see themselves in your shoes having a great experience. “Recruitment is campus wide and the more the campus understands its role individually to the recruitment process the better it is.” Schmidt states. Despite the growing pains, the newest increase of students is a welcome change to the staff who are ready to serve to the best of their abilities. As best concluded by Schmidt “We are very happy to have every student that’s here.”
