Winona State is one of eight colleges nationwide selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to join its fourth cohort of member institutions participating in the Student Success Equity Intensive (SSEI).
This initiative is designed to help increase the academic success of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and low-income students, as well as address the equity gaps these demographics experience.
“Being selected for the Student Success Equity Intensive program is not only an honor, it’s a significant opportunity to advance educational equity for our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and low-income students, something Winona State is committed to,” said Kenneth Janz, President of Winona State University. “Collaborating with AASCU and the other institutions in our cohort will give us access to invaluable resources and insights to strengthen our efforts in closing equity gaps.”
“This partnership will enhance our ability to provide every student with the tools they need to thrive academically and succeed in their college journey at Winona State University.”
After an application process, AASCU selected Winona State for its latest SSEI cohort, along with Adams State University of Colorado, East Georgia State College, Missouri State University, North Carolina A&T State University, SUNY Cobleskill, The State University of New York at Potsdam, and Western Michigan University.
Participating SSEI schools will assemble a team of campus leaders, including presidents, provosts, and student success and data experts. During this team-learning experience, schools receive customized support to help them make data-driven decisions that center the realities of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and low-income students. Throughout the program, members become better equipped to tackle the barriers these students face, so they no longer stand in the way of academic achievement.
Cohort members participate in in-person and virtual learning with peers at other institutions. They will have access to various resources, such as webinars and online modules. Additionally, SSEI provides access to subject matter experts who can offer advice on equity, student success, analytics, advising, institutional transformation, and systems and strategic planning.
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, SSEI is made up of institutions in rural, urban, and suburban campuses from around the country. The latest cohort includes one Hispanic-serving institution, one predominantly Black institution, and one historically Black college and university. The selected institutions serve 57,402 students with an average Pell eligibility of 37.50 percent.
About Winona State University
Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system. With campuses in both Winona and Rochester, Winona State offers more than 200 majors and programs in five colleges: Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Science & Engineering.
More than half of WSU’s 6,000-plus students are Minnesota residents, and the university also hosts international students from 42 countries. Winona State University’s mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural, and economic vitality of the people and communities we serve: a community of learners improving our world.
For more information, visit winona.edu.
About American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of 350 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. These are institutions Delivering America’s Promise. Learn more at www.aascu.org.
