University of Minnesota Rochester named a 2022-23 College of Distinction

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) has been recognized for its honorable commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow, and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students. UMR has been named a 2022-23 College of Distinction.

Colleges of Distinction believes that a thorough selection process requires more than an overview of institutional data, statistics, and size of endowment. Instead, the Colleges of Distinction selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. These principles are all informed by the High-Impact Practices to prioritize the ways that institutions enable students to have a fulfilling, individualized college experience both inside and outside of the classroom. To earn the recognition, UMR demonstrated the following programs and experiences: 

• Engaged Students – Students at UMR have the opportunity to take an active part in their own learning through undergraduate research, community collaborations, internships and mentoring opportunities. 
• Great Teaching – Students at UMR have meaningful interactions with faculty. 
• Vibrant Community – Creating connections with peers outside of the classroom is an important part of a well-rounded college experience. UMR offers service and community-based learning experiences and Living-Learning Communities to help students find a sense of belonging and meaning throughout their campus experience.
• Successful Outcomes – The undergraduate experience works cohesively to prepare students not only for graduation, but for life after graduation.

“When we focus all of our attention on how schools stack up against one another, we lose track of what really matters: the students themselves,” said Wes Creel, Founder of Colleges of Distinction. “Every student has individual needs and their own environment in which they’re most likely to thrive. We want to extend our praise to the schools that prioritize and cater to students’ goals.” The University of Minnesota Rochester’s inclusion is informed by the unique ways it commits to achieving success. The effective strategies for student satisfaction and outcomes were the kinds of engaging experiences found at UMR.

Creel continued, “We’re inspired by the ways in which UMR immerses students in their fields, all while fostering a welcoming community that will support them through and beyond their college years.” 

Aside from overall undergraduate recognitions, Colleges of Distinction also awards recognition in individual areas. UMR has earned additional recognition in the areas of Career Development and Equity & Inclusion.