University of Minnesota Rochester Honored as a 2023-2024 College of Distinction

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) has been named a College of Distinction for the 2023-24 academic year, marking its commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, a vibrant campus life and successful outcomes.

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.

“We believe that engaged students are successful students,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. ”And UMR’s dedication to experiential learning shows us that each of its students has the opportunity to play an active role in their education.” To be named a College of Distinction, UMR demonstrated excellence in undergraduate education in such factors as student engagement, teaching excellence, outcomes-based learning and community involvement. 

Schritter continued,"We are deeply inspired by how UMR immerses students in their academic pursuits, fostering a welcoming community that provides unwavering support throughout their college years and beyond."

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.