Higher Education

University of Minnesota Rochester

By Anna Stevens

It's hard to believe that above the noisy shops, restaurants, and skyways in downtown Rochester, there’s a student lounge where dedicated learners are deep in concentration. With one escalator ride to the third or fourth floor of University Square (formerly the Galleria), suddenly one arrives on a college campus.

300 University Square (the street address is 111 South Broadway) is the current home of UMR, and “the location of the campus is ideal,” says Sarah Kelling, director of communications and public relations.  “It allows us to connect with our partners, including the Mayo Clinic, retail shops, and the Y” (which offers recreation opportunities for students), Kelling says. UMR is developing other partnerships as well, and the downtown location is key. “It allows our students to interact on a daily basis with professionals at one of the world's most well-renowned medical facilities.”

While the location is not slated to change, it is set to expand and grow. Marilyn D. Stewart, chair of the Rochester Higher Education Development Committee, says, “A permanent UMR campus will nurture, emphasize, and contribute to the assets of the community without harming its great resources .... and will continue to enhance the economic development of Southeast Minnesota.”

Plans for future growth were approved by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents in February and will unfold in coming years. All additional campus space will remain within six blocks of Rochester’s downtown area and create a contiguous campus core to house academics and activities.

Providing higher education opportunities in Rochester since 1966, UMR offers more than 30 graduate and undergraduate degree programs through partnerships with the U of M’s Twin Cities and Duluth campuses. This fall the university will begin offering its own baccalaureate degree program, the bachelor of science in Health Sciences. According to the website, unique features of the program include an integrated curriculum that focuses on health sciences and flexibility to explore career options.

In addition, UMR offers baccalaureate programs from the School of Nursing, the Academic Health Center, and the College of Continuing Education. These programs offer traditional and nontraditional students the opportunity to learn from University of Minnesota faculty and earn their University of Minnesota degree without having to travel to the Twin Cities.

The student lounge and classrooms in University Square are not the only places for UMR students to get together. Gopher Holes are held throughout the year, an opportunity for Gophers (UMR students) to get together and unwind, eat, and have fun with fellow students. Past events have included karaoke, poker night, job interviewing skills, and money tips for college students.

Connecting socially and academically can also happen in UMR-affiliated housing, which is within walking distance of campus. This housing offers students the typical college experience with the amenities that are important to college students.