SCSU partnerships benefit students, community
We know that SCSU provides students high quality degrees, but what is often an invisible, yet invaluable aspect of our role is the many ways our St. Cloud State University students benefit from and give of themselves to local, regional and global partnerships. This give and take often enhances their educational experience and makes our campus and community stronger together.
As an institution of higher education dedicated to providing access to affordable and in-demand programs we are focused on strengthening community partnerships that support and serve Central Minnesota businesses and institutions as well as our students. Our external relationships offer tremendous student opportunities for internships and other field learning experiences, as well as guidance and support from professionals who advise and interact with our academic programs. Those experiences often translate into opportunities for students to develop innovative projects and lead to rewarding jobs for our graduates.
According to our most recent data, 87 percent of our graduates found jobs in Minnesota – 32 percent within the 50-mile radius of SCSU – and 14 percent continued their education. Ninety-five percent were employed in jobs related to their majors. The top 10 employers of recent graduates are an impressive cross section of some of the most prestigious business, finance, health care and educational districts in Minnesota: Abbott, Allina Health, Anderson Trucking, Boston Scientific, Capital One, CentraCare Health, Intermediate District 287, Medtronic, Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools and St. Cloud Public Schools.
In addition to employment opportunities for graduates, local and regional organizations and institutions offer students meaningful opportunities to volunteer in the service of others. These experiences of giving back often broaden student perspectives and prepare them to live and work in a multicultural world.
Expanding our reach, international partnerships with colleges and universities throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America challenge students to immerse themselves in the study of their majors in overseas environments, as well as to mingle with the thousand-plus international students from around the globe who come to our campus to share learning experiences with them in their classrooms and across campus.
These examples illustrate elements of SCSU’s strong foundation, as we focus our efforts on our It’s Time strategy to redefine our identity as a university in a league of its own. We are establishing clear areas of academic distinction, and attracting and supporting faculty who are all in when it comes to integrating their research, scholarship and creative work into their teaching and the success students.
We’re fortunate to have a number of academic programs that already are highly distinctive, and in a few instances, unique to Minnesota. The career data we have for alumni suggest we do a great job of preparing students for success and that our graduates rise to leadership positions. We are confident that we are shaping a new identity that provides Minnesotans with a distinctive choice for their higher education needs, and we are focused on telling that story in new and better ways.
We are building a broader education ecosystem that includes opportunities for students at different stages in life and learning. Some who come to St. Cloud State are non-traditional students who went right to work after high school or transferred from a community or technical college. Some are veterans, parents, working professionals or people seeking a career change. They are looking for education that is individualized, and they’re looking for choice and options that will help them fit their studies and their learning experiences into their lives. An example of how SCSU reaches out to accommodate the needs of non-traditional students is our university library’s new Student Parent Study Room, a large, colorful space appointed with computers and technology for student parents and toys and activities for the children they bring. Another is our Veterans Resource Center where those who have served or are currently in military service can study and relax with others who share their unique experiences as well as access support services.
We will continue to provide higher education that adapts to the needs of students and to the needs of the people and companies that will someday employ them.
The fortunes of our campus and community are intertwined, making our community more healthy and vibrant, strong and diverse. Our students are learning in the classroom and in the community. For example, for the past eight years students from our College of Health and Wellness Professions, particularly those majoring in Social Work and Gerontology, have volunteered at the Project Connect community event that brings people who are experiencing and at risk for homelessness together for a day in the Convention Center to connect with services provided by 40-50 agencies present. Our students play a role in providing 400 basic needs bags and other necessities as they receive invaluable learning experiences.
Our students, faculty, staff and leaders contribute to our community and its efforts to be a desirable, healthy and vibrant place to live and work by contributing to the economic, educational, cultural and social well-being of the city and the region. We are grateful to our neighbors who realize that it is to our collective benefit to evolve together as a strong, diverse and thriving community.
We invite you to visit our campus and take advantage of the many opportunities for growth, education and entertainment we would love to share with you.
This is the opinion of St. Cloud State University President Robbyn Wacker. To A Higher Degree is published the fourth Sunday of the month and rotates among the three presidents of the largest Central Minnesota higher education institutions.
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: SCSU partnerships benefit students, community
