3 takeaways from the 2025 Fall Campus Visits

Last month, we wrapped up our annual Fall Campus Visits–and what an AMAZING experience it was! After settling down, I have had time to reflect on my experience. I got to travel, bond, meet, and exchange ideas with the Officers, Board Members, and students across the 7 Minnesota State University campuses.

Being able to witness the campus's programs and students opened me up to the diversity of the Minnesota State Universities. From the experience I have three takeaways that will stay with me as I advocate for Minnesota State University students this upcoming Spring semester.  1.) STUDENT COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION

The first takeaway was the amount of commitment to education by students. Students around the state are pushing past their limits to get an education. Students balance so many commitments–from family, work, friendships, leadership opportunities, basic needs, bills, and so much more. Despite being exhausted, they have the resiliency to wake up and go to university. 

The sacrifices students make to be in higher education is remarkable. Seeing the advocacy efforts of students to improve their campuses and systems is inspiring and renewed my drive as we fight for the rights of students.   2.) CAMPUS INDIVIDUALITY AND STRENGTHS

The second takeaway was the strengths of each campus. From my social work education, I commonly utilize the strengths-based model when interacting and assessing environments. Each campus understood their demographics and strengths. They find ways to assess the students they serve and amplify the opportunities they can offer students.  

Each campus and their student support departments have rich histories that I got to learn more about. Knowing how they have been able to transform through generations was an  amazing experience. For example, Bemidji supports its Indigenous students and

sustainability efforts. Moorhead had many initiatives for athletic programming, and there are so many more strengths I could name for each campus (but this would be a 5-page blog). Overall, the campuses keep evolving to different learning styles or programs to enhance student success.  3.) STUDENT BASIC NEEDS

The third takeaway was the concern of basic needs. The cost of higher education has been growing due to inflation, which has made students unable to afford their basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and clothing. It is devastating and all campus basic needs departments are being stretched thin to support their students. Action needs to be taken as it is a growing crisis for many. Some students mentioned how they have sacrificed so much for the hope that a higher education will increase social mobility, connections, and deepen an understanding of the world.  

Through these takeaways, I recognize there is privilege in sharing the voice and stories that were collected. Listening to students can show cracks in the system that are unmissable. Seeing the work of institutions taking unique approaches to the problems students face is great and must continue. The resiliency and advocacy of students will continue, and it is beautiful, important, and revolutionary.  

In November, Students United's Board of Directors will meet and begin to create our legislative priorities for the upcoming year, and partake in our first-ever joint conference with LeadMN and the Minnesota State Systems Office.

While navigating the crazy world of state and federal politics in the Spring semester, I will keep in mind  the experiences that were shared in the campus visits. Thank all the students, staff, and faculty who took the time to chat with us.