The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) is a public college in Rochester, Minnesota, United States. It is part of the University of Minnesota system and focuses primarily on general health sciences. It was formally established by an act of the state legislature in December 2006. UMR currently offers two bachelor's degrees in the health sciences, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Health Professions.
In the fall of 2007, UMR staff moved into the renovated facilities at the newly renamed University Square in downtown Rochester and welcomed its new Chancellor, Dr. Stephen Lehmkuhle. He was inaugurated in April 2008 with a community celebration and formal address.
In September 2010, UMR chose Rockie the Raptor as their mascot, and took on the maroon and gold colors of the university system.
In fall of 2011, UMR added the Bachelor of Science in Health Professions (BSHP) degree program, which is delivered in educational collaboration with the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. Students in the BSHP program graduate with a degree from UMR and a certificate from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in one of four health-related fields: Respiratory Care, Echocardiography, Sonography, and Radiography.
On May 18, 2013, UMR graduated its first class of undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Health Professions programs at the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester.
Student enrollment and graduation
Total UMR enrollment trended upward from 2009 through 2013. In 2009 UMR admitted only first-year students. Beginning in the fall of 2012, courses were available for first-year, sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduate students.
UMR's overall enrollment trajectory has been consistently upward from Fall 2016 to Fall 2020. According to the UM official enrollment information in fall 2016, 424 degree-seeking undergraduates were enrolled at UMR, while in fall 2020, there were 614 degree-seeking undergraduates, representing a nearly 45% increase.
739 students had graduated from UMR as of the end of the 2019–2020 academic year. On May 18, 2013, UMR graduated its first class of 49 undergraduate students in the B.S. in Health Sciences and B.S. in Health Professions programs at the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester. 73 students graduated the following year, an additional 109 graduating during the 2014–2015 academic year, and another 109 walked across the stage on May 15, 2016.
On-campus housing
UMR offers three on-campus housing options: 318 Commons, Residence at Discovery Square, and Student Life Center as of fall 2023. Because 318 Commons is designated as on-campus, UMR sets the rental rate, and the student pays the institution along with tuition, fees, and other expenses. UMR has a meal plan with the opening of the Student Life Center as of fall 2023. Residence at Discovery Square is another upperclassmen housing option along with 318 Commons, and is also apartment style living. The Student Life Center is housing available for incoming students and sophomores.
See also
- List of colleges and universities in Minnesota
- Higher education in Minnesota