A renewable, sustainable education.
What do we mean by an education that’s renewable and sustainable? You deliver more constructive energy than you consume. You’re always ready to think, create, and act. At Morris, we believe what you learn in college should never run out of gas. In fact, it shouldn’t need gas at all.
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In all seriousness The intellectual and extracurricular pursuits that light a fire in Morris students, inspire dreams, and give birth to lifelong passions.
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This is your world How students build and nurture a sense of community on campus, within the town of Morris, and through study abroad.
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Vital intelligence Students design personal experiences by choosing their own adventure—majors, athletics, organizations, activities, projects, and beyond the classroom.
22 Everything there is to know about Morris, including class demographics, a map, how to apply, plus contact information, tuition, and financial aid.
What’s to come Students talk about the Morris experience:
Katherine Laughlin Environmental Studies/ English Faribault, Minn.
Sabauon Nasseri
History/Political Science Hengelo, The Netherlands
Brittaney Ingram Anthropology/Music Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Cody Miller
Political Science/ International Relations Rockford, Minn.
Pa Houa Vang Management St. Paul, Minn.
Rodney Fair
Digital Media Studies/ Theatre Arts Chicago, Ill.
Maddy Gerber
Biology/Pre-Medicine Mahtomedi, Minn.
Donovan Hanson Music Education Ada, Minn.
Kellcee Baker
Psychology/Liberal Arts for the Human Services, 2009 Truman Scholar Audubon, Minn.
Matt Privratsky
Political Science/ Communication, Media, and Rhetoric Walker, Minn.
Lisa Le
Elementary Education Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Chris Droske
Chemistry/ Environmental Studies Stevens Point, Wisc.
Kathy Julik-Heine Economics/Pre-Law Taylors Falls, Minn.
Andrew Joyner Management Minneapolis, Minn.
Time flies when you’re having fun. But it does something altogether different when you’re totally focused, involved, and immersed in an idea. It’s like everything in your brain works at maximum efficiency to achieve clarity. Happens all the time at Morris.
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In all seriousness
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“Books always inspire me to act and do something bigger in my own life. My adviser, Tom McRoberts, recommended Three Cups of Tea and it was an amazing read about building schools and spreading peace.” Sabauon
Kellcee: I didn’t have a real understanding of what liberal arts education meant until my classes were in motion. You start to see themes across different fields with various professors. Even biology and management are related. Your experience at Morris encourages you to pull from everything you’ve learned and all facets of life. Sabauon: My uncle graduated from Morris, and he told me this was the best school for liberal arts. I’ve discovered new ways of learning. And more about myself.
Matt: Literally all of my professors have given me good pieces of advice for my future. They really take the time to get to know you. That inspires me because I plan to be a professor someday, and I would love to make that kind of connection with my students. Brittaney: I’ve been playing piano
for about seven years and have created
my own music. It’s what I’m most passionate about and assumed it would be my career. But with the help of my professors, I decided to explore more, and now music is my minor. I can study archaeology, go to grad school, and become an archeologist. But I’ll always love music.
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Andrew: At Morris, I’ve learned the value of rising to the occasion—sometimes the hard way. You have to be patient, because you’re not going to get everything on the first try. Be willing to fall and get right back up. Kathy: A class challenged me to take on Fear and Trembling by Kierkegaard
. I know it seems a little counterintuitive,
but it brought me solace to know that peace can sometimes only come through an immense amount of struggle.
Maddy: My Intro to Literature professor, Janet Schrunk Ericksen, was an especially great inspiration to me. She helped me become a stronger writer and a more analytical thinker. Professors are the source of knowledge at Morris. They will help you get on the right path toward whatever it is you want to do with your life.
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Kathy: When I came across Pareena Lawrence’s research, I thought “I so want to work with her.” I didn’t know at the time just how much I would benefit. Now I realize how lucky I am to have worked with Pareena because her classes are an incredible experience. Pa: I have a skin disorder called rosacea, so I made it the subject of my research project. After the presentation, I helped fundraise for the National Rosacea Society. The fundraising event was during a Minnesota snowstorm, but it was a success.
Sabauon: Undergraduate research opportunities are an exciting benefit for Morris students. When I apply to law school, I’ll have an advantage. Students from bigger schools don’t get the valuable one-on-one time with professors like we do at Morris. I work closely with Paula
Kellcee: I want to work with youth in high-risk or
O’Loughlin, and she challenges me to go beyond what’s
American Indian communities and show them the value of
expected. Sometimes I’m surprised how far I can go with my
education. I’ve seen young adults who don’t believe they
own ideas. Maddy: College is the place for self-discovery.
are worth it or simply don’t see the benefit. But I’m willing
And at Morris, I’ve come to understand what my goals are.
to use myself as an example to change their minds.
You can’t help but get a better idea of who you are as an
Rodney: I will be the first person in my family to finish
individual here. Chris: I’ve learned the world is not black
college. Everyone back home in Chicago is cheering me on
and white—there’s a lot of gray. You must listen to other
with encouragement and support. My mother would be so
arguments and accept people even when you disagree
proud of me, too. I’m showing them all it can be done. But
with their opinions.
getting a degree at Morris is really a test for myself.
Pa: The art I see in the campus gallery
always catches
Matt: I think anyone can create change and have a
my eye and makes me think. Sometimes I wonder why
positive impact if that desire is inside you. There’s
different artists work in certain ways or what would make
something about Morris that motivates you to better
an artist place a foot in a big square of cement. I like to
yourself and the people around you. This school follows
imagine what’s going on behind each piece. Katherine:
up with plenty of opportunities to make it happen.
The wind turbine
Kellcee: The people I am surrounded by constantly
got my attention right away—I mean,
here on the prairie it makes a pretty dramatic statement. And
amaze me. They are so gifted academically. I was walking
when environmental studies became a major at Morris, I was
across campus one day, and I heard two guys talking
the first to sign up. I’ve always been mindful of the environment
about literacy rates in Germany compared to the United
and thought it was a field where I could actually make my
States as a function of economic status. I would never think
living. That’s been reaffirmed with all I do here at Morris.
to find that on a college campus outside of the classroom.
Matt: I was very proud of my paper advocating for further funding and focus on environmental education in K–12 schools. It discussed how things like field trips and hands-on learning can help young students develop green habits and lifestyles.
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College is not license to live in a bubble—at least, not the way we see it. People here know it’s important to show up and stand up. In fact, four years at Morris becomes a model for students to live the rest of their lives. The people you meet here will change the way you look at the world. And vice versa.
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This is your world
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Matt: Living green is second nature at Morris. The campus residence halls have energy wars with weekly themes like saving energy or recycling, and people really get into it. This
“Of all the organizations and activities I’m a part of—and there are a lot of them— Concert Choir is my big family on campus. I see these people every day for rehearsals, and we go on retreats each semester. On a recent tour, we traveled from Delaware to Canada— hitting cities from Boston to Baltimore. That trip alone brought us closer together.” Rodney
past year, Pine Hall won the war and bragging rights. In fact, the campus plans to reduce its carbon footprint to zero in 2010. Friends at other schools can only take pride in their football team, but a zero carbon footprint is important to us and the world. It’s also pretty cool.
Donovan: I really enjoy participating in politics, ecology, and social justice issues. I went with a group of students to D.C. to lobby for renewable energy initiatives. We met with legislators to make sure they knew where we stood from a grassroots level. We showed up—as opposed to just writing a letter. It was a blast. Brittaney: A lot of small colleges talk about “close, personal relationships with faculty.” But my English instructor from the Gateway Program went above and beyond. Since we cannot have pets in the residence halls, Argie Manolis volunteered to house Cody, my mini poodle/Lhasa apso
.
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Maddy: Nearly half of Morris graduates have studied abroad in countries like Hungary, Argentina, and England. I could go to Brazil this summer with my soccer team, but I’m already going to China for study abroad around the same time. Trips can be academic or athletic, but the professors and staff always make an effort to connect us to the world outside of Morris, Minnesota. Brittaney: I’m an anthropology major so my study abroad in China this summer will be amazing on a lot of different levels. I’ll see the real lives of families in Beijing and rural areas. And I’m only a freshman! I have four whole years to do more things like this.
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Lisa: Morris is like my study abroad. I’ve met people from different cultures. I’ve participated in organizations that focus on awareness. I go to dances featuring music from various cultures. Sabauon: I was born in India, but I am of Afghan descent, and I grew up in The Netherlands. So coming to the small town of Morris was a drastic—but pleasant—change. Everyone here knows your name. Everyone I meet becomes a friend. At Morris, it’s easy to build your community without even trying. Kathy: I’m from a small town, so I always pictured myself going to school in the city. But now I’m here and I love it. The town of Morris is—well, it’s like a quirky, lovable friend. I never feel like I’m just a college student. I really live in a community.
Katherine: My grandfather went to Morris when it was an agricultural high school
. Even though campus has
changed a lot since he was here, he told me to check it out
Kellcee: Since I’m an only child, I didn’t have an older
anyway. And when I did, I understood exactly why he loved
brother or sister who could tell me what to expect at
Morris. It just felt right. Rodney: I love food. I will watch
college. I thought it would be pretty intimidating. But at
any TV show about food. I need something in my stomach
Morris, I felt comfortable right away. Matt: There are a lot of
before I can study, sing, or even clean. So it’s nice that
sibling groups at Morris. Maybe it’s word-of-mouth from an
Morris puts on an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast
older sister to a younger brother. Or, in my case, among
before finals every semester. Bacon and eggs, too. I’m
me, my twin, Mark, and our little sister, Sammy
going to miss that when I graduate.
.
Katherine: I have a job on campus working with the
Kellcee: At Morris, 11 percent of the students are
Center for Small Towns. The project I work with is the
American Indian. In the student organization, the Circle of
Community Outreach Partnership Center Grant. The
Nations Indian Association
money goes toward improving the city of Morris—building
our community and issues our culture faces as a whole. Our
a bond between the campus and the community. A mix of
goal is to combat negative images and help the world
people work together on common concerns, and we deal
understand our culture in its true form.
with anything you can think of—including where to plant trees. Pa: Ideally, I want to run a healthcare clinic back home in the Twin Cities for my Hmong community. Hmong people struggle to follow instructions if hospital workers don’t speak their language. Some of the elderly Hmong don’t see why it’s important to take medication, and some patients are unable to understand how the insurance process works. So there’s a big gap I can help fill.
, we discuss topics outside
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What if your mind were super-elastic and fun to play with? You’d challenge yourself to try new things more often. Naturally, you’d be a fearless leader who could go anywhere and accomplish the impossible. That’s what a Morris education does to people.
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Vital intelligence
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Majors and minors At Morris, people don’t just talk about the liberal arts and their value. Students actually engage in the practice of liberal learning: thinking analytically, solving complex problems, and adapting to a changing world. You’ll experience it, too—whatever your course of study—and realize Morris has built its reputation on rigorous academics. Choose from more than 30 majors, 15 licensure areas, and eight pre-professional programs covering the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences.
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“When I perform or listen to music, I feel exhilarated. I just don’t get that from anything else. Still, I came to college thinking I’d major in political science because it seemed sensible. But at Morris, I had a revelation: music is what I want to do for a career. So I changed my major and don’t have any regrets. As corny as it sounds, Morris helped me realize that you just have to follow your heart.” Donovan
Majors/Minors: African-American Studies* American Indian Studies Anthropology Art History Biology Chemistry/Biochemistry Communication, Media, and Rhetoric Computer Science Economics Elementary Education English Environmental Science Environmental Studies European Studies
Pre-Professional Programs:
“I see being a teacher as a way to express my social consciousness. Thoughtful children will make the world a better place. Kids don’t get enough credit for their intelligence. I want to help influence and build a strong relationship with the future of the world.” Lisa
Dentistry Engineering Law Medicine Nursing Pharmacy Physical Therapy Veterinary Medicine
French Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies Geology German History Latin American Area Studies Liberal Arts for the Human Services Management Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology
Education/Teaching Licensure Areas:
Design Your Own Major: Education should be tailored
Secondary Education**
Chemistry
to the individual. You can start by personalizing your major.
Social Science
Communication Arts and Literature
Just discuss your objectives and curricular ideas with
Sociology
Earth and Space Science
your adviser. Here are a few samples of student-designed
Spanish
Elementary
concentrations to get you thinking:
Statistics
French
Studio Art
General Science
Actuarial Science
International Studies
Theatre Arts
Instrumental Music
Biostatistics
Journalism
Life Science
Digital Media Studies
Peace Studies
Mathematics
Film Studies
Sports Management
Physics
Forensic Science
Visual Arts Administration
*minor only **licensure program
Secondary Education Social Studies Spanish Visual Arts Vocal Music
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Beyond the classroom The hands-on approach is preferred at Morris. Whether you’re on the prairie or overseas, you’re learning firsthand and up close. We help connect you to academic, personal, and professional development outside the standard curriculum. Just ask us for details. study abroad
, undergraduate research, mentorship programs, academic partnerships, service learning,
community service, residential life activities
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Athletics: The Morris Cougars are an NCAA Division III member of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference. Pick your sport and join more than 300 student-athletes dedicated to success in the classroom and on the field, court, course, or in the pool. Go Cougars! men’s: baseball, cross-country, basketball, football
, golf,
soccer, tennis, track
“I enjoy basketball and play at Morris. But any sport—from football to swimming—energizes me. Just being around people laughing, joking, and having a good time … it doesn’t matter what you’re doing, it’s the people you’re with that count.” Andrew
women’s: basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming/diving, tennis, track, volleyball
Clubs/Organizations: At Morris, no one sits on the sidelines. Everyone seeks out opportunities to lead and connect. You’ll find others with shared interests in more than 85 clubs and organizations, so not only will you develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills, you’ll also meet new people and make lifelong friends. Students drive the co-curricular life of the University—so if a club or organization doesn’t exist, create your own! Here is just a sampling …
“Although it’s not my area of study, jazz is a passion of mine. I came to campus for Jazz Fest and I loved the Morris jazz band from the very first time I heard it. The campus felt just right so now I’m here playing trombone.”
Asian Student Association, Bad Movie Club, Big Friend Little Friend, Black Student Union, Circle of Nations Indian Association, Dance Ensemble, Democracy Matters, Dungeons and Dragons Club, E-Quality, Honors Council,
Cody Cody
Improv Club, International Student Association, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, KUMM, Organic Gardening Club, Outdoor Club, Rugby Club, Saddle Club, Students Against Cancer, Students Today Leaders Forever, United Latinos, Women of Color Association
Events: Morris faculty, staff, and students look forward to special events each year. Everyone has a favorite and soon you will, too. Here are just a few: Zombie Prom, Dance Ensemble, Jazz Fest, Homecoming, UMMys Student Film Festival, E-Quality Drag Show, Pride of the Prairie Local Foods Dinner, Live Bands, Disc Golf Tournament
Intramurals: Trying new things in and out of the
Special Events and Tournaments: Tinman Triathlon,
classroom keeps you energized. It’s actually encouraged
3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Co-ed Sand Volleyball
here. That’s why we provide year-round recreational
Tournament, Bocce Ball Tournament, 3-point Contest,
programs and activities—for competitive play or just for
Bowling Tournament, Slam Dunk Contest
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fun. We bet we offer whatever you’re interested in! men’s: flag football, basketball, softball women’s: volleyball, basketball, softball co-ed: flag football, softball, Ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball, racquetball, basketball, broomball, hockey, volleyball, indoor soccer, kickball, team handball
“My brother and sister both were DJs on KUMM . Now I have a radio show of my own—the only one about classic rock. I take music seriously, but it’s not my major. I want music to be my relaxation, not my stress. Not many universities allow a non-communications major to be on the air. But here I can. It’s pretty easy to get involved in whatever you want at Morris.” Chris
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Morris at-a-glance
Morris is far from ordinary. So schedule a campus visit and see for yourself. admissions.morris.umn.edu/visit/
Morris by the numbers
In-state & out-of-state students: 85% & 15%
Doors opened: 1960
Students of color: 19%
Student population: about 1,800
Majors and minors: 35
Town population: 5,000
Pre-professional programs: 8
Student/faculty ratio: 13:1
Study abroad: 50 countries on six continents
Faculty with highest degree in their field: 94%
Student organizations: 85+
Students who seek advanced degrees after UMM: 45%
Men’s intercollegiate sports: 8
Average class size: 16 students
Women’s intercollegiate sports: 9
Average ACT: 25
Intramural leagues: 18
Apply yourself You’ve done your homework on Morris, visited campus, maybe even talked to students or staff, and decided this is the place for you. So what now? Apply! You can request a trusty paper application or save time and trees by applying at morris.umn.edu. Of course, if you have questions along the way, you can always call our Office of Admissions.
Contact us Office of Admissions University of Minnesota, Morris 600 East Fourth Street Morris, MN 56267 t: 320-589-6035 888-866-3382 f: 320-589-6051 e: admissions@morris.umn.edu morris.umn.edu
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The costs of education Morris is more than a good value: it’s an education that’s renewable and sustainable. In fact, Morris is listed as a “Best College” by U.S. News and World Report and Forbes. And it’s why Morris is a destination for students who are ready to think, create, and act.
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Challenging academics and interdisciplinary liberal arts
Many students need financial assistance, and Morris does
If you are looking for a comprehensive breakdown of your
learning, combined with the reasonable tuition, make
an excellent job of connecting you to the many resources
cost per year, the table on the opposite page will help.
Morris a destination university for in-state and out-of-state
available to help pay for college. Staff in our Financial
Morris has a tuition band, which means any credits over 13
students. The end result? You’re well-rounded, ready-to-go,
Aid Office will walk you through the process, point out
you take in a single semester are free of charge. This is a
and sought after by graduate schools and employers.
relevant grants and scholarships, talk to you about student
great savings as many students take an average of 15 credits
employment programs, and answer questions about loans
per semester in order to graduate in four years. That’s two
and other opportunities.
free credits a semester—and who doesn’t love that?
2010–2011 Academic Year Tuition:*
$ 9,482
Automatic Academic Scholarships
Financial Aid
Renewable four-year scholarships are awarded at Morris
Apply for Aid The Free Application for Federal Student
based on high school class rank and other criteria. Students
Aid (FAFSA) is the only application needed to receive
without a class rank, including home-schooled students, are
federal, state, or institutional financial aid at the University
considered for these scholarships on an individual basis.
of Minnesota, Morris. For more detailed information on
Fees:
$ 2,050
Housing:
$ 3,290
Meal Plan:
$ 3,760
Chancellor’s Scholarship A $14,000 ($3,500/year) award
Total:*
$ 18,582 per year
for students graduating in the top 5 percent of their high
scholarships, grants, student employment, and loans, visit morris.umn.edu/financialaid.
school class.
Other Programs
liberal arts college that charges residents and non-residents
Dean’s Scholarship A $10,000 ($2,500/year) award for
University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship The
the same tuition in an effort to make a high-quality
students graduating in the top 10 percent of their high
University of Minnesota is committed to making our
education available to students from across the country.
school class.
world-class education a great value for Minnesota families.
This tuition policy saves non-Minnesota residents $9,500
Associate’s Scholarship A $4,000 ($1,000/year) award for
The University of Minnesota, Morris is a national public
per year. *Due to a reciprocity agreement, Wisconsin residents who are enrolled full-time and apply for reciprocity will receive a grant from the Wisconsin Reciprocity Supplement Program.
students graduating in the top 20 percent of their high school class. Transfer Academic Scholarship Students transferring to Morris from a college outside of the University of Minnesota
Competitive Academic Scholarships
system, with at least 30 transferable credits (not earned
This scholarship guarantees tuition aid for Minnesota undergraduates with a family income of up to $100,000. Student must be a Minnesota resident and have a completed FAFSA on file. New students are eligible for up to eight semesters and transfer students are eligible for up to four semesters.
prior to high school graduation) and a 3.75 cumulative GPA,
American Indian Tuition Waiver Students admitted to
These awards require completion of the Application for
qualify for a $2,000 non-renewable scholarship. Students
Morris who provide documentation of their American
Admission and Competitive Scholarships. The Application
with at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA qualify for a $1,000
Indian heritage will receive a complete tuition waiver
must be submitted by December 15 of the student’s
non-renewable scholarship. Both scholarships are awarded
in recognition of Morris’ history as an American Indian
senior year in high school.
for the first year at Morris.
boarding school.
Prairie Scholars Award A renewable full-tuition
For more information on scholarships, please visit
National Merit Scholarships Merit Scholar Finalists who
scholarship, awarded to students based on academic
admissions.morris.umn.edu/costsaid/scholarships/
choose Morris as their first-choice college will receive a full
record, leadership ability, a supplemental scholarship essay, and an on-campus interview.
tuition scholarship, renewable for up to four years. Semi-Finalists and Commended Scholars are eligible for
Morris Scholars Award A $20,000 scholarship—
up to $4,000 ($1,000/year), renewable for up to four years.
$5,000/year—plus a one-time $2,500 scholarly stipend,
Students must provide the Office of Admissions with
awarded based on academic record, leadership ability, a
documentation of their Commended or Semi-Finalist status
supplemental scholarship essay, and an on-campus interview.
to receive this award.
All renewable scholarships are awarded on a per semester basis and require students to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled for at least 12 credits. Recipients of the Prairie Scholars Award, Morris Scholars Award, and Merit Scholar Finalists will have their Automatic Academic Scholarship replaced by the higher award. National Merit scholarships cannot be combined with the Prairie or Morris Scholars Award.
Office of Admissions 600 East Fourth Street Morris, MN 56267-2132 888-866-3382 admissions@morris.umn.edu morris.umn.edu
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.