COVID-19

What tools are we using to manage COVID-19 closures and distance learning requirements?

  • Connecting to classes and lectures.

    • Use Zoom to connect to letctures and classes in real time. Your instructor will provide you with a link to their Zoom meeting. Click the link, follow the prompts to install and then join with Zoom. More about Zoom

  • Sharing my work.

    • Continue to use O365 and teams to share your work, or upload assignments to D2L, or Class Storage as per instructors requirements.

  • Communicating with my instructor.

    • University email is the official method of communication for Winona State University. Check it often for updates. If you need to contact your instructor email them.

  • Submitting assignments.

    • Follow your instructors requirements using Class storage, D2l, email, etc.

  • Collaborating with my groups.

    • Use Zoom to make your own Zoom room, invite your collaborators, and enjoy!

  • Connecting to on campus network resources.

    • Use Cisco Anyconnect VPN to access class storage, or CSCI1. For more on the VPN

  • Any tips on Zoom?

    • For a good Zoom experience:

  • Ensure that your face is well lit.
  • Ensure that the wall behind you is not well lit.
  • Eliminate background noise, TV, Radio, Dogs, Gremlins.
  • Use a lapel microphone, or headphones with a built in mic.
  • Keep your camera still, otherwise your collaborators will all tip over.
  • Start the meeting a few minutes in advance in case you need to restart, update, or enable audio.
  • Multiple Zoom meetings: If you need to be in more than one Zoom meeting space at once:
    • Join the first meeting normally.
    • Next, browse to the URL of your other meeting and allow the client to connect itself.
    • More at Zoom
  • Video Resources for Zoom (Courtesy Daniel Nash)
  • What's the link to D2L again?

    • Try https://winona.learn.minnstate.edu/d2l/home

  • Network Storage; How do I connect? Use AnyConnect VPN to connect to tunnel.winona.edu, then map your drive at one of the following URLS
    • Mac: smb://files.winona.edu/classes
    • M$: \\files.winona.edu\classes
  • Broadband is expensive, Can I get a break?

    • Reduced Broadband rates for low income via MN office of Broadband Delopment

Prospective Students

Will my credits transfer to WSU?

All MNSCU credits can transfer to WSU.

Why should I attend WSU?

Winona State University's strength lies in its small class sizes, which range from about twenty to thirty students. Our intimate learning environments allow students to get great feedback from experts in their field.

What will I learn by majoring in Computer Science at WSU?

Here at WSU, we focus our teaching to apply problems to the real world, so you know you'll be well-equipt with relevant computer science knowledge you'll be using once you graduated. Our curriculum covers a wide variety of topics, leaving no stone unturned in our elective courses so whatever your interest may be, you can learn about it here!

Will I be able to find a job after graduating with a computer science degree?

Of course! As a rapidly growing field, computer science jobs are opening up faster than students with CS degrees are graduating. It is one of the most in-demand areas of work, and that's not going to stop any time soon. You can be secure in the knowledge that what you learn studying CS at WSU is very valuable to employers of all businesses.

Software Testing

Who can work at the software testing lab?

Any student can work at the Software Testing Lab, however CS students are given preference. WSU Computer Science students staff the Software Testing and Development Lab. During academic terms they work 10 to 15 hours per week. During breaks or the summer they work 20 to 40 hours per week.

What kind of work is done at the testing lab?

The WSU Software Testing and Development Lab provides testing, development, and other computer and networking related technical services to local and regional businesses and industry. The services are provided by WSU Computer Science students under the direction of Computer Science faculty and staff.

How can I apply for the testing lab?

The appointment of students to the lab typically occurs between the start of a term and midterm. Students may apply for positions in the Testing Lab at any time. Applications are kept for the next appointment cycle. Students should reapply each term, if not immediately selected. Appointment application forms are available in the department office and should be submitted to Dr. Cichanowski or Sue McDonnell

What are my chances of getting hired at the testing lab?

Here are the criteria used for the appointment process:

  • Preference is given to Computer Science majors and minors.
  • Academic Performance
  • Work ethic
  • Time to graduation and the ability to work Summer and breaks.
  • Recommendations from WSU faculty and others
  • Ability to work in groups
  • Communication skills

Scholarships

What CS department scholarships are available?

There are many scholarships available to CS students, including, but not limited to...

  • Befidi Family Scholarship
  • Cichanowski Family Scholarship in Computer Science
  • Cichanowski-Logelin Scholarship
  • Federated Insurance Computer Science Scholarship
  • And many more...
Click here to see more Computer Science scholarships!

How do I apply for scholarships?

To apply for a scholarship, you must be a student with a starid and password to access the Winona State University student resources.
If you are a student, you can apply for a scholarship by going to www.winona.academicworks.com and selecting the scholarship from the list. If you're not already signed in, you will be prompted.
Once you have signed in, you can select the scholarship again and find the apply button in the right-hand corner.
You will be walked through the application process.


Practicum

What is the CS Practicum about?

The computer science praticum at WSU is about allowing students to subsitute real-life work experience for college credit.

What are the practicum requirements?

Talk to Dr. Zhang

How can I apply for the practicum?

The praticum can be applied for by contacting Dr. Zhang, or stopping by the CS office for a practicum form.


Careers

Will I be able to find a job after graduating with a computer science degree?

Of course! As a rapidly growing field, computer science jobs are opening up faster than students with CS degrees are graduating. It is one of the most in-demand areas of work, and that's not going to stop any time soon. You can be secure in the knowledge that what you learn studying CS at WSU is very valuable to employers of all businesses.

What kind of jobs do Computer Science majors find after graduating?

  • Computer Programmer
  • IT Support Specialist
  • Software Application Developer
  • Database Administrator
  • Web Developer
  • Software Quality Assurance Tester
  • And many more!