University of Minnesota highlights investments in critical support for student success

Board of Regents discussed access to resources supporting student basic needs across all five University campuses and efforts to expand services

Student success at the University of Minnesota is rooted in a shared framework that supports all students in their academic journey as part of a thriving campus community. Recent data reflects the significant improvements the University has made in retention and graduation rates. Last year, the Duluth campus saw its highest four-year graduation rate, while the Crookston and Rochester campuses saw their second-highest four-year graduation rates. The Twin Cities campus also recorded its highest six-year graduation rate. 

Foundational to that success: student well-being, including mental health, physical health, financial wellness and basic needs such as access to food and housing. During its February meetings, the Board of Regents Special Committee on Student Affairs discussed student basic needs and the continuing evolution of the University of Minnesota’s strategic investments in resources and support systems. Presenters Jeremy Leiferman, interim vice chancellor of Student Life on the Duluth campus, and Michelle Trumpy, director of public health at Boynton Health on the Twin Cities campus, detailed changes in recent decades to how students access food, how support services have been built out, and current funding requests to expand and enhance these resources.

University of Minnesota College Student Health Survey data from spring 2024 shows approximately one in four students identified as having experienced food insecurity, which aligns with national averages. Almost a third of students reported housing insecurity. The way students access food has changed, with the traditional dining hall model shifting to include additional sources to address food insecurity, such as food pantries, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) support and emergency grants. Students can learn about resources through marketing, awareness events, campus taskforces, websites and internal referrals from One Stop, Care Teams and case managers.

“Driving a healthier and more vibrant community is an essential part of the University of Minnesota experience. Our talented and dedicated staff help us maintain access to the resources and holistic support that enables our students to be healthy, well and ultimately successful in pursuing their degree,” said President Rebecca Cunningham. “Access to proper nutrition and housing for all of our students can be achieved through public and private partnerships, which have made tremendous strides in recent years. With adequate state funding, we can ensure that all of our students can access basic needs so they can focus on making the most of their education.” 

The presentation highlighted ongoing efforts to expand services with additional support from in-kind donations, philanthropic gifts and grants. In particular, the University of Minnesota’s 2026–2027 biennial state budget request includes $1.5 million for basic needs resources to address food insecurity, short-term emergency grants, expanded hours and locations of University food pantries, and hiring of additional staff to assist students with navigating University, state and federal programs or services. The funds are essential to strengthen a comprehensive continuum of well-being care and enhance the student experience across all five University of Minnesota campuses.


The Board also:

• Discussed the University of Minnesota and Essentia Health’s vision to form a new, not-for-profit healthcare entity with President Rebecca Cunningham and Essentia Health CEO Dr. David Herman.
• Reviewed the impact of University health sciences across the state with Rochester Chancellor Lori Carrell.
• Approved amendments to Board of Regents Policy: Conflict Resolution Process for Student Academic Complaints.
• Discussed research and education rankings with Executive Vice President and Provost Rachel Croson and Shashank Priya, vice president for Research and Innovation.
• Discussed systemwide creative arts activities with Julie Delliquanti, director of the Tweed Museum of Art; Alejandra Peña Gutiérrez, director of Weisman Art Museum; and Kari Schloner, executive director of Northrop.
• Received an update on engaging faculty and staff to advance the University's mission with Andrew Alleyne, dean of the College of Science & Engineering, and Brandon Sullivan, senior director of talent strategy in the Office of Human Resources.
• Reviewed the fiscal 2026 operating budget framework with Julie Tonneson, vice president and budget director.
• Approved the University’s annual performance and accountability report.
• Received an update on the development of the University’s vision for advanced agricultural research in Minnesota with Priya and Brian Buhr, dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.
• Approved amendments to Board of Regents Policy: Code of Conduct for Members of the Board of Regents and Bylaws of the Board of Regents.
• Reviewed a resolution to establish guiding principles related to institutional speech. The Board will continue to discuss the University’s position at a future meeting.

The Board’s Virtual Forum accepts audio, video and written input, which is shared directly with Regents and included in the Board’s public materials. The public is encouraged to visit the Virtual Forum to submit their comments. 

The Board of Regents is scheduled to meet next on March 13-14. Visit regents.umn.edu for more information.