Saint Mary's Newsroom

We are pleased to announce that effective today, the university has changed its COVID-19 tracking dashboard transmission level from orange (high level of transmission) to yellow (medium level of transmission) for the Winona Campus. Our decision is consistent with the criteria outlined in our protocols for responses to surges in COVID-19 cases and is based on these factors:

• COVID-19 transmission in Winona County has decreased significantly since the university moved to orange in November 2020. In fact, the County of Winona changed its COVID-19 transmission level to yellow last week.
• Our COVID-19 mass testing and weekly surveillance testing have yielded minimal positive COVID-19 cases.

The following COVID-19 protocols will continue:

• No off-campus visitors are allowed in the residence halls.
• The campus will remain closed to all visitors, including significant others and family members. The trails will remain open but masks must be worn when using them.
• The kitchens and lounges in all residence halls are open.
• Seating will continue to be limited in the Cardinal Club. Patrons must observe social distancing while waiting for ordered items.
• Students and student organizations can continue to move to in-person meetings, but virtual meetings are still strongly encouraged.
• Field trips and off-campus events continue to be prohibited.
• Students should limit social gatherings to no more than two pods and 10 students indoors and no more than three pods and 15 students outdoors.
• Intercollegiate athletics will continue to follow MIAC testing guidelines.
• We STRONGLY encourage students to remain on campus.

We continue to ask students to:

• Reduce the number of friends with whom they have close contact (with 6 feet for more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period of time).
• Wear their masks correctly at all times (including outdoors when walking between classes and in the plaza). Continue to wear masks, even with their teammates and the members of their family or pod, roommates being the exception.
• Observe social distancing.
• Wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
• Report for surveillance testing as required.
• Download and activate the COVIDAware MN app.

We are immensely proud of how we have started off this semester. Where we are now is a testament to our students’ good behavior, and it’s an example of character at its finest. Although we cannot let our guard down, please know what we are doing is working. We should all feel good knowing that our actions are helping to keep everyone on our campus and beyond safe and healthy.

As part of the Integratus general education program each year, first year students are sent a copy of a common read when they register for courses. This year’s common read, “Palaces for the People” by Eric Klinenberg, focuses heavily on the topic of social infrastructure. Several deans from Saint Mary’s will participate in a panel discussion to share their perspectives and lived experiences with social infrastructure and how it intersects with education and the broader community.

The virtual webinar will be Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 4 p.m. We will use Zoom to stream the panel, hosted by Dean Beckman from the Business and Communication Department on the Winona Campus. This year’s panel will consist of Dr. Carolyn Ayers, associate dean of General Education; Dr. Michelle Wieser, dean of Business and Technology; Dr. Todd Reinhart, dean, School of Sciences and Health Professions; Dr. Susan Cosby Ronnenberg, dean of the College; and Alisa Macksey, dean of Student Success and First Generation Initiative.

Join the webinar

It’s Monday morning, and before we start looking ahead to all the Cardinal action this week, here’s a quick look back at last week, which included action in men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s hockey — as well as the announcement of a record-setting gift to Cardinal hockey by an anonymous benefactor!

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts at Saint Mary’s University remains steadfast in believing the show must go on during this pandemic — albeit safely. Saint Mary’s students will stage “Significant Other” by Joshua Harmon, directed by Arielle Miagkov, senior theatre major, Thursday, Feb. 25, through Saturday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m.

Seating is limited to 60 people each night to ensure that all COVID-19 safety procedures are followed. Anyone who is on campus at Saint Mary’s is invited to attend the performances. Those who are invited and plan to attend must register online to ensure that the 60-seat limit is not exceeded.

Masks are to be worn by audience members throughout the entire performance. Abundant seating is available to ensure that those in attendance are able to sit at least 6 feet apart. Upon arrival, those who wish to attend must show their Saint Mary’s ID in order to be allowed to view the performance in-person.

All three performances of “Significant Other” will be streamed live through Panopto, and anyone who has a SMUMN login can view the livestream. There will only be 100 people allowed to view the livestream each night.

Learn more about “Significant Other” and how to view.