Saint Mary's Newsroom
Campus ConnectionAn update from the president to alumni and parents
SAC events this weekend
SAC invites everyone to the final days of SNOW DAZE!
Thursday, Feb. 11 – 2000s Trivia
7 p.m. via Zoom — Sign up
We all lived it, now it is time to test our your knowledge. First place is a Razor scooter!
Friday, Feb. 12 – SMU T-shirt Exchange
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Cardinal Corner (next to the bookstore, basement of Toner Student Center)
Have an old T-shirt you don’t want any more? SAC will exchange it for a new SMU shirt! Five designs are available to chose from. Don’t have a shirt you are willing to part with? You can donate five cans of non-perishable food, and SAC will give you a new SMU shirt. All shirts and non-perishable food items will be donated.
Saturday, Feb. 13 — BYOS (Bring Your Own Sled) Sledding
Noon — Meet at Saint Yon’s
As a part of the Get Outside event, SAC invites all of campus to get creative and find out what will slide down Champion Hill! Bundle up and come sledding with us! Hot chocolate, provided by Chartwells, will be available in the plaza to help you warm up.
Sunday, Feb.14 — Valentine’s Cards and “My Intent” Bracelet Making
Valentine’s Cards
All day by Cardinal Coffee
SAC is providing free Valentine’s Day cards to whoever needs them. Stop by the table and grab a card for your someone special.
My Intent Bracelet Making
Noon — Game Room
Setting intentions is something personal and special for each person. Join SAC for a guided experience to find your intentional word, and create a custom bracelet to accompany that intention. This is a perfect event for singles, groups, and couples on this Valentine’s Day!
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendar
Thursday, Feb. 18 — Virtual Board Game Night; sign up
Saturday, Feb. 20 — Blanket Making; sign up
Thursday, Feb. 25 — SAC Coffee and Cocoa, first floor Saint Mary’s Hall
Friday, Feb. 26 — Disney Bingo; sign up
Questions? Interested in Joining SAC? Email studentactivities@smumn.edu.
For more information, follow SAC on Instagram @smumnsac.
Saint Mary’s University, Viterbo University form new academic partnership
LA CROSSE, Wis./WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and Viterbo University are pleased to announce a new partnership that provides flexibility and increased academic offerings for students at both schools.
University presidents Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., of Saint Mary’s and Glena Temple, Ph.D., of Viterbo will sign a partnership agreement Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Both universities are founded in Catholic values and have a shared mission of transformative education. “Partnering with Viterbo is a natural extension for Saint Mary’s as we look to serve students who seek an excellent education rooted in leadership and service to others,” said Father Burns. “In these increasingly challenging times, we are called to be especially innovative and creative in serving students and meeting employer and societal needs going forward. Strong partnerships create opportunity, and we are pleased to be working closely with Viterbo.”
“This partnership is mutually beneficial for students looking to jump start meaningful advanced degrees or certificate programs, as well as for regional employers,” said Dr. Temple. “Students will emerge from these collaborative programs with valuable skills, strong leadership traits, and ethical values — characteristics highly desirable in today’s workforce. Our collective goal is to offer flexibility and opportunity — two things today’s deserving students seek when determining where and how to advance their education.”
“Creativity and innovation have always been a hallmark of Catholic higher education,” said the Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM, president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. “Today, we celebrate two Midwestern Catholic universities with aligned missions who are joining forces to broaden the academic offerings available to students at both schools and strengthen their educational experience.”
As part of the agreement:
- Saint Mary’s will offer 6 credits toward its 36-hour M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics from the following Viterbo bachelor’s degrees: accounting, business administration, finance, health care and wellness management, management and leadership, marketing, sport management and leadership, applied math and analytics, computer science, engineering, and psychology.
- Viterbo agrees that graduates from Bachelor of Arts programs at Saint Mary’s are able to enroll in Viterbo University’s 30-credit hour M.A. in Servant Leadership program. Students will accelerate their M.A. degree by taking 6 credits of Viterbo University graduate coursework during their B.A. studies at Saint Mary’s. These 6 M.A. credits will also count for 6 B.A. credits. Specific courses will be identified by program leadership.
- Saint Mary’s will make its Certificate in Project Management available to Viterbo graduates.
- Viterbo will make its Certificate in Ethical Leadership available to Saint Mary’s graduates.
The agreement is effective for fall 2021.
About Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. At Saint Mary’s, students find in every classroom — whether in person or online — a relationship-driven, person-centered education. Through intense inquiry, students discover the truths in the world and the character within. Founded in 1912 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enrolls 5,200 students at its residential undergraduate college in Winona and its Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, based in Minneapolis with programs offered in Rochester, other locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin and fully online. As a Lasallian Catholic university welcoming all students, Saint Mary’s offers respected and affordable programs in a variety of areas leading to bactoral degrees, as well as certificates. Learn more at smumn.edu.
About Viterbo University
Viterbo University offers more than 40 academic programs (traditional and online) that prepare students for outstanding careers. Whether it be at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree level, classes are taught by faculty members dedicated to the success of their students. Viterbo students are known by name and build strong connections with faculty both in and outside of the classroom. Most programs feature internships, study abroad, service, and field research opportunities that enhance the classroom experience. Viterbo also has a generous transfer-credit policy and accelerated bachelor’s degree completion programs specifically designed for working professionals. Viterbo’s beautiful campus and vibrant community are located in La Crosse—a city nestled between scenic bluffs and the Mississippi River and named a top college town in Wisconsin by the American Institute for Economic Research. Founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Viterbo is a Catholic, Franciscan University in the liberal arts tradition.
Panel discussion to address COVID-19 challenges
Are mask mandates a violation of our liberty? Are lockdowns worth the burden on small businesses and families? Should schools require vaccinations? Join us Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. in Salvi, Room 332 in Saint Mary’s Hall, on the Winona Campus for a discussion on these and related issues surrounding COVID-19.
The event is geared toward undergraduate students but will also be livestreamed via Zoom. The in-person event is limited to 25 guests. Masks must be worn, and social distancing protocols will be followed.
This event is sponsored by the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership and R.I.S.E.
COVID-19 vaccination update
The university is closely monitoring vaccination plans for the State of Minnesota. Both Christina Uribe Nitti, director of Health Services, and Ann Merchlewitz, J.D., senior vice president and general counsel, participate in a weekly conference call with representatives from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Part of that call each week is devoted to updates on vaccinations. MDH has not provided any information on how colleges generally fit into the state’s vaccination plans. The university is waiting to see if any of its employees will fall into Phase 1b – the next group eligible for vaccinations. However, the university has managed to move some of its employees into Phase 1a of the vaccination process, including:
- The nurse practitioner and nurse in the Wellness Center on the Winona Campus as they administer COVID-19 tests
- Receptionists in the Wellness Center in Winona as they may come into contact with COVID-19 positive students visiting the Wellness Center
- Staff who drive vans used to transport COVID-19 positive students to our isolation rooms at Alverna Center
- Custodial staff who clean isolation rooms on the Winona Campus
The university is working with MDH on vaccinations for students in clinical experiences, as some of those students have not been vaccinated as part of the hospital’s regular vaccination program. The university will be providing MDH information on those students so they get added to appropriate vaccination lists with local public health.
MDH reported last week that, in general, most college and university staff and students will likely fall into a category that comes after Phase 1b. However, some staff/students will fall into category 1b because they are 65+, they are K-12 teachers, or they work in the childcare setting. The state is still vaccinating people in Phase 1a. View the state’s vaccination dashboard.
Photo caption: Christina Uribe Nitti, director of Health Services, and Julie Buege, registered nurse in the Jay Johnson Wellness Center, receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Uribe Nitti said, “I got my COVID-19 vaccine because I don’t want to be the source of infection for someone else. The only way we can beat this virus is to get enough people vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. That will protect the most vulnerable in our community, and that’s something I want to be a part of!”
We thank our janitorial staff and others
Through an anonymous COVID-19 feedback submission, we were generously reminded us to thank the janitorial staff and others who are on campus every day helping to serve the students and keep them safe.
“We should appreciate their help in this pandemic, just as much as the students, because without them, we would not have a clean and healthy campus!” said the anonymous submitter.
We could not agree more. We thank those dedicated Saint Mary’s staff and contracted partners who are on campus every day doing what they can to keep our environment clean and healthy. Thank you for thinking of these very important individuals. We encourage you to also thank them when you see them.
Have feedback you’d like to share? Fill out the form or email covid@smumn.edu.
COVID-19 testing information for employees
The university is not currently providing COVID-19 testing for faculty and staff. Employees can access the following free COVID-19 testing in the State of Minnesota:
- Minnesota Community Testing Sites
- Hy-Vee testing at Hy-Vee Pharmacies (testing locations are drive-thru and by appointment only)
- At-home COVID-19 testing kits for Minnesota residents
The university currently has no plans for an organized on-campus testing option for faculty and staff as it has no free COVID-19 tests for this purpose. Hy-Vee has allotted tests to the university each week for student-athletes and our surveillance testing for students at the College. It does not have additional tests available for free to test faculty and staff. The State of Minnesota is not currently providing free COVID-19 tests for college and university faculty, staff, and students. We would strongly encourage faculty and staff to use the free testing that is available or use the at-home testing option. Some individuals have been ordering and using the at-home test every week.
He applies what he learned in his courses every day
If Michael Atkinson M’20 could go back in time and give himself some advice — prior to earning his M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services — he’d tell himself to enroll at Saint Mary’s University sooner.
Atkinson graduated in December with a degree he said was critical to his career path within the mental health field. And, he added, he applies what he learned in his graduate courses every day while working as an in-clinic mental health therapist at Ellie Family Services.
Atkinson chose Saint Mary’s for multiple reasons, including a connection with a current student in the program. “Second, I found added comfort in the size of the program and campus; not too big, not too small,” he added. “Lastly, I was hugely impressed with the diversity of the student body and found a lot of value in exposure to such a wide range of perspectives and life experiences.
“I would tell a prospective student who was hesitant to begin a program that one of my first thoughts after earning my degree was, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’ If that didn’t help, I would invite them to apply with the objective of taking just one or two classes the first semester to get a taste and find out for themselves if it’s for them,” Atkinson said.
He calls his experience at Saint Mary’s “multidimensional — a blend of intellectual pursuits and a personally transformational experience.”
“Looking back, it reminds me of the aphorism that states a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step; yet for me, each day required making that single step,” he said.
Update from the provost regarding credit changes
Based on recommendations from the Educational Standards Committee at the College and the Academic Policy Committee at the SGPP, and in consultation with the deans and academic administrative teams, I am pleased to announce that the total number of required credits to graduate with a B.A. or a B.S. from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will be 120 credits, effective fall 2021. This change will apply to all Saint Mary’s bachelor’s programs, including on-ground, online, and bachelor’s completion programs.
In addition, the total number of “in residence” requirements for the B.A. will be 30 credits (the equivalent of one average academic year or two average semesters). The number of maximum allowed transfer credits for B.S. completion will be 84 credits.
Current students will be allowed to shift to the 120-credit requirement without changing the catalog for their degree requirements. This change will also not affect the core number of credits required for a major.
Background and context
This proposal stems from ongoing conversations regarding review of transfer credit policies across the College and Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP).
Rationale
- At the College: Graduation requirements to complete a major and general education program, with minimum GPA and upper level credit requirements and restrictions on number of elective credits earned in performing arts, sufficiently ensure the academic integrity of the degree, even if the total number of credits is decreased by two and the number of credit hours earned in residence is reduced.
- Saint Mary’s increased the B.A. total credit count to 122 when physical education was made credit-bearing, but the credits were not subsequently reduced when PE became non-credit-bearing. The change was made for B.S. completion programs in Minneapolis to ensure consistency.
- This change will bring Saint Mary’s into alignment with credit requirements at other schools in the area.
- Lowering total credits, including lowering “in residence” credit requirements, will help recruit transfer students.
- If credit reduction can be applied retroactively to existing students, lowering total credit requirements may lessen the load to graduate for students experiencing missed opportunities due to COVID-19.
- 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree aligns with Minnesota Academic Program Standards (as dictated by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education) and by Saint Mary’s accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission.
Clarification on Online Instructor Certification schedule and stipends
This article will be edited as updates or changes occur. Last edit 3:45 p.m. Feb. 9.
On Advance Day 2021, Provost Brian Schmisek announced that Saint Mary’s University will be investing in its faculty by providing a $1,000 stipend to all instructors who complete three levels of our Online Instructor Certification course (Introduction, Intermediate, and Advanced) in fiscal year 2020-21 (ends May 2021).
You can read more about the certification courses and register for them at the CELT Online Instructor Certification page.
Right now, all February courses are full and we anticipate March’s introductory course will be full as well. Registering for any of these courses on the CELT site’s form will put you on the waitlist, and as space becomes available, we will gradually register people first who are first on the waitlist. You will need your dean’s approval to register for the certification courses, including courses starting in March at all levels.
We anticipate being able to offer the courses on the following schedule:
- Courses starting February 1: Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced
- Courses starting March 8: Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced
- Courses starting April 5: Intermediate, Advanced
- Courses starting May 3: Advanced
Further sections are planned and will be announced via Cardinal Update and the CELT site.
The Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
President
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
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