Saint Mary's Newsroom

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Should I get tested if I just have minor cold symptoms?
Probably. Many college students have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, so it’s better to get tested and avoid spreading the virus. Call the Wellness Center at 507-457-1492 to talk about your symptoms and whether it is recommended you get tested.

If I have symptoms, can’t I just be careful and wait it out?
No! If we want to make it to the end of the semester, it’s important we identify positive cases and close contacts of those cases to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Even though many people have mild symptoms, they can still infect others before symptoms develop or after they’ve improved. In order to protect those at higher risk and prevent mild cases from turning into an outbreak, it’s important to get tested.

Is the test for COVID-19 uncomfortable?
Not really. Testing in the Wellness Center uses a nasal swab which is essentially a Q-tip inserted about 1 inch into the nose. Most students find this more comfortable than the throat swabs used to test for strep throat.

Do I have to quarantine while I’m waiting for test results?
Yes, but you can do this in your room. Roommates have generally already been exposed to one another, so students are able to stay in their room to wait for their test result. Roommates are encouraged to wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart while waiting for results.

What do I do about my classes while I’m waiting for test results or I’m in quarantine or isolation?
As long as the Wellness Center is aware you are waiting for test results or are in isolation or quarantine, they will notify other campus departments to make sure faculty are aware you will temporarily need to continue your classes remotely. Communicate directly with your faculty about how this will work.

How will I get meals while I’m waiting for test results or I’m in quarantine or isolation?
As long as the Wellness Center is aware you are waiting for test results or are in isolation or quarantine, they will notify other campus departments to make sure meals are delivered to your room (for on-campus students). Be sure to let them know if you have any dietary restrictions.

What if I got tested for COVID-19 off-campus?
Notify the Wellness Center so they can work with other campus departments to make sure your faculty are aware you will not be in class and to make sure meals get delivered to you (for on-campus students). Be sure to notify the Wellness Center of your results as well. You won’t be allowed to return to class until faculty have been notified.

What if I was told I’m a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19?
Notify the Wellness Center. They will help answer your questions and coordinate notification of faculty and meal delivery (for on-campus students). You will need to remain in quarantine for 14 days. The 14-day quarantine period begins on the day of last close contact with the person who tested positive.

If I’m a close contact, can I quarantine in my room?
Maybe. If you have your own sleeping room, you can quarantine there. If you share a sleeping room and your roommate is also in quarantine, you can quarantine together, but if one of you tests positive for COVID-19, the quarantine will start over for other roommates. For this reason, you may prefer to quarantine separately. If your roommate does not need to quarantine, you have the option of returning home for quarantine or going to the Alverna Center for that time.

If I’m a close contact should I get tested?
Probably. Many college students have mild symptoms or no symptoms so it’s probably best to get tested if you are a close contact. Infection can develop anywhere from 2-14 days after close contact, so it’s important not to test too early. You should wait at least 5-7 days after your last close contact with the person who tested positive. Even if your test is negative, it’s important to finish up the 14-day quarantine since infection can still develop up to 14 days after close contact.

If I test positive for COVID-19, can I isolate in my room?
No. Per Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, students who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate in a separate space set aside for that purpose, away from other students. You would have the option of returning home or moving to the Alverna Center where you would have a single room and your own bathroom. The 10-day isolation period begins on the day symptoms first began or on the date you were tested (if you don’t have symptoms).

Will my faculty be told if I test positive for COVID-19?
No. Faculty are advised that a student will be out of class, but are not told whether this is because you are waiting for a test result or are in isolation or quarantine. It is not necessary for faculty or classmates to be informed of your positive test unless you have identified them as close contacts.

Where can I learn more?
Contact the Wellness Center with questions at 507-457-1492 or wellnesscenter@smumn.edu.

Cardinals,

Thank you for another great week. And thank you to each of you for continuing to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines. Please keep it up so we can be here all the way through November. A short message of gratitude was created by members of the Saint Mary’s community:

All the best,

Tim Gossen, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs

Important notes related to COVID-19

Winona County Emergency Management is advising against travel to La Crosse County for leisure activities, including bars, restaurants, non-essential shopping, and other non-essential activities. The La Crosse County area has seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, especially in ages 20-29. If you must travel to La Crosse County for doctor appointments, work, or essential things, make sure to take necessary precautions. Wear your mask, stay physically distant, and be sure to wash your hands. If you do plan to travel to La Crosse or another area outside of the Winona/Rochester area, complete the travel notification form.

Health Services created an FAQ about isolation and quarantine.

You need to wear a mask when outside and unable to social distance from others. For example, if you are going to pass individuals in the Plaza or on the sidewalk, you need to have your mask on. If you are sitting in Saint Mary’s Park by yourself, you do not need to have your mask on, but have it available in case a friend comes by. If ever wondering, the default is to always wear your mask.

If you’re planning an event or gathering, complete the COVID-19 gathering form for approval prior to advertising and reserving a room.

If you have a question or concern, fill out the form and let us know.

In a universitywide initiative, the Office of the Provost and the Office of Student Affairs will be hosting debate watch events and panel discussions on civil discourse one hour prior to each of the presidential and vice presidential debates. These moderated events will take place over Zoom. To be clear, these are non-advocacy events with a chance to hear from panelists and engage in discussions about civil discourse informed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States.

The first such event will be held from 7 to 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, moderated by Brian Schmisek, Ph.D., provost and dean of faculties. Panelists will be Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Ph.D., senior vice president for university initiatives and special advisor to the president; Sonia Feder-Lewis, Ph.D., core professor in the Ed.D. in Leadership program; and Michael Charron, executive director of sponsored programs. More information about future events will be forthcoming.

Join the event

Are you running out of meals and want more block meal exchanges? You can add 25 meals for $210 which can be used at the cafeteria or Cardinal Club. Just complete this Google form to add blocks.

Sept. 22 was National Voter Registration Day! The Saint Mary’s Student Senate, in collaboration with College Democrats and College Republicans, coordinated an ongoing voter registration drive. Students are encouraged to register to vote. When registering, you can select Minnesota or your home state (if you’re staying in Winona, you can do either, but not both). This will provide you with links to register to vote and request absentee ballots. We strongly encourage you to do both, because this will ensure you can vote while here on campus.

Megan Kowalis
Vice President of Campus Affairs, Student Senate
mtkowa17@smumn.edu

Clare Bath
President, College Democrats
cxbath16@smumn.edu

Jonathon Krull
President, College Republicans
jpkrul18@smumn.edu

Learn how to market yourself with a high impact résumé on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. This workshop will cover the latest trends and best practices in résumés for any career or major. All aspects of a résumé will be discussed, including headers, profile summaries, education, work experience, transferable skills, accomplishment statements, and more.

Register for this free workshop

Résumé workshop

Learn how to market yourself with a high impact résumé on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. This workshop will cover the latest trends and best practices in résumés for any career or major. All aspects of a résumé will be discussed, including headers, profile summaries, education, work experience, transferable skills, accomplishment statements, and more.

Register for this free workshop

Virtual career fair

Get ready to attend Saint Mary’s first virtual career fair Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., hosted via Handshake. You can easily attend this free event from the comfort of your own room (still dressed professionally!) and meet with prospective employers, internship sites, and graduate programs from the Winona area and beyond.

Register by Monday, Oct. 12. Learn more.

Sign up for group sessions and one-on-one appointments. Learn more.

Become familiar with what it will look like the day of the fair.

Questions? Contact Mike Hagarty, director of Career Services, at mhagarty@smumn.edu or Elliott Rysavy, career fair coordinator, at exrysa16@smumn.edu.