Saint Mary's Newsroom

The United States Congress recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. As a part of this legislation, colleges and universities have been allocated federal funds to provide student emergency grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Saint Mary’s University received an allocation of $830,548 for student emergency grants.

The Federal Department of Education provided guidance and parameters for distributing the emergency grants for students under the CARES Act as follows:

1. Funds are restricted to Title IV eligible students, demonstrated by filing a completed FAFSA, a completed verification if required, and not being on Satisfactory Academic Progress Probation.
2. Funds are for students who have expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.
   • Housing – expenses related to moving off-campus or to a permanent residence
   • Food – unanticipated grocery bills due to cancellation of a meal plan
   • Course materials or technology – expanded internet connectivity or computer hardware/software/equipment necessary to complete coursework online
   • Other expenses directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus
3. Funds cannot be allocated to students who were exclusively enrolled in distance education courses when the declaration of national emergency related to the coronavirus was declared on March 13, 2020.
4. Funds are not taxable as income to the recipients.
5. Funds cannot be retained on student accounts by colleges and universities and must be paid directly to students.

Saint Mary’s directed its student emergency grants to undergraduate students who are claimed as dependents on their FAFSA form, as these students are not eligible for other forms of relief provided by the CARES Act.

Saint Mary’s is allocating student emergency grant awards in amounts ranging from $500 to $2,000 based upon a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated by the 2019-20 FAFSA.

Student emergency grants were disbursed to 832 eligible students on May 15.

It is my distinct honor and privilege to announce that Sister Mary Mia (Rachael Menke), Spanish education major, and Michele Remer, environmental biology major, are the co-valedictorians at the College for the 2019-20 academic year.

The distinction of valedictorian is given to the graduating senior or seniors at the College who achieve the highest academic standing during their time at Saint Mary’s University.

Please join with me in congratulating Sister Mary Mia and Michele on the occasion of this great honor!

Saint Mary’s Campus Ministry continues to share spiritual offerings to provide much-needed perspective and a focus on faith in this time of uncertainty.

“You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.” — Isaiah 43:4

Visit Saint Mary’s Campus Ministry on Facebook.

Saint Mary’s student Ziad Oumer, who is completing his bachelor’s degree in public health, was recently featured in a podcast from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

As the COVID-19 pandemic moves across the United States, it’s bringing into sharp focus the fact that certain populations are suffering more than others. The podcast, Health in All Matters, examined particular challenges facing the homeless, the incarcerated, people of color, and new immigrants as they try to stay safe.

“Governor Walz announced COVID-related inequities in the State of Minnesota. As of last week, the black community, which makes up 6.6% of the Minnesota population, had 17% of COVID cases and experienced 19% of the hospitalization,” said Farhiya Farah, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s director of public health programs. “This calls for amplified targeted prevention interventions for Minnesota’s underserved communities.”

Oumer came to the Twin Cities when he was 22 years old. He is Somalian, a population that is greater than 75,000 in Minnesota, and recognizes the challenges minorities face.

Dr. Farah said Oumer is a passionate public health student who is heavily engaged in community public health events. He is on track to complete his bachelor’s degree in public health this summer.

“Ziad single-handedly helped a community-based organization with the COVID-19 state grant that was awarded $10,000,” said Dr. Farah. “I am excited about the promise of his contribution to the great work of public health.”

Listen to the podcast — Episode 5: COVID Affects Us All … Just Not Equally

Saint Mary’s Campus Ministry continues to share spiritual offerings to provide much-needed perspective and a focus on faith in this time of uncertainty.

“Trust him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before him; God is a refuge for us.” — Psalm 62:8

Visit Saint Mary’s Campus Ministry on Facebook.