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Winona Campus Newsletter2020-21 Outstanding DBA Dissertation awarded to Dr. Joseph Schneider
Several years ago, a memorial fund was established to honor two of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program faculty founders, Dr. Rick Callaway and Dr. Lee Gremillion. At the end of each academic year, the DBA faculty, at the request of the Callaway and Gremillion families, review all of the DBA dissertations that have been successfully defended that academic year. If an outstanding dissertation has been identified, the recipient receives a plaque and stipend of $500 to commemorate this academic achievement.
The criteria for evaluating the dissertations are:
- Excellent application of research methodology.
- Practical application.
- Significant contribution to the welfare of others.
For the academic year 2020-21, the DBA faculty are pleased to announce that this year’s recipient of the Outstanding DBA Dissertation Award goes to Dr. Joseph Schneider for his research entitled “Does Racial Bias Exist in Traffic Stops Made By Saint Paul Police?”
Congratulations, Dr. Schneider!
Ethical Leadership 101: How You Can Impact Others For Good
The Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership will be offering an ethical leadership training session for student leaders Friday, Sept. 3, from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall. The session will introduce student leaders to our ethical leadership framework and engage them in leadership development.
After the session, students will be able to:
- explain what leadership, virtue, and vice mean
- explain the traits and characteristics of a good leader
- explain why leadership is tied to virtues/vices
- identify their personal leadership strengths and weaknesses
- plan leadership growth over the semester
Select your meal plan, to-go containers available
Choosing the meal plan that’s right for you can be confusing. Take a look at the descriptions below to help you understand your plan options. You can also take the meal plan assistant survey, view menus, and add more flex dollars to your card by visiting dineoncampus.com/saintmarys. Also note, cash will not be accepted at any of our on-campus dining locations.
Terms to understand:
- Flex dollars are just like cash and can be used at any on-campus dining location
- Meal exchanges mean you can get a meal at the Cardinal Club (Burger 507 or Bowl Life) instead of Toner Dining Hall
Resident meal plans
These plan options are for students who live on campus.
All Access plan: Designed for the busy student who needs flexibility. Perfect for student-athletes, students in lots of clubs and organizations, and students with a full course load. For $2,475 per semester, you’ll get:
- Unlimited meals in Toner Dining Hall
- $150 flex dollars
- 1 meal exchange each day
- 1 Cardinal Coffee beverage each week
Lifestyle 15 plan: Offers lots of flexibility for a little lower cost. Great for students who primarily eat in the cafeteria but occasionally like to eat at the Cardinal Club or bring a friend. For $2,320 per semester, you’ll get:
- 15 meals each week in Toner Dining Hall
- $200 flex dollars
- 1 meal exchange each week
- 2 guest passes to Toner Dining Hall
Lifestyle 12 plan: More flex dollars and less meals in the cafeteria. A good fit for students who want a less expensive plan that offers options. For $2,215 per semester, you’ll get:
- 12 meals each week in Toner Dining Hall
- $250 flex dollars
- 1 meal exchange each week
- 2 guest passes to Toner Dining Hall
Essentials 19 plan: This is the default meal plan for first-year students. The least expensive plan but with the most structure. For $2,185 per semester, you’ll get:
- 19 meals per week in Toner Dining Hall
- 1 meal exchange each week
Commuter meal plans
These plan options are for students who live off campus.
Lifestyle 8 plan: For students who are on campus regularly and need some flexibility. Offers the most meals. For $1,445 per semester, you’ll get:
- 8 meals per week in Toner Dining Hall
- $75 flex dollars
- 1 meal exchange each week
Base 100 plan: Simple and easy to use. Students get flexibility but with a set amount of meals. For $930 per semester, you’ll get:
- 100 meals in Toner Dining Hall or meal exchanges
- $75 flex dollars
Lifestyle 5 plan: A good option for students who need flexibility or options but want to pay a little less. Students can also get their caffeine fix. For $875 per semester, you’ll get:
- 5 meals per week in Toner Dining Hall
- $75 flex dollars
- 1 meal exchange each week
- 1 Cardinal Coffee beverage each week
Base 50 plan: No muss, no fuss. This plan is good for students who need a few on-campus dining options, but do the majority of their cooking at home. For $570 per semester, you’ll get:
- 50 meals in Toner Dining Hall or meal exchanges
- $100 flex dollars
Update your meal plan
Now that you understand the plans, did you decide you want to change your meal plan? Now’s the time! The meal plan change period is open until Friday, Sept. 10, at 4 p.m. Learn more.
To-go containers available
For a one-time, $5 fee, you can also get a reusable to-go container from the Toner Dining Hall. These can be used if you want to take your food to-go and eat elsewhere. (It’s not for packing up leftovers or taking extra with you when you leave.) Bring the empty container back and throw it on the dish line to be washed. Grab a clean one to use next time!
Mailroom hours
Starting today, Monday, Aug. 30, the mailroom will resume regular hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Note, there will be no regularly scheduled Saturday or Sunday hours this academic year.
Tutoring and peer learning assistance
Start your semester off on the right foot. After the first week of attending classes, you may discover you could use some additional assistance in some areas. Sign up for a tutor or peer learning assistant at smumn.joinknack.com.
Peer learning assistants can help you set up a routine so studying becomes second nature for you. Peer tutors can assist you with understanding and practicing the new material in your courses. Your instructors are always the best resource, so consider setting up a meeting with them as well.
Don’t have the Knack app on your phone? Download Knack in the App Store or get it on Google Play.
If you need help with writing papers, contact the Saint Mary’s Writing Center.
Creating routines and habits now will help you later in the semester when you begin to run out of steam.
Welcome message from Elijah Williams, Student Senate president [video]
Senior Elijah Williams, 2021-22 Student Senate president, welcomes fellow Cardinals to campus.
His message for new students:
His message for returning students, faculty, and staff:
To the Saint Mary’s community:
Faculty, staff, and students, I welcome you back to campus! The trees are green, the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining (when it wants to), and wow, it feels good to be here. I know, like many of you, that I have missed being in Winona — hanging out with friends, going to Blooming Grounds, attending events, dreading homework, the usual. But I am beyond excited for the new memories, the new friendships, and the amazing opportunities to further my education all while reflecting on the past 18 months.
The past year and a half have been challenging in ways that no one could have ever imagined. We have been tested, both literally and figuratively. But we have come out on the other side, or at least we almost did, not only stronger but more connected than ever. You see, I walk around campus and see strangers, friends, people I consider family, but most of all I see a community — one that has gathered around, supported one another, and helped get each other through arguably one of the most difficult things we have faced, and will likely ever face, in our lives.
I’ve had the honor and privilege of getting to know many of you. I know that things are crazy but hang in there. My hope is that if we all continue to be safe and acknowledge one another, our different opinions and beliefs, that we will get back to a normal that we can recognize. This year is going to be tough, that’s college, but remember to study hard, stay focused, have fun, and enjoy your breaks because I know I will.
Last but certainly not least, as someone once said, “We were almost back to precedent times.” I wish you all the best this coming year! #rollcards
Kindest regards,
Elijah Williams
Student Senate President
Student handbook published
The 2021-22 student handbook is now published online. It includes COVID-19 addendums.
New libraries website launched
A new, shared website has been created to unify Winona and Twin Cities library services, which you can view at lib.smumn.edu. The new website launched Aug. 23 and features:
- 24/7 chat services
- SuperSearch, the libraries’ unified search tool
- Mobile-friendly design
- Enhanced navigation (site search, user-friendly organization and menus)
To support you during this transition, we plan to:
- Keep the Winona library and Twin Cities library websites available until Dec. 20, 2021.
- Include links to the Winona library and Twin Cities library websites on the new website’s homepage.
We hope that the new website raises awareness that you may use both libraries; increases access to the libraries’ collections and staff; and mimics the experience you have face-to-face in the libraries, feeling as though a friendly and knowledgeable librarian is guiding you through the research process.
We value your input and will continuously improve the new website with your feedback. Email us at lib@smumn.edu if you have questions, suggestions, or interest in participating in usability testing.
Get ready for intramurals
Welcome back, students, faculty, staff, and friends of Saint Mary’s University. I’m excited to announce that intramurals will be played this year!
Jim Tschida
First off, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Jim Tschida, I’m the director of intramurals and assistant fastpitch softball coach. I’m new this year, however, I attended Saint Mary’s University back in the 1980s. I was a member of the baseball team and also participated in intramurals.
Intramurals this year will start off with all activities in the great outdoors enjoying clean, fresh air and friendly competition. This is not about winning the game. It’s about having fun, meeting others, and creating friendships. That’s winning in intramurals.
Since intramurals will be played outside, masks will be optional. Social distancing will still be practiced whenever possible. COVID-19 protocols may change the way we conduct intramurals as we progress through the school year.
Enjoy the games, teammates, competition, and the opportunity to participate. Respect the game, fellow players, and intramural staff.
Games being offered at this time (details to follow):
- Football: 1-hand touch, 4 on 4 (5-person team)
- Soccer: 4 on 4 (5-person team)
- Basketball: 1/2 court, 3 on 3 (4-person team)
- Pickleball: 2-person team
- Spikeball: 2-person team
- Bocce ball: 2-person
The first intramural season will run from Monday, Sept. 13, to Friday, Oct. 15. Team registration ends Friday, Sept. 10, at 11:59 p.m.
Questions, concerns, or suggestions can be emailed to intramur@smumn.edu.
How to sign up
Visit imleagues.com/SMUMN and click Create Account. Enter your information, use your Saint Mary’s email, and submit. You will be sent an activation email. Click the link in the email to login and activate your IMLeagues account.
To sign up, pick the sport and league you want to play in. Click Register/Sign-up and choose Create Team (Team Captain) or Join Team (Player).
To create a team, complete the registration form leaving the auto accept members box unchecked. Fill out the league preferences. Invite players to your team via email or player lookup.
To join a team, click the Join button. An email will be sent to the Captain to approve your request. Once the Captain has approved your request, you will be added to the roster.
Don’t miss these fun welcome back SAC events
The Student Activities Committee (SAC) is eager to welcome all students back to campus this semester! Don’t miss all the fun events during the first week.
Tie Dye – FREE SAC T-shirt
St. Ed’s Field | Thursday, Sept. 2, at noon
Welcome Back BINGO – Hundreds of dollars of prizes!
Toner Dining Hall | Thursday, Sept. 2, at 8 p.m.
S’Mores in the Plaza
Plaza | Friday, Sept. 3, at 9 p.m.
Late Night Hangout – Hypnotist
Gostomski Fieldhouse | Friday, Sept. 3, at 10 p.m.
Wine and Paint – All are welcome, wine for 21+ students
Gostomski Fieldhouse | Saturday, Sept. 4, at 3 p.m.
Block Party – Obstacle courses, foam pit, live DJ, tattoos, tie dye, and more!
Ed’s Field | Saturday, Sept. 4, at 8 p.m.
Tiki “Mocktail” Bar
Plaza | Sunday, Sept. 5, at noon
All SAC events are open to all students. Stay up to date with SAC events by following us on Instagram (@smumnsac). Also catch us at the Clubs and Organizations Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 1.
All are welcome to join SAC as well, just attend a meeting! We meet Sundays at 7 p.m. in Toner Student Center Room 9. Our first meeting is Sunday, Sept. 5. Email studentactivites@smumn.edu or Jillian Alekna, SAC president, at jralek17@smumn.edu with any questions.
Stay safe over Labor Day weekend, refrain from travel
As we anticipate the start of our academic year in Winona, we do so with the health and safety of our community at the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last academic year, we wore our masks and smiled with our eyes, stayed socially distant when we needed a caring hug, washed our hands, and avoided large gatherings. We ask for your continued adherence to all of our COVID-19 protocols.
We are gravely concerned about the high transmission of the delta variant in Minnesota and its surrounding states. As Labor Day approaches, we must not let down our guard. Holidays bring a desire to celebrate with friends and family who may not be part of our safe bubble. We ask you to avoid traveling off campus. We are also asking you to take all the necessary steps to limit your exposure to COVID-19 over Labor Day weekend:
- Wear your mask or face covering, always!
- Maintain 6 feet of physical distance.
- Avoid crowded indoor and outdoor events if possible.
- Stay in your safe bubble.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
- Look out for one another.
- Avoid traveling off campus.
As a reminder, the university has arranged a host of events and activities for the Labor Day weekend designed to provide you the opportunity to safely socialize, relax, and have fun. Here are some of the events planned:
Friday, Sept. 3
Lifenight at 7 p.m., Saint Thomas More Chapel
S’mores in the Plaza at 9 p.m.
Late Night Hangout and Dodgeball at 9 p.m., Gostomski Fieldhouse
Saturday, Sept. 4
Yoga 10 a.m., dance studio
Bubble Soccer Tournament at 1 p.m., Saint Ed’s field
Men’s Soccer Game at 2 p.m., soccer field
Wine and Canvas at 3 p.m., Gostomski Fieldhouse
Block Party at 8 p.m., Saint Ed’s Field
Sunday, Sept. 5
Mock-Tail Tiki Bar at noon, plaza
Campus Capture the Flag at 1 p.m., back patio of Hillside Hall
Canoe/Kayak the Backwaters of the Mississippi at 1:30 p.m., meet at Environmental Awareness Center
Garden with Carolyn Ayers and Kyle Black at 2 p.m., community garden
SAI Karaoke Night at 7 p.m., President’s Room
Monday, Sept. 6
Picnic in Plaza/Giant Yard Games/Kickball Game at noon
Men’s Soccer Game at 5 p.m., soccer field
Women’s Soccer Game at 7 p.m., soccer field
We’re all in this together. By keeping ourselves safe, we protect one another and increase our chances of continuing to be together in community this fall. Together, we are Saint Mary’s!
Longtime interest turns into internship for Saint Mary’s senior
A high school psychology class first sparked Kailee Johnson’s interest in working in mental and behavioral health.
“I’ve always liked listening to people and helping them with whatever they may be going through,” Johnson said. “So that’s where I’ve always seen myself.”
This summer, the Saint Mary’s senior psychology major had the opportunity to see herself doing exactly that. By serving as a behavioral therapist with Caravel Autism Health in Rochester, she was able to build relationships with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
“This summer I implemented applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy, which helps kids with autism spectrum disorders develop social, communicative, behavioral skills that neurotypical kids would have,” she said.
In her role at Caravel, Johnson would spend two to three hours a day with clients between the ages of 3 and 14, working to build a rapport with them before implementing the therapy.
“You have to make clients comfortable with you because it makes it a lot easier to implement therapies because they trust you,” she said.
Taking on a summer internship as a part of her psychology major, Johnson initially looked into opportunities to take part in mental health counseling. However, many of those internships required graduate-level education. Next, she looked to go into in-home care for adults with autism spectrum disorders. But an interest in working with kids led her to learn about ABA therapy and Caravel’s clinic in Rochester.
“Caravel just seemed like a good place to be because it was so obvious they really care for their clients,” she said.
Johnson found it easy to care for the youth she was working with each day.
“I loved just getting to know the clients,” she said. “And it’s sad leaving the internship because with privacy agreements and everything, I’m probably never going to see them again.”
Like many students who take part in summer internships, Johnson also enjoyed the opportunity to learn new tools and concepts outside of the classroom.
“In the classroom, you learn a lot of the basic knowledge that is needed, but you don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into until you do it yourself,” she said.
While she’s built upon what she has learned in the classroom at Caravel, she says her professors in the Saint Mary’s Psychology Department and the courses has taken set her up for success in her internship. The best example of this, Johnson said, is the willingness of her professors to get to know students on a personal level and provide guidance when needed. During her internship, Johnson says she had regular conversations about her experience at Caravel with psychology professor Elizabeth Seebach, Ph.D.
“I would be able to check in with her weekly and let her know if I had any critical incidents, which shows she cares and wants to know how I’m doing as I learn,” she said. “Which means a lot because professors at other universities may not be as involved.”
While the summer internship has piqued her interest in studying behavior and creating treatment plans for those with behavioral issues, Johnson is still interested in mental health counseling. And while she may not go on to do the exact same work she was exposed to at Caravel, she says the internship was beneficial in that it forced her out of her comfort zone.
“When I first started my internship, I felt extremely overwhelmed because I wasn’t familiar with the work,” she said. “But once I built that familiarity, I started loving it. And I think remembering that going into the future is important. I realize getting out of my comfort zone will be difficult, but at the end of the day, I’ll end up loving what I do.”
In the news
In an op-ed for the Winona Daily News, Brian Schmisek, Saint Mary’s provost and dean of faculties, spoke about what steps the university has taken to deliver education in new, innovative ways that meet the needs of students and employers.
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