Saint Mary's Newsroom / Campus Notes
Winona Campus NewsletterLutheran Social Service seeks donations for refugees
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, an organization in the Phillips West neighborhood where our Twin Cities Campus is located, is seeking donations to help refugees. In the spirit of community, please help if you are able.
From Lutheran Social Service:
Hello all,
After a slower season for refugee arrivals, the months ahead are looking more hopeful. Due to changes in the number of refugees allowed to resettle in the US, LSS Refugee Services resettlement staff has been told to prepare to welcome over 600 refugees in the next fiscal year (starting in October). Amazing!
Our hearts go out to those who are no longer safe in their homes in Afghanistan following the events of the last few weeks. We have long supported Afghan families through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program and continue to be ready to support them now. I want to let you know that we are monitoring the situation and do not currently have any updates. However, now is an excellent time for us to get prepared to welcome families displaced by violence.
We would love your help if you’re able!
Current need: Help us restock our supply room
We provide families with basic items when they arrive. Below is a list of the items we currently need. Items can be donated in “kit” form or on their own – either way is helpful! We humbly request new items due to the nature of the donations – if you have a gently used item that could be helpful, please let us know, though and we can discuss. We are so grateful for any and all donations.
Donations can be dropped off in one of two ways.
- Dropped off at the Center for Changing Lives in Minneapolis (2400 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404). This will be done by appointment only, as the building remains closed to the public due to COVID-19.
- Sent directly from shopping online. Please alert me at cate.duin@lssmn.org if you make this choice so I know to be on the lookout for the package. The shipping address is: LSS Refugee Services, c/o Cate Duin, 2400 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404
A third option is to drop off with your local collector, Donna Mayotte, at 3926 Sheridan Ave S Mpls, in Linden Hills, if you can’t make it to me, message me to pick up.
Thank you for considering contributing to restocking our supply room. Community support in all shapes and sizes sends a warm welcome to the families we serve! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Cate Anderson Duin
Supervisor, Refugee Services Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
Donation Kit Lists
Cleaning Kit
- Broom/dust pan
- Mop/bucket
- Sponges (2-4)
- Scrub brushes (1)
- Multi-purpose cleaner (1 bottle)
- Dish soap (1 large bottle)
- Laundry soap (1 large bottle)
- Dish towel and rag
- Toilet brush and plunger
- Multi purpose cleaner
Toiletry Kit (*full-size please, not hotel or travel size)
- Small reusable box or bag (put items inside)
- 1 large bottle shampoo*
- 1 large bottle conditioner*
- 1 large bottle lotion*
- 2 deodorants (women’s or men’s)
- 1 bar of soap*
- If adult: 1 large package of feminine pads or 1 package of razors and large can shaving cream
- Adult or child toothbrushes
- 1 regular or children’s tube of toothpaste
- Combs
School Supply Kit
- 3 folders with pockets
- 3 wide ruled notebooks
- #2 pencils
- 1 eraser
- 1 scissors
- 1 glue stick
- 1 pencil/crayon sharpener (we always needs lots of these!)
- 1 box of crayons
- 1 pencil bag
- 1 backpack (place all supplies inside!)
A La Carte Items
- Toilet paper
- Electric alarm clock
- Car seats
- Small wastebaskets
- Bath towels
- Bar soap – for hands
- Laundry detergent
- Vacuum
- Rice cooker
- Toilet brush
- Pressure cooker
- Sewing machine
- Wok with lid
- Stewpot/saucepans with lids
- Frying pan/skillet
- Mop with bucket
- Broom and dust pan
- Garbage can and bags
- Dish soap
- Sponges
- Stovetop tea pots
- Electric alarm clock
- Toys (gender neutral)
Knack partnership expanded to pilot peer-to-peer tutoring at SGPP
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is excited to announce an expanded academic partnership with Knack, a leader in online peer-to-peer tutoring. Knack currently serves the undergraduate students on our Winona Campus, working with the Student Success Center to power their peer tutoring program. We’re excited to expand our partnership with Knack to pilot their peer-to-peer tutoring platform with graduate students in select programs and courses in the School of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP) beginning in fall 2021. This service will be provided to students in selected pilot courses at no cost to the students due to funding made possible by the partial sponsorship of our long-time partner in innovation, Wiley Education Services.
“As the official peer tutoring platform for the undergraduate Student Success Center, we at Knack couldn’t be more excited and grateful to expand our partnership to include students from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs. This expanded partnership furthers Knack’s goal to support students of all backgrounds — across a vast array of graduate degrees and professional programs — and showcases the institution’s commitment to innovation and holistic student success,” said Samyr Qureshi, Knack co-founder and CEO.
Using the Knack online platform, students in need of additional academic support will be able to book tutoring sessions with fellow Saint Mary’s students who have demonstrated academic excellence in course content and who have been trained in the best practices of peer-to-peer tutoring.
Knack’s award-winning platform includes:
- A state-of-the-art online tutoring classroom with infinite whiteboard space
- An intentional student-to-tutor matching algorithm that prioritizes long-term success
- iOS, Android, and web apps so students can take Knack with them wherever they go
Through the partnership, we’re providing high-achieving students the opportunity to become verified peer tutors on Knack network.
Some benefits to becoming a tutor include:
- The chance to deepen your connection to fellow students and support student success in the greater Saint Mary’s community
- The opportunity for develop strong communication and critical thinking skills in a hands-on student-centered learning environment
- The flexibility and ownership over working hours as an independent contractor at a competitive hourly rate
“In the spirit of student service innovation and connected to our Saint Mary’s strategic plan as part of Initiative 8: Student Services Innovation, the introduction of Knack to our SGPP allows us to more deeply serve our students. By leveraging the power of online peer-to-peer tutoring, we envision an enhanced student experience that further supports students in achieving their academic potential,” said Andrea Carroll-Glover, vice provost, online strategy and programs.
More information on Knack will be communicated to students and faculty included within the pilot in the coming weeks. Once again, we are excited to further our commitment to student-centered academic support by engaging with Knack to ensure that all students have the resources and support they need to succeed.
August training and instructional technology updates
Training opportunities
As the fall semester quickly approaches, we invite you to take advantage of the various training opportunities for Canvas and other instructional tools. Hosted on celt.smumn.edu, there are a variety of training sessions and we have added many recorded training videos as well. Canvas overviews, deep dives into Panopto, Ally, and more are all available in multiple formats.
Fall into Canvas training opportunities!
- Canvas overview sessions will be available Thursday and Friday, Aug. 26 and 27, in SLC Room 210 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or virtually. This training is an introduction to Canvas. Walking through LMS navigation, making announcements, assignments, grading, as well as a look at pages and discussions. Phase 1 of the Canvas Minimum Usage document will be highlighted as well.
- Canvas deep dive sessions will be available Thursday and Friday, Aug. 26 and 27, in SLC Room 110 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or virtually. This is an open work time to ask questions, play, and explore Canvas to prepare for your fall courses. This is a great time to also gain a further understanding of how to best organize your course content via Modules, as well as diving deep into Speedgrader, Panopto, and other tools in Canvas.
- RSVP for virtual and in-person training opportunities.
- Check out recorded training videos.
Consultations and support
Teaching in a new learning management system (LMS) can always pose various challenges, and if your courses have remained online maybe you are looking for new ways to engage your students. Additionally, training sessions do not always hit every topic or give you the specific support you are looking for. Instructional Technology has consultations available for individual or small group sessions. To schedule a session, contact the HelpDesk to request a consultation. From there, you will be able to schedule a time that works best for you.
Instructional technology team updates
Through a search over the summer, we are excited to announce that the instructional technology team has expanded. Please welcome Garey Gill and Jared Oxborrow. Gill joins Matt Isaia in the Twin Cities and Oxborrow will be working alongside Spencer Wanlass in Winona. With this expansion, instructional technology will be able to expedite their support across the university and offer additional training, consultations. In addition, we look to explore innovation spaces to further enhance the way we engage our students in and out of the classroom.
Enjoy desserts with your department Friday at 6 p.m.
As a part of Welcome Weekend on the Winona Campus, all faculty are invited to attend a dessert reception with their incoming class of students. Receptions are casual and a great way to meet new students in a less formal manor. All receptions have been updated to follow the new COVID-19 protocols, and many have been moved to an outdoor location. See below for department locations.
Desserts with your Department
Friday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m.
- Biology Department – Saint Thomas More Chapel lawn (Hall of Fame Room, rain location)
- Business and Communications Department – Gazebo (Toner Lounge, rain location)
- Language, Literature, and Culture Department and Fine and Performing Arts Department – Page Theatre lobby
- Chemistry Department and Math, Computer Science, and Physics Department – St. Joe’s lawn (Common Room, rain location)
- Education Department, Theology and Philosophy Department, and Psychology and Social Sciences Department – Saint Mary’s Park (Salvi Lecture Hall, rain location)
You can also sign up to eat dinner with the incoming students before the dessert reception.
View the entire Welcome Weekend schedule.
Meet our faculty: Alisa DiSalvo, accounting
Alisa DiSalvo
Alisa DiSalvo has been working as a course-contracted accounting and finance associate professor at Saint Mary’s University since 2016. But she will transition to full-time status this academic year. DiSalvo has taught courses in Saint Mary’s online M.S. in Accounting and MBA programs and will soon add in-person undergraduate courses on the Winona Campus.
DiSalvo said she is looking forward to being back in a traditional face-to face classroom setting because she can see student reactions more quickly and adjust and adapt her teaching style. Teaching face-to-face, she explained, “offers a more organic exposure to build the relationship.” Saint Mary’s gives her the opportunity to teach topics she loves.
“The values, commitment to student success, embracing of diversity, and the team is what drew me to Saint Mary’s University,” she said. “I am looking forward to transitioning to a full-time role, working face-to-face with students, and growing with the university.”
With 19 years of teaching experience, DiSalvo’s professional background is diverse — her career of more than 25 years varies in aspects of business, accounting, and information management for supply chain, manufacturing, and state government.
“I have always been interested in how things work. Accounting and finance is so much more than numbers; it is the heartbeat of a company,” said DiSalvo. “If you can understand the numbers and how operations impact numbers, then you hold the key on how to build strategy. It’s very much a chess game, and this fascinates me.”
DiSalvo received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio; a Master of Business Administration in finance from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio; and a Master of Accountancy from Scranton University in Pennsylvania. She currently teaches courses for Saint Mary’s University, Franklin University, and Eastern Gateway Community College.
A teacher and mentor, DiSalvo said she is most proud when previous students of hers reach out and share where they are now. “I am part of their journey and hope I am able to impact them even in the smallest way to achieve their goals,” she explained.
She enjoys spending her free time with her family, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors in northern Wisconsin.
New libraries website launched
A new, shared website has been created to unify Winona and Twin Cities library services, which can be viewed 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 Monday, Dec. 20,
2021. - Include links to the Winona Library and Twin Cities library websites on the new website’s homepage.
- Inform students about this change in the CommUNITY newsletter, digital signage, and library instruction.
- Update links (Canvas, the university website, etc.) to the new website URL to promote usage.
We are also happy to demo the new website during library instruction as well as at school, department, and committee meetings. To arrange a Zoom presentation, email our new, shared account at lib@smumn.edu.
This website launch culminates a year’s work, during which we sought to understand student and faculty needs universitywide through student interviews, data analysis, and in-depth discussions. The new website highlights consolidated library services, search tools, and research guides. Ultimately, we hope 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. Please email us at lib@smumn.edu if you have questions, suggestions, or interest in participating in usability testing.
COVID-19 update following FDA approval
Now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has fully approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccination on Aug. 23, Saint Mary’s University expects all students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated unless an exemption is filed. Any of the currently available vaccines will meet this vaccination requirement. The decision to require vaccinations upon FDA approval was announced to the entire Saint Mary’s community on Aug. 4.
The expectation is that all individuals will provide proof of vaccination or file a medical or non-medical exemption. Saint Mary’s is expanding its health services system, currently utilized for College students on the Winona Campus, for purposes of filing proof of vaccination or exemption for all students, faculty, and staff. Individuals will utilize the self-service portal to upload proof of vaccination or access and upload forms certifying an exemption.
The portal will be available on Wednesday, Sept. 1. A link will be sent out when available.
The university expects all faculty, staff, and students to comply with the above requirement no later than Friday, Oct. 8. As communicated, you may file for an exemption based on medical or non-medical reasons. Information on the process for proof of vaccination or for filing an exemption are below and will be posted on the portal on the dates referenced above.
While technically any of the vaccines meets the vaccination requirements, as a Lasallian Catholic university, it is important to offer the guidance and the perspective of the Catholic Church on vaccines. As such, the following resources may be helpful:
- Note on the morality of using some anti-Covid-19 vaccines (Vatican)
- Moral consideration regarding the new COVID-19 vaccines (USCCB)
We want to be together this fall. We have been informed by the Minnesota Department of Health that having 85-90% of our community vaccinated will allow us to continue a safe, uninterrupted, and personalized academic experience.
The information below explains the processes and answers key questions you may have. Please visit smumn.edu/covid19, which includes updated Q&As as we receive questions.
What is the vaccination proof process? What do I need to provide?
Saint Mary’s University will utilize a health services portal to manage compliance with its COVID-19 vaccination requirement. This self-service portal is currently utilized by College students to provide proof of other required vaccinations and health records. The system is FERPA and HIPAA compliant.
The health services portal will be accessed through single sign-on, meaning that faculty, staff, and students will utilize the username and password associated with other university systems. Once logged in to the portal, individuals will:
- Select the type of vaccination and date(s) received.
- Upload an image of their vaccination card.
- Access forms to obtain a medical or non-medical exemption.
- Upload completed forms to certify a medical or non-medical exemption.
All documentation related to this process is self-service and will be managed through the health services portal. Individuals are required to file proof of vaccination or a certification of exemption.
What is the exemption process?
To file an exemption from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, you must certify one of the following:
- Medical. Download the medical exemption form from the health services portal and upload the completed form.
- Non-medical. Download the personal exemption form from the health services portal and upload the completed form.
When do we have to have vaccinations?
Assuming there is availability of the vaccine, you need to schedule your first vaccine within two weeks of the date of FDA approval (Aug. 23). The timing and number of doses is different for each of the vaccines. All vaccinations must be completed no later than Oct. 8.
As a Catholic university, do you oppose the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
These various links are good resources that answer this question:
Note on the morality of using some anti-Covid-19 vaccines (Vatican)
Moral consideration regarding the new COVID-19 vaccines (USCCB)
Can I get any of the vaccines?
You may choose any COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA either through the full FDA approval process or through the Emergency Use Authorization. The Pfizer vaccine is approved but you are not limited to the Pfizer vaccine.
If I am vaccinated, will I still have to quarantine if I am a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19?
Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine. Fully vaccinated people who have come into close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be tested 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask while indoors for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
Will everyone still have to wear masks if the majority of the community is vaccinated?
Our universal masking mandate will remain in place as long as Hennepin, Olmsted, and Winona counties are counties of high or substantial transmission of COVID-19. We may relax the masking mandate once that is no longer the case. However, some masking will be required until 85-90% of each campus community is fully vaccinated.
If I am a student taking all of my classes online, do I need to be vaccinated?
Yes, if you are an online only student, we still require a vaccine unless you file for a medical or non-medical exemption. Many of our online students do come on campus for student services, events, commencement, or other reasons.
What if I’ve lost my card?
You can obtain your COVID-19 vaccination records through the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection. In Illinois, you can access your COVID-19 vaccination record through the Illinois Resident Immunization Portal. In Wisconsin, you can access your COVID-19 vaccination record through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.
Will my professors (or my supervisors) know if I am not vaccinated?
The university does not intend to share a student’s vaccination status with a professor or supervisor, nor does it intend to share an employee’s vaccination status with supervisors.
Will there be extensions granted for the vaccination if I am not able to meet the deadline?
Extensions will only be granted for significant extenuating circumstances.
Where can I get vaccinated?
- Minnesota Community Vaccine Site
- St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Site
- Minnesota Vaccine Connector
- CDC Vaccine Finder
We will continue to follow these safety protocols:
- Physical distancing of 6 feet should be observed.
- Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
- Self-screen for symptoms on a daily basis.
- Show respect and kindness for one another.
We, as a strong and resilient community, use the phrase “Together, we are Saint Mary’s” to emphasize our responsibility and connection to one another. It has and will continue to take effort, patience, and commitment by all of us to deliver the best educational experience possible. We remain steadfast and resilient, and we remain together.
Ann Merchlewitz
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Ben Murray
Executive Vice President and CFO
Brian Schmisek
Provost and Dean of Faculties
Campus dining is hiring
Food services is hiring students to serve food during meal times in the dining hall and Cardinal Club. This is one of the few non-work-study jobs on campus and it comes with tons of perks. You receive a free meal with every shift, we work around your schedule, and we’re closed over breaks.
Catch all the Cardinal athletic action
Hey Cardinal nation — welcome back to campus!
As we prepare for the start of another school year — and another year of Cardinal athletics — here’s a reminder that there is a one-stop way to keep up with all the Saint Mary’s sports action — including previews, recaps, and all news Cardinal athletics.
Simply sign up to receive all the latest Cardinal news by visiting saintmaryssports.com/subscribe.aspx. Or, email me, Donny Nadeau, sports information director, at dnadeau@smumn.edu with “Sign Me Up” in the body of the message, and I will get you signed up.
Subscribing is the only way for you to receive up-to-the-minute Cardinal athletic news — including all game previews and recaps. So make sure to hop on the bandwagon and stay up to date on all the 2020-21 Cardinal athletic action!
Already signed up, but not receiving your daily emails?
Check your spam folder for emails from saintmaryssports@collegiateathleticnews.com, and add this sender as a trusted email source. If you are still not seeing anything, send me an email, and I will look into it.
Whether you subscribe or not, Cardinal fans can always go to saintmaryssports.com to catch up on all the action.
Make sure to also like Cardinal athletics on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Work-study openings in sports information
Donny Nadeau, Saint Mary’s sports information director, is looking to hire three or four new student-workers to join the statistical and web streaming crews for soccer, volleyball, hockey, basketball, baseball, and softball.
Experience keeping statistics or doing play-by-play or color commentary are not required, but is certainly a bonus, and candidates must have work-study as part of their financial aid package.
If interested in any of these positions, please contact Nadeau at dnadeau@smumn.edu to set up an interview.
Meal plan change period ends Sept. 10
The meal plan change period will be open from Monday, Aug. 23, until Friday, Sept. 10, at 4 p.m.
If you are a returning student and wish to change your meal plan for the 2021-22 academic year, please complete the residential meal plan change form.
Meal plans for new students who are entering their first semester at Saint Mary’s were defaulted to the 19-meal plan. If you would like to upgrade your meal plan to the All Access plan, please complete the new residential meal plan change form.
Commuter students who wish to have a meal plan for spring must complete the commuter meal plan request form.
For more information regarding the meal plan options, visit residential plans or commuter plans.
Contact the Office of Student Affairs with any questions at studentlife@smumn.edu or 507-457-1640.
Back-to-school bookstore information
We hope you are having a great summer! The staff at your Saint Mary’s University Bookstore are looking forward to welcoming you back for fall semester.
We recommend you place your textbook order as soon as possible by visiting st-marys.bncollege.com and entering your class schedule. You can choose in-store pickup or to have the books shipped to your home address. Once we get the orders, we will pull and process them.
You can also stop by the bookstore and pick out your books in person — we can help! If you do come, bring a copy of your class schedule or have it ready on your phone to make sure you get the right books.
In-store, online pickup will be located at the front of the bookstore during bookstore hours. You will need to have your order confirmation/box number email. Face masks are required, and we will be limiting the number of customers allowed in the bookstore at one time. Please remember to follow social distance protocols when in groups with other students or family members.
If you have any questions, email w-bookstore@smumn.edu or call 507-457-1569.
Gostomski Fieldhouse hours
Limited hours are currently in place:
Monday through Friday only
6:30 to 8:30 a.m.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
4 to 7 p.m.
Starting Thursday, Aug. 26, hours will be:
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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