Saint Mary's Newsroom / Campus Notes
Winona Campus NewsletterHousing selection begins Thursday, April 1
Housing selection begins Thursday, April 1, for students with senior class status. Students can login to eRezLife one week prior to their assigned housing selection date to see their assigned time slot and available housing options. This means, 2021-22 students can see their assigned time slot and preview housing options starting on:
- Thursday, March 25, for students with senior class status
- Friday, March 26, for students with junior class status
- Tuesday, March 30, for students with sophomore class status
- Wednesday, March 31, for any late registrants
Please double check your roommate groups. If someone in your group does not have a green checkmark next to their name, they are not currently assigned to your group even if their name shows up in your list. The person with the earliest assigned time slot will choose housing for the entire group.
If you have any questions, contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@smumn.edu or Niki Peterson, director of Residence Life, at npeterso@smumn.edu.
Register now: Minnesota Education Job Fair
To attend the Minnesota Education Jobs Fair on Tuesday, April 13, you must pre-register through Saint Mary’s to participate. (NOTE: you may need to login to Handshake before being brought to fair registration page).
For more information about the Minnesota Education Jobs Fair being held virtually via Handshake, go to mnedfair.org.
Students or alumni looking for a job in the education field (who will be eligible to teach and work by the end of 2021) are invited and strongly encouraged to attend this job fair.
DATE: Tuesday, April 13
TIME: 10 to 3 p.m.
LOCATION: Virtual
Student Senate meeting minutes – March 23
Student Senate Meeting Minutes
March 23, 2021
Meeting called to order by President Kendall Archer at 7 p.m.
Prayer by Collin van Waardenburg
Members present: Cece Abel, Kendall Archer, Samantha Carlson, Larkin Clem, Jake Emeott, Sarah Fowler, Mary Furlong, Gabriel Graves, Riley Hall, Noah Kimel, Jonathon Krull, Abigail Lang, Thomas Magnavite, Allison Moysis, Tara Nikolich, Nicole Noreen, Lyanna Novak, Enitan Onayiga, Sophia O’Neil, Angel Sacta Espinoza, Joseph Schauf, Ryan Stoynich, Collin van Waardenburg, Destiny Walker, and Elijah Williams
Members absent: Megan Kowalis
Discussion items
- Variety Show request for senate sponsorship
- Hannah Hagberg present to discuss the Variety Show, asking for senate to buy an ad for their website
- An ad for student organizations is $20 for on the website, $25 for on the website and vocal shout out
- Gabriel Graves motions to purchase an ad at $25
- Sophia O’Neil seconds
- Motion passes with one abstention to purchase an ad at $25
- Hannah Hagberg present to discuss the Variety Show, asking for senate to buy an ad for their website
- Nordic Ski Club budget
- Natalie Fink present from the club
- Open to all individuals interested in skiing (no experience needed)
- Does 4-5 races typically in a year
- Expenses are mainly travel-related and race fees
- Members also pay a portion of the fees to compete
- Club fund raises by putting on a race here at Saint Mary’s
- Exploring a Culver’s fundraiser and other options as well
- Requested funding at $9,889
- Recommended funding at $7,790
- Medals for Races-$144
- Spray Paint-$10
- Ski Passes/Race Fees-$2,805
- Advertising-$14
- Travel-$4,810
- Motion to fund at $3,780 by Joseph Schauf due to senate bylaws
- Last year they received around $3,000; due to bylaws, clubs can only increase their budget by 20% each year
- Seconded by Sophia O’Neil
- President Kendall Archer announces that a motion for debate needs to be made
- Joseph Schauf contests the ruling of the chair
- Lyanna Novak motions to add 5 minutes to the discussion
- Samantha Carlson seconds the motion to add 5 minutes
- Motion to fund at $3,780 passes unanimously
- Natalie Fink present from the club
- Cardinal Dance Team budget
- Caroline Woodle present
- The team has been on/off for the past few years, working to bring it back
- Looking to secure funding for dance shoes, tights, and advertising
- Requested funding at $400
- Dance shoes-$200
- Tights-$160
- Advertising-$20
- Recommended funding at $380
- Motion to fund at $380 by Lyanna Novak
- Seconded by Sophia O’Neil
- Motion to fund at $380 passes unanimously
- Caroline Woodle present
- STPLC budget
- David French present
- Saint Theresa and Saint Peter Leadership Club
- Service-oriented, has previously done a coat drive and reverse trick or treat
- Works to bring in Ted Talk caliber speakers every year
- Saint Theresa and Saint Peter Leadership Club
- Requested funding at $2,587
- Speaker-$2,000
- Advertising-$12
- Hotel for speaker-$65
- Recommended funding at $2,080
- Motion to fund at $2,080 by Riley Hall
- Seconded by Enitan Onayiga
- Joseph Schauf point of orders due to bylaws involving budget increases
- Riley Hall and Joseph Schauf discuss how the club membership and event turnout makes mathematical sense in regards to the student activities fee
- Riley Hall moves to suspend the bylaws and fund at $2,080
- Seconded by Sophia O’Neil
- Lyanna Novak moves to add 5 minutes to the discussion
- Seconded by Sophia O’Neil
- Motion to suspend the bylaws passes with 3 abstentions
- Riley Hall moves to fund at $2,080
- Seconded by Joseph Schauf
- Motion to fund at $2,080 passes with 2 abstentions
- David French present
- Garden Club budget
- Will be heard in the future
- BSA budget
- Will be heard in the future
- Executive Board updates
- Kendall Archer, president
- Congratulations to Elijah, he will be next years Student Senate president
- If interested in running for class officer contact me, elections are on April 8. Petitions due April 6.
- Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the e-board election
- Plazapalooza is April 28; we need ideas for the senate’s “minute to win it” activity at the event
- Jonathon Krull, VP of Media and Communications and executive assistant
- E-board elections are tomorrow!
- Ballots will be emailed out at 7 a.m. tomorrow
- E-board elections are tomorrow!
- Angel Sacta Espinosa, VP for Campus Affairs
- Capital improvements are being finalized, possibly beginning discussion at senate next week
- Meeting with Jim Bedtke to go over the capital improvements
- Nicole Noreen, VP for Financial Affairs
- Working on budgets
- Working with James McGuire and R.I.S.E. to inventory the club lockers
- Destiny Walker, VP for Multicultural Affairs
- Black History Exhibit in the Lillian Hogan Davis Gallery in Toner; check it out
- SAGA is having their e-board elections
- Mary Furlong, VP for Academic Affairs
- Fall registration is coming up next week!
- Summer course registration opened up yesterday
- Elijah Williams, VP for Student Life
- Housing registration opens up next week, watch your emails
- Fill out the travel form if you are going home for Easter
- Free COVID-19 testing (saliva kits) available if interested before you leave, fill out the travel form first
- Sarah Fowler, SAC president
- E-board nominations for SAC currently underway, nominations close on April 4
- Election on April 11 in the SAC meeting
- Coffee and Cocoa on Thursday, 8 to 11 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Hall
- Mini golf on Saturday in the SLC
- Marisa Naryka, adviser
- No updates
- Kendall Archer, president
- Class officer reports
- Freshman: No updates
- Sophomore: No updates
- Junior: No updates
- Senior: Met with Marisa to discuss Senior Day, fun plans in the works!
- Senator concerns
- Where will the executive board election ballot be?
- Everyone will be emailed the ballot, it will be in the SMUMNSENATE Instagram bio, and on QR codes around campus
- Issues with the QR codes for the presidential ballots
- When will people know the results of the e-board elections?
- Within 48 hours of ballots closing
- Do we have an update on the internet situation?
- Reached out to Derek in regards to IT issues, have not heard back yet
- Continue reaching out to the HelpDesk if you have issues with WiFi
- Last week, we received emails daily from alumni relations in regards to soliciting donations from students. How come they can send out emails frequently to all of the campus? Students also were met all around campus by them asking for donations. Numerous senators have experienced this.
- It looks good to benefactors and donors to see the student body giving to the campus
- We will address the email issue as well
- Marisa will bring it up to alumni relations, recommend them coming to Senate first in the future
- How do we want to handle this?
- We could form a committee, file a complaint, or Marisa could have a conversation with them
- In regards to Campus Ministry sending out emails frequently, they have special permission to send out emails in regards to prayer requests and events.
- As a Lasallian Catholic institution, we look to build community through this
- Prayer requests come from the Twin Cities Campus Ministry
- Motion to Adjourn at 8:10 p.m.
- Motioned by Lyanna Novak
- Seconded by Ryan Stoynich
- Time 8:10 p.m.
- Where will the executive board election ballot be?
Not happy with your midterm grades?
Stressed out about your midterm grades? Talk with a peer learning assistant (PLA) who can help you figure out the best way for you to study and manage your time so you can stay on top of your homework. Schedule a meeting or come visit a PLA in HC19 today!
You can also sign up for a peer tutor at smumn.joinknack.com. A peer tutor can help you better prepare for the next big exam.
Don’t have the Knack app? Download Knack in the App Store or get it on Google Play.
Improve your writing process by contacting the Saint Mary’s Writing Center.
Feel like you’re wasting time when you sit down to study? Learn five ways to build your focus.
Cardinal athletics continue with competition
The Saint Mary’s winter sports programs made the most of their opportunities this year, competing in 34 contests incorporating both basketball and both hockey programs — more than any other school in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) and almost doubling some institutions.
Along with those 34 competitions, Saint Mary’s also hosted two intrasquad indoor track and field meets, as well as one formal indoor track and field meet.
Now the focus turns to our spring sports — baseball, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field — as well as the fall-to-spring sports of volleyball, and men’s and women’s soccer.
Properly masked spectators will be permitted at the Cardinals’ on-campus venues for outdoor sporting events, with a maximum capacity of 250 spectators for all outdoor venues. Spectators are not permitted elsewhere on campus.
All baseball, softball, soccer, and volleyball will have live stats and live streaming video.
Additional federal COVID-19 funding authorized
In January, the U.S. Department of Education announced additional funding under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II). The funding is allocated to ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic at colleges and universities. Saint Mary’s University has been awarded a total allocation of $2.8 million for 2021, with $830,548 allocated for student grants that prioritize students with exceptional financial need, such as those qualifying for Federal Pell grants. The remaining funds are allocated for institutional expenses related to COVID-19 operations.
Federal guidance on the utilization of the CRRSAA funds was not received from the Department of Education until last Friday, March 19. Saint Mary’s prioritized the issuance of student grants and will now focus on reviewing the parameters governing the utilization of the institutional portion of the funds.
Similar to the CARES Act, passed in March 2020, Saint Mary’s University will direct its student grants to undergraduate students, most of whom are not eligible for other forms of relief under CRRSAA.
Saint Mary’s is allocating student grant awards on the basis of economic need, defined as the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated by the 2020-2021 FAFSA. Grants will be issued in amounts ranging from $750 to $2,000 for full-time students and $375 to $1,000 for part-time students. Student grants totaling $845,625 will be disbursed to 815 eligible students on March 24, 2021.
The Federal Department of Education provided guidance and parameters for distributing the student grants under CRRSAA:
- Funds are restricted to Title IV eligible students.
- Funds are to be prioritized for students with exceptional need, such as those qualifying for Federal Pell grants.
- Funds can only be retained on student accounts by colleges and universities with the students authorization.
- Funds are not taxable as income to the recipients.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, passed on March 11, contains additional funding for higher education. Saint Mary’s has not yet received an award notification of its allocation under the Act. Similar to the allocation of the CRRSAA funds, once guidance is available, Saint Mary’s will develop a plan to utilize the funds within the federal guidelines.
Emergency preparedness — Twin Cities Campus
In response to questions about our Twin Cities Campus emergency preparedness as it relates to the trial of Derek Chauvin, the following is provided to assist you in planning for an emergency, such as a campus lockdown and shelter in place or a campus evacuation.
An emergency response team has reviewed the university’s emergency response protocols and continues to monitor the status of the trial and any related unrest. Any action taken on campus will be communicated by phone, text, email, and the phone paging system. Please make sure your emergency contact information is up to date in the portal.
If you’re on campus, take a moment to assess your surroundings and familiarize yourself with exits and designated shelter areas in the building. Plan for alternative routes to get home in the event of road closures.
In the event of a lockdown and shelter-in-place situation, please use the following as guidelines:
- Shelter in your office or classroom and lock the doors, or move quickly to a safe location such as the designated tornado shelter area in your building. In the event of an active shooter, turn off lights, silence phones/computers, and remain quiet.
- Shelter in place until campus safety has given the all clear to resume normal activities or until directed to evacuate the building and campus.
In the event of an emergency campus evacuation, please use the following as guidelines:
- Follow directions of Campus Safety personnel and their designees.
- Remain calm.
- Bring only essential personal items and work items with you in the event of long-term campus closure.
- Be prepared to use your alternate routes home.
- Follow traffic laws.
- Monitor the situation upon safe arrival at home.
If it is determined necessary to close the campus for a period of time, we will do our best to make this determination the evening prior and notify you through email and text. Please monitor your email in the morning prior to traveling to campus for any updates.
Finally, if you are on the Twin Cities Campus and notice something of concern, please contact Campus Security at 612-720-0417.
MSW faculty present at MSSA Conference
Two faculty members presented at the 2021 virtual Minnesota Social Service Association (MSSA) Annual Training Conference and Expo March 17-19.
MSSA’s Annual Training Conference and Expo is the largest, most comprehensive, cost effective health and human service conference in the Midwest. The conference brings together thousands of health and human service professionals from all parts of Minnesota and the surrounding states. With educational sessions covering a broad spectrum of topics and featuring high quality, local, and nationally recognized speakers, MSSA is able to bring cutting edge topics on the focus areas important to those in the health and human services field.
Sylvester Amara Lamin
Sylvester Amara Lamin, Ph.D., core associate professor in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, presented “The US Constitution, Police Social Work, and Social Work Education.”
With the death of George Floyd, there were calls for police departments to hire police social workers who can offer de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention skills, mediations, referrals, and work in police teams that respond to calls by the citizenry. Many now advocate that police departments hire social workers to ride along with police officers to respond to emergency calls. The goal of this session was to look at the historical relationship between police and the communities they serve, roles social workers play in the criminal justice system, and how social work training needs to evolve to support this work.
Suzanne Shatila
Suzanne Shatila, program director of the the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, presented “Getting an MSW: Why? When? and How?”
This session brought together a panel of representatives from several MSW programs in Minnesota and the region. The panel focused on providing general information about the MSW degree and the benefits and timing of returning to graduate school. Each representative briefly introduced their program and directed attendees to resources for more program information. Invited programs included: Augsburg University; Minnesota State University, Mankato; St. Catherine University; Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; The College of St. Scholastica; University of Minnesota – Duluth; University of Minnesota – Twin Cities; University of St. Thomas; University of Wisconsin – Madison
Update on Lasallian formation programs for summer 2021
Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies will not take place this summer again. Returning participants will resume their curriculum when the program returns in-person in 2022 and will be joined by the incoming class of 2024.
Brother John Johnston Institute of Contemporary Lasallian Practice will be reimagined to a virtual gathering that will occur July 12-16.
Lasallian Social Justice Institute (LSJI) will be reimagined to a virtual “Come and See” experience that will occur July 18-23.
More information will be released later, but if you are interested in participating in one of these virtual events, please contact me at smarkham@smumn.edu.
Lasallian Research Symposium scheduled for Oct. 1-3
It was approximately 10 months ago that Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota made the difficult decision to cancel our 9th annual International Lasallian Research Symposium which had been scheduled for Oct. 23-25, 2020. As it turns out, that decision proved to be wise and timely.
We write today to announce that we are planning for an in-person symposium to be held, as we mentioned a year ago, Oct. 1-3, 2021, in Minneapolis. It gives us great joy to be in the initial planning stages for this event, and we ask you to “reserve the date” and pass this information on to your colleagues. Invitations for paper submissions for the symposium will be sent in the coming couple of months, and confirmations of acceptance of papers for presentation will be made shortly thereafter.
As it has in the past, the organization of our symposium is housed in our School of Education — so fitting, given that Saint John Baptist de La Salle is the Patron Saint of Teachers — and you will be hearing from them with additional details. We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce our new Dean of the School of Education, Michael Lovorn, Ph.D., an accomplished leader in education and administration, who comes to Saint Mary’s from the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Buffalo, N.Y. There, he served as assistant dean for global engagement, director of the International Graduate Program for Educators, and director of sponsored programs.
We are grateful for the assistance and cooperation of the International Association of La Salle Universities and its officers and members, as well as for the support of Brother Timothy Coldwell, FSC, General Councilor, and Christian Brothers Conference and its professional staff. As always, we are also grateful to Brother Robert Schieler, FSC, Superior General, for his encouragement and affirmation of our efforts.
We look forward to meeting many of you in Minneapolis in October 2021!
Thank you for helping us reach our goal
A big THANK YOU to Saint Mary’s faculty and staff for helping to reach our goal of 40% participation during the faculty and staff campaign drive. Time and again it is truly awe-inspiring to see the devotion employees have to ensuring our students’ success. Furthermore, the ability to rebound to our pre-COVID participation rate not only helps assure granters and other funders of our dedication, but also shows our tenacity to keep moving forward. Great job, all! For a few fun facts about this year’s campaign, visit connect.smumn.edu/giving/faculty-and-staff.
Winona Campus trivia contest – celebrate Women’s History Month with the International Center
In addition to March being designated Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day is recognized on the 8th. The International Center would like to invite the Saint Mary’s community on the Winona Campus to celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout history and the world through participation in a trivia contest highlighting a variety of female achievements.
A $40, $15, and $10 Target gift card will be awarded in each of two categories, faculty/staff and students. In the spirit of friendly competition, participants are asked to refrain from using the internet to assist with answer choices. Contest ends at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 26.
Chess and Checkers Tournament hosted by R.I.S.E.
To bring light in these dark times, you’re invited to participate in the Chess and Checkers Tournament hosted by R.I.S.E. on Friday, March 26, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Not an expert in chess or checkers? Don’t worry, beginners are welcome! We will teach participants how to play chess and checkers, then we will hold a mini tournament. Signing up helps us plan, but feel free to come on March 26.
If you want to improve your chess and checker skills before the tournament begins, stop by Vlazny 106 to check out the outdoor chess set today.
Hurry and sign up before it’s too late! For more questions about this tournament, email rise@smumn.edu.
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