Student Central
Student Central, our one-stop student service model, is designed to provide students with all the services needed to be successful in one place – with a strong commitment to relationship driven and, solution oriented customer service. The Student Central team provides services to prospective, current and former students for programs administered by the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP).
The student services offered include; new student orientation, financial aid, scholarships, program and degree requirements, educational planning and course selection, registration, withdrawing from classes/school, university information, veteran services, international student services, graduation and information on Saint Mary’s policies and procedures. This team assists academic programs with outreach to students to increase retention.
Registrar’s Office
The registrar’s office is committed to serving the needs of all prospective and current students, faculty, staff, alumni and external constituents. We provide services in the areas of course and, classroom scheduling, registration, commencement coordination, degree completions, and reporting, as well as ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the university’s academic records. We ensure that the policies outlined in the student handbook and catalog are consistently followed across all academic units.
The registrar’s office ensures the integrity, accuracy, and security of all academic records of current and former students; facilitates effective student registration and enrollment; builds secure student data files and sets policy and procedure for their responsible use; maintains up-to-date course schedules, catalogs, final examination schedules; manages efficient use of classrooms; and supervises and maintains the degree audit system. The registrar supervises the processes for the articulation of transfer credits, graduation and certification of degrees, enrollment and degree verification, production of official transcripts, and diplomas. The registrar’s office counsels and advises students, faculty, and staff on academic matters; and interprets and enforces policies and regulations of the University and FERPA.
New Student Orientation
Upon acceptance, students are given access to an online student orientation. This is an opportunity to become acquainted with the university and the services available to students. All new students are strongly encouraged, and in some programs students are required to attend an orientation session for their programs.
Writing Center — Twin Cities Campus
Purpose
The Writing Center for the Schools of Graduate and Professional programs provides instructional support for academic writing in any program administered through the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, whether the classes meet on the Twin Cities Campus or another location. The aim of the Writing Center staff is to develop your writing ability, not simply “fix” papers. Writing Center services are provided in a variety of ways.
Individual Conferences
Meet with a writing consultant who will analyze and respond to your writing and answer your writing questions. Student computers are available in the Writing Center so that you can revise your papers on the spot. The Writing Center offers lessons on APA and AMA styles, grammar, punctuation, organization, and word processing. Consultations are free, but appointments are required. The Writing Center is located in LaSalle Hall.
Online Services
The Writing Center website at www.smumn.edu/tcwrite provides another means of access, particularly if you attend classes outside the Twin Cities. The website features a menu of services, including grammar and rhetorical guides, punctuation and spelling rules, information on APA and AMA styles, links to other university Writing Centers, video tutorials and links for students whose native language is not English.
Email
If students cannot meet with a consultant on campus, they can submit your paper electronically when they make an appointment. A member of the Writing Center staff will read and respond by e-mail or set up a telephone conference. Please see the Writing Center website to schedule an appointment.
Workshops
Each term the Writing Center offers fee-based workshops in APA style, word processing for APA, punctuation, PowerPoint presentations, and resume writing. These workshops are described on the Writing Center’s website.
Booklet
The Writing Center booklet Introduction to APA Style is the required style guide for students in the bachelor degree programs and is often recommended for graduate students. The booklet is an introduction and guide to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (“the APA manual”) and provides materials to supplement the manual. You can purchase the booklet for less than $10 at the campus bookstore. If you attend classes outside the Twin Cities, you can download the booklet from our website, under “APA Resources.”
Editing Referral
The Writing Center maintains a list of editors available for editing dissertations. You will contract with your editor independently from Saint Mary’s University. A list of the editors, with their qualifications and contact information, is available on the Writing Center’s website.
Policies
Consultations are limited to 1 hour per student per week and to two consultations per paper. Extended time in the Writing Center requires Writing Center staff collaboration with your instructor or program director, or certification of a learning disability. You will take an active part in the consultation and will provide documentation for sources cited in the paper. Writing Center staff do not proofread or edit for students. A detailed list of Writing Center policies appear on our website.
Appointments
An advance appointment will ensure that a staff member is ready and available to help when you arrive. Students make their own appointments from our website. Appointments are required for e-mail submissions as well as face-to-face consultations.
Contact Information
Telephone: (612) 728-5154
Toll-free (866) 437-2788, Ext. 154
E-mail: tcwrite@smumn.edu
Website: www.smumn.edu/tcwrite.
Writing Center — Winona Campus
The Winona campus Writing Center is located in Griffin Hall, Office #78, and is accessible through the lower level of Saint Mary’s Hall. Offering services for undergraduate and graduate students, you may make an appointment by calling (800) 635-5987 Ext. 1432. The Winona Campus Writing Center operates on the undergraduate College schedule.
Support Services for Persons with Disabilities
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws concerning access to educational benefits and programs. For the purposes of this policy, a student with a disability is one who:
- Has a physical or mental impairment that materially or substantially limits a major life activity and,
- Has a record of such an impairment and,
- Is regarded as having such an impairment.
A student with a disability who requests academic assistance must provide professionally recognized documentation of the disability and the need for services requested. Students are responsible for furnishing current documentation of their disability to the disability coordinator or dean. These diagnostic reports should be within three years of the request for service and should be completed by a physician or other licensed practitioner. Determination of eligibility for academic support services will be made by the disability services coordinator or Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services.
Determination of the specific services for eligible students will be made by the disability services coordinator or Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services with input from any appropriate administrative and faculty members, taking into account the eligible student’s stated preferences. The services provided will be within the legal parameters of “reasonable accommodation.”
While requests to determine eligibility may occur at any time during the student’s career at the university, a request for specific services relating to a preexisting condition must be made at least 30 days prior to the beginning of each course. This time frame allows the university to secure the approved services. The university establishes and maintains curriculum and degree requirements for all students.
Your written accommodation requests and documentation can be mailed to:
Students enrolled in programs through the Twin Cities campus:
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404-4403
Students enrolled in programs through the Winona campus:
Saint Mary’ University of Minnesota
Disability Services Coordinator
700 Terrace Heights #44
Winona, MN 55987-1399
Textbooks
All students may purchase textbooks at the Saint Mary’s University Bookstore located in LaSalle Hall on the Twin Cities campus or online though stmarys-grad.bncollege.com. Textbook availability is based on registration numbers; students are encouraged to register early.
Twin Cities Campus Bookstore Refund Policy
Students may return books, with the receipt, for a 100% refund one to six days after the first day of class. From day seven to 14 a 75 percent refund will be given, with the receipt. Books should be returned in the condition they were purchased. Course packs, special print materials, or materials for special session classes are nonrefundable.
Students who drop a class will have two weeks from the first day of class for a 100 percent refund. Proof of schedule change must be obtained from the registrar’s office and provided with book and receipt. Course packs, special print materials, or materials for special session classes are nonrefundable.
For hours and questions, contact the Barnes and Noble Bookstore at Saint Mary’s University by phone at (612) 728-5170.
Winona Campus
All students taking classes at the Winona campus may purchase textbooks at the Saint Mary’s University Bookstore located in the lower level of the Toner Student Center Room #11. Textbook availability is based on registration numbers; students are encouraged to register early.
Winona Campus Bookstore Refund Policy
Students may return books, with the receipt, for a 100% refund one to six days from the start date of that class. Books must be in the condition that they were purchased (including shrink-wrapped items). Course packs, special print materials, or materials for special session classes are nonrefundable.
Students who drop a class may return books, with the receipt, two weeks from the start date of that class to return those books for a 100% refund. Proof of schedule change must be obtained from the registrar’s office and brought in with items to be returned as well as the receipt. Course packs, special print materials, or materials for special session classes are nonrefundable.
For hours and questions, contact the Barnes and Noble Bookstore at Saint Mary’s University by phone at (800) 635-5987 ext. 1570 or visit our website st-marys.bncollege.com
Security
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is committed to creating a safe environment free from physical, sexual, emotional, and intellectual harassment and assault. Services are provided to promote such an environment. Refer to the policy against discrimination, harassment, and assault. Saint Mary’s has many safety precautions in place and are always working to ensure that the Winona and Twin Cities campus emergency alert equipment, facilities and policies remain up to date. At our various centers, safety is entrusted to the security services provided by each facility.
Campus Crime Statistics
Campus Crime Statistics for the Twin Cities and Winona campus’ are available on the Campus Safety website.
Twin Cities Campus Security Services
General Security Information
Parking
Parking on the Twin Cities Campus is free and available in clearly marked campus parking lots as well as on the public streets near campus.
Emergency Numbers
Minneapolis Police/Fire/Medical Emergency 911
Minneapolis Non-emergency/police/information or service 311 or 612-673-3000 outside the Minneapolis city limits.
Snow Emergency Information
612-348-SNOW (7669)
TTY 612-673-2157
Hennepin County Emergency Management
612-596-0250
emergency.mgmt@hennepin.us
Minneapolis Impound Lot
51 Colfax Avenue North, Minneapolis
612-673-3000 or 311
Non-emergency Phone Numbers for Saint Mary’s University
Twin Cities Campus
866-437-2788 or 612-728-5100
Apple Valley Center
612-238-4551
Cascade Meadow
507-252-8133
Oakdale Center
612-238-4550
Rochester Center
877-768-4545 or 507-457-8600
Winona Campus
Operator 800-635-5987 or 507-452-4430
Twin Cities Campus Security Services
Saint Mary’s University contracts its security services with Whelan Security. The Whelan Security staff is available to provide non-emergency escorts from one building to another or to vehicles.
Twin Cities Campus Security Office
612-728-5159
Mobile 612-720-0417
Ext. 5159 from Saint Mary’s telephone system
A security radio is located in each building, which may be used to contact security.
Evening Administrator
A full-time staff person is available on the Twin Cities Campus from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday to assist students and faculty members with a variety of issues.
The evening administrator is available by radio, located at each building’s reception desk, or by calling the La Salle Hall receptionist at ext. 4585 or through the security staff.
General Safety Tips
- Carry this emergency preparedness pocket guide with you at all times.
- Program emergency and non-emergency numbers into your mobile phone.
- Sign up for Saint Mary’s emergency notification system (text and other alerts).
- Read classroom information signs.
- Know your location, locate the nearest exits.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- If you see something, say something. Report suspicious activities or items.
- Double check your course location before arriving on campus.
- Adhere to parking guidelines or instructions from security staff.
Fire
- Know your location and nearest exits.
- In the event of a fire, pull the fire alarm.
- Evacuate the building.
- Assist others in exiting the building.
- Do not use elevators.
- Stay near the floor.
- Do not return to an evacuated building until you are told to do so by an appropriate official.
Hazardous Weather including Tornado
Take shelter, move away from outside rooms and go to the lowest level possible, and stay in a center hallway.
If caught outside, lay flat in the nearest ditch, low lying area, or culvert with your hands and arms shielding your head.
Active Shooter
Run
- Have an escape route and plan in mind.
- Leave your belongings behind.
- Keep your hands visible.
- Follow the instructions of any law enforcement officers.
Hide
- Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view.
- Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors.
- Silence your mobile phone and/or pager.
Fight
- As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger:
- Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
- Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter.
- Yell.
Notification Systems
Blackboard Connect
The university’s notification system is the primary means of emergency notification. All students, faculty members, and staff are encouraged to sign up for text and voicemail alerts to receive notifications regarding emergencies on campus. This system is intended for immediate transmission of specific information regarding an emergency to all areas of the university, including campus closure due to severe weather. Information will be sent via voice messages to home phone, work phone, and mobile phone numbers; messages to email addresses; text messages to mobile phone, PDAs, and other text-based devices; and TTY/TDD receiving devices for the hearing impaired.
Voice messages and emails are not optional and will be delivered to the contact information you provide. To enable text messages and ensure Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has the most up-to-date contact information, please verify and update your emergency contact information in student portal at student portal.smumn.edu:
- Log into student portal: student portal.smumn.edu
- Select Change Personal Information
- Select Change Emergency Contact Information
- Fill in your information
- Select Submit
On-campus Public Address (PA) System
In the event of an emergency, a message will be broadcast over the PA system. The Blackboard Connect system will also be activated with instructions.
Severe Weather Related Closing
Twin Cities Campus
Weather alerts are posted to the Saint Mary’s website homepage. Students attending classes on the Twin Cities Campus may also dial the general number, 612-728-5100, and listen to the answering system’s broadcast message that is updated to communicate weather-related cancellation information after an official decision has been made. Class cancellations are also broadcast on WCCO-AM 830 or KSTP-AM 1500.
Apple Valley and Oakdale Centers
Students attending classes at the Apple Valley Center or Oakdale Center may call either center or listen to WCCO-AM 830 or KSTP-AM 1500.
Rochester Center and Cascade Meadows
Saint Mary’s students attending the Rochester Center may listen to KROC (FM 106.9 and AM 1340) for announcements or visit www.kroc.com. Weather-related cancellations will also be posted on the Rochester Center Blackboard page and the center’s voicemail system at 507-457-8600 or
507-252-8133.
Off-campus Sites
An individual decision is made for each site. Site liaisons and faculty members will be notified of the decision to cancel at a particular site. Voicemail, email, and calling trees, if previously arranged, will be activated.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you have questions about safety and security at Saint Mary’s University at any time other than during an emergency situation, contact:
Gena Bilden
Associate Vice President, Enrollment Management and Student Services
Email: gbilden@smumn.edu
Phone 612-728-5145
Winona Campus Security Services
Security Services — Campus Safety personnel are available 24 hours a day to assist in emergencies, provide campus escorts, and enforce regulations detailed in the Community Planner and parking policy. They also patrol all administrative and residence halls to maintain security at all times.
Security Paging — Security staff can be reached by contacting the switchboard by dialing “511” from any on-campus phone.
Reporting Criminal Actions
All criminal actions occurring on the university premises must be reported to the Minneapolis Police Department (Twin Cities) or the Winona Police Department (Winona) and to the university. Security services employed by the university are considered a service to students, faculty, and staff in assuring their own personal safety. University security personnel do not have the authority to make arrests. The Minneapolis or Winona Police Department is called for all criminal actions.
Students should report crimes to the university by using forms available in the security office. The university will respond as you request on this form. Confidentiality is assured by maintaining the forms in a locked file and by only using the aggregate numbers in reports each September. Should it be necessary to alert the members of the campus community to the occurrence of a crime, a special memorandum will be issued from the Office of the Vice President and made available to all students.
Students may use the university’s internal grievance procedure to handle actions of discrimination, harassment, or assault from within the university community.
The Twin Cities campus recognizes no off-campus student organizations and is not responsible for unofficial meetings of students, faculty, or staff.
Campus Ministry
Twin Cities Campus
Drawing on the university’s Catholic roots, the goal of the campus ministry is to offer services in our church’s traditions, to extend a supportive, spiritual, and ecumenical environment for all members of our campus community, and to draw strength through greater involvement with our inner selves and the university.
The Saint La Salle Meditation Chapel is located on the first floor of La Salle Hall at the Twin Cities campus. The chapel offers a quiet space for meditation and prayer to students, faculty and staff. In addition, there are regularly scheduled liturgies and reflection services for members of the campus community. These times are posted in advance of the day the event is offered.
The Campus Spirituality Team was formed as an outgrowth of campus ministry at the university’s Twin Cities campus. The purpose of the team is to foster a sense of spiritual connection among the students, faculty, staff, and families at the campus in an inclusive and ecumenical manner. Special events are planned during the year. The team hopes that its efforts are able to enrich the lives of those working or studying at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Winona Campus
Campus ministry prides itself on its student leadership and campus-wide involvement, with over 22 student-led groups/programs and 400 students, faculty, and staff involved. There is an opportunity for everyone.
The Office of Campus Ministry is located in the Toner Student Center, Room 5. The office is staffed during regular business hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) throughout the undergraduate College academic schedule.
Confidentiality of Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. They are:
- A student has the right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for access. The records that are viewable include only the documents that were created at Saint Mary’s. The student should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official a written request that identifies the record(s) he/she wishes to inspect. The registrar will arrange for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the university official to whom the request was submitted, that official will advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
- A student has the right to request that the university amend his/her records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. The student must request the amendment in writing, clearly identifying the part of the record he/she wants changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the university decides to not amend the record as requested by the student, the university must notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his/her rights to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when the student is notified of the right to a hearing. Any request for grade changes must follow the procedure as outlined elsewhere in this catalog.
- The student has the right to consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in his/her records, except where FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. School officials with a legitimate educational interest may have access without the student’s consent. A school official is a person employed by the university in an administrative, professional, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee (such as a disciplinary committee) or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility to the university. Upon request, the university may disclose education records without consent to officials of another school in which the student seeks to enroll or is already enrolled.
- The university designates the following information as directory information, which may be released without student consent and is not subject to the above regulations: student name; state of residence; gender; major field of study; classification as a first year student, sophomore, junior, senior dates of attendance; graduation and degree(s) earned; the most recent educational institution attended, participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; honors and awards received; photographic, video, or electronic images of students taken and maintained by the university.
- A student may prevent the release of any or all of the categories of Directory Information outlined above by notifying the registrar, in writing, of the categories of information the student does not want disclosed. Notification must occur within ten (10) calendar days of the first scheduled day of classes for the fall, spring, or summer terms. The university will honor all written requests for nondisclosure for one (1) academic year; therefore, students must request nondisclosure annually.
- A student may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C., 20202-4605.
In order for a parent or guardian or spouse to receive information about their student’s progress, the student must complete the online Consent to Disclose.
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