The University

Saint Mary ‘s University of Minnesota: A 21st-Century University

The University

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s mission and vision reflect its Lasallian Catholic identity, building upon the past and providing direction for the future.  In 1912, Saint Mary’s College was founded by the Most Reverend Patrick R. Heffron, the second bishop of Winona (now the Diocese of Winona-Rochester).  In 1933, the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (also known as the De La Salle Christian Brothers), an international Catholic teaching order, purchased Saint Mary’s College from the Diocese.  The De La Salle Christian Brothers and their spirituality continues to animate the university today.

Guided by Pope John Paul II’s Ex Corde Ecclesiae, the Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota possesses the necessary essential characteristics of a Catholic higher education institution. Our Catholic mission and identity are experienced through tangible signs and symbols on campus (e.g., crucifixes, sacred art) and the lived expression — celebration of the Mass, Campus Ministry programming, and accompaniment.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, as do all Catholic universities, guarantees academic freedom to pursue the truth. This includes an intellectual openness to the divine as well as the integration of faith and reason. Unique to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is the intentionality with which we approach character education, virtue formation and  related programming, which permeates both our curricular and co-curricular initiatives and fosters our authentic community. Our culture is rooted in upholding the human dignity of each person and developing ethical leaders who advance the common good.

At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our distinctive Lasallian charism is expressed by way of an education that provides human and Christian formation in the spirit of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Patron Saint of Teachers. A Lasallian education is student-centric, dedicated to serving the poor, and promoting the common good in Jesus Christ. We believe education has the capability to transform lives, evangelize, and be the conduit for one’s vocation/calling in life. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we strive to be the premier Lasallian Catholic university, empowering students to live lives of ethical service and leadership. Values The university values faith, authentic community, education, service to the poor, and dignity of each person.

Degrees/Awards Offered by the University:

Undergraduate Certificate
B.A. Bachelor of Arts
B.S. Bachelor of Science
Graduate Certificate
M.A. Master of Arts
M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
M.Ed. Master of Education
M.S. Master of Science
Ed.S. Education Specialist
D.B.A. Doctor of Business Administration
Ed.D. Doctor of Education
Psy.D. Doctor of Psychology

Non-Discrimination Statement

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota adheres to the principle that all persons have equal opportunity and access to admissions, employment, facilities, and all programs and activities of the university regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship status, ancestry, or status with regard to public assistance. For additional information , read the university’s Discrimination Policy.  Inquiries regarding the university’s Discrimination Policy can be addressed to:

Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights #38
Winona, MN 55987
507-457-1421

The Assistant Vice President for Human Resources may refer discrimination inquiries or complaints to other offices or individuals as appropriate.

The university also prohibits discrimination based on sex and sexual orientation.  The university’s Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Policy addresses discrimination based on those characteristics.  Inquiries regarding the university’s Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault Policy can be addressed to:

Title IX Coordinator
2500 Park Avenue
138 Martin de Porres Hall
Minneapolis, MN  55404
TitleIX@smumn.edu
507-457-1781

Student Right to Know

In accordance with federal law, current and prospective students and their parents have the right to know certain information about Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, including a variety of academic information, financial aid information, institutional information, and information on graduation rates, campus safety, and equity in athletics can be found on the Student Right to Know page on the university website at https://www.smumn.edu/student-right-to-know/.

Student Complaint Policy and Procedure

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN) is committed to respecting all members of our university community and providing a quality educational experience for all students. The objective of the Student Complaint Policy and Procedure is to ensure that the concerns and complaints of undergraduate or graduate students are addressed fairly and are resolved promptly.  Complaints related to this policy are usually the result of behavior that the student feels is unjust, inequitable, or creates an unnecessary hardship. 

Students may file complaints if they believe a problem is not governed by other Saint Mary’s complaint or appeal procedures found in the Student Handbooks and Catalogs.  If there is a question regarding which appeal or complaint procedure is the most appropriate, students should contact the Dean of Students.  

Procedure

Whenever possible, students are encouraged to seek an informal resolution of the matter directly with the faculty or individual(s) involved. Often a complaint can be resolved in this way. However, if an informal approach is neither successful nor advisable, the student should use the following procedure:

• A student complaint should be submitted through the online reporting form here or at this address (https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SaintMarysUnivMN&layout_id=7)  in Maxient. It should contain (at a minimum) the date and time of the conflict or action, the reason(s) for the complaint, a summary of the complaint, a list of other persons who may provide information and any appropriate documentation. The student must also include the resolution or outcome he or she is seeking. The complaint must be submitted within ten (10) business days of the alleged conflict or action.

• Upon receipt of a completed form, the Dean of Students or their designee may consult with the student and forward the complaint on to the appropriate administrator to seek a resolution.

• The appropriate administrator may request information or documentation needed to address the complaint.

• A review of the complaint with the supervisor(s) or others in the line of supervision may be used when deemed appropriate and beneficial to the process.

• All relative documentation and possible outcomes must be submitted by the student and/or witnesses within ten (10) business days of the date the complaint is filed.

• When possible, the final resolution will be filed in the Dean of Students Office within fifteen (15) business days of the date the complaint is filed. If there are circumstances requiring an extension of this deadline, the staff member/administrator assigned to the complaint will notify the parties involved.

• If the student is not satisfied with the resolution decision, the student may appeal the decision (within five (5) business days of the resolution being communicated) and a committee will be appointed to review the information and render a final decision. The committee will consist of representatives appointed by the Vice President of Academic Affairs-Winona or Vice President for Academic Affairs-Minneapolis, Online, Rochester (dependent upon student location), and the Vice President for Student Development.  The decision of the committee will be final.

A record of all complaints and their resolution will be documented and the records will be kept in the Dean of Students Office for ten (10) years.