The University

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

The University

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a transformational learning community that offers mission-based academic excellence through person-centered education. Students graduate with the knowledge and skills they will need to become lifelong learners, critical and ethical thinkers, successful workers, good neighbors, and global citizens.

We are a comprehensive university that provides a strong liberal arts foundation and professional preparation through dynamic and relevant in-person and online learning and research opportunities.

We are a Catholic university that maintains fidelity to the Church’s mission in service to the Gospel. We are rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, which espouses a belief in the presence of the divine in all created reality; an appreciation of and thirst for truth and knowledge; an understanding of the unity of faith and reason; a profound reverence for the self, the other and all of creation; a respect for all human life and protection of the vulnerable; the celebration of community and sacrament; a commitment to the issues of peace, justice, solidarity, and human equality; and a desire to serve the common good.

We are a Lasallian university that serves as a living expression of the vision of John Baptist de La Salle, an inspiring seventeenth-century educator, the patron saint of teachers, and the founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Our Lasallian charism promotes quality education; respect for the dignity of all; an inclusive and participatory community; interiority, accessibility, civility, and innovation; the belief in the presence of a benevolent God; ecumenical and interreligious openness; solidarity with the poor; and advocacy for those suffering from injustices. We embrace these values in partnership with the 1000 schools, agencies, and universities that constitute the worldwide Lasallian educational network.

The residential undergraduate College unit—nestled in picturesque Winona, Minnesota and comprised of the John C. Parmer School of Sciences, the School of Business and Technology, the School of the Arts and Humanities, the School of Education, the School of Health and Human Services, and a seminary for clergy formation—integrates a four-year undergraduate education rooted in the liberal arts with a dynamic residential experience that allows learners to refine their intellectual, spiritual and professional capacities. Our commitment to relevant liberal education encompasses knowledge of human cultures and the natural world; hones the skills of critical thinking, analytic reasoning, creativity, and effective communication; and prepares graduates for work, life, scholarship, and ethical lives of service.

The undergraduate bachelor’s completion unit of the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs—in metropolitan Minneapolis, Minnesota—recognizes prior educational and life experience; assures engaging, affordable, and accessible learning; and opens for students successful pathways for graduate education and career transition and advancement.

The master’s and doctoral degrees unit of the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs—a leader in adaptable scheduling and delivery in its schools of business and technology, education, and health and human services—assures accessible, affordable, and quality education in the Twin Cities. Expert faculty practitioners and industry and community partners deliver an innovative, collaborative, intercultural, and practical education that empowers graduates to conduct research and excel in their careers.

Together and by association, each unit of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota meets learners where they are while offering opportunities for further growth in knowledge, professional preparation, and personal transformation.

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, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status or status with regard to public assistance. The following has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the university’s non-discrimination policies:

Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights #80
Winona MN 55987
(507) 457-1587

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

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.