Parent Update

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Orientation 2010

St. Catherine University is getting ready to welcome our new students and their families to the St. Kate's community.

First-Year Students

Orientation for first-year students begins Sunday, September 5. Between a commuter-student reception, opening ceremony and a picnic with the president, Sept. 5 is a busy day for parents and new students.

For new students who are moving into the residence halls, a specific time has been designated for you to arrive for move-in. Make sure you know your check-in time: First-year check-in schedule (PDF)

Transfer Students

Orientation for transfer students is Tuesday, September 7. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., Coeur de Catherine. For students who are moving into the residence halls, a specific time has been designated for you to arrive for move-in. Make sure you know your time: Transfer check-in schedule (PDF)

For more detailed information about Orientation 2010, visit Parent and Family Association website.

It's Going to Be OK: Parent Orientation

Don't miss out on this special parent presentation.

Shanan Custer’s presentation, It's Going to Be OK, is a move-in day favorite amongst parents allowing them to laugh, reflect and gain insight into the trials, joys and challenges that come with sending a daughter to college.

While students are busy learning about the University and meeting their peers, parents are invited to attend this special parent program at The O’Shaughnessy auditorium.
Prepare for an engaging, witty and informative performance by St. Catherine University faculty member, Shanan Custer, Theater Department.

You will also receive a free resource guide to help you and your daughter join the community at St. Kate's.

Sunday, September 5, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m., The O’Shaughnessy auditorium

Move-In Day


The residence halls open on Sunday, September 5 for new first-year, transfer and returning students. Detailed information about move-in is available. Have your daughter log into Kateway to view important information such as:

* Specific move-in times based on building and floor
* Instructions for picking up room keys and unloading vehicles
* Packing lists
* Help guides to connect with the St. Kate's computer network
* Information about building and room amenities such as laundry, telephones and more

We look forward to welcoming you and your student to the residence halls. If you have questions, contact Residence Life at 651-690-6617.

What is KateWay?

KateWay (St. Kate's portal) is a secure communication environment where students can access their personal data as well as all the tools they need to be successful students. Inside KateWay students can find a roommate, register for classes, check grades and get connected to life on campus.

Encourage your daughter to log in to KateWay often. She should have received her username and initial password in the mail. If she needs help, she can contact the Help Desk:
helpdesk@stkate.edu
651.690.6402

Health Insurance Waiver Deadline

Most St. Kate’s students are automatically enrolled in health insurance unless they choose to opt out of this option by Sept. 24.

All St. Catherine University Baccalaureate Day and Associate degree-seeking students are required to be covered under a health insurance plan. In order to ensure that all students have coverage each student is automatically enrolled in and billed each semester for an insurance plan offered through the University from Aetna Life Insurance Company.

Information about the insurance plan, including detailed waiver process instructions, will be mailed to each student's permanent address on or around August 15.

Health insurance billing

The annual cost of the premium is $1,492 ($746 billed each semester). The plan provides coverage from August 15, 2010 through August 14, 2011. This cost is not included in student tuition or fees. Detailed information about the plan can be found on the University's Health Insurance website.

All students will see the $746 charge posted to their student account each semester. However, students who already have comparable coverage can waive coverage under the University's plan logging on to KateWay, going to the Health Insurance website and supplying all required information (insurance company name, policy number, policy holder name, emergency contact information).

Waiver deadline: Sept. 24

The deadline for waiving health insurance coverage is Friday, Sept. 24. Those who waive the coverage by the deadline date will see a $746 credit on their student account the next day. Students are required to waive participation in the plan each year; completing the waiver in the fall automatically waives participation for winter semester as well.

Questions: Contact Jane Fredrickson, Health and Wellness Center Clinic Manager, at 651.690.6744.

Health and Wellness Center to Begin Accepting Health Insurance

Have you been frustrated by the fact that your daughter has health insurance but is unable to utilize it at the St. Kate’s student Health and Wellness Center? That is about to change.

The center is making health care more accessible by accepting most major insurance plans beginning this fall. Co-pays will be billed to the student account as well as any costs not covered by insurance.

The mission of the Health and Wellness Center at St. Catherine University is to keep students healthy so they can focus on their academics.

The Health and Wellness Center is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners and RNs who specialize in the health care needs of women and young adults. Services include: treatment for acute and chronic health conditions; physicals for study abroad and sports participation; yearly pap and pelvic exams; vaccinations and allergy shots; and assessment, treatment, and medication management for mental health conditions. Students who require specialty care can be referred by our providers to a specialist in the area.

More Information

Save the Date: Family Weekend

Each year St. Catherine University hosts a fun-filled weekend with activities for the entire family. Mark your calendar for Family Weekend 2010, October 1-3.

This year’s Family Weekend line-up includes nationally recognized financial speaker Nathan Dungan, From Allowances to Financial Independence, on Saturday, October 2. When it comes to the subject of money and values, he’s the go-to expert.

Dungan addresses how values influence the way we spend money. He will help parents and students set clear expectations for money management during the college years using his creative Share Save Spend® approach.

(This program is the first of a year-long Parent and Family Association Speaker series co-sponsored by the St. Kate's Money Management Program.)