Annual Phon-a-thon, Wednesday, Nov. 30

We want to hear from you!

Parents/family members of our first-year students on the St. Paul campus as well as parents/family members from the Associate of Arts program on the Minneapolis campus should expect a call from one of the faculty/staff volunteers and members of the Parent and Family Advisory Council on the evening of Wednesday, November 30.

The purpose of our call is to see how well the University is meeting the needs of our students. We are asking parents to talk with their student over the Thanksgiving holiday to learn about their experience to date. The information we gather is very helping in learning how the University can better address the needs of our students. If we miss you on Nov. 30, please contact Director of Retention Ellen Richter-Norgel (erichter-norgel@stkate.edu or 651.690-8730) to discuss any of your student's experiences or concerns.

Don't miss the Annual Charity Ball

The Parent and Family Association invites you and your family members for a wonderful St. Kate's tradition, an annual event that raises money for a very worthy cause. Please join students, faculty, staff and other family members for the 9th Annual Charity Ball that will take place on Friday, Dec. 9, from 7 to 10 p.m.

This semi-formal event raises money for Sarah's: An Oasis for Women, a ministry of the Sister's of St. Joseph of Carondelet, which fosters self-improvement for women in transition through life-skill development, referral and advocacy services.

How Can You Support This Event?
Please attend this family-friendly event, which includes a silent auction, live entertainment, dancing, hors d'oeuvers, ornament-making stations, an old-fashioned photo booth and more.

Participate in the auction. Please consider donating a themed gift basket, gift card or services. Silent auction donations can be delivered to the Student Center and Activities office in Coeur de Catherine, room 270, through Monday, Dec. 5, at 4 p.m.

The Charity Ball is completely organized by our students; tickets are $6 for students and $8 for guests, faculty and staff. All proceeds will be donated to Sarah's. For more information, contact advisor Brigette Marty at bmmarty@stkate.edu or call 651.690-6041.

Home for the holidays: tips for parents/families, by Heide Malat, director of counseling

This is the time of year when first-year students are making plans for Christmas break. Many students who live on campus will choose to spend the six-week break living at home. If this is the case for your family, it will be important to talk ahead of time about expectations. Why?

Because your daughter most likely has evolved into a slightly different person since she left your home four months ago. She has had many opportunities to grow on an intellectual, social and personal level. She has been practicing her independence skills and has developed a lifestyle that involves more personal freedom. Because of these changes, you may each have different ideas about how she will fit back into your home and family life. If all of you want things to go smoothly over the break, it will be important for you to talk with her ahead of time about how your family can recognize and honor those changes while being respectful to family rules.

The key to having a good break will be effective communication and building an atmosphere of respect for all involved. The December page of the Parent & Family Association resource calendar contains some wonderful suggestions for parents who are welcoming their daughters home for Christmas break. I am listing them here as a reminder. I hope your daughter’s break is filled with lots of opportunities for you and your family to relax and reconnect!

• Your student most likely will expect to find everything just as she left it.
• She will want parents and family members to notice and respect that she has changed and become more independent.
• She might be trying out new things like hair styles, clothing or body art.
• Stay calm and keep communication lines open by talking and really listening.
• Be ready to compromise on details.
• Recognize that changes are important to your student's development.
• Keep your sense of humor and find a balance regarding expectations.

Source: Letting Go: A Parent's Guide to Understanding the College Years
Posted by Ellen Richter-Norgel at 11:35 AM

January courses offer practicality, variety

Although many students elect to work during January, a number of students will use January term (J-term)to conduct an internship, study abroad or enroll in a course. Students who enroll in a course may do so to catch up on academic credits or to stay focused on academics during the extended break. Tuition for J-term courses are considered part of a student's winter semester; financial aid that is awarded for winter term applies to courses taken during J-term.

Students on the Minneapolis campus may choose a range of courses offered both online and on-campus. In addition to Exercise Science courses, St. Paul students may want to consider the following:

Career Development for Women, INDI 2000 offers students who may be deciding on their major to go through a process that helps understand values, skill and interests related to academic majors and career paths. Upper-class students find this course especially helpful as they prepare for internships, job search and graduate schools. The course is practical and useful for students at any stage. Offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Personal Financial Fitness, INDI 2010 is a two-credit course designed for first- and second-year students (upper-class students should talk with instructor Trudy Landgren if interested). This valuable course teaches the basics of money management: budgeting, understanding credit scores, financial products, insurance basics, financial aid and financing college, investing, saving plans and much more. This course teaches students financial management skills for a lifetime. This two-credit course will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Applied Trigonometry, Math 2992 will cover topics such as right triangle and unit circle trigonometry, trigonometry identities, solving trigonometric equations, vectors, cross product, dot product and other vector mathematics. The course will also make connections to applications of trigonometry in physics and other mathematics courses. This course is recommended for the student who has not had trigonometry in high school or the student who needs to review trigonometry before taking a physics or calculus course. This two-credit course is offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11:15 a.m.

Other courses include:
Exercise Science courses including First Aid, Weight Training and Conditioning.
See the Registrar's home page for more detail.

Student interns share highlights

Three of our star student interns were featured at the recent Parent and Family speaker series, "How to Support Your Student's Career Development" (pictured, from left): Rebecca Nguyen, international relations and political science, intern at the office of Gov. Mark Dayton; Pa Vang, public health, intern at the American Cancer Society; and Alison Marson, healthcare sales, intern at Owens and Minor.

Tina Wagner, associate director of Career Development, presented parents and students with a comprehensive overview of programs and services available to students all through their years at St. Kate's and beyond. She specifically addressed the importance of having a strong liberal arts foundation for competing in today's economy and how to market those skills/knowledge.

The three student interns shared the various responsibilities they had in their internships including writing memos and working on policy issues for the governor's office, advising individuals and groups on cancer risks and prevention, and selling medical equipment to hospitals and observing surgeries.These impressive young women provided great advice to their peers.

If you missed this presentation, you can view the podcast by going to: to stkate.edu/parents. Select "Parent and Family Speaker Series."

Important holiday news from Residence Life

December and January Break
The end of the semester is quickly approaching. If your student lives on campus, please review the following information.

• The residence halls, with the exception of Alberta and Georgia Apartments, close at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21. If your student needs to stay on campus at any time during the December break (Dec. 21 to Jan. 1, 2012), she must complete the Break Housing Request Form. This form is available on our internal website, and your student will receive a link to the form via email on Dec. 1. Forms are due by Friday, Dec. 9.

• Students who are  not approved for break stay will have no access to their living space between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1, 2012. Although your student does not need to pack all her belongings, she should bring the items she’ll need while away on break.

• The residence halls reopen on Sunday, Jan. 1, at noon. Residents can stay in their room during the January term, even if they are not enrolled in a January class. If it’s mid-January and you’re ready to send your student back to campus, she’s welcome to return to her room; no prior arrangements need to be made with us.

• Winter semester begins on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012.

Resident Advisor Applications for 2012-13
We hope you will encourage your student to apply for a residence life staff position for 2012-13. Resident Advisors receive room, board and a small stipend as compensation for this very important leadership position. Additionally, Resident Advisors learn transferable skills that many employers seek such as leadership, time management, mediation, and crisis management skills.

Applications will be available in mid-December. Job descriptions, the hiring time line and other position information will be available on the Residence Life internal website in mid-December.

It’s been a great semester. We truly hope your student enjoyed living on campus this semester, and we look forward to her return and another fantastic semester!

Citizen Katie: community service project

Over 100 residence hall students volunteered in the community as part of Residence Life's annual Citizen Katie Day. The enthusiastic students pictured at right were cleaning and clearing debris near the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.

Our campus blooms in autumn

Family Weekend: a rousing success

This year's Family Weekend was well attended by Katies and their families. Family members enjoyed a competitive Trivia Contest Friday evening. On Saturday morning, over 60 family members listened to Tiffany Kirk speak on the topic of Financial Steps to College Success and left with tips on budgeting, building positive credit and the importance of savings.

A barbecue lunch and pumpkin decorating contest drew over 175 participants, and Saturday evening's a cappella group, Ball In The House, drew a crowd of 175.

Families took in the Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities (ACTC) Fall Art Tour in the Catherine G. Murphy Gallery and cheer on the Wildcats soccer and volleyball teams. Sunday Mass in Our Lady of Victory Chapel, followed by a brunch and performance by the St. Catherine University Women's Choir, completed the packed weekend of events.

It was great to have so many family members experience the beautiful fall weekend on campus.

Career Opportunities Fair is crucial in tight job market

Seventy-three organizations were on campus Thursday, Oct. 13, to participate in St. Kate's annual Career Opportunities Fair.

St. Catherine hosts the largest on-campus job fair of the the private colleges in Minnesota. Organizations included 3M, Allina Hospitals and Clinics, Hennepin County, Macy's, Mayo Clinic, Graybar Electric Co., MN Veterans Home, Thomson Reuters, Securian Financial Group, Peace Corps, US Bank Minnesota and Walgreens.

Given the current job market, the event was especially important this year. St. Kate's students had the opportunity to network and interview for positions in a variety of career fields that included nursing and other healthcare sectors, manufacturing, education, biotechnology, insurance, finance and banking, social services,communications media, government and human services (social work, corrections, family/child/youth).

Phillip Baumgam, recruitment director from ACR Homes, has been attending St. Kate's Career Fair for years. The students draw him back every year, he says: "They are a class act; they have done their homework. They're also really great workers. I've hired many over the years."

Ramin Rigi from Upsher-Smith Laboratories Inc., also a veteran employer participant, was recruiting for a summer sales internship position. He, too, commented on the high caliber of St. Catherine students: "They are always prepared." Liberal arts majors and professional degree students were all well served by this impressive annual event.

Support your student's career development

Don't miss this wonderful presentation for parent/family members and their student, Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in room 372, Coeur de Catherine.

In this tight economy, students need to prepare themselves for a competitive job market. Whether your student is a first year or a senior, join us to learn about the important services and programs that will equip your student for success after college.

Hear from the experts what parents can do to help guide and support their student. Staff will share information about career fairs, job shadowing, career courses, career counseling and more. A panel of student interns will share highlights of their internship experiences.

Coffee and dessert included. RSVP by Nov. 4 (required) to Ellen Richter-Norgel: erichter-norgel@stkate.edu or 651-690-8730.

Spotlight on Dining Services

Sodexo General Manager Eric Goodrich and Retail Operations Manager Theresa Cianni presented highlights of St. Kate's dining options and addressed questions at a recent Parent and Family Association Advisory Council meeting.

Highlights:

• Sodexo is helping students monitor their points by posting signs that indicate how many points they should have at any given point in time to ensure they have enough to last through the semester;
• Most first-year students use up their points by the end of the semester;
• Sodexo makes special efforts to purchase from local farmers/distributors on a seasonal basis. November 3, 2011, is dedicated to local farmers with a special menu that highlights the produce;
• Sodexo also offers several incentives that produce less waste. The Eco-Clam Shell ($5) allows students to purchaase a reusable plastic container to be used in the café instead of using a to-go box. The Beverage Cup ($7.99) allows students to buy a reusable plastic tumbler and reusable straw; it can be used for unlimited fountain beverage refills for the day, for $2.99.

Sodexo also responds to the varied dietary needs and preferences of the student body including gluten-free foods,an organic line that is offered in Marketplace and a gourmet salad bar

Sodexo recognizes that some students want/need to know specifics about the menu such as ingredients and calorie count. The website provides information about menus, how to monitor points, meal plan options and descriptions, and more. Balance mind, body and soul gives St. Kate’s students access to Sodexo’s biggest nutrition resource. The site gives healthy recipes, helps them look up nutrition information, and provides access to Sodexo's registered dieticians who can answer their questions.

Finally, Sodexo offers a program called “Treats from Home” for families to send their student a special treat year-round. The site has a downloadable flier which family members can use to order birthday cakes and special treats for students. Sodexo has also partnered with 1-800 Flowers.com to offer Gift University, which also allows family members to send gift baskets to their favorite Katie.

Common adjustment issues for November

First-year college students go through some common adjustment issues during November:

• Anxiety about midterm grades
• Excitement or anxiety about going home for Thanksgiving
• First series of campus-wide illness (colds, flu)
• Time-management issues trying to balance the demands of school, work, family, and social life
• Roommate challenges may intensify.

If your student is living on campus, encourage her to talk with her RA if she is experiencing these symptoms. She can also talk with her academic advisor about her grades and balancing study demands with the rest of her obligations.

Students can also visit the Counseling Center by appointment or in a walk-in time slot. St. Paul campus: 690-6805; Minneapolis campus: 690-7830.

(For more information, see Helping your First-Year College Student Succeed, by Richard Mullendore and Cathie Hatch, National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.)

Give to St. Kate's Day: It's back!

Tuesday, Nov. 15, is the second annual Give to St. Kate’s Day. This is a one-day online giving campaign to raise contributions to the St. Catherine University Annual Fund.

As parents, you no doubt are aware of how tuition impacts your family budget. Believe it or not, the tuition that you and your daughter pay to the University covers approximately 75 percent of what St. Kate’s needs annually to maintain our academic excellence and the student experience that your daughter enjoys. Gifts to the Annual Fund support such things as faculty development, technology upgrades and library resources.

Hundreds of caring and generous alumnae, faculty, staff and friends of the University are financially supporting your daughter’s education. On Nov. 15, as part of Give to St. Kate's Day, students (including your daughter) will be invited to write notes of gratitude to the donors who contribute. Please encourage your daughter to stop by the table in the Coeur de Catherine atrium to learn more about Give to St. Kate’s Day and to write a note of thanks to a donor.

The goals of Give to St. Kate's Day this year are:

• 100 new donors
• 100 donor increases
• 20 new members of the President's Forum (donors who contribute at least $1,500 each year to the Annual Fund)

The University has secured $60,000 in challenges from a few wonderful donors. This means that each new donor and each increase in a current donor’s level of giving will help St. Kate’s earn an additional $200. This year, those who join the President's Forum with a gift of $1,500 or more will help St. Kate’s earn an additional $1,000!

For more information about the Annual Fund and additional ways to support the University, go to stkate.edu/giving or contact Stacy Rooney, director of the Annual Fund, at 651-690-8861 or smrooney@stkate.edu.

Important dates and reminders for parents

October 30: Payment in full due for fall term. Refer to the Summary of Financial Procedures for more detail on Standard and Installment Payment Options. Visit stkate.edu and type Student Accounts in the search bar. Link to PDF file on Summary of Financial Procedures.

October 31: 1 percent finance charge is assessed for any fall term balance. (Reminder: Parents may ask their student to set them up as an "authorized user" on KatePay, which allows them to have access to their student's on-line student account activity and billing. Students need to go the Student Tab, click on KatePay under Student accounts, then click on Authorized User and select Add An Authorized User and follow the prompts.)

November 2: Midterm grades are due. Midterm grades provide students with a mid-point review of how they are doing. Students who are dissatisfied with their progress should talk with their professors to learn how they can improve. If a faculty member does not post a mid-term grade, encourage your student to speak directly to that instructor so she can assess her progress.

November 9: Speaker Series event: How to Support the Career Development Needs of Your Student, 7 p.m., 372 Coeur de Catherine.

November 14-December 1: Early Registration Period for winter semester 2012.

Advising To-Do's for your student:

• Students will want to check for any HOLDS to make sure they are clear to register. They can do this by viewing KateWay.
• Academic advisors are expecting students to contact them to meet about next-semester courses. Students will also use this meeting time to discuss any concerns about mid-term grades, information about intended majors and other questions.
• Upperclass students will want to talk about the best time to conduct an internship, and learn about any research or teaching assistantships that are available in their major

The Office of Academic Advising has professional advisors who can meet with any student if her assigned academic advisor is not available.

Orientation was a great success!

The University welcomed over 5,300 new and returning students to St. Kate's on Wednesday, September 7. First-Year Orientation helped new students learn about important University resources, meet their classmates and find out how best to prepare for classes. Orientation also provided parents with important information on the transition process of launching a student into college. Student evaluations indicate that Orientation met its goals and that students established many new friendships.

Tips for students experiencing homesickness

Now that classes have started, your daughter has begun to create her niche at St. Kate’s. She is meeting many people and encountering new ideas and activities in an unfamiliar environment.

I hope things are going smoothly for your daughter. It's not uncommon, however, for new students to encounter a few bumps in the road during this time of transition. College can seem like an exciting adventure or a scary challenge – or both, depending upon the day, or the hour.

How you and your daughter respond to the first year of college will depend on your temperaments and life histories. For your daughter, it may help to know that some of the difficulties she will experience are part of a normal developmental process and have been survived by many before her.

Homesickness is common during the first year of college. I describe it as a longing to be in a familiar, safe, secure place without having to face changes and challenges that you aren’t sure you can manage. The “symptoms” of homesickness may be slightly different and may emerge at different points in the semester for each individual depending on her own personality and style. It may manifest itself as tears and sadness, for example, or as irritability and anger. It may show up right away or after the excitement of a new beginning wears off, or when tests loom and “life gets real.”

The very name “homesick” has been used to belittle or minimize a feeling that is a very real part of an important developmental process as young adults learn to trust themselves and cope with change. From the time they are born, children work to develop their own sense of identity, to discover who they are and what they can do in the world. Parents help them in this process by allowing their children to have

incrementally more independence and autonomy as the child develops into a young adult. Transitioning to college is part of this process and the parental approach of encouraging independence while maintaining a helpful, nurturing attitude will continue to be helpful. This concept can help guide parents to react to their daughter's homesickness in a healthy way.

Helpful tips to share with your student:

• Allow your student to feel homesick…it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Most students are surprised when it happens. Let your student know it’s normal to feel this way. 
• Get involved…keep busy. Immersing herself in classes, a new club, or Butler Center with a friend are great ways to make the transition.
• Settle in...encourage her to personalize her residence hall room to make it a place she feels really “at home."
• Talk to someone she trusts….her RA, her Complex Coordinator, or her academic advisor are all great resources. Plan a date to go home….but not too soon. We suggest staying on campus for the first six weeks. Just having a visit planned on the calendar will feel good, but waiting a while is best. In the meantime, encourage her to take advantage of all the Student Center and Activities calendar events…especially on the weekends. 
• Ask for help...make an appointment in the Counseling Center if homesickness interferes with her studying or sleep.

If you have any questions or concerns about what your daughter is experiencing, please call the counseling center to consult with one of our psychologists. We may have suggestions for handling a particular situation or be able to guide you to other resources. Phone number is 651.690-6805.

Parent and Family Speaker Series: You are Invited

Listed below are the Parent & Family Speaker Series events for 2011-12. Parents are welcome to invite their student to attend presentations with them. Please RSVP to Ellen Richter-Norgel at erichter-norgel@stkate.edu, or phone 651.690-8730. All events are free.

Fall Semester

Financial Steps to College Success
Presenter: Tiffany Kirk, Education Coordinator, Wings Financial
Date: Saturday, October 8, 2011, 10-11:30 a.m., Rauenhorst Ballroom, Coeur de Catherine (continental breakfast included.)
This engaging presentation will show you the steps to take to ensure healthy money habits during the college years. Tiffany Kirk will share her knowledge and wisdom on discerning needs from wants, how our early messages about money impact our behavior and how to avoid financial challenges during college. Don’t miss this important event co-sponsored by St. Kate’s Money Management Program and the Parent and Family Association.
Note: This event takes place during St. Kate’s Family Weekend.

---

How to Support Your Student’s Career Development Needs
Presenter: Kim Betz, Director of Career Development and staff
Date: Wednesday, November 9, 7-8:30 p.m.
Location: President’s Dining Room, 372 Coeur de Catherine (dessert and coffee provided)
Whether your student is a first-year or a senior, it’s never too early or late to learn about the services and programs that Career Development offers. Hear experts explain how parents can guide and advise their student into preparing for life after graduation. Staff will share information about career fairs, job shadowing, career courses and career counseling, along with suggestions for when students should utilize these services. A panel of student interns will share highlights of their internship experiences and what they learned. Encourage your daughter to attend this program with you.

---

Winter/Spring Semester

Study Abroad at St. Kate’s: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How?
Presenter: Catherine Spaeth, Director of Global Studies and students
Date: Wednesday, February 8, 7-8:30 p.m.
Location: President’s Dining Room, 372 Coeur de Catherine (dessert and coffee provided)
Is your globally minded student considering study abroad? Join us for an interactive session on study-abroad opportunities for a semester, year, J-term or summer, presented by the Office of Global Studies and a panel of returnee study-abroad students. Planning ahead for these experiences is important.

(Note: The Study Abroad Fair will take place Monday, February 13, 2012, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., in Rauenhorst Ballroom, Coeur de Catherine. The fair is a unique opportunity to meet and talk with representatives from the study-abroad programs we offer. Encourage your student to attend.)

---

Fireside Chat with Vice Pr esident for Enr ollment Management & Student Affairs
Presenter: Brian Bruess
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 7-8:30 p.m.
Location: Fireside Lounge, Rauenhorst/Morrison Hall (dessert and coffee provided).
Enjoy an informal conversation with Vice President Brian Bruess as he shares information about the University’s strategic plan, what our Master Space Plan has in store for our campuses and the new initiatives taking place at the University. This is a perfect opportunity to ask questions, share perceptions, enjoy the company of other parents and interact with members of the Parent and Family Association Council. A fun, relaxing evening is in store!

A Reminder of Health Insurance Waiver Deadline: Friday, Sept 23

St. Catherine University requires all undergraduate degree-seeking students to carry a health insurance plan. In order to ensure that all students have coverage, each student is automatically enrolled in and billed each semester for the University-offered plan from Aetna Life Insurance Company.

Students can waive out of this insurance plan if they are already covered by another comparable policy. Complete the waiver online: http://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/schools/stkate.

Students will enter their St. Kate's ID number and birth date in order to log in to the waiver form. Once logged in, they must verify their current insurance provider's company name and policy number.

The deadline to complete the waiver process is Friday, September 23. Those who waive the coverage by the deadline date will see a $797 credit posted to their student account.

Curt Galloway, named Dean of Students

Curt Galloway has served St. Catherine University for 19 years in increasingly more demanding positions. In his new role as Dean of Student Affairs, Curt will assume direct responsibility for the leadership of the Office of Student Affairs and the Student Affairs departments.

The primary role of the dean is to serve as a liaison for students to the University administration and help cultivate a vibrant campus environment focused on student learning. Curt’s experience in student affairs and service to the University as Director of Student Life and Associate Dean for Student Affairs, along with his consistent commitment to creating a responsive learning environment for students, positions him well to be successful in his new role. This promotion is an acknowledgement of Curt’s abilities and accomplishments and an accurate reflection of work he’s already doing.

As the Dean, Curt will provide leadership for the following areas: Office of Student Affairs, Associate Dean for Students and Multicultural Education (Career Development, Community Work and Learning, Multicultural and International Programs and Services, O’Neill Center for Academic Development), Counseling (St. Paul), Counseling and Student Development (Minneapolis), Early Childhood Center, Health and Wellness Center, Residence Life, Student Center and Activities and Student Life (Minneapolis).

Family Weekend: Oct 7-9, 2011

Tiffany Kirk

Family Weekend is a great event for everyone in the family – parents, siblings, grandparents. This year’s schedule of events is sure to please. Take a look at the full schedule »

Make sure you don't miss the first program in the Parent and Family Speaker Series, "Financial Steps to College Success" with Tiffany Kirk, education coordinator at Wings Financial. Join us on Saturday, October 8, from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Coeur de Catherine Ballroom.

Tiffany will facilitate an engaging discussion for parents and students on how to develop healthy money habits during the college years. She has much to share from her own experience and will help us understand how early messages about money impact the way in which we make financial decisions.

The program is free and a continental breakfast will be served.

This program is co-sponsored by the Parent and Family Speaker Series and St. Kate’s Money Management Program.

Excitement in the Air

New Student Registration Events
May and June have been busy months for staff at the University, as we assist students and families in preparation for fall 2011.

Students will receive their final course schedule in the mail, after the registration events. If a student has any questions about her fall schedule, she can contact:

• Academic Advising office | 651.690-6803

Parents who were unable to attend the registration events will receive a Parent Information Resource Folder in the mail. To request a folder, contact Ellen Richter-Norgel, Director of Student Retention and co-chair of the Parent and Family Association :

• erichter-norgel@stkate.edu |651.690-8730

Save the Date for Fall Orientation

Fall Orientation: September 4–6
The orientation program for first-year students will begin on Sunday, Sept. 4, and continue through Tuesday, Sept. 6. It is designed to provide new students with valuable information on transitioning into the University.

A highlight of the program for students is meeting their classmates and their instructor of The Reflective Women (TRW) course.

Students should to make arrangements to be present for the full three days.

Move-In Schedule: Available in July
The move-in schedule for the residence halls will be available in July on the KateWay Residence Life website.

To find the schedule, your student should sign in to KateWay. On the left side, in the Find It Your Way search box type "Residence Life." Select "New Students" tab.

Staggered move-in times ensure a smooth traffic flow and that plenty of assistance is available.

Parent Orientation: Sunday, Sept. 4

Back by popular demand — Shanan Wexler (faculty member for core course The Reflective Women) will share her wit and wisdom with parents and family members in an engaging and poignant presentation, It's Going To Be Ok that will leave parents laughing, reflecting and learning about the joys and tribulations that come with launching a student off to college.

Whether you are a veteran of sending off a child to college, or if this is your first, you will find comfort, humor and guidance in her performance.

Parents will leave this event with a resource calendar they can utilize throughout the year to ensure they are well informed and aware of the available University resources.

Additional dates for parents to keep in mind:

• Transfer Student Orientation — Sept. 6
• Fall Classes Begin — Sept. 7
• Activities Fair —Sept. 22
• Family Weekend — Oct. 7-9
• Mid-term Break — Oct. 28
• Thanksgiving Break — Nov. 24-27
• Final Exams — Dec. 15-20
• Winter Break Begins — Dec. 20
• Residence Halls Close (10 a.m.) — Dec. 21
• Residence Halls Re-open (noon) — Jan. 1
• J-term Classes Begin — Jan. 2
• Winter Classes Begin — Jan. 30

Summer Reading Suggestions

You may already have a stack of books queued up for the summer months, but we think these are worth adding in.

These are great resources for understanding the challenges and joys of parenting during the college years. Happy reading!

Suggested Reading:

• You're On Your Own (but I'm here if you need me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years
  by Marjorie Savage
• Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to College
  by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller
• Let the Journey Begin: A Parents' Monthly Guide to the College Experience
  by Jacqueline Kiernan MacKay and Wanda Johnson Ingram
• When Your Kid Goes to College: A Parents' Survival Guide
  by Carol Barkin
• When Kids Go to College: A Parents Guide to Changing Relationships
  by Barbara M. Newman and Philip R. Newman
• Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Understanding the College Years
  by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger
• Millennials Go to College
  by N. Howe and W. Strauss

Did You Know?

The Parent and Family Association website is a wonderful resources, just for you — parents and family members.

This website provides parents with information throughout the year such as:

• Events
  
• University resources
• Parent and Family Association: general information and how to get involved
  
• Parent Resources: information for the families as they go through the transition of sending a child to college

You can navigate to the site from the homepage by finding "Parents and Families" in the menu under Student Life or visit: www.stkate.edu/parents

Be sure to bookmark this page and visit it frequently so you can stay connected to what's happening at the University and with your student.

Home for the Summer: Tips for Parents

Editor's note: This article originally appeared in May 2010, written by the Counseling Center Staff. We thought it was worth re-printing for the summer months.

Aaah, summertime! A time we tend to long for and a time we tend to build dreams around. We imagine time to play or to relax in the shade with a cool drink, long twilight walks and talks around the lake with people we care about, trips and family gatherings of all kinds. Your daughter is undoubtedly excited about summer, the end of the academic year and a chance to put away the textbooks for a while. Unless, of course, she’s in summer school.

If your daughter has been living away from home during the year, you also may dream of chances to reconnect and to feel like a complete family again. Your daughter may be in tune with this image. However, it’s just as likely that she won’t be and will be spending so much of her time working or with peers. You may feel like you need to make an appointment to get time with her and have a sense what’s going on in her life even while she’s living with you.

Learning to adapt to living without your daughter in your life every day might have been a challenge in fall of freshman year. It takes even more flexibility to bounce back and forth between having her gone and then back in your life again. Just as you get used to a daily routine, expected noise levels and workload, everything changes. Think of it as a way for you to stay nimble and adaptable.

You may find that you need to renegotiate some of the house rules and expectations in ways that didn’t come up during short visits during the year. Here’s a passage about this process from a book called Almost Grown by Patricia Pasick:

"While returning-home experiences may be warm and connecting, a transition is still very much in the making. You are searching for signs of growth. Students hope to see that being a college student affords them some new privilege in the family, a new kind of almost-adult status. Negotiation is the key to an evolving, positive relationship between new college students and their families.

"At the least, your [daughter] will want to have her views listened to and respected, even if there are disagreements. On the family’s side, it’s perfectly fine to continue some expectations that, when college students are at home, they’re part of the family with obligations to help out and connect."

So, enjoy your summer with its pleasures and challenges. Try to see clearly the possibilities and joys in the real summer as it unfolds, much richer than the dreams and expectations we create in advance.

Public Safety Alert from St. Catherine University

To Parents and Family Members,

A St. Catherine University student has reported to Public Safety that she was sexually assaulted on Sunday, April 10, at approximately 6 p.m. The incident occurred on River Road, south of the Ford Plant and approximately 1.5 miles south of the St. Paul campus.

The student is receiving support from the University’s Counseling Center, Department of Public Safety and other appropriate staff.

The Public Safety Alert was posted on "Daily Update" (the University’s e-newsletter on its internal website) and on the Department of Public Safety’s website. (You may view the complete Public Safety Alert by clicking here.)

The same information is being shared with the St. Paul Police Department and other ACTC colleges. Information about personal safety, including what to do if one encounters suspicious activity, is also available online on the Department of Public Safety’s internal website.

The safety and well-being of our students is of great importance to us, as we know it is for you. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact either of these University offices:

Student Affairs
(651) 690-6778
studentaffairs@stkate.edu

Public Safety
(651) 690-8888
security@stkate.edu

Read full announcement (requires Adobe Reader)

Residence Halls Close on May 20

The residence halls (including Alberta and Georgia Apartments) officially close May 20 at at 6 p.m. For a hassle-free and fine-free move out, encourage your student to review the Closing Information page on the Residence Life website in Kateway (available May 1).

The Closing Information page will contain information about:

• Avoiding closing fines
• Returning refrigerators
• Cleaning lists
• and more to-do items

Check Out Times
Students must check out of the residence halls by the time listed below:

• Students assisting with commencement activities – 8 p.m., May 22.
• Graduating students – 10 a.m., May 23.
• All other students – 6 p.m., May 20.

Summer Housing
Students living on campus this summer will remain in their current room until May 26, when they will move to their summer space.

Questions? Contact Residence Life 651.690.6617

Tuition, Room and Board Rates Announced for 2011-12

St. Catherine University has set tuition, room, board and student fee rates for the 2011–12 academic year.

The University continues to monitor the economy with an eye toward continuous improvement to the excellent quality of the St. Kate’s educational experience while ensuring our education remains affordable. Success with new and continuing student enrollment has helped keep annual increases minimal.

We’ve raised tuition and fees only to the point of what’s necessary to maintain the high-quality learning experience students have come to expect from St. Kate’s.

Read more about the tuition changes »

If you have questions about the tuition increases, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at studentaffairs@stkate.edu or call 651.690.6778.

Supporting the Career Development Needs of Your Student

by Kimberly Betz, Director of Career Development

Wondering about what your student will do after graduation? Not sure what major your student will choose? Want to help with career concerns, but are unsure how to assist her?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you are not alone. Many parents and families tell us that they are concerned about their student starting college, about what she will do after graduation, and how she can best prepare.

When your student enters college, she is beginning a life-changing experience that will expose her to new ideas, lessons and opportunities. This may be challenging for her, and for you in your support role.

Resources for You
Career Development's Resources for Parents and Families web page offers advice on how to support your student's career development.

Internship Program
The Internship Program at St. Kate's is one component of an extensive career planning process available to students through the Career Development office. Students are highly encouraged to pursue an internship (or two) to compliment their classroom learning.

Students should discuss their interests with academic advisors as well as with the internship director in the Career Development office.

Read more about the Internship Program »

Career Development Office
An impressive array of comprehensive services and programs are available to all students through the Career Development office. It is located in Coeur de Catherine, suite 460. Please encourage your daughter to visit the professional career counseling staff at anytime during her years at St. Kate's. The office is also open throughout the summer months.

Honors and Awards: Celebrating Student Achievement

SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, May 3, 2011
4 p.m., Coeur de Catherine, Rauenhorst Hall

Each year St. Catherine University hosts the Honors and Awards Ceremony, one of the University’s major year-end celebrations, to honor student achievement in academics and leadership.

The event begins with a reception that includes displays highlighting the accomplishments of student award winners. This is followed by a formal program, which allows individual departments and the University as a whole to present awards recognizing student achievement.

Among the many honors bestowed at the ceremony, the University recognizes students through the All-College Awards. These awards recognize the contributions of students to the co-curricular and academic life at St. Kate’s, their growth in leadership roles, and their involvement in campus life.

Parents and family members of student recipients are encouraged to attend this event.

Rescheduled Event!

The Parent and Family Speaker Series event, scheduled for Wednesday, March 16, "Supporting the Career Development Needs of Your Student" will be rescheduled for a later time. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please watch for updates in the upcoming issue of Parent Update.

If you have any immediate questions regarding this topic, please feel free to contact Kim Betz, Director of Career Development, 651.690.6511 or e-mail: kkbetz@stkate.edu

Thank you.

Reminder: Upcoming Parent Speaker Series Event

You and your student are invited to join us for the last installment of this year's Parent and Family Speaker Series on March 16, 7-8:30 p.m.

How to Support the Career Development
Needs of Your Student
Presented by Kimberly Betz, director of Career
Development and staff.
Wednesday, March 16, 7-8:30 p.m., 372 CdC (President’s Dining Room)

You’ll hear from experts about what you can do to help students prepare for life after graduation. Take the opportunity to learn about the services and programs the Career Development office offers St. Kate’s students such as career fairs, job shadowing and career counseling.

Internship Panel
A panel of student interns will share the highlights of their experiences. You and your student will have a chance to hear about the opportunities and details for planning an internship.

Please R.S.V.P no later than Friday, March 14 to Ellen Richter-Norgel or call 651.690.8730.

Parent Speaker Series for Winter/Spring

Don't miss these great presentations!
Please join us for two wonderful Parent Speaker presentations offered during the winter/spring term. Parents and their student are encouraged to attend together.

Study Abroad at St. Kate’s: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How? Is your globally-minded student considering studying abroad? Join us for an interactive session on study-abroad opportunities presented by the Office of Global Studies and a panel of students returning from the study-abroad program. Planning ahead for these experiences is important.
Wednesday, February 9, 7-8:30 p.m., 372 CDC, Refreshments provided

(P.S. The Study Abroad Fair will take place Monday, February 14, 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m., in the Rauenhorst Ballroom, Coeur de Catherine. The fair is a unique opportunity to meet and talk with representatives from our affiliate study-abroad programs. Encourage your student to attend.)

How to Support the Career Development Needs of Your Student.
Learn about the services and programs that Career Development offers to St. Kate’s students. Experts will advise parents on how to help their student prepare for life after graduation. Staff will share information about career fairs, job shadowing, career courses, career counseling and more. A highlight of this program will feature a panel of student interns who will share highlights of their internship experiences and what they learned. Encourage your daughter to attend this program as well.
Wednesday, March 16, 7-8:30 p.m., 372 CDC, Refreshments provided

Please R.S.V.P. to Ellen Richter-Norgel at erichter-norgel@stkate.edu or 651.690.8730 one week prior to each event. Out state or out-of-state parents can view speaker presentations online by going to the Parent and Family website. (Click on "Parents/Families" at the bottom of the University's home page, then click on Events, then Speaker Series.) The podcasts are available within a week of the live presentation.

Housing Sign-Up Begins March 7

Housing Sign-Up for 2011-12 kicks off on March 7. Your student will be able to complete the entire room selection process online.

Now is a a great time to discuss the benefits of living on campus with your student. Students who live on campus:

•Have a higher grade point average.
•Have a higher graduation rate.
•Study more hours per week.
•Report higher satisfaction with general education.
•Are more involved in co-curricular activities.
(2003 NNSE and St. Catherine IRP data)

Resident Students Acknowledge Benefits of Living on Campus
In a recent resident survey 65-78 percent of respondents acknowledged that living on campus provided more opportunities to:

•Get to know other classmates.
•Meet with faculty and study groups outside of class.
•Utilize campus resources.
•Get involved in clubs and organizations.
•Attend programs and events.

Housing Options and Financial Considerations
The University offers double, single, triple, suite and apartment-style housing. Students seeking off-campus housing should consider the true costs of renting and paying for amenities. Keep in mind that St. Kate’s housing fees include great amenities such as laundry, internet access, cable and phone service, all utilities and furniture. Students also share study lounges, computer labs, social lounges with televisions, and other common spaces.

Housing Sign-Up Process
Everything your student needs to know about Housing Sign-Up can be found on the Residence Life website inside Kateway beginning March 7. Students can also learn more about the sign up process through posters, e-mails and question/answer sessions. Room tours will be on March 9. If your student is currently commuting and would like to live on campus next year she may sign up at this time. She will have the same priority to rooms, suites and apartments as current residents.

Housing and Dining Agreements are due March 31. Encourage your student to visit the Residence Life Kateway website for complete details and a schedule of events (information available March 7).

Preparing for Financial Aid 2011-12: Preferred Deadline April 1

Tips for getting ready to file FAFSA
Have your 2010 tax documents started arriving? Along with tax time comes FAFSA time; a new year means it is time to renew your daughter’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and St. Kate’s Financial Aid Application. As you are opening your tax documents and preparing to file your 2010 federal and state income tax returns, you and your daughter should also be thinking about applying for financial aid for the 2011-12 academic year.

There are two initial items needed in order to apply for financial aid: the 2011-12 FAFSA and the 2011-12 St. Kate’s Financial Aid Application. Both forms must be received by the Financial Aid Office by April 15, 2011 in order to meet the priority deadline. You can access the St. Kate’s Financial Aid Application at www.stkate.edu/rd?finaid1112.

You can find the 2011-12 Renewal FAFSA or the standard 2011-2012 FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov along with instructions on how to request a duplicate PIN (if forgotten) and a link to the PIN website. Please keep in mind that it may take two weeks from the time you sign and submit your FAFSA form before St. Kate’s receives it. For this reason you should file your FAFSA by April 1, 2011.

Financial Aid applications will be processed in the order they are received. In the event that we are required to collect additional documents, such as federal tax forms and W2s, we will contact your daughter via her St. Kate’s e-mail. The St. Kate’s e-mail address is an official means of campus communication and your student is responsible for checking and responding to e-mails from the University. It is extremely important that your student continue to check St. Kate’s e-mail all year long – even during the summer, or while studying abroad.

If you have any questions about completing the FAFSA application with your student, please feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office at 651.690.6540 or e-mail us at finaid@stkate.edu.

Money Doesn't Grow On Trees: Speaker Series Events for Winter/Spring

St. Kate's Money Management program is excited to announce the upcoming Money Doesn't Grow On Trees speaker series for winter/spring term. Parents and family members are invited to attend any of these events with their student. Three programs in particular may be of special interest to parents as indicated below by an asterisk(*).

* Taxes 101: Everything You Need to Know to File What is the relationship between a W4 and other federal tax documents? What are the deductions for higher education? Should my parents claim me as a dependent or should I file taxes independently? How can I get my taxes prepared for free?
Wednesday, February 9, 370 CDC, 4:30-6 p.m.

Common Cents about Money Management Learn the basics about banking products: savings account, money market, certificate of deposit and more. How does my credit score impact buying a car or renting an apartment? Do I need to think about retirement plans now?
Wednesday, February 23, 370 CDC, 4:30-6 p.m.

* Relationships and Money: Can We Talk (or Why Can't We?) Different money perceptions is the number one reason why couples divorce. Parents and their children – of all ages – argue over how money should be spent. Join an engaging discussion with nationally-recognized financial adviser and author Ruth Hayden as she addresses this topic.
Wednesday, March 16, Rauenhorst Hall in CDC, 4:30-6 p.m.

* Student Loan Repayment: Everything You Need to Know How much and who do I owe? Learn about loan repayment options to make monthly payments manageable including loan consolidation, deferment and forbearance options. Get information on websites to help navigate the loan repayment process.
Wednesday, March 30, 370 CDC, 4:30- 6 p.m.

HealthCare! Demystify the Ins and Outs of Healthcare Plans A panel of human resource experts discuss healthcare plans and define the basic terms. Learn how to search the open market for plans and how to determine what is best for you and your family.
Wednesday, April 6, 370 CDC, 4:30-6 p.m.

Benefit Packages and Salary Negotiation Learn what benefit packages can include and how they can differ in the overall compensation offer. Information on salary negotiation strategies will also be included. Know this imporant information before accepting a job offer.
Wedneday, April 20, 370 CDC, 4:30- 6 p.m.

Parent Phonoathon: A summary of what you told us

An energetic team of 26 volunteers including members of the Parent and Family Advisory Council, staff and faculty of St. Catherine Univeristy contacted more than 395 families of first-year students on December 3. Our purpose was to check-in with parents and family members to learn how the fall term was going for their student. We wanted to learn how the transition to college life was going and solicit ways the University can make improvements.

It was a very productive evening, and overall, parents seemed to have great appreciation for the call. We were able to reach 48 percent of our families and left messages with another 34 percent. We offered Spanish and Hmong speaking volunteers to ensure that all families could participate.

Here is what we learned:
* 86 percent of you told us that the University has met or exceeded your expectations while 11 percent were not sure due to a question or concern that was unresolved at the time of the call. Three parents indicated that they were unsatisfied because of the limitations of what information can be shared about their student's grades, academic performance (referring to the FERPA restrictions) and frustration over competitive housing space.
* One parent shared that because of her daughter's experience, she was applying to one of St. Kate's graduate programs. Many parents indicated that the small class sizes, campus safety, and the availability of faculty/staff and the concern they demonstrate ranked high on their list.
* A general theme occurred; the more involved students are on campus, the higher overall satisfaction.
* Parents commented on the usefulness of the Parent Resource Calendar and the timely information obtained from online resources including the Parent Update.

Some of the parent's concerns included: excessive left-over food points at the end of the term, desire for more food service options on the Minneapolis campus, wishing there were more jobs for their student, and wishing that their daughters were more involved on campus. A concern for potential rising tuition costs was also shared.

What we do with the information?
Many parents were referred certain resources in order to resolve a specific question or concern. Feedback is also shared with offices/programs for improvement (no parent names were identified).

Thank you for taking the time to speak with the callers. If you were not contacted and want to discuss any comments/questions, please contact Ellen Richter-Norgel, Director of Student Retention, e-mail: erichter-norgel@stkate.edu or 651.690.8730.