Parent Update

Upcoming Parent Speaker Series: Don't Miss It!

2012-01-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

Study Abroad at St. Kate's: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How?

Parents and their student are highly encouraged to attend the next Parent and Family Speaker Series event on Wednesday, February 8th, from 7-8:30 pm in the President's Dining Room, 372 CdC. Catherine Spaeth, Director of Global Studies and a panel of study abroad students will provide a wealth of information that you and your student will need to know. Study abroad is available to all majors and requires thoughtful planning. This program has been highly requested by parents every year. Please R.S.V.P. by February 1st to erichter-norgel@stkate.edu or call 651.690-8730. Please indicated how many will be attending.

Note: For parents out-state and out-of-state, we will record this program which can be viewed a few days following the live event on the Parent and Family Resource website. Click on Speaker Series for podcast.

What we learned from this year's Phon-a-thon

2012-01-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

A big THANK YOU to all the parents of our first year students on the St. Paul and Minneapolis campuses who participated in our annual Phon-a-thon this past term. Our callers truly enjoyed speaking with parents and family members of our first-year students. We learned quite a bit; the following summarizes highlights and themes we heard from you.

Our callers reached 48% of our families of first year students and left messages with another 39.5%;12% of the calls made were found to be disconnected or wrong numbers.
Overall, parents indicated that they were very satisfied with their student's experience and the University as a whole. Eighty-seven percent indicated that the University had "exceeded" their expectations and another 4.6% indicated that their expectations were "met."
Callers were able to conduct conversations in Hmong and Spanish for families for whom this was their primary language.
A member of the Financial Aid staff was available throughout the evening to address families specific questions about their student's account and financial aid questions.
Parents shared the following themes/examples of how their expectations were "exceeded":

the fact that their student was making a very successful transition to St. Kate's environment
having a very positive residence life experience including the responsiveness of the Resident Assistants
the small classroom environment, the academic program their student was experiencing and the close relationships their student has with faculty, staff and peers
the level of support their student was receiving
the welcoming experience of orientation
the parent programming including the parent orientation,the resource calendar and the parent speaker series offered

Of special note, parents of student athlete's shared much appreciation for the experience their students were having with the coaches, their team and the student's overall involvement and sense of engagement.

Concerns/themes that surfaced in which parents/families noted as challenges and less satisfied with was in regards to the weekend environment and the need for developing a stronger weekend community for students who remain on campus. Some parents indicated frustration over their student not being able to work on campus or, not having enough hours to work on campus.

Following up: Many families were provided follow-up information from specific offices either by phone or mail. Regarding the weekend atmosphere, a group of staff, students and faculty will be looking into developing strategies for addressing the weekend atmosphere issues that were shared.

If you were not able to share a concern or comment and still wish to do so, please feel free to contact Ellen Richter-Norgel, director of student retention at 651.690-8730 or erichter-norgel@stkate.edu.

Help your senior prepare for graduation.

2012-01-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

Your student is nearing the end of her degree and preparing for graduation. What a wonderful feeling! Know that your student will be experiencing a very full last term on campus. Sometimes the emotional transition of leaving keeps a student from taking action; she may appreciate some reminders of how she can prepare herself for life after graduation. You can help by reminding your student of the resources available on campus.

First step: Complete a profile on KatieClick to take advantage of employment opportunities, internships, career research, information on upcoming job search events and workshops, and much more.
Meet with a professional career counselor in the Career Development office and develop a job search plan. If graduate school is her goal, the staff will provide guidance to graduate school planning.
Let a career counselor critique your student's resume.
Work with a career counselor to identify a list of employers, practice interviewing skills and master effective job search correspondence.
Attend programming during the Backpack to Briefcase Week (February 14-17).
Attend the Minnesota Private College Job and Internship Fair, which hosts over 150 employers (February).
Education majors should attend the Minnesota Education Job Fair (April).
Attend the Money Management workshops to help prepare financially for life after college. This includes developing a personal budget with a financial counselor.
Visit the career development website often for important events and resources.

Consider becoming an advocate for Minnesota Student Aid

2012-01-19T06:36:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC) is extending an invitation to interested parents to become part of a network, Advocates for Minnesota Student Aid, to help keep college affordable for low- and middle-income families. Parents involved in this network have many opportunities to take action, including signing online petitions, participating in grass-roots communication efforts and communicating with legislators. Visit www.mnprivatecollege.org/policy for more information and to sign up. Once parents join the network, the MPCC will communicate directly with participating parents.

Financial Management series offers invaluable advice

2012-01-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

St. Kate's award-winning financial management program will offer a wonderful line-up of free workshops this upcoming semester. As always, families are welcome to attend any of the series below. Please be sure to encourage your student to attend.

Wednesday, February 15, CdC 370, 4:30-6 p.m.
Taxes 101: Everything You Need to Know to File
What is the relationship between a W-4, 1040, 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?
Presenter: Erin Severson, Technical Assistance Manager, AccountAbility Minnesota

Tuesday, February 28, Seminar Room, Rauenhorst/Morrison Hall, 11:30-1 p.m.
Time to File! Preparing Your Renewal FAFSA
Every year at this time, students begin filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming academic year. Many questions arise, leaving students uncertain about the assistance they will receive. When is the priority deadline and why is it important to file prior to then? Why is my tax information needed? Am I even eligible to file the FAFSA?
Presenter: Jeremy Cole, Financial Aid Counselor, St. Catherine University

Wednesday, March 14, CdC 370, 4:30-6 p.m.
The High Cost of Bad Credit
Shannon Doyle ’97, St. Kate’s own financial counselor from LSS Financial Counseling Services, will discuss the importance of good credit. In this session you will learn about the high cost of bad credit, what factors make up your credit score, how to build or improve your score, and where to go if you need help. This one free session could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime!
Presenter: Shannon Doyle, Certified Consumer Credit Counselor, LSS

Wednesday, April 4, CdC Ballroom, 4:30-6 p.m.
Funding Your Study Abroad Trip
Would you like to study abroad but simply cannot afford it? Know the facts! There are many ways to fund a study abroad trip without incurring a large amount of debt. Learn the facts about studying abroad from the Office of Global Studies and a panel of students who have studied abroad while maintaining their finances at home. Your life-changing journey is within reach!
Presenters: Global Studies, Mysee Chang and Lela Wright-Macgregor

Wednesday, April 18, CdC 362, 4:30-6 p.m.
The Real Cost of College: Student Loan Repayment
Graduating soon or trying to plan ahead? How much 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.
Presenter: Pat Pierce, Senior Financial Aid Counselor, SCU

This workshop series is sponsored by generous grants from GE and Wings Financial.

Shout Out St. Kate's Day!

2012-01-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

Join in the fun on Wednesday, Feb. 29. It's our first annual Shout Out St. Kate's Day!

Show your pride as a parent or family member. Help us spread the word about what a great education St. Kate's provides. On Wednesday, Feb. 29, commit to "shouting out" why you are proud to be a Katie parent and what a life-changing experience your student is having at St. Kate's.

Tell a co-worker why you sent your daughter to St. Kate’s. Brag about your amazing Katie on your Facebook profile. Let everyone know why you think St. Catherine University is great! (For more information, go to: www.stkate.edu/shoutout)

It's FAFSA time again

2012-01-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

A new year means it is time to renew your student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and St. Kate’s Financial Aid Application. As you are preparing to file your 2011 federal and state income tax returns, you and your student should also be thinking about applying for financial aid for the 2012-13 academic year.

Two initial items are needed to apply for financial aid: the 2012-13 FAFSA and the 2012-13 St. Kate’s financial aid application. Our Financial Aid Office must receive both forms by April 15, 2012, in order to meet the priority deadline. Access the St. Kate’s Financial Aid Application.

You can find the 2012-13 renewal FAFSA or the standard 2012-2013 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, 2012.

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 W-2s, 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.

Important dates and reminders for parents

2012-01-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

January 30: Winter term classes begin

February 8: Parent and Family Speaker Series event: "Study Abroad: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How?" 7 to 8:30 p.m., President's Dining Room, Coeur de Catherine (CdC) 372

February 17: Last day to waive student health insurance plan for students who are new to St. Kate's during winter semester

February 21: Minnesota Private College Job and Internship Fair

March 7: Parent and Family Speaker Series event: "Fireside Chat with Vice President Brian Bruess and Dean of Student Affairs Curt Galloway," 7-8:30 p.m., Fireside Lounge, Rauenhorst/Morrison Hall

March 19 through March 23: Spring break

March 30: Payment in full due for winter term

March 31: Housing and dining agreements due. A 1 percent financial fee will be assessed on any winter term balance.

April 6 through April 9: Easter break, no classes, University holiday

April 15: FAFSA priority deadline

April 16: Registration for fall 2012 begins

May 11: Last day of classes, St. Paul campus

May 14: Finals week begins, through Friday, May 18

May 18: Last day of classes, Minneapolis campus

May19: Graduate and Associate Commencement

May 20: Baccalaureate Commencement

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

2011-11-22T06:50:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T06:45:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T06:35:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T06:15:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

Family Weekend: a rousing success

2011-10-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-10-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-06-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-31T11:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-31T11:56:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-31T11:55:00.000-08:00

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.

Your phone will be ringing!

2010-11-24T09:19:00.000-08:00

Annual Parent and Family Phonathon, Wednesday, 12/1
On Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 6-9 p.m., members of the Parent and Family Association (PAFA) Advisory Council, along with faculty and staff at the University, will be contacting parents of our first-year students on the St. Paul campus and parents of our Associate of Arts students on the Minneapolis campus.

We want to check in with you to see how well the University is meeting the needs of your student and to see how the experience is going for you. We appreciate and value the parents' perspective.

The information we gather will be used to improve programs and address any issues of concern. We will provide a summary of what we learn in a future issue of Parent Update.

Thanks in advance for your responses. We're looking forward to talking with with you on Dec. 1.

January courses for your student to consider

2010-11-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

Although many students elect to work during January, a number of students will use this time 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.

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:

Personal Financial Fitness, INDI 2992. 2 credits, January 3-27, (M/W, 9 a.m.-12 noon)
In this course, students will learn practical, lifelong skills of budgeting, developing savings plan, identifying and setting financial goals, organizing and creating a personal financial filing system, understanding credit report and ways to improve one's credit score, understanding insurance and much more.

Career Development for Women, INDI 2000, January 3-27, 2 credits (M/W, 9 a.m.-12 noon)
This course is especially encouraged for students who are still deciding on a major or who want confirmation about their academic major. Students will assess their values, interests and skills as related to potential academic majors and careers. Interest assessments include the Strong Interest Inventory as well as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Students will learn about internships, write a resume and learn important life skills about a job search.

Applied Trigonometry, Math 2992, January 3-27, 2 credits (TWR, 9-11:15 a.m.)
This course 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.

See the Registrar's home page for more detail: http://minerva.stkate.edu/offices/administrative/studrecord.nsf

You are invited: 2010 Annual Charity Ball

2010-11-23T05:23:00.000-08:00

It's the season to celebrate! Please join us for the annual Charity Ball event, where St. Kate's students raise money for Sara's Oasis for Women.

This event takes place on Friday, Dec. 10, starting at 7 p.m. in Rauenhorst Hall, Coeur de Catherine (CdC). We invite St. Kate's parent and family members to donate themed gift baskets, gift cards or services for the silent auction and door prize drawings. Silent auction donations can be delievered to the Student Center and Activities offices, CdC 270, by Wednesday, Dec. 8.

The Charity Ball is a festive, semi-formal social event, and all students and parents are welcome. View this welcoming invitation from the student chairs: Cristie Young and Janelle Taggert. Contact Brigette Marty with questions: studentcenter@stkate.edu or 651.690-6213.

Home for the holidays: Tips for parents by Heide Malat, Director of Counseling Center

2010-11-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

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 intellectually, socially and personally. 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 you both 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 asking her to respect family rules. Effective communication and building an atmosphere of mutual respect are key to enjoying your holiday break.

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 you and your daughter’s break is filled with joy, laughter and lots of opportunities to relax and reconnect.

HOW TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAY BREAK
* 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 about expectations.
Source: Letting Go: A Parent's Guide to Understanding the College Years

Residence Hall holiday closings

2010-11-18T08:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from Residence Life
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 Friday, December 17. If your student needs to stay on campus at any time during the December break (Dec. 17-Jan. 2), 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 November 30. Forms are due by December 10.

• Students who are not approved for break stay will not have access to their living space between Dec. 17 and Jan. 2. 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 re-open on Sunday, Jan. 2, 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, January 31.

Also
There is no charge to stay on campus for both December break and J-Term. However, all dining areas are closed during December break, and hours are limited in January. Fall meal points may be used until Jan. 13. Winter meal plan points will be active on Jan. 14.

We truly hope your student enjoyed living on campus this semester, and we look forward to her return and another fantastic semester in 2011.

Did you know? PAFA resource website

2010-11-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the Parent and Family Association (PAFA) has its very own website? This site is full of helpful information for parents.

Check out our 2010-2011 PAFA Speaker Series events, listed under the "events" link on the left-hand side of the page.

Of special note: Our fall speaker Nathan Dungan's talk, From Allowances to Financial Independence, can be viewed via podcast here. If you missed seeing him in person, be sure to view this engaging and informative presentation.

To view this website: Start at the St. Kate's home page, scroll to the bottom of the page and link to "Parents/Families."

We always are interested in your feedback. If you have suggestions for what you would like to see included in this website, contact Ellen Richter-Norgel via e-mail at erichter-norgel@stkate.edu or by phone at 651.690-8730.

Crime Alert from the St. Paul Dept. of Public Safety

2010-11-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

To Parents and Family members,

We wanted to update you on a couple of recent incidents that have occurred on the St. Paul campus. The safety of our students is a number one priority for us. The following announcement was posted this weekend to entire campus community on the Daily Update and a “crime alert” email was sent to all residents as well as posted on buildings throughout campus. Students have been reminded to visit the internal Public Safety website and follow the suggestions for Crime Prevention Tips. Notices include what to do if a student encounters suspicious activity. The complete crime alert notice can be viewed at the end of this email by following the link. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Public Safety at 651.690-8888.

The Department of Public Safety would like to inform the St. Catherine University community of three recent reports of men trying to lure St. Kate’s students.

Two incidents occurred off campus in the area of Randolph and Fairview. In the first incident, the student was asked questions about St. Kate’s and was followed. In the second incident, the student was asked if she would come with the suspect to have her pictures taken. In the third case, the student was on campus by the tennis courts and the men asked her to come with them to have some fun. In the last two cases, one man tried to grab the student's arm, but she pulled away and ran.

The descriptions are: 1st Incident: Caucasian male, 6’2”, late 20’s, athletic build, short (shaved head but grown out) dark hair, facial hair, dark raincoat; 2nd Incident: Short, Asian male, jeans; 3rd Incident: First Suspect—White male, 6’3”, buff build, average hair length, baggy sweatshirt, dark jeans; Second Suspect—White male, 5’11” 5’10” – 5’11”, white male, skinny baggy sweatshirt, blue jeans.

1) Make sure you're not alone. If you're leaving campus early in the morning or during the night, try to find a friend who will accompany you.

2) Be aware of your surroundings. Exercise the same caution you would when traversing any isolated city street during odd hours.

St. Catherine University believes that descriptors alone are not a valid reason to profile or cast suspicion on any individual. They are included here because they may reasonably assist in identifying the perpetrator of this incident.

For safety tips and steps to visit Public Safety or contact directly at x8888. Note: Tghe Public Safety Website is only available to St. Kate's staff and Students.

Read full announcement (requires Adobe Reader)

TRW event cancelled, more programs in store

2010-10-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

We're sorry to inform you that the Nov. 3 speaker event, "TRW Primer for Parents," has been canceled. We look forward to seeing you at our future Parent and Family Speaker Series events, including:

Study Abroad at St. Kate’s: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How?:
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. February 9, 7-8:30 p.m.,Room 372,CdC

Supporting the Career Development Needs of Your Student:
Learn about the services and programs that Career Development offers to St. Kate’s students. Hear from experts what parents can do to help guide and advise their student into preparing for life after graduation. Staff will share information about career fairs, job shadowing, career courses, career counseling and 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 as well. March 16, 7-8:30 p.m., Room 372, CdC

Finance expert shares money tips with students and parents

2010-10-18T07:57:00.001-07:00

Nationally known financial expert Nathan Dungan speaks regularly to parents and students at St. Catherine University about his "share, save, spend" philosophy of money management. He talks about how "sharing" money impacts your family, your community and the world; how "saving" money allows you the flexibility to create change and opportunity in your life; and how "spending" money wisely, and with others in mind, can be a powerful way to align your actions with your values. Learn more: Finance expert shares money tips with students and parents

(Photo by Caatherine Tsen '11)

Citizen Katie: Our students volunteer in the community

2010-10-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

The Indian Summer weather on Saturday, Oct. 16, allowed for a fantastic weekend program opportunity for residence hall students. Citizen Catie is our annual community service event that takes residence hall students into the community to do a variety of service projects. This year’s Citizen Katie event took place in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood – the home of St. Catherine University’s Minneapolis campus. The neighborhood was selected to allow Katies to work alongside people beyond our University community.

One group pulled weeds and raked leaves at the Fifth Street Garden; others cleaned up trash in Currie Park and along Cedar Avenue. Still other groups had the opportunity to clean up the upper and lower areas of scenic Riverside Park as well as Bohemian Flats. Some students collaborated with peers from the University of Minnesota to beautify Bluff Street Park. A final group had an opportunity to remove Bucktorn along West River Parkway in Minneapolis.

This year's Citizen Katie event was dedicated to the memory of alumna and St. Kate's benefactor Henrietta Schmoll Rauenhorst '49, who died on Oct. 13. The Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, one residence hall and a ballroom on the St. Paul campus are named in her honor.

Important dates and reminders

2010-10-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Academic Advising office would like you to be aware of two important upcoming dates:

Monday, Nov. 1: Midterm grades are due.
Midterm grades provide students with a mid-point review of how they are doing in their classes. Students who are dissatisfied with their progress should talk with their professors to learn what can be done and how they can improve. If a faculty member does not post a mid-term grade, please encourage your student to talk directly with that faculty member so she can assess her progress.

Nov. 15 through Dec. 5: Early Registration for Winter.
This is the Early Registration Period for Winter Semester 2011. Make sure your student schedules an appointment early with her Academic Advisor so can discuss courses to take next term. This meeting can also be a time for your student to discuss concerns about her midterm grades, intended majors or any other questions she has. Academic advising is on the second floor of Derham Hall.

Monday, Nov. 1: Important financial deadline.
Payment in full is due for fall term on Monday, Nov. 1 (payment normally is due on the last day of October, but the date is extended this year because Oct. 31 is a Sunday). A registration hold will be placed on a student's account if the balance remains after term deadline.

Monday, Nov. 1 (previously October 31)
A 1 percent financial fee is assessed on any term balance and monthly thereafter. Students should refer to the Summary of Financial Procedures for more detail on Standard and Installment Payment Options. Go to www.stkate.edu and type Student Accounts into the search bar. There, you'll see a link to a PDF file called "Summary of Financial Procedures."

Help your student deal with homesickness

2010-10-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents and family members,

Now that we’re into mid-fall, your daughter has begun to create her niche at St. Kate’s. She is meeting a lot of new people and encountering new ideas and activities in an unfamiliar environment. I hope that things are going smoothly, although new students almost always encounter a few bumps in the road. 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 students before her.

Homesickness is common during the first year of college, though it may not always look the same or show up at the same time, depending upon the individual student. I describe it as a longing to be in a familiar, safe, secure place without having to face change and challenges that you aren’t sure you can manage.

Homesickness may show up right away or after the excitement of a new beginning wears off, or when tests loom and life "gets real." It may manifest itself as tears and sadness, or as irritability and anger. 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.

Over the years, parents gradually evolve from being totally in charge and central in the life of a newborn or even a school-aged child to stepping back and holding students with “open hands." Separating while staying connected is a theme of the first year of college and may help parents learn how to react to homesickness that can be managed without professional intervention.

Ups and downs are part of a new experience. 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. Reach us at 651-690-6805.

Heide Malat, Psy. D., L. P.
Director, CSC Counseling Center

Speaker Series Event for Family Weekend!!!

2010-09-27T08:07:00.001-07:00

F A M I L Y W E E K E N D
.....Don't miss it!

Just a reminder to join us for an exciting Parent and Family speaker event this coming Saturday, October 2nd, from 10-11:30 a.m., in the Ballroom, CdC.

Come hear nationally recognized speaker Nathan Dungan speak on the topic of "FROM ALLOWANCES to FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE." Nathan is an inspiring speaker who helps young adults link their spending habits to their values. He will be sharing refreshing stories, interesting statistics and scenarios that demonstrate how his creative Share, Save Spend approach engages, educates and equips college students (and their parents) for a lifetime of financial success. Audience members will also be introduced to St. Kate's Peer Money Mentors and the Money Management program. Don't worry about breakfast...it's included. Come and bring everyone in the family to this wonderful (free) event! See you there.

Orientation 2010

2010-08-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

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.

View the Parent and Family orientation schedule »
View the First-year student orientation schedule »

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

2010-08-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-08-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-11T08:25:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

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.)

New Student Registration Events

2010-05-05T09:58:00.001-07:00

New student registration events at St. Kate's provide entering students and their parents/family members with a wealth of information about academic programs and campus resources.

Students work with an academic advisor to identify courses they would like to register for in the fall and can apply for on-campus employment. They also learn what types of campus opportunities are available and find out what to to bring when living in student housing.

Parents are involved in their own orientation to campus services.

Following the event, students are mailed their final schedule. If they have questions after receiving the schedule, they should contact the Office of Academic Advising at (651) 690-6803.

We look forward to seeing families and new students this summer. Come join the excitement!

Lizette M Bartholdi
Director of Academic Advising

NOTE: Parents unable to attend should e-mail erichter-norgel@stkate.edu to request a folder of relevant information from the event.

Save These Dates

2010-05-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Note: these dates may differ somewhat from those announced at the April 24 New Student event. Please note the changes.

First Year Orientation - Sept. 5-7
This is the first day of Orientation and move-in day for your student. It includes an important Parent Orientation Program on Sun., Sept. 5.

Transfer Orientation - Sept. 7

Fall Classes Begin - Sept. 8

Activities Fair - Sept. 23

Family Weekend - Oct. 1-3
First Parent Speaker Series Event, Saturday, Oct. 2nd, 10-11:30 a.m.: "From Allowances to Financial Independence," featuring national speaker, Nathan Dungan, author of Share, Save, Spend.

Mid-term Break - Oct 29

Thanksgiving Break - Nov. 25-28

Final Exams - Dec. 13-16

Winter Break Begins - Dec. 16

Winter Classes Begin - Jan. 31

Residence Hall closing reminders ...

2010-05-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

Residence Halls Close, May 21 at 6:00 p.m.

The residence halls officially close at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 21. Students have many tasks and responsibilities as part of the check-out process. Please encourage your student to read all of the closing procedures to avoid fines that may result from improper check-out, lost keys, damages and more.

All information and instructions can be found on the Residence Life website inside Kateway. May calendars with deadline reminders and other information have also been posted on individual room doors. Students remaining on campus due to commencement activities or summer housing have special closing procedures, which can also be found on the Residence Life website.

If you have questions, please contact Residence Life at (651) 690-6617 or residencelife@stkate.edu.

Hmong Family Celebration

2010-05-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hmong students honored their parents, families and extended family members in the 2nd annual Hmong Family Appreciation Event Saturday, May 1.

The program was coordinated by faculty member Ka Zoua Xiong, who teaches the Hmong language classes and her students in the Elementary Hmong Class II. The program included a keynote address by graduating senior Jewelly Lee (major - sociology/women's studies; minor - communications) as well as a poignant skit presented by the students.

Participants enjoyed a potluck buffet followed by heartfelt individual presentations by the students to their families which acknowledged the love, support and sacrifices their families have made to make their education possible.

Pictured, Jewelly Lee, presenting a rose to her mother, Xai Lee.

Advice from Students to Parents ... Coming Home for Summer

2010-05-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: Each May, we publish this article written by four 2009 graduates after their first year at college. It includes some great advice for parents.

Let me live in your house for free, eat your food, drive your car, use your gas, have you do my laundry, and then leave me alone to do what I want!” Just kidding.

Okay Mom and Dad, so maybe I am not completely kidding about how I’d like life to be at home this summer. Coming home for the summer after being away for the year will be a bit hard for you and me. Spending this year at St. Kate’s has been great in the sense that it has made me grow both intellectually and independently as well. It also means that I am not your baby girl anymore.

Here are some topics that I would like to discuss with you at the beginning of the summer so we can perhaps avoid misunderstandings. What are your expectations? Please share them with me at the beginning of the summer. Do I have curfew? If so, what time is my curfew? Am I allowed to use the car? Do I have to pay for my own gas — keeping in mind I am a poor college student? Will I be expected to contribute to the household by doing chores? I would be very grateful if you would be willing to negotiate on a few of these issues.

I would also like to share with you my experiences while being away at school. At school I have matured and become more independent. I also have been able to take on more responsibilities. As a result, I feel that I am able to grow into a new type of relationship with you, or at least begin one anyway. I do not feel like I am a child anymore. I realize I will always be your child, but I am growing up. I would be appreciative if you would talk to me as an adult.

Here are a few other subjects that are on my mind. First, my sleeping schedule has altered somewhat since I was home last. I am used to going to bed later and waking up even later. It would mean a lot if you would allow me at least a few extra hours to sleep in.

Second, family dynamics may have shifted since I have been away. The readjustment may be difficult, for me as well as the rest of the family, but I think that as long as we all are working on getting along things will be fine. Last, I would appreciate some privacy when I come back. I realize it will not be the same amount of privacy I had while living at school, but a little bit of privacy will go a long way.

I sincerely appreciate your understanding, Mom and Dad. It is my hope that if we both come into this summer with an open mind, the summer will go well. Although I may not always show it, I am happy to be home. After all, it is nice to finally be in a place where I do not have to wear flip-flops in the shower!

Mary Blissenbach '09, Elementary Education
Alaine Clawson '09, Elementary Education
Sara Duevel '09, Deciding
Billie Jo Zak '09, American Sign Language

Home for the Summer: tips for parents

2010-05-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

From the Counseling Center Staff

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.

Announcing tuition, fees, room and board for 2010-11

2010-03-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Setting tuition, fee, room and board rates is a complex process. Our goal is to continue to provide a top-quality educational experience to students while striving to help them meet their financial needs. Read about the process and download 2009-10 rate schedules »

Housing Sign-Up 2010-11: Prime real estate available!

2010-03-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

Housing Sign-Up for 2010-11 is underway!

Last year we unveiled the new online portal My Housing, allowing students to complete the entire room selection process online. We have spent the last few months working on the software and process to make sign-up even more user-friendly.

It is 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 NSSE and CSC IRP Data)

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 (that’s right — laundry is included), wireless internet access, cable and phone service, all utilities, and furniture!

Students also share study lounges, computer labs, social lounges with televisions and other wonderful 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. Students can also learn more about the sign-up process through posters, e-mails and question/answer sessions.

If your student is currently commuting and would like to live on-campus next year, she may sign up at the same time current residents sign up. She will have the same priority to rooms, suites and apartments as current residents.

Housing & Dining Agreements due April 7. Encourage your student to visit the Residence Life website for complete details and a schedule of events.

Donations of school supplies welcome

2010-03-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

Social Work seniors Siryka Hayes and Sarah Schwartz are organizing the Kits for Kids campaign for their service learning project.

Parents, families, students are being asked to help vicitims of the Haiti earthquake by donating school supplies to the Kits for Kids campaign, running now through April 9.

Donations are being accepted in the CDC by the Info Desk or in Fontbonne Hall outside the Social Work office. All completed kits will be donated to Lutheran World Relief. We are seeking:

Notebooks (wide- or college-ruled, 150-200 sheets; no loose-leaf paper)

Blunt scissors

Rulers (30 cm)

Pencil sharpeners

Pencils (unsharpened No. 2 with erasers)

Erasers (about 2.5 inches long)

Construction paper (assorted colors)

Crayons (boxes of 16 or 24)

Sturdy cloth bags (approximately 12 by 14 inches with cloth handles or drawstring closure

Questions? E-mail Siryka at sdhayes@stkate.edu.

Registration is just around the corner

2010-03-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Registration is an exciting time as students look forward to next semester and continue planning their future at St. Kate’s. Advisors are expecting students to contact them regarding their courses for next fall.

Beginning April 19, 2010, current students will start registering for fall 2010 classes. Seniors register first, others follow in order of the number of credits they have completed.

Prior to registration, students will want to make sure they are clear to register. First, have your student check for any holds on her account. Second, your student should make an appointment with her academic advisor prior to the registration date.

Meeting regularly with an academic advisor is important to help your student stay on track for graduation, confirm completion of liberal arts and major requirements, and receive information about new research or internship opportunities within her discipline.

Record-setting seasons for the Wildcats

2010-03-17T11:31:00.001-07:00

All four of St. Kate’s winter sports turned in record setting performances this season.

The Wildcat swimming and diving team had their best Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) finish since 1983 and set seven school records.

The indoor track and field team set eight individual school records and scored the most team points at the MIAC championships in St. Kate’s history.

The basketball team qualified for the MIAC playoffs and lost in overtime in the semifinals. This was the farthest a St. Kate’s basketball team had ever advanced.

The most impressive season was turned in by the hockey team. The team finished the regular season in second place in the MIAC, and lost in the championship game of the playoffs. The team had six players receive MIAC all-conference or honorable mention honors and junior Michaela Michaelson was named the Player of the Year for the conference. The final honor for the hockey team came when head coach Brad Marshall was named MIAC Coach of the Year.

Save the dates...

2010-03-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

Student Honors and Awards Ceremony: Tuesday, May 4, 4 p.m.

Commencement:
Associate programs: Saturday, May 22, 10:30 a.m.
Graduate programs: Saturday, May 22, 2 p.m.
Bachelor's programs: Sunday, May 23, 1:30 p.m.

Financial aid priority deadline is April 15

2010-03-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

For priority funding status, submit the 2010-11 St. Kate's Financial Aid Application, the 2010-11 FAFSA and any other materials requested by the Financial Aid Office no later than Thursday, April 15, 2010.

Applying after this date may result in reduced funding. There may be possible reductions in 2010-11 Minnesota State Grants due to the projected funding shortfall. Applying for financial aid early will give you and your student time to plan how to finance paying for tuition next year.

Check St. Kate's e-mail often
It is also important that you remind your student to check her St. Kate's e-mail throughout the year &emdash; even during summer break and while studying abroad. The St. Kate's e-mail address is an official means of campus communication and the Financial Aid Office uses the St. Kate's e-mail to communicate the status of your aid application.

Quick links to online financial aid applications

St. Catherine University Application

FAFSA Application

If your student completed an online FAFSA last year and has her PIN, click "Fill out your FAFSA" under Step 2 and then select "The 2010-2011 School Year."

Please read the instructions carefully and submit the required identifying information. Your student will need her 2009 income information and, if she is a dependent student, her parents' 2009 income information.

To send the FAFSA results to St. Catherine University, be sure to list our federal school code: 002342.

If your student has special circumstances, (i.e. death of parent/spouse, divorce/separation, unemployment or change in earnings for 2010, unusual medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance in excess of $2,000, elementary or secondary tuition expenses, or one-time, nonrecurring income) contact the Financial Aid office and request a 2010-11 Special Circumstances Form.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the application process, contact Financial Aid at (651) 690–6540 or by e-mail at finaid@stkate.edu. Minneapolis students should contact Minneapolis Financial Aid at (651) 690-7805.

So much going on...

2010-03-15T14:04:00.002-07:00

There are many events taking place on campus during April and May. Please encourage your student to take advantage of all the wonderful programs taking place!

View the events calendar »

First-ever Current Student Survey launched

2010-03-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

On March 10, the first-ever Current Student Survey was launched at St. Catherine University. All degree-seeking students received a personalized link via their St. Kate's e-mail.

The survey is gathering information about various facets of students' experiences at St. Kate's. Topics addressed in this survey include academic advising, academic and co-curricular engagement, campus climate, reflections on the liberal arts learning outcomes, financial stress and interactions with various offices and services.

On average, students are spending 20-25 minutes completing the survey. There are also many opportunities for students to answer open-ended questions in order to express their opinions and experiences. All students' individual responses will be completely anonymous, and results will be reported only as part of a larger population.

Please encourage your daughter to take the time to complete this survey. The information and feedback provided by students is invaluable to us and will be used to inform future decision-making here at St. Kate's.

If you or your daughter have any questions or concerns about the survey, contact Emily Ronning in the Office if Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment at irpasurveys@stkate.edu.

Look for a summary of findings in an upcoming edition of Parent Update.

Making sense of the census

2010-03-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

If your student lives on campus, she will be included in the census information that is being collected on campus. We anticipate the census activity will take place in mid-April. If your daughter lives in an off-campus apartment, she will complete the census information at that address. If you have any questions, please contact Residence Life at (651) 690-6617.

Charity Ball 2009

2009-12-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

Charity Ball 2009 was held Friday, Dec. 11. Proceeds from the event's ticket sales and silent auction raised over $3,300 for Sarah's....An Oasis for Women, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet that provides a welcoming space for women looking for housing, community and safety on a temporary basis.

In addition to the silent auction, guests danced to the wonderful Latin music of Salsa Brosa, took salsa dancing lessons from professional dancers, had photos taken in a vintage photo booth, and enjoyed festive food and beverages.

Thank you to all parents and family members who donated a basket for the auction or attended this wonderful annual event. A great time was had by all! Hope to see you at next year's event!

Students kick off final exam week with midnight breakfast

2009-12-11T10:25:00.001-08:00

OK...so it wasn't exactly midnight, but at 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, more than 300 students enjoyed a late-night feast that kicks off final exams week, filled with intense studying.

Served by administrative staff members (including Brian Bruess, vice president for enrollment and dean of students; Curt Galloway, associate dean of student affairs; and Wachen Bedell Anderson, associate dean of students and mulitcultural education), students enjoyed a full breakfast menu, socializing and creating Christmas ornaments as a stress reliever. They left well-nourished and ready for a night of studying as well for the upcoming week of final exams.

Registration for Winter 2010

2009-12-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

By now, the majority of students have registered for winter term 2010. If your student has not registered yet, please make sure she/he is aware that the Office of Academic Advising on both campuses is open during the month of January and professional advisers are ready to help your student find the classes she needs.

If there is a reason your student is unable to register due to a registration hold and needs assistance in resolving this hold, please encourage her/him to go to KateWay, St. Kate's intranet portal, and click on the "Student" tab to identify the type of hold.

For additional assistance, your student can contact Ellen Richter-Norgel, director of student retention, at (651) 690-8730 or erichter-norgel@stkate.edu.

Phonathon 2009: A great success!

2009-12-11T06:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who participated in our annual fall phonathon. A group of 25 faculty, staff and parents from the Parent and Family Advisory Council called over 400 families on Wednesday, Dec. 2. We were able to speak with 213 of you and we left messages with another 148 of you who were not home.

We received overwhelming feedback that your daughters (and sons on the Minneapolis campus) are having very good experiences — we heard wonderful stories of students making great friends, enjoying their classes and relationships with faculty and new-found friends, getting involved on campus, and getting through the first semester with some bumps, but making the transition pretty smoothly.

We also heard some concerns of students having difficulty finding a job on campus and got some good questions about billing, dining services, registration and financial aid, and how to help your daughters become more involved on campus. We followed up with 76 specific questions and hopefully your questions were answered.

We have shared feedback with various offices on campus regarding the suggestions that you provided. For example, a couple parents suggested that we provide a Spanish and a Hmong version of the Referral and Resource Guide (a great idea). So please know we listened.

If you were one of the households who we were not able to speak with in person, or if you still have questions or anything to share, please feel free to contact Ellen Richter-Norgel, director of student retention, at (651) 690-8730 or erichter-norgel@stkate.edu.

Again, thank you! We really enjoyed our conversations with you.

Residence halls closing for break: Some reminders

2009-12-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

The residence halls close at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18 and re-open for J-term on Jan. 2 at noon. Residents may live on campus during January even if they are not enrolled for a J-term class. There is no charge to live on campus during January.

If your student is leaving for break, she has a list of tasks that must be completed before departing. This list, which is posted on her door, includes unplugging all electronics and cleaning/defrosting refrigerators. Once she gets home for break, you can assign her more chores!

We've had a fantastic fall and we look forward to new adventures next semester!

— Sabrina Anderson, assistant director of residence life

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

On behalf of the Parent & Family Association Advisory Board, we wish all of our St. Catherine families a warm and wonderful holiday season! Looking forward to continuing our relationship into the new year

Parent and Family Phonathon 2009: Dec. 2

2009-11-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

Members of the Parent and Family Association will be calling parents of all first-year students on Wednesday evening, Dec. 2, from 6–9 p.m. We’ll be touching base to ask how well you think the University is meeting the needs of your daughter. Hopefully you will have time over Thanksgiving break to catch up with your student to find out how first semester is going. We look forward to talking with you and also answering any questions you have.

Warm wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones!

Charity Ball 2009: A personal invitation

2009-11-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

Andrea Wild and Christie Young extend a video invitation to this special event. Simply click on the arrow icon below to view the video.

Date: Friday, Dec. 11, 2009
Time: 7 p.m. in Rauenhorst Hall, Coeur de Catherine
Dress: Semi-formal

Consider donating a themed basket. Contact Brigette Marty, associate director, Student Center and Activities, via e-mail or call (651) 690-6213.

Basket donations should be delivered to the Student Center and Activities office, Coeur de Catherine 270, no later than Friday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. For more details on the evening’s festivities, visit the Student Center and Activities website.

We want your opinion!

2009-11-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

Please help us determine the next round of topics for the Parent and Family Association Speaker Series to take place in Winter/Spring 2010.

The Advisory Board has come up with some potential topics and we’d love to know what you think would be most beneficial to you and your family members. Please take two minutes to complete the survey at the link below. The deadline is Dec. 11, 2009. Thanks in advance for your input!

Take the survey NOW!

Look for upcoming dates, times and speakers in December.

Also, did you know that many of our speaker series events are taped? If you are unable to attend a live event, you can view the presentation online via the Parent and Family website under the "Events" link.

New StKate.edu Website

2009-11-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already noticed, St. Catherine University just launched a brand new website. Getting to the Parent and Family Association site has changed just a bit, but the link is still available from the home page. As illustrated, simply scroll down on the home page and click on "Parents/Families." There's also a link to our site from the "Admission" menu available at the top of every page on the new website.

View an introductory video »
Learn more about the design process »

January term courses to consider

2009-10-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

January-term classes are a great way to earn a few more credits toward graduation along with the luxury of focusing on just one course during the month. The following J-term courses may be of interest to your student:

Personal Financial Fitness (2 credits) - budgeting, assessing personal credit, setting realistic financial goals - all excellent lifetime skills. Download flyer »

Strategies for Problem Solving with Math (2 credits) - for those anxious about math or lacking confidence even though they have been placed in the appropriate math level. Download flyer »

Career Development for Women (2 credits) - matching careers to values, skills and interests; planning internships; examining study-abroad possibilities; good for students who have not yet decided on a major or have doubts about the major they have chosen. Download flyer »

Financial aid eligibility for J-term is considered part of your student's winter semester award.

November happenings

2009-10-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

Check out the November calender of activities and events. Remind your student of all the events taking place on campus during the month of November!

Download the November calendar »

Money Doesn't Grow On Trees

2009-10-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

Our money management program, Money Doesn't Grow on Trees, is off to a great start. In September, 173 students attended a budgeting workshop.

On Oct. 14, over 90 students, staff, faculty, parents and guests of the University listened to nationally recognized speaker Nathan Dungan. Dungan talked about the role money plays in our lives, how we can develop and maintain healthy financial habits and develop a balance between sharing, saving and spending.

Programs later this semester include:

Everything You Need to Know: KatePay and Student Accounts
Thursday, Nov. 5, noon–12:55 p.m., Minneapolis campus, Education Building 250

What is the Difference? Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Work Study?
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 4:30–6 p.m., Derham Hall 409

Identify Theft: The Silent Thief
Thursday, Nov. 19, 4:30–6 p.m, Derham Hall 409

Have Yourself a "Thrifty Little Christmas"
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 4:30–6 p.m., Derham Hall 409

Everything You Need To Know About Credit including the Card Act
Thursday, Dec. 3, noon–12:55 p.m., Minneapolis campus, Education Building 250

Encourage your daughter to attend! Parents and family members are always welcome.

Additionally, any St. Kate’s student can meet with our financial counselor to discuss money management issues, including budgeting and spending plans, loan repayment options, dealing with debt collectors, credit card debt, credit report review and more.

This is a free service for all St. Kate’s students. Our goal is to help students learn healthy money management habits and avoid any money crises.

Making a smooth transition

2009-10-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

A Letter from:
Heide Malat, Psy.D., L.P.
Director, St. Catherine University Counseling Center

Now that we’re into mid-fall, your daughter has begun to create her niche at St. Kate’s. She no doubt is meeting a lot of new people and encountering new ideas and activities in what is becoming a more familiar environment. I hope that things are going smoothly, although new students almost always encounter a few bumps in the road. 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, though it may not always look the same or show up at the same time, depending upon the individual student. I describe it as a longing to be in a familiar, safe, secure place without having to face change and challenges that you aren’t sure you can manage.

Homesickness may show up right away or after the excitement of a new beginning wears off, or when tests loom and “life gets real.” It may manifest itself as tears and sadness, or as irritability and anger.

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.

Over the years, parents gradually evolve from being totally in charge and central in the life of a newborn or even a school-aged child to stepping back and holding students with “open hands.” Separating while staying connected is a theme of the first year of college and may help parents learn how to react to homesickness that can be managed without professional intervention. Ups and downs are part of the ride of a new experience.

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.

The amazing Chapel architecture

2009-10-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

Our next program in the Parent and Family Speaker series is just around the corner. Please join us on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 7–8:30 p.m. in Our Lady of Victory Chapel for Chapel Talk.

Professor Mary Ann Brenden will share the story of how Our Lady of Victory Chapel came to be and how Mother Antonia McHugh used the Cathedral of St. Trophime in Arles, France, as her inspiration. Come learn about the amazing architecture and unique features of our beautiful Chapel. Light refreshments will be served.

R.S.V.P. to Ellen Richter-Norgel at erichter-norgel@stkate.edu or (651) 690-8730.

SCAN, October 2009: Read "The Spirit of Our Lady" »

Your phone will be ringing Dec. 2

2009-10-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

Attention parents of all first-year students: your phone will be ringing on Wednesday, Dec. 2, between 6–9 p.m. Members of the Parent and Family Association as well as faculty and staff from St. Kate’s will be conducting the Annual Fall Parent and Family Phonathon.

Our purpose in calling is to see how well the University is meeting the needs of your daughter. We hope you will have time to catch up with your daughter over the Thanksgiving break to learn how her first semester is going. The information we gather is helpful in addressing the needs of our students. Circle the date on your calender and be ready for our call!

Save the dates...

2009-09-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

We hope your daughter has successfully made the transition to college life — whether she is new to the University or back in the groove as a returning student.

We’d like to invite you and your family to attend St. Kate's Parent and Family Weekend on Oct. 2-4. The schedule offers a variety of events designed for the entire family, including Justin Kredible, 2009 Campus Activities Entertainer of the year; a BBQ featuring a pumpkin painting contest, caricature artists, and music; a Fall color boat ride on the Mississippi River; Mass; brunch and much, much more.

Family Weekend registration >>