Your phone will be ringing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!!

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

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

Don't miss out on this special parent presentation.

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

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

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

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

Move-In Day

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

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

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

What is KateWay?

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

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

Health Insurance Waiver Deadline

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

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

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

Health insurance billing

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

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

Waiver deadline: Sept. 24

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

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

Health and Wellness Center to Begin Accepting Health Insurance

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

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

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

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

More Information

• Health and Wellness Center website
• healthwellness@stkate.edu
• 651.690.6714

Save the Date: Family Weekend

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

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

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

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

New Student Registration Events

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

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 ...

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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...

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

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...

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

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

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.