Advocates for Minnesota Student Aid

If you think that state and federal financial aid are important in keeping Minnesota colleges affordable for low- and middle-income families, there’s a way to show your support.

Join Advocates for Minnesota Student Aid (AMSA) and speak up for strong financial aid programs for students at all colleges around the state – two-year, four-year, public and private. Anyone is welcome to join. Members include parents, students, alumni, faculty and staff from local colleges and universities.

When you join AMSA, two things will happen:

·         You’ll receive periodic updates about what policymakers are considering and doing about financial aid programs like the Minnesota State Grant program.

·         You’ll receive occasional suggestions about things you can do, like sharing your story and e-mailing legislators.

About one in four students in our state receive a Minnesota State grant. As an AMSA member, you can help policymakers understand that an investment in this program is critical for all of Minnesota, not just college students. When low- and middle-income students are able to afford college, the whole state benefits. Join AMSA today.

YOU ARE INVITED: Exciting Upcoming Speaker Series events

The Parent and Family Advisory Council is excited to announce two upcoming speaker series events for the spring semester.

"Study Abroad at St. Kate's:  Who, What Where, When and How?"
Sunday, February 10,  1-2:30 p.m., Location:  President's Dining Room, 372 CdC

Back by popular request, we will once again offer this presentation to parents and their student to learn all about the study abroad programs that St. Kate's offers.  More and more employers are looking for candidates who graduate with study abroad experiences....come and learn why.
Catherine Spaeth, Director of Global Studies will provide an overview of the programs offered, how students and families can plan for these experiences and well as explain the financing.  Also, we will have a panel of students who have studied abroad, share their unique experiences -- what they learned and the ways in which they are incorporating their experience in their overall education.

Please R.S. V. P. by Wednesday, February 6th to the Office of Student Affairs at: studentaffairs@stkate.edu or phone 651.690-6778.
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"Chapel Talk: the architecture and unique features of Our Lady of Victory Chapel"
Sunday, April 21st, 1-2:30 p.m., Our Lady of Victory Chapel

Social Work Professor Mary Ann Brendon has conducted extensive research on studying the background, design and architecture of St. Kate's beautiful chapel on the hill.  Come learn where Sister Antonia McHugh got her inspiration and why Archbishop Dowling reportedly said, "Sister Antonia asked to build a chapel, but she built a cathedral." Come to Mass at 10:30 a.m., enjoy brunch with your student and then attend this engaging lecture with historical photographs and lively discussion.

Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, April 17, 2013 to the Office of Student Affairs at: studentaffairs@stkate.edu or phone 651.690-6778.

Shout Out St. Kate's Day is coming

Be loud. Be proud. Be A Katie!

Save the date: March 7th

Are you proud of your daughter? Is she happy to be a Katie? If you answered yes to both of these questions, we invite you to share your St. Kate’s story on “Shout Out St. Kate’s Day” – Thursday, March 7^th. The goal is to help boost St. Kate's reputation from “strong but quiet to vibrant and well known.” As you and your daughter know, St. Kate’s is an amazing learning community, and it is time to share that secret with the world!

Go to stkate.edu/shoutout for creative ideas on how to help Shout Out St. Kate’s. Here are a few ideas:

• Wear your St. Kate’s sweatshirts, hats and T-shirts wherever you go that day.
• Tell your neighbors, your book club, your church group and your friends how St. Catherine University offers a transformative education. Brush up on some St. Kate’s points of pride and share those with people who may be unfamiliar with the University.
• Request a song on the radio and dedicate it to your Katie daughter or to the St. Kate's community.
• Contact a guidance counselor in your local school district and offer to talk to any students who are interested in attending St. Kate’s.
• Refer a student to St. Catherine University, whether to the four-year Women’s College, our two-year associate programs or one of our many graduate programs.
• Get more ideas at stkate.edu/shoutout

Common adustment issues

As a regular feature in Parent UPDATE, we are providing you with a list of common adjustment issues for first year students typically described by students at this time of year. (Source: Helping your First-Year College Student Succeed, Richard Mullendore and Cathie Hatch, National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.)

February

• “Fresh start” mentality sets in with new semester
• Homesickness after break
• Relief may be felt at being away from home and being back at school
• Loneliness for relationships back home
• Feelings of cabin fever and depression with winter
• Potential increase in alcohol or other substance abuse
• Challenges with romantic relationship back home may begin to develop
• Valentine’s Day may increase feelings of loneliness and isolation 

 March

• Anxiety about Midterm exams
• Anxiety about finding a roommate for next year
• Excitement and/or disappointment regarding Spring Break plans
• Concern over winter weight gain 

While these are noted common issues that impact students during these month, students may find that these issues can interfere with studying and academic goals.  The Counseling Center staff are always available to meet with students on either campus to discuss concerns and identify helpful coping strategies. (Counseling Center St. Paul campus, 690-6805; Counseling and Student Development Center Minneapolis campus, 690-7830)

A sports update for the coming semester by Sara Eisenhauer, Sports Information Director

Bailey Rasmussen, '15, Leading goal scorer

February will be a busy month for St. Catherine athletics as the winter sports teams wrap up their regular seasons and spring seasons get underway. Basketball will conclude its first season under new head coach Sean Pinkerton against a nationally-ranked University of St. Thomas squad on Saturday, Feb. 16 in the Butler Center at 3 p.m. The Wildcat Hockey Team will make a push to return to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) playoffs after narrowly missing a spot last season. The  team had its best start this season since 2009-10 and will wrap up the regular season at home against St. Olaf College on Saturday, Feb. 23, in a 2 p.m. contest at Drake Arena.

The Wildcat Swimming and Diving Team will co-host the MIAC Championships held at the University of Minnesota, Feb. 14-16. After breaking a pool record in the 200 IM at St. Thomas in December, reigning MIAC champion Steffanie Jurusik will fight to defend her title in the 400 IM and help the Wildcats to a strong team finish under new head coach Steven Mohs.

The Wildcat Track and Field,Tennis and Softball Teams begin their seasons in February before picking up steam in March and April. Track and Field competes indoors throughout the month before heading the the MIAC Indoor Track and Field Championships at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., March 1-2. Tennis will return three MIAC All-Conference players in Michaela Burroughs, Maria Koval and Angie Lorenzen for the 2013 season. The squad will host several matches at the University of Minnesota’s Baseline Tennis Center in February before heading to Texas for spring break in March. Two-time MIAC All-Conference pick Alyssa Luedtke will lead the Wildcat softball team that opens up its 2013 season at the Vadnais Heights dome against Bethany Lutheran College on Feb. 22 before heading to warmer weather in Clermont, Fla., over spring break.

Looking down the road....dates and deadlines to keep in mind

Spring semester
February 4:     First day of classes; Tuition is due in full for Standard Payment Option

February 10:   Parent and Family Speaker Series Event:  "Study Abroad at St. Kate's: Who, What,
Where, When and How",  (1-2:30 p.m., Room 372 CdC)

February 20:   Minnesota Private College Job Fair. (Ideal event for any junior or senior to attend to apply for professional employment and internships.  See article highlighting this event).

February 22:   Last day to waive Health Insurance Plan for students new to St. Kate's spring semester.

February 23:   Little Red Dress Charity Event.  7 p.m., Rauenhorst Ballroom

March 7:         Shout Out St. Kate's Day

March-25-April 1: Mid-term/Easter break

April 2:          Classes resume

April 12-14:   Spring Musical: Once Upon a Mattress.  April 12 and 13 at 7 p.m.; April 14 at 2 p.m., O'Shaughnessy Auditorium

April 20:     International Potluck,  6-9 p.m.,  Rauenhorst Ballroom, CdC

April 21:     Parent and Family Association Speaker Series Event:  "Chapel Talk: the architecture and unique features of Our Lady of Victory Chapel".  1-2:30 p.m., Our Lady of Victory Chapel

April 22:      Registration begins for fall 2013

May 7:      Honors and Awards Ceremony, 4:30 p.m., Rauenhorst Ballroom, CdC

May 13:   String Chamber Orchestra Concert, Our Lady of Victory Chapel, 7:30 p.m.

May 14:   Women's Choir "Collage" Concert, JdA, 8 p.m.

May 17:   Last day of classes, Dew Drop Bop (5-9 p.m.)

May 18:  KatWalk, FCNS Fashion Show, 7:30 p.m., O'Shaughnessy Auditorium

May 20:  Finals (St. Paul campus)

May 23:  Associate and Graduate degree Commencement (evening)

May 25:  Baccalaureate Commencement
 

Minnesota Private College Job Fair: Feburary 20th by Tina Wagner, Associate Director of Career Development

Undergraduate Katies should not miss out on the upcoming annual Minnesota Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair which will be held on February 20 and 21 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This fair is sponsored by 17 of the Private Colleges and Universities in the state, and it will host over 150 employers representing diverse fields including business, consulting, retail, government, IT, nonprofit and healthcare. By attending this event, students can talk to employers about professional careers, internships, volunteer opportunities and part-time jobs. This event is especially beneficial to juniors and seniors looking for professional internships and jobs!

Students must pre-register through the St. Kate's Career Development Office and there is a $15 fee. The Career Development Office helps students prepare for this event by providing information materials, resume reviews, interview coaching and networking advice. All majors are welcome to attend.

A few of the employers presently registered for Job Fair 2013 are: 3M, Abercrombie and Fitch, Americorps, Apple, Best Buy, C.H. Robinson, Cargill, Comcast, Enterprise Rent A Car, General Mills, Habitat for Humanity, Health Partners, Hennepin County, Mayo Clinic, MN Zoological Gardens, Padilla Speer Beardsly, Inc. , Peace Corps, Securian, Target, and more! To get a great overview of the fair, see a list of employers or watch a short video of the event, visit the Job Fair website via the Career Development Homepage at www.stkate.edu/career.

Please encourage your student to contact the Career Development Office with any questions by calling 651.690.8890 or emailing askcareer@stkate.edu.  Students can also view a short video describing the event produced by the the Minnesota Private College Association at mnpcfair.org.