Orientation Details
Welcome to St. Kate’s! We are excited to invite you to our St. Paul campus for our new student orientation on August 17. During this in-person program, you will have the opportunity to connect with your peers and orientation leaders, learn about important University policies and procedures, become familiar with campus resources, and learn more about what to expect in the classroom. Watch your email for more details in August.
To access the online Orientation, you will log into Canvas and enroll in St. Kate's General Student Resource Hub. You can access Canvas from the My St. Kate's Students page. Once logged into Canvas, you can self-register for the hub by selecting "Courses" on the right, then "All Courses," "Browse More Courses," and finally click the "Join this Course" button on the general resource hub. Once you click "Enroll in Course," the resource hub will appear on your Canvas Dashboard.
Connect with Fellow Transfer Students
Hear about the experience of transferring to St. Kate’s from other transfer students. They’ll share how they got connected to campus and provide advice for navigating the transfer experience.
Learn About Academic Expectations
During orientation, you will have an opportunity to learn more what to expect in the classroom at St. Kate’s. If you would like to learn more about the history of St. Kate's and the CSJs, feel free to review the readings below before orientation.
Benefits of Participating
Orientation is the best way to learn about the resources available to you as a St. Kate’s student and prepare to start your program. New students appreciate the opportunity to connect with University staff and faculty — it makes it easier to reach out when you need them. Come prepared with your questions as this is your chance to make sure you have all of the answers you need to start the semester off right.
Name: Abagail
Hometown: Lakeville
High school: Lakeville South
Major/Minor: Economics/Public Policy/Women and International Development
Year: Junior
What campus activities are you involved in?:
- Econ club public relations manager, information center assistant lead
Do you work anywhere on or off-campus?:
- Yes, Information center assistant lead
What is your favorite St. Kate’s tradition?:
- Data Fest
Name someone you met at St. Kate’s that has had a positive impact on your life & why?:
- Kristene West
Have you discovered your superpower? If not, what would your superpower be? (what is defined as a superpower is up to your interpretation/imagination):
- Writing is my superpower
Favorite place to hang out on campus? Or best kept secret about St. Kate’s?:
- Econ lab
Why do you love orientation? What is your favorite memory from your orientation?:
- Food and because it's fun to discover the secrets about campus as you're getting a chance to learn and explore. My favorite orientation memory is getting to know the girls in my TRW class. We had so much fun and laughed all the time.
What advice would you give to incoming students? Is there anything you wish you would have known about?:
- College is hard. If you get a C doing your best, you did your best
Name a character (cartoon or real) that you can relate to and why?:
- Eeyore
Name: KaZong
Hometown: Forest Lake, MN
High school: Forest Lake Area High School
Major/Minor: Chemistry: Biochemistry and Critical Studies of Race & Ethnicity
Year: Senior
What campus activities are you involved in?:
- SEEK (Team Development), Student Senate (President), SCISO (Board Member), Orientation Leader, & MIPS Peer Mentor Program (Mentor)
Do you work anywhere on or off-campus?:
- SEEK (Social Events & Experiences for Katies)
What is your favorite St. Kate’s tradition?:
- My favorite St. Kate's tradition is everyone's annual pictures in front of the blue doors to celebrate the end of the year!
Name someone you met at St. Kate’s that has had a positive impact on your life & why?:
- Someone that I've met at St. Kate's that has had a positive impact on my life is my best friend Hannah Lam. We were roommates from our first year of college (and coincidently worked with each other) and I am so blessed to have her in my life. She is such a kind-hearted, warm, and understanding individual who always supports those around her. I've never met someone who compliments me so well and she is most definitely my soulmate!
Have you discovered your superpower? If not, what would your superpower be? (what is defined as a superpower is up to your interpretation/imagination):
- I wish that I had the superpower to be in multiple places at once! Just think about it: do you know how many meetings, classes, and naps I could get done at the same time??
Favorite place to hang out on campus? Or best kept secret about St. Kate’s?:
- My favorite place to hang out on campus is the Student Organization Center. Usually, I meet there with my friends or try to get my work done. It's a fun space that is designated for socializing and getting work done!
Why do you love orientation? What is your favorite memory from your orientation?:
- I love orientation because everyone is so high energy and there are such positive vibes where everyone is building new relationships and connections with one another. Orientation is a place where people learn more about each other, but most importantly themselves when they are pushed a little out of their comfort zone. I think my favorite memories from orientation are meeting my best friends to this day!
What advice would you give to incoming students? Is there anything you wish you would have known about?:
- Some advice that I would give to incoming students is to push yourself a little out of your comfort zone and to put yourself out there in the first few weeks of college. Everyone's a little scared to get out of their comfort zone, so initiating even the smallest conversation will make them remember you throughout their time at St. Kate's. Meeting new people in a new environment is a little scary, but it will definitely make you feel more comfortable and help you meet new people outside of your orientation group and classes. Just authentically be you and everyone will love it!!
Name a character (cartoon or real) that you can relate to and why?:
- If I had to describe myself in cartoon characters, I would say that I am a mixture of King Julian from Madagascar and Russel from Up! King Julian is vivacious and high energy, and Russel is very optimistic and excited for the future :) I also think Barbie movies and anime had a very big contribution to my character arc, so just for the fun of it, I've got to say Bibble from Barbie Fairytopia or Oikawa from Haikyu!!
Name: Lizzy
Hometown: East Bethel, MN
High school: St. Francis High School
Major/Minor: Majors: Sociology and Psychology and minor: English
Year: Senior
What campus activities are you involved in?:
- I'm actually not involved in any activities!
Do you work anywhere on or off-campus?:
- Since I'm moving off campus this year, I had to let go of my on-campus jobs, but I haven't chosen one yet!
What is your favorite St. Kate’s tradition?:
- My favorite tradition is Dew Drop Bop. It's like a carnival with activities, prizes, and lots of food!
Name someone you met at St. Kate’s that has had a positive impact on your life & why?:
- I have met my two friends Emma and Mari here who have helped me come out of my shell and live a little.
Have you discovered your superpower? If not, what would your superpower be? (what is defined as a superpower is up to your interpretation/imagination):
- I love the super power of teleportation, so tired of driving!
Favorite place to hang out on campus? Or best kept secret about St. Kate’s?:
- I think my favorite place to hang out is the Dew Drop Pond. I love feeding the ducks!
Why do you love orientation? What is your favorite memory from your orientation?:
- I love orientation because I get to meet new people and it's actually a lot of fun! My favorite memory was when we went out to town to eat, it was a great experience!
What advice would you give to incoming students? Is there anything you wish you would have known about?:
- The biggest advice I can give incoming students is to remember to relax and enjoy your college years. I wish I had someone to tell me that I'm allowed to chill out and not be so worried about grades.
Name a character (cartoon or real) that you can relate to and why?:
- I can relate to Chuckie from Rugrats because we both are quite worrywarts and although we get scared easily, we somehow manage to summon up some courage to face our fears.
Name: Madina
Hometown: Qorakul
High school: Bachelors of nursing
Major/Minor: sonography
Year: Sophomore
What campus activities are you involved in?:
- N/A
Do you work anywhere on or off-campus?:
- Transfer Orientation Leader
What is your favorite St. Kate’s tradition?:
- Having to have Eid in St. was honorable
Name someone you met at St. Kate’s that has had a positive impact on your life & why?:
- Karisa And Marina Gorzig are one of my favorite people!
Have you discovered your superpower? If not, what would your superpower be? (what is defined as a superpower is up to your interpretation/imagination):
- Inner thoughts
Favorite place to hang out on campus? Or best kept secret about St. Kate’s?:
- Starbuck coffee shop and library
Why do you love orientation? What is your favorite memory from your orientation?:
- How welcome and joyful community
What advice would you give to incoming students? Is there anything you wish you would have known about?:
- It will be worth it. That the they have made the best decision
Name a character (cartoon or real) that you can relate to and why?:
- Malefisenta I love her kindness and forgiveness and power
Name: Mari
Hometown: I am originally from Blaine, MN, however I currently live in Cambridge, MN when I'm not at school.
High school: Centennial High School
Major/Minor: sonography
Year: Senior
What campus activities are you involved in?:
- None at the moment, however I try to attend all seek events :)
Do you work anywhere on or off-campus?:
- Yes, on campus. I tutor with the America Reads program and have been doing so since my freshman year!
What is your favorite St. Kate’s tradition?:
- Hmmm, if I had to choose one St. Kate's tradition I really enjoy it'd probably be walking by the flags at orientation. It felt really welcoming overall :)
Name someone you met at St. Kate’s that has had a positive impact on your life & why?:
- My friend Lizzy Oleson. I met her at one of the overnights prior to attending St. Kate's, and she just made me feel really accepted and stuff :)
Have you discovered your superpower? If not, what would your superpower be? (what is defined as a superpower is up to your interpretation/imagination):
- I'd say my superpower is caring about others :)
Favorite place to hang out on campus? Or best kept secret about St. Kate’s?:
- Hmmm my favorite place on campus would probably have to be the pulse or dew drop pond. The pulse always has some fun stuff going on and the pond is just really nice and relaxing. The ducks are also really great pals :)
Why do you love orientation? What is your favorite memory from your orientation?:
- I loved orientation for many reasons. One main reason was that I got to meet a lot of new people while playing some fun games and just getting to know the campus. It was a really positive experience for me.
What advice would you give to incoming students? Is there anything you wish you would have known about?:
- The best advice I can give is just to know things do get easier with time. Although it may seem really intimidating at first, I promise things will be okay :)
Name a character (cartoon or real) that you can relate to and why?:
- I'm honestly not sure, but maybe a character in a show that is the youngest in their family? I don't know, to tell the truth.
Name: Stephanie
Hometown: Blaine
High school: Blaine High School
Major/Minor: Biology Major and Longevity and Aging
Year: Senior
What campus activities are you involved in?:
- Student Philanthropy Club
Do you work anywhere on or off-campus?:
- Yes! I work at the Info Center and TA for my biology class!
What is your favorite St. Kate’s tradition?:
- Having the Candle Ceremony at Orientation for First Years!
Name someone you met at St. Kate’s that has had a positive impact on your life & why?:
- N/A
Have you discovered your superpower? If not, what would your superpower be? (what is defined as a superpower is up to your interpretation/imagination):
- No! But I would love to fly so I can travel around the world!
Favorite place to hang out on campus? Or best kept secret about St. Kate’s?:
- I usually hangout in Pulse because of the individual booths that they have. I can study and eat at the same time!
Why do you love orientation? What is your favorite memory from your orientation?:
- I think Orientation gives a great introduction to St. Kate’s. My favorite memory is to take students to Highland to eat because we can see different stores and food around there!
What advice would you give to incoming students? Is there anything you wish you would have known about?:
- Have an open mind and be adventurous during your time at St. Kate’s! You will always be learning and having fun. This is another stop before working after St. Kate’s.
Name a character (cartoon or real) that you can relate to and why?:
- N/A