Dear Students,
My name is Zaynab Abdi and I am the Student Senate President for the College for Women. On behalf of the student body and who we are as a community, I ask you to be patient and flexible during these changes that we're all going through together.
The last week or so has been difficult as the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has been found in Minnesota. Many of you read the email sent from the President’s Office last night or heard about spring break starting early on March 16th for St. Catherine University. I would like to reassure you that this is true and impacts us all, but you don’t need to feel alone or left behind in this situation. We are a smart and strong community. As COVID-19 is spreading globally, our university is taking the steps that are needed to keep our community and dear neighbors safe from any outbreak.
We need to remember our values as a community and the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, to love and welcome one another without distinction. Be kind, respectful and wise as you maintain social distance from crowded places out of compassion. As always, be respectful and consider that each person is impacted differently by this shared uncertainty. Giving in to panic and phobia will not solve the issue. We need to come together as a community and learn from this situation to reflect and come back to our values as a community.
Action Steps for Students:
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Please contact your family/friends/loved ones to update them on the university’s status and to make sure you have a place to go, if needed in the future.
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Resident students, contact Residence Life if you need support or if you have a concern related to your housing- residencelife@stkate.edu
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There is an email that is designated for responding to students' questions and concerns regarding the University and COVID-19 – healthresponse@stkate.edu please feel free to reach out for help.
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If you have financial concerns based on the extended spring break schedule, please contact the Dean of Students office - studentaffairs@stkate.edu
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The seasonal flu also is present in many areas. Basic measures remain the best defense against coronavirus, flu, and other communicable diseases: Follow the CDC health steps to stay safe and clean, and get your flu shot if you are able.
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If you have not read the emails from President Becky Roloff of yesterday and today, please read them carefully. They have more information about everything that might be helpful for you to know.
You are not alone during this hard time, you are in this with your dear family and St. Kate’s community. “Kindness eases change. Love quiets fear.”- Octavia E. Butler.
Zaynab Abdi,
Student Senate President and the 2019-2020 St. Catherine University Student Senate