Encouraging Community at Saint Mary's
We strive to embody the Lasallian charism by proactively inviting and welcoming students and other members of the university community to full participation in the caring, nurturing, and holistic climate which distinguishes our residential undergraduate College.
Inspired by the legacy of the Christian Brothers, student affairs personnel bring the Lasallian charism to reality by their extraordinary faith.
The Office of Student Affairs fulfills this mission by providing the human resources and the spiritual and temporal guidance which empowers students to pursue safe, healthy, integrated, active lives in this teaching/learning community. Functioning from the perspective of facilitators, educators, advisers, and role models committed to the education of the whole person, members of the student affairs staff serve the university community both as catalytic creators of a wholesome environment and as responders to the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, vocational, and intellectual needs and challenges that arise within the community.
Core Values: Teaching Minds, Touching Hearts
We are members of a community who...
- Respect ourselves and one another
- Seek knowledge
- Use our freedom responsibly
- Draw strength from diversity
- Grow in our faith
- Serve those in need
- Share our gifts
University Mission:
Enriched by the Lasallian Catholic heritage, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership.
Rooted in this mission, the co-curricular area of the university will foster the student experience through the following outcomes:
Indicators:
- Exhibit strong communication skills
- Discern vocation
- Value wellness
- Demonstrate confidence
Experiences:
- Retreats
- Mentoring experiences
- Athletic, outdoor, club sports, and intramural programming/experiences
- Career and professional development sessions
Indicators:
- Exhibit respect for other faiths
- Value the principles of Catholic Social Teaching
- Demonstrate spiritual exploration
- Integrate Lasallian values
Experiences:
- Worship services
- Interfaith experiences
- Immersion trips
- Spiritual and religious programs
Indicators:
- Exhibit financial responsibility
- Value etiquette
- Recognize the importance of community standards
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills
Experiences:
- Student judicial process
- All-campus programming
- Financial literacy workshops
- Student government organizations
Indicators:
- Value volunteerism, reflective service, and philanthropy
- Engage in community building
- Exhibit respect for all persons
- Be well-informed civic leaders
Experiences:
- Service opportunities
- Symposiums and speakers
- All-campus programming
- Civic and citizen engagement opportunities
Indicators:
- Utilize criteria to make ethical decisions
- Desire to serve the common good
- Exhibit adaptability
- Inspire, lead, guide
Experiences:
- Mentoring relationships
- Student organization leadership positions
- Student employment opportunities
- Leadership development programs
Indicators:
- Value inclusivity
- Engage in respectful interactions
- Promote solidarity
- Work across social, economic, political, and cultural differences
Experiences:
- Diversity workshops and training
- Cultural programs and events
- Immersion trips
- International/Multicultural Week
These objectives were created through the lens of:
- Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education
- Saint Mary's University mission and vision statement
- Lasallian core principles
- Principles of good practice for student affairs at Catholic colleges and universities
- Catholic Social Teaching documents and principles
- EQ by Salovey and Mayer 1990
- Residence Life program model
