The relatively small size of the College community and its spacious, wooded setting make St. Scholastica a unique learning environment as well as an excellent place for friendship and community.
Everything a student needs is available on campus. Housing, food service and recreational facilities are near academic buildings. Most days are full of activities, events, concerts, speakers and programs.
Duluth's excellent city transit system connects the College with shopping areas, movie theaters and places to visit and explore, and it's free to St. Scholastica students with their student ID!
The Residential Life Center at The College of St. Scholastica provides a community that reflects the values of the College.
Resident students enjoy many educational, recreational, spiritual, social, cultural and community service programs offered by the Residential Life staff, resident advisors and academic role models. They have easy access to faculty and academic resources, as well as to student activities and athletic facilities and events.
The College believes that a well-rounded experience is best achieved in a community living component during a student's first and second year of college. As a result, it is the policy of The College of St. Scholastica that all first-year and second-year students are required to live on campus. To be released from this requirement, students must meet the following criteria and receive permission from the Director of Housing: Discontinuing from St. Scholastica, studying abroad, documented medical reasons, graduation, dismissal, internship, student teaching, marriage and/or living at a family member's permanent Duluth residence.
Admission to The College of St. Scholastica does not automatically guarantee housing for juniors and seniors. Campus housing accommodations are limited and are assigned on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Upon receiving notification of admission to the College, students will receive a Housing Contract. To reserve campus housing, students must return the Housing Contract with the required room deposit to the Residential Life and Housing Office. Roommate assignments for the academic year are made by mid-August.
The College's Food Service offers a variety of nutritional, reasonably priced meals in two locations on campus. Students living in Somers Hall and Suites are required to participate in one of the flexible board plans which are in effect when classes are in session. Commuter students or those living in campus apartments may also join meal plans specially tailored to their needs.
Campus Ministry serves all students at The College of St. Scholastica. The mission of Campus Ministry is to support students in their faith journeys and empower them to live the Gospel values of peace and justice. Personal relationships, pastoral counseling, retreats, conferences, prayer experiences, worship and liturgical celebrations, faith sharing/discussion groups and social justice opportunities support personal and spiritual growth. Grounded in the Benedictine Catholic tradition, we provide an opportunity for seekers to grow in their Catholic identity as well as provide multi-faith programming that is open to and supportive of persons from all faith traditions.
If a student experiences a death or crisis in his/her immediate family or with someone to whom he/she is close, help is available from the Campus Ministers and the Dean of Students.
Located on the ground floor of Tower Hall, the Student Union and Activities Office is the community center of the College for all the members of the College family - students, faculty, administration, alumni and guests. As the "living room" of the College, the Union at St. Scholastica provides the services, conveniences, and amenities the members of the College family need in their daily life on campus. It is a place for getting to know and understand one another through informal association.
The Port is your information headquarters at the College, featuring the Java Express Coffee Shop serving espresso, cappuccino, teas, and a variety of other gourmet coffees and pastries. Tickets for concerts, dances, and other programs are also sold at The Port. In addition, any questions about student activities at St. Scholastica can be answered at The Port. Game equipment for Storm's Den may be checked out with a student ID.
Active Minds
American Society of Exercise Physiologists
Amnesty International
Asian Fun Club
Association for Student Parent Success
Biochemistry/chemistry
Biology Club
BWCA Club
CAB
Cable
Calling All Catholics
Cheerleading Club
Circle K
CJL
Climbing Club
College Democrats
College Republicans
Computer Club
CSS Education Club
CSS News
Dance Team
Drum Line
Earth Action
Figure Skating Club
Film Club
Grace Campus Fellowship
Habitat for Humanity
Ice Fishing Club
Indigenous Students Alliance
InterNational Club
Intervarsity
KMC
MGT Club
Math Society
Northern Explorers
Open Doors
Otakus Anonymous
Out of Words
Parents Association
PASS/Psi Chi
Peer Advising
Peer Ministry
PT Club
Pre-Law
Pre-Dental
Pre-Med
Pre-Pharmacy
Relay for Life
RHA
Rotaract Club
Saints Investment Group
SCCS
Social Work Club
Spanish Club
Speak Up!
Stockfestapalooza
Storm's Advocates
SOTA
Student Alumni Association
SHIMA
Student Nursing Association
Student Senate
Students-4-Life
Students for a Free Tibet
Students Today Leaders Forever
Third Wavers
United for Africa
VITA
Volleyball Club
Women's Hockey Club
C*A*B is responsible for planning dances, performances, movies and other special events. These afford St. Scholastica students respite from their studies and allow them to appreciate other cultural activities that St. Scholastica has to offer. All events are planned and carried out by students.
The Student Activities Office provides personal growth and development experiences through nonacademic and co-curricular activities. The Student Activities Office promotes student involvement in clubs, organizations, and activities. Student activities are a way for students to connect with other students with similar views, aspirations and concerns and then provide a framework for those students to work together for the common goal, whether that goal is social, recreational, cultural, or political. A variety of campus organizations, clubs, and leadership workshops provide students with many avenues for personal, vocational and social growth.
The Student Senate, the officially recognized student government body at St. Scholastica, handles a variety of social, cultural and intellectual programs. The Senate also provides direction for all student activities and represents the students in all elements of the College community. Members of the Senate are significantly involved in the governance structure of the College through participation in faculty and institutional standing committees.
The College of St. Scholastica's athletic programs hold membership in the NCAA Division III. The College offers 20 varsity sports programs, 10 for men and 10 for women. With exception of ice hockey (NCHA) and Nordic skiing (CCSA), all teams compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC).
In the fall, the Saints compete in men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, and football. Men's and women's cross country have both won the past two conference championships, with the women taking the title the last 10 consecutive years. Men's and women's soccer, along with volleyball all won conference regular season titles in 2010 without dropping a single game. Either the men's or women's soccer programs have appeared in the NCAA Division III National Tournament in each of the past four seasons.
Men's and women's basketball, men's and women's Nordic skiing, men's and women's indoor track and field, and men's and women's ice hockey compete during the winter season. The Mars Lakeview Arena, located at the nearby Marshall School campus, is home to the CSS Hockey programs. The NCHA conference is one of the best conferences in Division III hockey and brings some of the top teams to the Twin Ports. The men's and women's indoor track and field programs have both won the conference indoor championships the last two seasons.
Baseball, softball, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's outdoor track and field compete in the spring. The baseball team has won 14 straight UMAC Championships and competed in six consecutive NCAA Regional Tournaments. Both the men's and women's tennis programs have won 14 straight conference championships. The softball team has taken the UMAC regular season title in 13 of the last 14 seasons.
Students can earn credits by participating in a variety of physical activities offered in physical education courses. From racquet sports (tennis and racquetball), outdoor education (skiing, rock climbing, canoeing, sea kayaking, dog sledding, winter camping and backpacking), aerobic training (aerobics, physical conditioning), to golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball and bowling, St. Scholastica provides something for every student.
Campus Recreation serves as The College of St. Scholastica's home for recreation, sport and spirit! Students, faculty, staff, Sisters and alumni enjoy access to the Burns Wellness Center. The 63,000-square-foot addition to the existing Reif Center is a field house complex featuring an indoor six-lane 200-meter running track, four multipurpose courts, a free weight room, an aerobic dance room, a cardiovascular fitness mezzanine overlooking the track, and locker rooms. Campus Rec provides the most popular and heavily used programs and facilities on campus by offering a broad mix of activities designed to appeal to a large range of abilities and interest levels.
Campus Recreation offers a wide range of fitness classes for the beginner to the advanced. Classes such as Pilates, yoga, dance, and multiple aerobic classes are offered each semester to meet a variety of interests. Campus Recreation also offers fitness assessments and strength and conditioning programs in conjunction with the Exercise Physiology Department.
The College of St. Scholastica's Intramural Sports Program is designed to encourage students, staff, and faculty to participate in organized sporting activities that challenge the body, mind, and spirit. The program includes men's, women's, and corecreational opportunities in sports such as basketball, volleyball, wiffleball, flag football, kickball, floor hockey, dodge ball, and soccer. All teams are student-led and the program is directed by the intramural coordinator.
Outdoor PURSUIT! (OP!) is an outdoor recreation program which consists of a fully equipped gear rental center, indoor climbing wall, and tons of opportunities to get outside during all four seasons. OP! offers a wide range of activities from kayaking, biking, hiking, and rock climbing in the summer and fall, to skiing/snowboarding, dog sledding, winter camping, and ice climbing in the winter. It offers trips coast to coast and also takes advantage of some of the most pristine outdoor venues in the WORLD including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Apostle Islands National Park. If you want to do it, OP! tries to make it happen. OP! also sponsors S.O.A.R. (Student Outdoor Adventure Retreat). SOAR is a program for incoming students to move in early and go on a five-day outdoor trip while meeting other incoming students and learning about college life at CSS. In addition to sponsoring outdoor events, OP! offers the students of St. Scholastica volunteer and paid positions in the gear rental center, the indoor climbing wall, outdoor leadership, and teambuilding programs. Look for more information at: www.css.edu/outdoorpursuit.xml
Summer and fall orientation programs prepare students for a positive adjustment to St. Scholastica. The orientation program combines academic advising with social activities. Participation offers opportunities for students to begin friendships and become comfortable with faculty, staff and the campus. All new and transfer students are assigned a peer advisor for their first semester.
Academic counseling helps with any problem which is interfering with academic success and achievement. Counseling is available for students having difficulty with reading, spelling, math, writing, etc. Other services include assistance with time management, test-taking strategies, or other problems with study habits and attitudes.
Center for Academic Success Vision: In accordance with The College's strategic goal to "address the needs of traditional and nontraditional learners," the Center for Academic Success will engage students in successful learning strategies and practices that will support their academic goals.
The Center for Academic Success offers an array of services to help even the most efficient student. The CAS focuses on where the student currently is on their academic path. Whether it is extra support to increase performance-from a D to a C or a B+ to an A; finding out how students learn best, the Center for Academic Success assists any student.
Description of Current Services:
Study Skills Consultation focuses on:
Any student needing assistance in gaining equal access to classes or college resources because of a physical, psychological, or learning disability, as well as attention deficit/hyperactivity dis-order, or a hearing impairment should request assistance through this office.
It is the policy of The College of St. Scholastica that all otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities will be given equal educational opportunities in the classroom and other College-sponsored programs and activities, including study abroad programs. The College will ensure that no otherwise qualified individual with disabilities will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any College class, program, or activity.
The new and transition student advisor assists transfer students with the transition to St. Scholastica, both socially and academically and also assists students on academic probation to reach their academic goals and potential.
The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) provides resources and transition services to all military veterans, current and former military members, and their families in a way that promotes the Benedictine values of respect, hospitality, and community.
The Center works with various College staff and community agencies to ensure you have equal access to educational benefits, as well as assistance with and/or information on:
For the extended sites of the College, where a center is not available, the Duluth Center will coordinate development of services with the Regional Coordinators of the Minnesota Higher Education Veteran's Affairs offices.
Student Support Services (SSS) is a 100 percent federally funded TRiO Program through the Department of Education ($293,865 annually). SSS is designed to assist eligible (low income, first generation and/or disabled students) undergraduate students achieve academic and personal success, remain in school, and graduate with a bachelor's degree. SSS offers a wide array of services including:
Please visit our website at http://www.css.edu/ Administration/Student-Support-Services-TRIO.html to learn more about the services and programming we offer.
The McNair Scholars Program is one of five TRiO Programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It is a graduate school preparatory program designed to assist low-income, first generation students or students underrepresented in their field of study to prepare for and enter graduate school. The program includes mentoring by St. Scholastica faculty, completion of an independent research project, opportunities to publish and present research findings, preparation for graduate school entrance tests, a research allowance, and trips to graduate schools and cultural events.
Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) is a TRiO Program funded through the Department of Education. The goal of UBMS is to prepare high school students for post-secondary education, ensure high school and college graduation, and encourage careers in math and science. At The College of St. Scholastica, UBMS currently serves 52 students from Northeastern Minnesota. Eligible students receive academic support, tutoring services, and attend a monthly Saturday Session during the school year. Students also participate in a six-week summer residential program. All academic activities are related to the fields of math and science.
Upward Bound (UB) is a TRiO Program funded through the Department of Education. The goal of UB is to prepare high school students for post-secondary education and to ensure both high school and college graduation. At The College of St. Scholastica, UB currently serves 75 students at six target schools in northern Minnesota. Eligible students receive academic support, tutoring services, and attend a monthly Saturday Session during the school year. Students also participate in a six-week summer residential program.
Educational Talent Search (ETS), a TRiO Program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is intended to identify individuals with the aptitude for education beyond high school and to assist them in completing secondary school and pursuing post-secondary education.
ETS provides services for qualified individuals enrolled in middle, junior and senior high schools, as well as other young adults. Individuals are identified through schools, social service agencies, community or self-referrals. Services may include career and academic advising, tutoring, assistance with completion of forms, financial aid information, testing information and registration for college entrance tests, information on colleges, universities, trade/technical schools, college visits and cultural events.
The College of St. Scholastica admits qualified students from diverse geographical, cultural, economic, racial and religious backgrounds. When reviewing applications, the Admission Committee looks for evidence that a student has the ability to succeed academically and socially at St. Scholastica. Students who decide to leave the College (or are academically or administratively dismissed) are required to complete the official withdrawal procedure. This procedure is initiated through the Dean of Students' Office. It involves the student contacting the following administrative offices: Academic Advisement, Registrar, Residential Life and Housing, Food Service, Student Accounts and Financial Aid. Every effort is made to assist the withdrawing student with the issue(s) that are keeping the student from succeeding at the College.
In compliance with the Student Right to Know Act, graduation rates are available from the Dean of Students' Office.
The Student Center for Health and Well-Being (SCHAWB) provides students with services, education, information, and support utilizing a wellness model. The model serves to enhance personal development, physical and emotional well-being, and responsible life choices in a supportive community.
Counseling services are in Tower Hall, Room 2150, 723-6085; hours are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Counseling services are available to students at any stage of their educational career and includes services for students in graduate and extended programs. These services are free to St. Scholastica students. Services offered in this department include:
Personal counseling is a vital component of the support services offered at The College of St. Scholastica. Professional counselors work closely and confidentially with students on a variety of issues including: developmental transitions (i.e. beginning college, graduation, etc.), relationship problems with peers or family, substance abuse, eating disorders, difficulty handling emotions and assistance in referrals to community resources. Workshops are held on such topics as assertion, time and stress management, and healthy relationships.
Some students may have problems adjusting to the academic environment. Counseling Services can assist students in developing skills necessary to overcome these challenges.
A person in crisis and in need of services should immediately notify Security (ext. 4000), his/her residence advisor, Counseling Services (ext. 6085), or Student Health Services (ext. 6282). They will intervene and decide the best course of action.
The CSS Recovery Program is a Collegiate Support Program for students who are chemically dependent. The Collegiate Recovery Program provides a welcoming and supportive community where students in recovery, who are committed to sobriety, can find enhanced academic, personal and professional success which will nurture, encourage and equip them to continue to become thoughtful leaders committed to serve and transform the world.
The College of St. Scholastica received a planning grant for the development of the Recovery Program from the Miller-Dwan Foundation #200801-03.
Student Health Service (part of SCHAWB) provides clinic hours for the evaluation and care of illness, injury and mental health. Our staff includes registered nurses and nurse practitioners. We work collaboratively with our on-campus counselors and the physical therapy faculty. We are able to perform lab testing for strep, mono, urinary tract infections, pregnancy, blood glucose, and hemoglobin. We also provide immunizations, dressings and splints as needed, the loan of durable medical equipment such as crutches and wheel chairs, and over-the-counter medications for common illnesses. We provide health screening exams for health science majors and those involved in campus sponsored study abroad programs. Our nurse practitioners provide services ranging from physical exams to mental health medication evaluations. Our staff also provides campus-wide health education and information.
The mission of these programs is to increase awareness, promote responsible behavior, and to help develop a culture of mutual responsibility in the St. Scholastica community. The goal of these programs is to present information to students, faculty, and staff in an interesting and thought provoking manner so students can make informed and thoughtful choices about their lives.
Deciding on a college major and career can be an engaging and exciting process rather than one of confusion or frustration. At Career Services, counselors are available to assist students in examining interests, abilities, skills and values and researching how these best fit with various careers and majors. An extensive career resource library is available and includes occupational and career information, employer directories, resume and job search books, employment outlook and graduate/professional school information.
Career Services is also available to assist students in the job and internship search. Local, regional and national job/internship listings are regularly updated and available on our website. Counselors and a job search intern are available to provide resume critiques, mock interviews and job and internship search strategies. Career Services participates in a variety of job and career fairs and offers programming on networking, dining etiquette, effective interviewing, resume writing and job search. A calendar of events, links to valuable careers sites, and on-line workshops can be accessed through the Career Services home page.
The College of St. Scholastica recognizes that students can and do benefit from a support network that acknowledges their unique perspective. The Office of Diversity and Intercultural Services provides counseling, academic advisement, service referrals and cross-cultural awareness opportunities.
The Office of International Programs (OIP) works with students to foster cross-cultural communication both on campus and beyond. The OIP provides International Student Services and study abroad coordination.
International Student Services supports students in their adjustment to St. Scholastica and life in the U.S. We are committed to assisting students with immigration issues and referring students to other resources on and off campus. International Student Services is dedicated to supporting, advocating for and promoting the success of international students while at St. Scholastica and beyond. We offer social and informational programming to serve international students, the campus and the local community. The OIP director determines immigration policy and processes for the college and extended campuses to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration law.
The OIP will also provide students with a starting point for researching study abroad programs. The study abroad coordinator will promote study abroad programs, help students choose an appropriate study site, provide guidance and answer questions throughout the application process, and prepare students for what they will face both before and after completing their program abroad. The study abroad coordinator will also be responsible for helping to create program policies, risk management procedures, and supporting faculty members in their work toward program development and execution.
The Bookstore (independently run by Nebraska Book Company) offers new and used books and materials for all courses, either for purchase or rental. They offer a wide variety of St. Scholastica apparel and gift items, school supplies, electronics, greeting cards, snacks and other convenience items. Online ordering and special orders are welcome.
The Bookstore hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 - 4:30; however, they often have extended hours for the beginning of classes and special campus events.
Payments may be made via the Internet, in the Business Office, or through the mail. Accepted payment methods are credit card (Visa, MasterCard and Discover), check, cash or money order. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted through The College of St. Scholastica website.
Check cashing is available for students during regular office hours (maximum $50). There is a $20 charge for all returned checks. After three returned checks, check-cashing privileges will be suspended.
Students may put money on their campus card account for books, meals and vending services in the Business Office.
Faculty, staff and students are required to purchase a parking permit if they park a vehicle on campus. Parking permit application forms are available on the College website.
These services are available in the Business Office free of charge.
Students with questions about their account may contact the student accounts staff in the Business Office. Payment plan options, insurance information and insurance waiver cards are located in the Business Office as well.
The Information Technologies Department seeks to foster an environment that promotes and enhances the College's vision and exemplifies its Benedictine values by providing the technologies to be adaptable, efficient, competitive, and forward thinking; while remaining fiscally responsible as we serve students, faculty and staff. Technology is available to students in seven computer labs throughout the campus. The ResNet Program provides high speed Internet access to every residence hall room. Wireless connectivity is available in many student common areas and classrooms. State-of-the-art technology is integrated into many courses to include online materials in WebCT, wireless student response systems, and some lectures available as podcasts. Registered students are issued a login and password providing access to all IT services. Computer workshops and other computer services are available at the Computer Support Help Desk, ext. 5911.
The St. Scholastica Library serves as a foundation for inquiry and learning in the Catholic intellectual tradition by supporting the liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs. A millennium ago Benedictine monastics recognized the office of librarian and the custom of lending books both within and outside of monasteries. Today, housed above the beautiful Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, the library continues a long tradition of service to the St. Scholastica community by addressing the needs of the modern scholar. The library's collection reflects the strengths of the College's curriculum and is particularly strong in the areas of nursing, physical therapy, education and Catholic studies. In addition, the library has special collections in the areas of children and young adult literature and American Indian studies, with the latter collection counted among the best in the state of Minnesota. The online catalog, ScholastiCAT (part of MnPALS) allows students to search the local collection as well as many other libraries in Minnesota, and North and South Dakota. Six librarians work with a support staff of four to provide a full range of services for students, including reference, a popular reading section, checkout of laptop computers, and other A.V. resources, and formal instruction in how to best use a modern academic library. An interlibrary loan program (MINITEX) provides access to the collections of the University of Minnesota and other Minnesota libraries as well as to libraries throughout the United States and the world. The library's numerous online databases and discovery service (SOLAR) allow students to access approximately 50,000 full-text journals, providing both distance and on-campus students with quality resources. Additional services, such as document delivery, are also available for students enrolled in GEO (extended and online) programs.
The acoustically superb Mitchell Auditorium is a premier performing arts center that hosts school productions, concerts, guest speakers, and student activities. The Music Department offers many concerts on campus, including the Cambiata Series, featuring internationally known performers. Students may attend many events for free or at discounted rates.
The Alworth Center for the Study of Peace and Justice seeks to bridge social and political barriers, bringing together people of all ages and philosophies toward the common goals of peace and justice. The Center sponsors lectures, workshops, seminars and courses on a variety of topics.
Catholic Studies at The College of St. Scholastica continues the College's Benedictine tradition of rigorous engagement with the Catholic intellectual tradition, which sweeps across and includes all fields of study. In addition to offering the academic major, minor, and certificate in Catholic Studies, the Braegelman Catholic Studies Program sponsors various lectures and presentations on topics of interest to those who wish to expand their understanding of Catholic intellectual and faith traditions. Current listings are noted on the College website. The program was endowed by the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery and named for Sister Athanasius Braegelman, president of the College from1942-1954, and Sister Bernice Braegelman, who taught Scripture and other classes at the College from 1941-1972.
This forum promotes understanding, respect and peace among the diversity of faith communities in the Northland through sustained cross-cultural discussion, shared study, and collaborative projects and events.
The guiding principle of the Interreligious Forum is community partnership, drawing on the strengths and interests of community members and organizations to foster a culture of intellectual inquiry about religious thought, culture, and politics. The forum's collaborative efforts help build relationships of trust and mutual concern which sustain and revitalize intellectual exchange about religious matters in the region. It serves as a resource to the region through community reading groups, lectures, panel discussions, and the arts. Recent events have included a film series on Islam and talks by Jean Comaroff and Karen Armstrong.
Music lessons are available. In addition, all music ensembles are open to non-music majors as well as to music majors. Concert band offers a large ensemble experience for students interested in performing quality band literature. Jazz ensemble members explore different styles of jazz through playing, improvising and listening. Collegiate chorus welcomes all students who wish to perform light classics and popular music from different times. Chamber Choir performs choral masterworks from all historical periods.
Students interested in chamber groups may choose from flute, string, piano, wood wind, clarinet, saxophone or brass ensembles, recorder consort, viol consort and mixed ensemble. Pianists may also perform as accompanists. Students earn fine arts credits as members of ensembles.
Students have the opportunity to attend or participate in theatre productions open to all majors. Three to four plays are produced each year. Over four years, St. Scholastica produces a play from every major period in theatre history. Productions are staged in the St. Scholastica Theatre and students are encouraged to audition or to work on the technical crew.
The College of St. Scholastica is the educational sponsor of WSCD-FM 92.9 and WSCN-FM 100.5, member stations of the Minnesota Public Radio network. The stations' programming features a rich blend of cultural and informational offerings, including events and speakers recorded at St. Scholastica.
