March 19 Safe Return update

Greetings College Community!

I hope this finds you all well at this mid-point in the spring term! Today’s update will be a bit shorter than last week but I want to remind you of a few items and also share some news.

Monastery communication:
Here is a letter from Sr. Beverly Raway, Prioress of the St. Scholastica Monastery, regarding renovations at the Monastery at the Duluth campus. In an effort to right-size their living quarters, reduce the footprint and accommodate the Sisters’ ministries, the Monastery facilities will be undergoing significant renovations. The cloister area which is called Stanbrook West will become the home to all Sisters including those Sisters on Benet Hall. This means that Monastery offices will be leaving Stanbrook Hall and moving to Stanbrook West and with that, the Monastery as a whole will be located in Stanbrook West.

This communication comes after many years of planning, as well as the work accomplished last year by the Joint Facilities Planning Committee that included representatives from the Monastery, the College as well as the Benedictine Living Community of Duluth. As the project unfolds, we keep the Sisters and the Monastery Community in our thoughts and prayers for a successful transition!

Mission Integration:
Mission Integration, along with the Cabinet, wants to thank all of our employees for their hard work, dedication and sacrifices made during a very difficult year. We are at the one-year mark from when all of our lives were turned upside down due to the pandemic and we want to recognize that this has been a stressful year like none other.

Sister Kathleen Del Monte, Associate Vice President of Mission Integration, has provided us this wonderful prayer for our Saints Community!

COVID-19 update/reminders:   

COVID-19 vaccine reminder:
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has opened up two additional priority groups that are now able to register for the COVID-19 vaccine. These priority groups include Minnesotans with specific underlying health conditions identified by the CDC and the addition of specific targeted essential workers. The full listing of who can get their vaccine now can be found at: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/whos-getting-vaccinated/vaccinated.jsp.

COVID-19 vaccine registration resources:

• Minnesota vaccine connector: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/
• Minnesota Find Vaccine Locator: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp. On this page you can input the zip code or city of residence, and learn more about vaccination locations and how to sign up for vaccination.
• St. Louis County Public Health Department or call 218-726-2623.
• St. Luke’s – Those that have a MyCare portal account can self-register for available COVID-19 vaccine appointment times.
• Essentia Health – Those that have a MyChart portal account can register to get scheduled for an appointment.
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services   

Student COVID-19 saliva testing:
Once again, we are fortunate to offer COVID-19 saliva testing on the Duluth campus. Below is a message from Teresa Guerrero about how students can access this opportunity. The last event was a big success, thanks to the collaboration of Student Government Association, Student Health Service, Facilities staff and MDH resources. A total of 130 students were tested for COVID-19.  Additionally, 10 students received influenza vaccine.

We especially thank Vicki Andrews for helping the College obtain an additional 350 tests for next week’s testing event!

Next testing event:
Location: Benedictine Commons
Date: March 23
Time: 9 a.m.- 2:45 p.m.

The College of St. Scholastica Student Health Service is offering free COVID-19 saliva testing on our campus. In order to maintain proper distancing measures, please register for a time to be tested. Student can register for a time to be tested at: https://csscholastica.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Gm9nNNMsK8KDS6.

• Parking will be available in Lot #7.
• Please bring your smartphone to use the VAULT testing system. It takes less than 5 minutes to provide a sample.
• DO NOT eat, chew, smoke or drink anything (including water) for at least 30 minutes before starting the saliva test.
• If you have symptoms the day of the test, do not attend this testing event. Please call Student Health Services and speak with a nurse.
• Do not register for testing if you have tested positive for COVID-19  in the last ninety days.

Thank you all for your work in helping our students reach success! And a happy belated St. Patrick’s Day to you! Stay well, be safe, and enjoy the weekend.

President McDonald