Looking forward to spring semester

Dear Parents of CSB and SJU Students,

As the days begin to grow longer and January 25 gets closer, we look forward to welcoming your student back to our campuses. Our letter to parents on January 13, and the letter below from our Vice Presidents of Student Development describe more fully the plans we are implementing to ensure our students, faculty and staff are safe and that the CSB/SJU experience is enjoyable and rewarding. You and your student can look forward to additional information as we move toward the first days of class and through the semester.

We wish you blessings and joy in this New Year.

Sincerely,

Laurie Hamen, J.D. 
Interim President 
College of Saint Benedict 

Eugene McAllister, Ph.D.
Interim President
Saint John’s University

As staff and faculty prepare the campuses to welcome students back later this month, the most notable action step for your student to keep in mind is the spring semester pre-arrival testing. A negative COVID-19 test is required of every student (on-campus and off-campus) who will be taking on-campus classes, be employed on campus, or be using campus facilities (dining, library, labs, fine arts, athletic/recreational facilities, etc.). Complying with this testing requirement will ensure students’ safe and smooth return to campus.

Once students do arrive back on campus, we anticipate a semester that – while still far from “normal” – feels the growing glow of optimism and progress.

  • While we will still be wearing masks, social distancing and foregoing large events, we are looking forward to more robust small group in-person programming on campus this spring.
  • We anticipate the return to athletic practice and competition in the coming weeks.
  • We continue to use assessment to collect feedback on hybrid learning and the block schedule, and to enhance course delivery during the pandemic.
  • We are prepared to be a vaccination provider when the coronavirus vaccine becomes more widely available.

Through caution, cooperation and attention to public health guidelines, we were able to manage and limit the spread of the virus in fall 2020 to a degree that allowed us all the option to remain together on campus. That was certainly not a foregone conclusion. Spikes of cases in September, October and especially November absolutely triggered conversations about returning to fully remote learning. But in the end, students were able to come together in their commitments to stay six feet apart. Their efforts and sacrifices were appreciated.

Please encourage your student to remain compliant with COVID-19 mitigation measures as we move into spring semester. Their consistent cooperation will be key our success. We’re excited to welcome them back in a few weeks safely and enthusiastically!

Mary Geller, CSB Vice President for Student Development
Mike Connolly, SJU Interim Vice President for Student Development