Your Top 5
As we face these unprecedented challenges related to COVID-19 together, please know that the St. Edward’s University community is committed to giving you the support that you need. We curated this quick list (called Your Top 5) just for you. These are the key things you need to know (and do) this month to help you successfully wrap up the spring semester.
New Coronavirus Updates
The university has recently made updates to our COVID-19 Alerts page that include updates on a Safe Return to Campus, Financial Assistance and the CARES Act!
Tech Tips for Remote Learning
Interested in learning more about the technology you can use to help your remote coursework? Jesse Plaza, System and Comm Engineer with St. Edward's Office of Information Technology joined us for an Instagram Live session where he talked about tech tips for remote learning, advice on hardware for your classes and what resources you should take advantage of while you're away from the Hilltop!
Register for Summer and Fall
If you still haven't registered for your summer or fall classes, here's a reminder of what to do before the end of the semester: contact your financial aid advisor if you have a hold, meet with your success coach or primary advisor to get your pin, and then register for classes. As a reminder, summer classes are offered at a 40% discount rate!
Webinar Featuring University Leadership
On May 19, university leadership hosted a webinar to address the re-structuring changes being made on the hilltop, as well as how we are preparing for a safe return to campus in the fall. Watch now!
5 Tips for Your Mental Health
College is full of life changes – both exciting and stressful – that can affect students’ mental health. When a global pandemic is added to the mix, paying attention to our own mental health, and helping those around us, is even more important. Here are five recommendations for staying grounded in the midst of challenging times.
BONUS: How to Live Well
Vanessa Pena, director of the Health and Counseling Center, and Andy Lemons, senior director of Recreation and Wellness, have a candid conversation about how the global COVID-19 pandemic is impacting all of us and bringing the hilltop together. Along the way, they share their best advice to students on how to thrive during this period of uncertainty. Check out the entire video with Vanessa and Andy here!
Student Resources
Summer 2020 Updates Due to Covid-19
Summer Housing
Housing is closed for students and summer conference use. As needed, emergency housing extensions have been provided on a case-by-case basis.
Summer Experiential Learning
All experiential learning classes and internships will take place remotely. Summer for-credit internships will be limited. If you are planning a for-credit internship with an organization other than the university, please work with your faculty member to communicate the remote requirements to your offsite supervisor.
Summer Study Abroad and Other Travel
All study abroad programs have been canceled for the summer, including service projects and mission trips.
Summer Orientation for New Undergraduates
In an effort to limit personal interactions on campus and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we will offer a series of online orientations during the summer. Orientation leaders should work with their supervisor to continue to plan for summer orientation duties.
Health and Counseling Center
While the HCC building will remain closed during the summer, mental and physical health services are still available remotely to students and details are updated on the HCC webpages. Please call 512-448-8538 if you would like to be connected to services, or if you have questions. Telemedicine and Virtual Visit are available through the HealthiestYou mobile app. Mental health services are available based on student need and appropriate care options.
Title IX and Reporting Sexual Misconduct
Please remember you can report sexual misconduct concerns and request support by going to myHilltop Title IX Task Center and completing the Student Concern Form or in an emergency, call our University Police (UPD) anytime at 512-448-8444. You can also access the HCC for support as instructed above and after hours counseling by calling UPD and they will connect you to our on-call counselor. We may be working and learning in a remote setting, but we continue the good work to combat sexual misconduct no matter where we are!
Academic Tools and Support Services
Billing and Financial Aid
Campus Resources
Course Registration and Grades
Current Student Events
Diversity and Inclusion
Getting Involved
Health and Safety
Policies and Regulations
Technology Resources
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Bi-Weekly Updates
May 18, 2020
As a Holy Cross institution, we are fully committed to the safety of all students, faculty and staff. We review all complaints of sex and gender harassment and violence, do our very best to respect survivor wishes and needs, investigate thoroughly, and provide resources and remedies. Below is a list of the updates that have been underway regarding concerns of sexual misconduct and our community. You can learn more about our process and resources on our Title IX webpage.
- Our student workgroup has led the charge on several initiatives including the implementation of the SafeWalk SEU initiative and the enhancement of communication/reporting through the new Title IX/Sexual Misconduct myHilltop Task! Please be sure to check out these resources!
- We plan to launch a standing student advisory board, who will help the Title IX Coordinator ensure that student feedback and perspectives inform ongoing and future work of the university.
- With the help of the Health and Counseling Center and It’s on Us, the university has created a Survivor Support Group where students can feel like they have a safe place to heal and can talk about shared experiences in a confidential environment.
- The university has accepted, with minor edits, an amendment to the Student Code of Conduct.
- You are not alone. SAFE is an Austin nonprofit dedicated to stopping abuse for everyone. During this period of shelter-in-place, SAFE knows that home is not a safe place for everyone. If you are or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call or text 911. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing violence or abuse, please call, chat or text the 24/7, free & confidential SAFEline. Our SAFEline advocates can help you assess the level of danger, create a safety plan, discuss ways to help someone you know, or just talk.
www.safeaustin.org | 24-hr SAFEline - Call: 512.267.SAFE (7233) | Text: 737.888.SAFE (7233) | SAFEline chat
Read Dr. Kirkpatrick’s full letter to the community with the new Title IX regulations and check out the Student Workgroup final report on Box.