Your Top 5
We have 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 make sure that your 2020–2021 academic year is a successful one.
Hilltoppers Are Voting!
Voting is underway in Texas. It’s an important action Hilltoppers can take to live out the St. Edward’s mission “to confront the critical issues of society and to seek justice and peace.” On Nov. 3, the UFCU Alumni Gym will be a voting location for any registered Travis County voter.
Advising for Spring 2021
Meet with your success coach and/or faculty advisor to review courses, resolve any holds on your student account and get your PIN to register. Nov. 12–17 is the time to register for Spring 2021 classes online. Follow these quick steps for advising and registration.
Instagram Live Discussion
Catch SGA President Athina Castañon’s next two IG Live discussions on Wednesdays, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m. She’ll talk with hilltop guests about ways students can practice activism for social change, and how to make the most of living on the hilltop.
Open Housing Spots!
If you don’t live on campus already and would like to this spring, you can go to the Housing Application on myHilltop and apply. There is limited availability as we maintain single-occupancy, socially distanced housing, so be sure to apply soon. Housing assignments will be completed by Dec. 18.
File Your 2021-2022 FAFSA
If you receive financial aid, you must re-apply each year. The 2021–2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. Complete the FAFSA before the March 1, 2021, priority deadline. Questions? Stop by our Virtual Front Desk or meet with your Student Financial Services counselor.
BONUS: Involvement Challenge
Gain more from your St. Edward’s experience by staying involved — in person and virtually. Challenge yourself to participate in one or more of these opportunities:
Time Change
Be sure to check your clock for local time changes! Synchronous courses, regularly scheduled course meetings and activities at times listed in your course schedule are based on the local time in Austin, Texas which will change on November 1st.
Student Resources
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
October 5, 2020
Dear Hilltoppers,
October is here and it’s time for another monthly update related to sexual misconduct and Title IX policy, process and resources. Please remember that whether you have a physical presence on our campus or not, our policy, process and resources still apply and are available. Being informed is an important step in finding resolution, either for yourself, a friend, or others in our community. Thank you for making time to read this update and to get involved where you feel comfortable!
- Texas Senate Bill 212/Texas Education Code § 51.253
Beginning January 2020, Texas colleges and universities must publish an annual report concerning reports made by employees who are mandatory reporters regarding any type of incident that constitutes sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking (by or to enrolled students or current employees) as defined in the Texas Education Code, Section 51.251 and any disciplinary actions taken. Based on feedback from our community, moving forward, quarterly reports will be published in addition to the required annual report. This first annual report is posted on the St. Edward’s University Title IX webpage and can be found here. - Student Advisory Board to the Title IX Coordinator
This fall, the Title IX Student Advisory Board will assist Dr. Kirkpatrick, in reviewing key recommendations from the recent external consultant evaluation of the student sexual misconduct policy, adjudication process and resources and inform the implementation of the recommendations. The board will provide the Title IX Coordinator with a student perspective that focuses on student support and helps to foster institutional accountability. - SafeWalk SEU-From the SafeWalkSEU Coordinator, Lauren Louk
SafeWalkSEU is a night-time service that provides golf cart rides and escorted walks around campus to students, staff, and faculty. SafeWalk will be coming back this fall with adjusted hours based on various building hours across campus! we are now actively recruiting and looking for volunteers to help give golf cart rides around campus. If you’re interested in getting trained and volunteering, you can apply here. If you have questions or concerns about SafeWalk SEU, visit our FAQ sheet, or email Lauren Louk, Coordinator, at llouk [at] stedwards.edu. To see a full report on what SafeWalk accomplished in its pilot semester of Spring 2020, visit this link. - It's On Us-From the President, Destiny Nicoll
It's On Us hosted its first chapter meeting on October 1 with a presentation on new Title IX regulations made by Dr. Lisa Kirkpatrick, Title IX Coordinator, and Dean Steven Pinkenburg, Deputy Title IX Coordinator. If you were unable to attend but want to learn about the changes, the presentation was recorded. Email dnicoll [at] stedwards.edu for the recording. It's On Us is now opening up applications for the Spring 2021 leadership team. We are recruiting positions for the workshops subcommittee, the advertising team, and the event planning team. You can learn more about open positions and apply here. - Survivor Circle Support Group
The Survivor Circle is a support group for survivors of sexual violence and operates as a safe space where survivors can learn coping skills and connect with one another in their path to healing. Topics may include coping, deconstructing shame, self-care, creating change, emotion regulation and interpersonal 3 relationships. To learn more about whether this Circle is right for you, email Dr. Susana Martinez, Psychologist and Training Coordinator at the Health & Counseling Center, smarti75 [at] stedwards.edu.
As a reminder, you can make a complaint or express concern about a student or employee and it can be anonymous if needed.
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. You can also check out the Student Workgroup final report, Annual Security Report and Daily Crime and Fire Logs.