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Student Right to Know

Student right to know and consumer information

Federal law requires universities to provide important information to current and prospective students. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we are committed to transparency. Below, you’ll find information about academics, financial aid, student rights, campus safety, and institutional policies organized to help you quickly find what you need.

Academic information and programs

Explore academic programs, faculty, facilities, transfer policies, and student outcomes.

Admissions

Articulation agreements

An articulation agreement is a formal, written agreement to transfer a defined set of academic credits from another institution or educational provider to a program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Career outcomes

Completions

Educational programs

Faculty

First destination reports

Instructional facilities

State authorization

Student outcomes

Undergraduate (Winona)

School of Graduate and Professional Programs

Teacher preparation

Textbook information

Transfer of credit policies

Financial aid, cost, and enrollment policies

Understand tuition, financial aid, and policies that affect your enrollment and funding.

Cost of attendance

Financial aid

Undergraduate cost

Refund policy

Requirements for withdrawal and return of federal financial aid

Satisfactory academic progress

Student rights, policies, and legal information

Review your rights as a student, including policies related to privacy, conduct, complaints, and institutional accountability.

Procedure

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is committed to respecting all members of our university community and providing a quality educational experience for all students. The objective of the Student Complaint Policy and Procedure is to ensure that the concerns and complaints of undergraduate or graduate students are addressed fairly and are resolved promptly. Complaints related to this policy are usually the result of behavior that the student feels is unjust, inequitable, or creates an unnecessary hardship. This form must be submitted within 10 days of the occurrence.

Nondiscrimination statement

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and equal educational opportunity. The university does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The university’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to all aspects of its operations, including but not limited to, employment, educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and all other educational programs and activities. The following person(s) have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the university’s non-discrimination policies:

General inquiries and ADA/Rehabilitation Act Section 504 inquiries:

Vice President for Human Resources
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights #38
Winona, MN 55987
hr@smumn.edu
507-457-1421

Inquiries relating to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual assault:

Title IX Coordinator
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights #1406
Winona, MN 55987
TitleIX@smumn.edu
507-457-7402

Statement of misrepresentation

  • Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is committed to fostering a campus community built on honesty, authenticity, and integrity. This statement addresses the U.S. Department regulations at 34 CFR §668.71 through 668.75 regarding the prohibition of misrepresentation to students and others.
  • Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is prohibited under federal regulations from making, directly or indirectly, any substantial misrepresentations or misleading statements to a student, prospective student, member of the public, accrediting agency, state agency, or to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • A misleading statement is any statement that has the likelihood or tendency to deceive or confuse. A misrepresentation is defined as any false, erroneous, or misleading statement made by the university, one of its representatives, or any ineligible institution, organization, or person with whom the university has an agreement to provide educational programs — or to provide marketing, advertising, recruiting, or admissions services, directly or indirectly to a student, prospective student, family of a student or prospective student, accrediting agency, state agency, any member of the public, or U.S. Department of Education.
  • Substantial misrepresentation is defined as any misrepresentation on which the person to whom it was made could reasonably be expected to rely, or has reasonably relied, to that person’s detriment.
  • A statement is any communication made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means. This includes student testimonials given under duress or because such a testimonial was required to participate in a program.
  • A prospective student is any individual who has contacted the university for the purpose of requesting information about enrolling at the university or who has been contacted directly by the university or indirectly through advertising about enrolling at the university.

Substantial misrepresentations and/or misleading statements may not be made about:

  • The nature of the education program
  • The nature of any financial charges
  • The employability of graduates
  • The university’s relationship with the U.S. Department of Education. A Title IV-eligible school may not describe its participation in a way that suggests approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education of the quality of its educational programs.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota strives to provide accurate, honest, and clear information in print, online, broadcast media, or oral presentations. The university will make every effort to avoid misrepresentation to students and others in communications made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means.

Any person’s concerns regarding university misrepresentation should be brought to the attention of the vice president for Marketing and Communication.

Accreditation and institutional disclosures

Learn about accreditation, state authorization, and external resources that provide additional institutional information.

Campus safety and health

Access information related to campus safety, health policies, and responsible technology use.

Campus safety

  • Campus safety information
    • For campus security policies, crime statistics, and crime log, fire safety policies, see Annual Security Report

Computer use and file sharing

Health and safety

Vaccination Policies

Student services and support

Explore services that support your academic success, campus experience, accessibility, and career development.

Civic engagement and voting

 Find resources to help you register to vote and participate in elections.

Make a plan to vote

Voting Resources

To vote in Minnesota you must be:

  • A U.S. citizen
  • At least 18 years old on Election Day
  • A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
  • Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction (more info)
  • You can vote while under guardianship unless a judge specifically has revoked your right to vote.
  • You cannot vote if a court has ruled that you are legally incompetent.

In Minnesota, you can register to vote on Election Day using one of the following six methods:

  • You should bring a photo ID with a current name and address.
    • Valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID; or a receipt for any of these.
    • Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature
  • You may bring a photo ID with a current name and address. Acceptable IDs include:
    • Driver’s license
    • Minnesota ID card
    • Learner’s permit
    • US passport
    • Student ID from a Minnesota high school, college, or technical school,
    • US Military or veteran ID
    • A tribal ID card with name, address, photo, and signature

You will also have to provide one of the following documents, which can be shown on an electronic device:

  • Phone, internet, TV, solid waste, sewer, electric, gas, or water bill, account or start-of-service due or dated within 30 days of the election
  • Banking or credit card bill, account or start-of-service due or dated within 30 days of the election
  • Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day
  • Current student fee statement

A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address. This is known as ‘vouching.’ A registered voter can vouch for up to eight voters. You cannot vouch for others if someone vouched for you.

The university will send local election officials a student housing list. If you are on the list, show your college photo ID to complete your registration.

If you are registered in the precinct but changed names or moved within the same precinct, you only need to tell the election judge your previous name or address.

If you registered to vote within 20 days of the election, you may get a Notice of Late Registration in the mail. Bring it with you and use it as your proof of residence to register.

You can request an absentee ballot for 2025 elections, using the downloadable application below. Return your completed absentee application to your county election office by mail, fax or email

  • Absentee Application (English)
  • You can apply for a ballot any time during the year, except the day of the election. Leave time for election officials to mail your ballot. Your returned ballot must be received by Election Day.
  • You can track the status of your ballot and confirm that it was received and counted.
  • Your ballot will not count if it is received after Election Day.

Returning your ballot in person

You can return your ballot in person no later than 5 p.m. on Election Day to the election office that sent your ballot. You can drop off ballots for up to three other voters. You will need to show identification with name and signature when returning a ballot for someone else. Some voters may also return it in one of the designated ballot drop box locations. You may not drop your ballot off at your polling place on election day.

Returning your ballot by mail

Your ballot must be received by Election Day or it will not be counted. Return your ballot by mail or package delivery service (such as FedEx or UPS).

  • You can vote before the election with an absentee ballot at your local elections office. If you are not registered, you can do that when you vote if you show proof of residence.
  • All voters have at least one location where they can vote early in person with an absentee ballot. View the list of voting locations before election day for upcoming elections, or contact your county election office.
  • In odd years, not all areas of the state have elections. Use the Polling Place Finder to check for elections in your area.
  • Note: in odd years, not all areas of the state have elections. Use the Polling Place Finder to check for elections in your area.

Voting Early Deadlines

Primary Election:
  • First day to vote early in person: Friday, June 27
    Last day to vote early in person: Monday, Aug. 11
General Election:
  • First day to vote early in person: Friday, Sept. 19
    Last day to vote early in person: Monday, Nov. 3

If you are registered to vote in another state, see here for more information on how to apply for absentee ballots.

  • Exercise your right and responsibility: The right to vote is a bedrock principle in a democracy and electoral participation is an essential civic duty. While many governments around the world deny citizens the power to elect their leaders, the American system provides one the opportunity to select their political representatives — the sign of democratic legitimacy.
  • Shape the political agenda: Are you passionate about a particular political issue? Learn about candidates’ views on the social, economic, and environmental issues that are important to you and use your vote as a call for action. For example:
    • Student loans, Pell Grants, and work-study are all federal programs. Your vote for the president and congressional representatives means you have a say in how those programs are shaped for years to come.
    • Your vote for Governor and state representatives will affect state aid to you.
  • Demonstrate concern for the next generation: By voting you are not only doing your part to influence the present, you are also affecting the future.
  • Honor past sacrifice: Voting is a way to honor those who have helped to secure our rights. Military members who have fought for this country, suffrage activists and Civil Rights leaders are only a few examples of those to whom we owe our respect and appreciation. Voting gives you the opportunity to help pay that debt.
  • Your vote MATTERS: Too often, many students feel that their vote does not matter. But recent elections show that outcomes can be decided by a handful of votes. If you do not vote, your voice is not heard. Moreover, college students have the potential to be a key constituency in every election. With millions of college students eligible to vote, your collective voice can make a significant difference.

Ballot information

Don’t know who is on your ballot? Check out these resources:

Campus Vote Coordinator

Ann Merchowitz
President’s Office
Heffron Hall
Campus Box 30
Winona, MN 55987
amerchle@smumn.edu

Need help finding information?

If you need assistance accessing any of the information on this page, please contact the appropriate university office or reach out to Saint Mary’s for support.

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