Navigators for Parenting Students

This provision of the MN Statute 135A.1581 and the Office of Higher Education states that SMSU as a member of the Minnesota State System of colleges and universities provides a Navigator for Parenting Students. This statute applies to all institutions in the Minnesota State system who provides in-person courses on a campus and participates in state financial aid programs.

Statute Goals

Create a network of support for parenting students, with the Navigator guiding the process through a collaborative partnership with student support staff, Title IX Coordinators, and others as appropriate.

Designated Navigators at SMSU

If you are seeking support as a student parent, please contact any of the individuals identified below.

Dr. Erin Kline, AVP/CDO/Title IX Coordinator | Erin.Kline@smsu.edu | FH 216 | 507-537-6657 

Vickie Abel, Coordinator for Accessibility Services | Vickie.Abel@smsu.edu | IL 220 | 507-537-7318

Joyce Tofte, Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator | Joyce.Tofte@smsu.edu | FH 117 | 507-537-7241

Role of Navigator

• Navigators serve as the first point of contact for parenting students needing assistance in meeting their and their family's basic needs. 
• Navigators provide a "warm handoff" to campus and community contacts with knowledge in the following areas:
  
  • Medical and behavioral health coverage and services
  • Public benefit programs related to food security
  • Affordable housing and housing subsidies
  • Parenting and childcare resources
  • Employment assistance
  • Transportation assistance
  • Institutional resources including academic support