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 that provide in-person courses on a campus and participate in state financial aid programs.

Statute Goals

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

Designated Navigators at SMSU

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

AVP/CDO/Title IX Coordinator | FH 216 | (507) 537-6657 

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

Brittany Krull, Director of Student Success | Brittany.Krull@SMSU.edu | IL 224B | (507) 537-7290

Joyce Robinson, Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator | Joyce.Robinson@SMSU.edu | FH 120 | (507) 537-7241

Julie Walker, Director of the Women and LGBTQIA+ Centers | Julie.Walker@SMSU.edu | BA 237 | (507) 537-6393 

Role of Navigator

• Navigators serve as the first point of contact for parenting students who need assistance meeting their and their families' 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