Community Response to Agents on Campus

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Know Your Rights

The new federal administration's January 2025 surge of executive orders has raised many questions and concerns for our community and the important work we do together to advance the College's mission. As we continue to seek understanding and clarity about the meaning and impact of these executive orders on our institution, we are especially cognizant of the unique effect these actions may have on individuals.

Our values will continue to guide us as we navigate these dynamic circumstances together. We are monitoring and assessing updates to our federal, state and local landscape and are committed to keeping you informed with relevant information as we are able. We encourage all to familiarize themselves with the information found on the following sites:

Know Your Rights | Immigrants' Rights | ACLU

A Guide for Employers: What to do if immigration comes to your workplace

If you have any questions or concerns, please connect with your divisional leader or reach out to Amy Fink (218-723-6035 / afink1@css.edu), assistant to the VP of Academic Affairs, Interim VP for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, and AVP of Inclusive Excellence. She will connect you with the administrator or staff member best equipped to respond.

Guidance for the St. Scholastica Community on Agents Visiting Campus

Visitors, including ICE agents and other federal agents/law enforcement, are allowed to enter public areas. Agents must have a valid search warrant to enter a non-public area. Do not give your consent to enter a non-public area. Main campus public areas include waiting areas, parking lots, dining areas, and hallways. St. Cloud location public areas include the entry and first floor lobby.

Agents/law enforcement must also have a valid subpoena if they are seeking protected (FERPA) information. In either case, both the search warrant and/or subpoena must be validated through review from our legal counsel before any information or access is granted. Inquiries or records requests regarding F-1 visa international students should be directed to the Primary Designated School Officials: Callie Ronstrom cronstrom@css.edu and Erin Barnett (Dean of Students) ebarnett1@css.edu

If an agent/law enforcement approaches faculty or staff on campus/site:
Stay calm and ask for their name and credentials. Offer to let the agent sit in the lobby or waiting area (as appropriate).
Immediately contact the president’s office (218-723-6033 / 218-723-6041 / 218-721-7601 / bmcdonald@css.edu / Tower Hall 2107) or the vice president of academic affairs’s office (218-625-4931 / rsandefe@css.edu / Tower Hall 2111). Senior administration will respond immediately to greet the agent and walk to their office for document verification.

If a student employee is approached, they should immediately notify their supervisor of the visitor and should not be involved any further with the inquiry.

Supervisors should notify the president’s office or the vice president of academic affairs’s office immediately should an agent or law enforcement representative arrive seeking information about students or employees. Do not provide information to the officer/agent or access to any paperwork or computer systems.

Employees — including student employees — are welcome to use the statement: “Please have a seat, as I am obligated to contact my supervisor and administration regarding any agent or law enforcement visits.”

If an agent/law enforcement approaches a student on campus/site:
Student: Stay calm and contact Campus Safety and Security immediately.
- Duluth main campus: 218-723-6175
- Health Science Center at BlueStone (HSC): Dalerie Lieberz 218-625-4480
- St. Cloud: Katie Halaas 218-625-4805 / 320-267-5231

On-duty student employee: Stay calm and ask for their name and credentials. Offer to let the agent sit in the lobby or waiting area (as appropriate).

Immediately contact the president’s office or the vice president of academic affairs’s office. Senior administration will respond immediately to greet the agent and walk to their office for document verification.
HSC: Immediately contact Dalerie Lieberz: 218-625-4480
St. Cloud: Immediately contact Katie Halaas: 218-625-4805 / 320-267-5231

Senior Administration Contacts

Barbara McDonald, President
218-723-6033 / 218-723-6041
218-721-7601
bmcdonald@css.edu
Tower Hall 2109

Ryan Sandefer, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
218-625-4931
rsandefe@css.edu
Tower Hall 2111

Amy Bergstrom, Associate Vice President of Inclusive Excellence
218-723-7067
abergstrom@css.edu
Science 3216

Sister Kathleen Del Monte, Associate Vice President for Mission Integration
218-723-6184
kdelmonte@css.edu
Tower Hall 2602

Ben Deneen, Chief Information Officer
218-723-7075
bdeneen1@css.edu
Tower Hall 1624

Rick Revoir, Vice President of College Advancement
(218) 723-6424
rrevoir@css.edu
Tower Hall T1410A