Dear SMU community,
This is a difficult time for the thousands of people who have been displaced by the ongoing wildfires in Tantallon, Shelburne and the surrounding areas.
We are all very concerned for those affected, especially members of our faculty, staff and student body, and our alumni community. Please know that the Saint Mary’s community is here to help however we can.
Below are some links to resources that may help at this time:
For impacted faculty and staff
Faculty and staff members are encouraged to make use of the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), which offers an array of supports.
There is also specific assistance available to SMUFU members; details can be found on the website.
A reminder that hotelling workstations are available on campus for anyone needing to work on premises. You can find details and book a space here: www.smu.ca/about/facilities-finance-admin.html. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Angela Dunn angela.dunn@smu.ca or facilities.management@smu.ca.
Any faculty or staff who have been impacted by the fires can access compassionate leave for APC staff, or special leave for unionized staff as per respective collective agreements. These special leaves were created specifically to help faculty and staff dealing with emergency situations. If you have questions about this, please contact your supervisor, chair or hr@smu.ca.
Help for students
A wide range of student supports can be found at www.smu.ca/supports. This is being communicated widely via our main social media channels (@SMUHalifax).
Those needing more specific assistance may contact student.services@smu.ca.
Shower facilities at the Homburg Centre
Athletics and Recreation has advised that anyone impacted by the fires is welcome to use the shower facilities at the Homburg Centre. Please just come to the front desk for assistance.
(NEW) Temporary emergency accommodations
The Housing & Conference Services team is making free temporary, emergency accommodations available in Loyola South and Vanier on a first-come, first-served basis to any faculty, staff or students who have been displaced. Please contact conference.services@smu.ca or call 902-420-5055 for information and assistance. For hours of operation for various food services on campus, visit smuca.campusdish.com.
In light of these stressful circumstances, faculty are asked to consider leniency where possible for affected students, and I encourage all to extend compassion to our colleagues in the coming days.
We will continue to monitor the situation, and if we have any updates to provide, we will do so via mass email or social media on our @smuhalifax channels. You can also visit the Halifax Fire and Emergency Management website for ongoing updates and important information about transit, comfort centres and more: www.halifax.ca/fire-police/fire/emergency-management/fires-tantallon-hammonds-plains
Please take care and stay safe.
Rob Summerby-Murray
President and Vice-Chancellor