Emily LeBlanc
Saint Mary’s University unveils ambitious new ...
Entrepreneurship, Media Release
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Experience Ventures program brings 152 new ...
Athletics and Recreation, Faculty of Arts, Student Success
Emily LeBlanc
Snowboarder competing for SMU and Canada at ...
Entrepreneurship, Student Success
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Innovation Sprint: from classroom to ...
Faculty of Arts, Research, Faculty/staff
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Anthropology team unveiling history at Halifax ...

Faculty/staff

Faculty and staff honored at 30th annual Employee Recognition Awards

The 30th Annual Employee Recognition Awards took place on November 22, marking special milestones and celebrating the important work of many Saint Mary’s faculty and staff. Members of the SMU community from across faculties and departments filled the McNally Theatre Auditorium to show support for their colleagues.

Hosted by People & Culture and the President’s Office, the event gives the university community an opportunity to acknowledge valued colleagues who have contributed to the richness and diversity of the university and make Saint Mary’s a special place to work and learn. Mark Moffett, Associate Vice-President, People & Culture, highlighted the importance of making the time to recognize and celebrate faculty and staff not only during this special event but also in our day-to-day work.

Forty-four faculty and staff were recognized for service milestones of 10, 25, and 35 years of service, including part-time faculty and instructors with 15 years of affiliation with the university. View the full list of recipients in the digital program.

The President’s Awards for Exemplary Service were awarded to three employees, with one receiving an honourable mention:

  • Margaret McKee – Faculty, Sobey School of Business

  • Cindy Murtha – Staff, Financial Services, Planning & Analysis

  • Brennan Daley – Staff, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

  • Tara Inman – Staff, Mathematics & Computing Science (Honorable Mention)

These employees were nominated by colleagues and/or students and selected by a committee. The award recognizes employees who have demonstrated outstanding service and/or who have made significant contributions to the university community beyond that normally expected for their positions.

Santamarian Awards for individual and team achievements were presented to Angie Lee of the Campus Bookstore and the SMU Security team. Melanie More-Duckworth from EIT and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre team each received an honourable mention. These awards recognize collaboration and contributing to the creation of a respectful place of work and study within the university community; creating a positive impact through these efforts; and supporting equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility while inspiring others.

Congratulations to the award recipients, who contribute in countless ways to the success of our students, our community, and our teaching and research environments. Visit the website for a full list of award recipients, and check back next fall to submit a nomination for the 2025 awards!

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Anthropology team unveiling history at Halifax Burying Ground

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Source: CBC.ca/Josh Hoffman

Dr. Jonathan Fowler, an Anthropology professor at Saint Mary’s, is using ground-penetrating radar at the Old Burying Ground in Halifax. He and his team will use the data to create an interactive map that unveils the history of the people buried there.

“For the first time, we’re coming through here with surveying gear and very high precision GPS equipment, and we’ve mapped…over 1,200 stones,” says Fowler in a video interview with CBC in September 2024. He explains that there is a 1:10 ratio for headstone markers to people buried at the Grounds.

Learn more about this work and its importance to Halifax’s history at CBC.ca.

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Academic Integrity Week 2024

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Academic integrity is the foundation of higher learning. It refers to a set of ethical values relating to how we treat our sources of knowledge, and how new knowledge is constructed and shared with others. The values of academic integrity go beyond student citation mistakes, plagiarism, and cheating, as the technical manifestations of violations associated with it. Academic integrity is a shared responsibility among all members of the University community.

The aim of this week-long event is to engage students, faculty and staff in learning and sharing with others how they can uphold academic integrity to increase student success and promote the ethical values of scholarly dialogue and respectful knowledge creation.

Schedule of events

Faculty Panel Session: Moving beyond the regulations: how do we make Academic Integrity a meaningful concept for our students?   

Monday, November 4, 2024
2:30-4 p.m.  
Virtual Event

Dr. Jason Grek-Martin, Chairperson of the Academic Senate and the Senate Committee on Academic Integrity, will moderate the panel. 

A panel of faculty members will discuss how they take tangible steps in their classes to help students understand what academic integrity means and why it is an important value in higher education. 

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 897 2906 6863  Passcode: 542960

Academic Integrity Pop-Up Information Table – Spin to Win! 

Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Noon-2 p.m.
First floor, Student Centre

Drop by the academic integrity information table on the first floor of the Student Centre on November 5th and test your knowledge of academic integrity. Spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes. 

Avoiding Academic Mistakes Workshop

Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Noon-1:15 p.m. 
Library LI135

Join us for pizza and chat with the Writing Centre and Library staff about academic integrity and how to avoid common academic mistakes. This workshop is designed to provide you with resources to help with your writing, research, and proper citations/references. This is also an opportunity to meet with representatives from SMUSA and the Peer Success Coaching Program to find out how they can best support you.  

Copyright and Credibility Workshop 

Thursday, November 7, 2024
10-11 a.m. 
Library LI135

Academic integrity and copyright are closely intertwined: while the Canadian Copyright Act provides exceptions for educators and learners, there are also limits to ensure materials are used appropriately. Dan and Sarah explore some nuances of copyright, exceptions, and ethical use of materials in this Academic Integrity Week workshop, where you can discover practical tips for balancing legal rights with academic responsibilities. 

Presenters:

  • Dan Phillips, Data Services and Copyright Librarian 

  • Sarah West, Copyright Assistant 

Citation Station: activities, fun AI resources and prizes

Thursday, November 7, 2024
11 a.m.-3 p.m. 
Outside of the Writing Centre, Burke 115

Drop by the Citation Station outside the Writing Centre to learn about citations and plagiarism, to receive writing and referencing help on your papers and for the chance to win prizes!  

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Stephanie Kelley named Scotiabank Professor in Innovations in Business Technology

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Stephanie is a white woman with long light brown hair. She stands smiling outside of the Sobey building.

Dr. Stephanie Kelley

Stephanie Kelley, Assistant Professor of Management Science in the Sobey School of Business has recently been named the Scotiabank Professor in Innovations in Business Technology. Dr. Kelley shared her thoughts on this exciting new role:

“I am honoured to be named the Scotiabank Professor in Innovations in Business Technology, particularly given Scotiabank's deep roots in the Maritimes and its forward-thinking approach to innovation in financial services over the years. This role provides a unique opportunity to work together on important topics such as Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Analytics Innovation.

It is especially meaningful to continue this partnership, as my very first research project during my studies was working on AI ethics risks, funded by Scotiabank. I am excited to build on our shared commitment to fostering innovation that benefits Canadians.

The funding provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the critical topics of Responsible AI and Analytics Innovation across our business programs through research events, research assistantships and graduate student funding. The support also fuels new research that will be brought into the course I teach, Ethics and Governance for Analytics, in the Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) program and provide the opportunity for additional courses on Responsible Technology Innovation. Beyond the university, the Professorship provides a great opportunity to share the research more widely with industry and academic audiences.  

The focus of my research is Responsible AI and Analytics Innovation. The goal is to enable organizations to make better, data-driven decisions using AI and analytics guiding them to do so in ways that are inclusive and beneficial to society. I’m actively looking for senior undergraduate and master's students who are data-driven and passionate about Responsible AI and analytics to join my research team!

The work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to decent work and economic growth (#8), gender equality (#5), reduced inequalities (#10), and partnerships for the goals (#17). Working on Responsible AI and Analytics Innovation also reinforces our university’s commitment as a Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatory further to advance responsible management education and sustainable business practices.”

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Campus community fights food insecurity

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The shelves are full at the SMU Community Food Room after another successful Annual Food Drive Competition 

Thanks to the generous faculty, staff and alumni who participated in last month’s Food Drive Competition, more than 3,000 pounds of food was donated to the SMU Community Food Room! Hosted annually by the Alumni Office, this year’s food drive results exceeded the 2023 record.

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre team “The IncrEDIBLES” won the 2024 Annual Food Drive Competition in support of the SMU Community Food Room

Congratulations to the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre team “The IncrEDIBLES”, who won the competition by contributing 1,207 lbs of food. As the winning team, they receive a trophy and a pizza party! The Accounting Department team “Rounding Errors” and the University Secretariat team “Get on board for food!” placed second and third.

In total, 11 teams participated and raised a total of 3,054 lbs of food, which was weighed in by student volunteers on July 25. Teams were awarded bonus points for collecting the most requested items by Food Room users, such as cereal, rice, and canned goods.

The Alumni Office would like to thank the faculty, staff, and alumni who made financial contributions during the competition. These contributions allowed the Food Room to purchase much-needed items with some flexibility. Members of the SMU community can donate to the Food Room anytime and receive a tax receipt for their donation.

"I am deeply grateful to every department that participated with such enthusiasm in the Annual Food Drive Competition,” says Yeshani Sugunendran, Community Food Room Coordinator. “The passion and excitement each participant brought to supporting this vital cause was incredibly inspiring. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to SMU Alumni for organizing this event and a special gratitude to the volunteers from the SMU Community Food Room, whose exceptional assistance was pivotal to the food drive's outstanding success. Their dedication to collecting, weighing, and stacking an impressive 3,054 lbs of food, compared to 2,100 lbs last year, was truly remarkable."  

About the Food Room 

The SMU Community Food Room is the on-campus food bank for the Saint Mary’s University community. The food room saw 3,855 appointments booked between May 2023 and April 2024, an increase from 3,248 in the previous year. Students can book an appointment with the Community Food Room.

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Saint Mary’s University appoints Ayo Makanjuola as Vice-President, Finance and Administration

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Ayo is a Black man wearing a navy blue suit with a white shirt and tie.

Ayo Makanjuola

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the appointment of Ayo Makanjuola as Vice-President, Finance and Administration. Mr. Makanjuola, CPA, FCCA, PMP, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this critical leadership role.

Reporting directly to the President and Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Makanjuola will provide strategic leadership and direction with respect to financial management, operational oversight and business strategy. With a deep commitment to excellence, with a focus on delivering strategic financial management and fostering a culture of financial accountability, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the university’s future.

Prior to joining Saint Mary’s, Mr. Makanjuola has held key leadership positions, notably serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Millbrook First Nation, and previously as CFO of the Black Business Initiative of Nova Scotia, demonstrating his ability to drive positive change and enhance organizational effectiveness. His vision aligns with the university’s mission to provide an exceptional educational experience for students while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

President Robert Summerby-Murray, in welcoming Mr. Makanjuola, expressed confidence in his ability to lead and innovate. “We are pleased to have Ayo join our team. His strategic mindset, financial acumen, and commitment to student success make him an ideal fit for our university.”

Mr. Makanjuola’s appointment comes at an important time for Saint Mary’s University, as it continues to invest in student support, infrastructure and community engagement while prioritizing financial sustainability. His track record of driving financial excellence and implementing sound financial fiscal policies will contribute significantly to the university’s long-term success.

A board member at the YMCA and the NSCC Foundation, he is also currently serving as Chair of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia.

Ayo Makanjuola takes up his new role at Saint Mary’s on September 1, 2024.

President Summerby-Murray also acknowledged Interim Vice-President, Finance and Administration, Todd Williams, “I want to thank Todd Williams, our interim VPFA, for performing the role at a high level over the past year and at a time when the university’s financial sustainability took center stage. Todd will resume his position as Chief Information Officer where we will continue to benefit from his expertise.”

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Saint Mary's Sexual Violence Advisor receives national award

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Dee is a white woman with long curly brown hair and dark rimmed glasses. She wears black business attire.

Dee Dooley

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to acknowledge and celebrate Sexual Violence Advisor and part-time faculty member Dee Dooley, who was recently honoured as a recipient of the 2024 Courage to Act Awards in the area of Student Research.

A national project by Possibility Seeds, Courage to Act is a federally funded initiative to address and prevent gender-based violence on Canadian campuses. The Courage to Act Awards are designed to recognize exemplary work pertaining to gender-based violence.

Dee Dooley has made impressive strides in tackling gender-based violence in her capacity as Sexual Violence Advisor at Saint Mary’s since the role’s inception in 2021. In addition to contributing to the updated and expanded Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy and a full overhaul of the Sexual Violence Support Centre website, Dee has supported countless initiatives alongside the student-led Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative (SVPI) team, educating on bystander intervention, harm reduction, consent and healthy relationships.

The Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative at SMU is an important component of the Nova Scotia Student Sexual Health and Safety Educators, alongside peer educators across NS. Collectively, the NS Student Sexual Health and Safety Educators group received their own recognition by the 2024 Courage to Act Awards under the area of Student Initiative for their work as a student group advancing sexual and gender-based violence prevention.

A diverse group of students gather on campus, they all wear grey 'Waves of Change' sweatshirts

Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative (SVPI) team at Saint Mary’s

“Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that too often resides within post-secondary campuses,” notes President Robert Summerby-Murray. “Saint Mary’s is committed to being part of the solution, and we are proud of the notable achievements on support, education and prevention we have taken in recent years, much of which is largely due to the initiatives of Dee and the SVPI team.”  

In addition to her capacities at Saint Mary’s, Dee Dooley is also a doctoral student at Ontario Tech where she is leading a research project called “SCORE - Sports: Changing our Role in Education.” The project has been devised based on research that is indicative of an increased risk of sexual violence in post-secondary athletics, which points to an absence of educational interventions in prevention and support. Through SCORE, Dee seeks to engage athletes at Saint Mary’s, St. Francis Xavier University and Acadia University to “support a community-centred approach to creating responsive sexual violence prevention education for post-secondary student-athletes.”

It is this research, and, as the Honourable Brian Wong, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Advanced Education noted, Dee’s “continued commitment and leadership […] shown in [her] work on the Post-Secondary Violence Prevention Committee”, that has garnered Dee the accolade of the 2024 Courage to Act Award.

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Educators and collaborators celebrated with honorary degrees

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Saint Mary’s University will bestow honorary doctorates on three educators with connections to the university community—Mingyuan Zhang, Ailan Fu and David Lane—at the 2024 Winter Convocation.

Mingyuan Zhang

Dr. Zhang stands at a podium wearing a blue suit.

Dr. Mingyuan Zhang

Dr. Zhang has an exceptional record as a scholar of Chinese language culture and folklore. Holding a Doctorate in Chinese folklore from Beijing Normal University, Beijing, Dr. Zhang has had a distinguished academic career as a Professor of Chinese Language and Literature at Renmin University, as Dean of Arts at Hong Kong Shue Yan University and most recently, and since 2004, as Dean of the School of Chinese at BNUZ.

Particularly in his role as Dean of the School of Chinese, Dr. Zhang has established the study of Chinese language and culture, including in partnership with Saint Mary’s University. His quiet, behind-the-scenes leadership has provided a supportive environment for many Saint Mary’s students, staff and faculty participating in the partnership between SMU and BNUZ. His service to the values of Saint Mary’s, and particularly to intercultural learning, makes him worthy of an honorary degree.

Dr. Zhang will receive a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on January 27, 2024.

Ailan Fu

Dr. Fu is shown sitting in a conference room wearing a blazer and neck scarf

Dr. Ailan Fu

Dr. Fu is a notable academic leader and administrator. In addition to her academic appointments as Professor of Linguistics at Central University for Nationalities, and then at BNUZ, Dr. Fu has led global engagement for BNUZ and the partnership with Saint Mary’s University. This has resulted in the exchange of students, faculty and staff between our universities over the past two decades. Dr. Fu is a well-recognized scholar in linguistics and has held visiting appointments at SMU, Hong Kong Baptist University, and the University of Texas.

Dr. Fu’s service to the community includes her work as a scholar and academic administrator at BNUZ but extends also locally to her work as counsellor on the city of Zhuhai Municipal Council. Her work for the city of Zhuhai led to the creation of the sister-city relationship between Zhuhai and the Halifax Regional Municipality. Her focus on international education and connection demonstrates Dr. Fu’s commitment to intercultural learning, a key value for Saint Mary’s University. 

Dr. Fu will receive a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on January 27, 2024.

David Lane

Dave speaks in to a podium microphone at an event

David Lane

Tens of thousands of Saint Mary’s University students and members of the public have experienced the wonders of the night sky at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory due to the efforts of one man, David Lane, who, for nearly thirty years, has been quietly inspiring generations of children, parents, students, and teachers.

From 1992 until his retirement, Mr. Lane was employed as the Astronomy Technician and System Administrator in the Astronomy and Physics Department. Later, as Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory, David single-handedly automated the Observatory and made it available to the world through Twitter and Facebook. He has made significant contributions to teaching and learning at Saint Mary’s and created The Earth Centered Universe (ECU), an easy-to-use planetarium and telescope-control program, allowing institutes the ability to operate their own educational astronomy platforms for teaching astronomy.

He has also made many impressive contributions to professional astronomy, with more than 100 professional publications in the field of variable stars and telescope operations. He has been a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) since the 1980s and served as president of the National Chapter and the Halifax Chapter. He was recognized by the International Astronomy Union for the co-discovery of three supernovae and has an asteroid named after him!

David Lane will receive a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, on January 27, 2024.

Convocation ceremonies will be live-streamed on smu.ca on January 26 and 27. Check our website for ceremony details.

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Accessibility Week at Saint Mary’s 

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Digital image shows students working at computers with text: Saint Mary's University Accessibility Week, November 27 to December 1, 2023

Please join the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility as we celebrate Accessibility Week at Saint Mary's from November 27-December 1, leading up to the United Nations’ International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3. 

During the week, the Fred Smithers Centre will offer virtual and in-person events for students, faculty and staff, including events highlighting stress management, mental health and wellness, workshops for faculty on creating accessible coursework, guest speakers, a faculty open house and tour of the Fred Smithers Centre, a blind hockey exhibition game and a student trivia night. Read below for a full list of events.

The Fred Smithers Centre strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Events will have sign language interpreting and real-time transcription. Please email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca for other accessibility requests and specific accommodations.

Accessibility Week Events  

Patrick Power Library Book Display
November 27 – December 11, 2023  

A collection of literature relating to disability and accessibility, featuring staff picks from the Fred Smithers Centre team. See library hours here.

Vicky is a white woman with short brown hair wearing a white sweater. The event title and information is included as text on the image.

Keynote Speaker: Vicky Levack

Monday, November 27  
Noon – 1:30 p.m. | CLARI, 3rd floor Atrium  

Vicky Levack is a disability advocate and educator who lives in Halifax N.S. Her story and her work have been featured in many news and media reports including CBC and Global News and the Halifax Examiner.  She is a former SMU student and hosts the “Disability Debunked” podcast.  Vicky is known for her candid and genuine take on all things disability.   

An image with event information, included in text

More Accessible Word and PowerPoint Document Workshop

Monday, November 27  
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Sobey Building (SB) Room 159  

The Studio for Teaching and Learning provides an opportunity to learn how to create more accessible Word and PowerPoint documents. During the workshop participants will have an opportunity to work on their own document(s) and ask questions.  

  

Accessibility Week Trivia Night  

Monday, November 27  
6:00 p.m. | The Gorsebrook Lounge, Student Centre main level  

Join Accessibility Wellness ambassador, Zoe, for a night of neuro-spicy trivia covering topics on accessibility, diversity and social justice. This will be an accessible and welcoming event that highlights important issues and fosters great discussions through a fun, trivia format with chances to win prizes.  

Tune-sy Tuesday Accessibility Week Edition  

Tuesday, November 28  
Noon – 1 p.m. | Lobby Couches, O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre  

Bring an instrument or borrow one of ours and come jam out for a midday musical mood boost and explore the roles that music can play in accessibility and wellness! Students, staff, faculty and alumni are welcome.   

A digital image of a person petting a dog. Event title and information included as text on image.

Therapy Dog Drop-in  

Wednesday, November 29  
11:30 – 1 p.m. | The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (SC 309)  

Get ready for a paw-sitively amazing event! Join Meri, the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog for a barking good time. Meri will be here to show us the importance of self-care and emotional support during a stressful time! Don’t miss out on this furry-tale event!  

A digital image of people sitting together working on laptops with event information overlaid

Accessibility Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Wednesday, November 29  
Noon – 1 p.m. | Online via zoom (registration required)  

Hosted by the Fred Smithers Centre, the Studio for Teaching and Learning and the Software and Application Support teams, this Q&A event will be an opportunity to discuss and explore accessibility within the scope of institutional learning and working. Participants will learn about resources, supports, software and tools, and will have an opportunity to ask questions.  

Register for the Accessibility Q&A.  

A digital image of a hockey net, sticks and puck. Event title and info included as text on the image.

 Blind Hockey Exhibition

Wednesday, November 29  
7 p.m. | The Dauphinee Centre (Arena)   

The parasport of Blind Hockey is played by athletes whose level of vision ranges from legally blind – which is approximately 10% vision – to completely blind, using an adapted puck that makes noise and is bigger than a traditional puck. Players will take the ice during the SMU v. UPEI hockey game for an intermission exhibition.  

Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility Open House

Thursday, November 30  
Noon – 2 p.m. | Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (SC 309)  

Faculty and staff are invited to visit the Fred Smithers Centre, meet the team, explore the testing and accommodation spaces, and have a chance to explore some of the assistive technologies. This is an opportunity to learn what services and supports the Fred Smithers Centre offers, ask questions and learn how to incorporate accessibility and accommodation into the classroom and workplace.  

Thursday, November 30  
7 – 8:30 p.m. | Gorsebrook Lounge  

What does masculinity mean to you? Why are men less likely to access mental health supports? How do we show up for ourselves and the men around us? Join us for a panel discussion about men’s mental health! We’ll be discussing what masculinity is and isn’t, the importance of social support, and how we can reduce the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Our panelists include private counsellors, community social workers, other special guests you’ll recognize from campus.  

Digital image with event information incldued in text

Accessible PDF Workshop

Friday, December 1  
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.  

Join the Studio for Teaching and Learning to explore creating more accessible PDFs using various software. Learn how PDFs are processed for various neuro-diverse experiences, explore accessibility check tools and get templates to build off accessible-ready documents. This hands-on workshop will allow participants to develop or work on their own documents, get help and ask questions.  

A digital image of hands typing on a laptop. Event title and information included in text.

Keynote Speaker: Jay Dolmage on Academic Ableism

Friday, December 1  
Noon | Online  

Faculty and staff are invited to tune in with Jay Dolmage, disability rights author and educator, for a discussion on academic ableism in higher education. Jay will discuss and explore possibilities for building a more accessible classroom and campus and welcomes audience participation in discussions, questions and explorations of disability rights.  

Register for this event.

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Academic Integrity Week: Oct 30-Nov 2

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Academic integrity is the foundation of higher learning. It refers to a set of ethical values relating to how we treat our sources of knowledge, and how new knowledge is constructed and shared with others. The values of academic integrity go beyond student citation mistakes, plagiarism, and cheating, as the technical manifestations of violations associated with it. Academic integrity is a shared responsibility among all members of the University community.

The aim of this week-long event is to engage students, faculty and staff in learning and sharing with others how they can uphold academic integrity to increase student success and promote the ethical values of scholarly dialogue and respectful knowledge creation.

Schedule of events

Faculty Panel on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AI (Academic Integrity)

Monday, October 30
3-4:30 p.m.  
Virtual Event

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Karen Grandy, Chairperson of the Academic Senate and the Senate Committee on Academic Integrity. Panelists include Academic Integrity Officers, members of the Academic Integrity Appeal Board, and Education Developer Julian l’Enfant from The Studio for Teaching and Learning.

Bring your questions, challenges, and ideas about maintaining Academic Integrity in our classes now that Artificial Intelligence tools are widely available for everyone to use.

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 826 4860 0695   Passcode: 603419  

Citation Station: activities, fun AI resources and prizes

Tuesday, October 31
1-4 p.m.
Student Common Space, 5th Floor of the Student Centre. Drop-by station.   

Visit us at the Citation Station on the 5th floor of the Student Centre from 1-4 p.m. to learn about citations and plagiarism, to receive writing and referencing help on your papers and for the chance to win prizes!  

Avoiding Academic Mistakes Workshop

Wednesday, November 1
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. 
Virtual Event  

Chat with the Writing Centre and Library staff about academic integrity and get tips to help you with writing a paper, assignment, or test. Learn how to avoid common academic mistakes! This workshop is designed to provide you with resources to help with your writing, research, and proper citations/references.

Zoom link
Passcode: academic

Intersections Between Copyright and Academic Integrity

Thursday, November 2
2-3 p.m. 
Virtual Event 

Copyright is more than knowing the limits of what you can copy. Whether you’re using images, videos, or scholarly sources, there are many scenarios where knowledge of copyright can be helpful – from knowing how to apply exceptions found in the Canadian Copyright Act to what you need to know before you submit your completed thesis. Join Suzanne and Patricia as they explore the intersections between copyright and academic integrity. 

Presenters: 

  • Suzanne van den Hoogen MLIS, University Librarian and Copyright Officer

  • Patricia Langille, MA, Copyright Assistant 

Microsoft Teams link
Meeting ID: 229 086 915 918
Passcode: PzxmqJ

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A guide for faculty and staff: five ways to support institutional accessibility

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May 28-June 3 marks National Accessibility Week; an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities and highlight the work of people, organizations and communities that are removing barriers. At Saint Mary’s, the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (formerly the Fred Smithers Centre for Students with Disabilities) is a leader in institutional student accessibility.

This year, the theme for National AccessAbility Week is “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice”. As part of our Accessibility Week initiatives, we have developed a guide with five easy steps that faculty and staff can incorporate into their practice to help enhance learner accessibility at SMU.

“With the evolving landscape of accessibility in learning, it is crucial that we take a user-centered approach to modernizing our offerings,” says Kate McHugh, Manager, Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSCSA). “It is also imperative that we equip those on the frontlines of student education and care with knowledge and resources to put our best foot forward in accessibility and accommodation.”

Below are five steps for faculty and staff that can help enhance accessibility across campus.

1.     Familiarize yourself with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility

We are a unique team comprised of two accessibility advisors, an education employment advisor, two exam accommodation administrators, several part-time exam and testing invigilators, an accessibility resource assistant and the FSCSA manager. Many on our team experience some form of disability so our varied experiences paired with our cumulative training and backgrounds provide a unique and well-rounded insight into supporting students who experience disability.

Within the scope of FSCSA, we work directly with students in supporting their academic journey, provide various assistive technologies, employment skills and future readiness, access to grants, educational materials and services, exam and testing accommodations and more.

We also work with stakeholders across Saint Mary’s to raise our level of accessibility pan-campus and enhance the experience for all within the SMU community who experience disability. Our efforts extend beyond the SMU walls and into the broader national institutional community. Members from the FSCSA team recently represented Saint Mary’s at the Atlantic Association of College and University Student Services (AACUSS) to present on supporting adaptive exam and testing accommodations in unprecedented circumstances.

 

2. Understand what is included in the scope of disability

While traditional or commercialized perceptions of disability fixate on mobility impairments, disability covers a wide range of reduced or impaired functions that can present in visible and/or invisible ways and be on a short or long-term basis. Some common disabilities that exist within the institutional landscape include but are not limited to mental illness, learning disability, ADD/ADHD, hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility impairment, medical condition and autism spectrum disorder. Students registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility have provided both a detailed application and supporting medical documentation.

The FSCSA provides personalized support for each student based on their individual needs. Since disability can present itself in unique ways for each student, it is of the utmost importance to offer flexibility, options, and customized plans of action for each student. The FSCSA team, and the students it supports, rely on the flexibility and consideration of staff and faculty to achieve an inclusive learning environment that is accessible to all.

 

3. Take time to evaluate inclusivity

Whether in the classroom, hosting an event, preparing content, developing visual supports, or conducting assessments, there are quick considerations that can help ensure an accessible and inclusive environment. Below are some considerations:

  • Work with university resources like the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility, the Learning Studio and department communications staff to develop accessible course materials, documents and presentations, visual and graphic components, and more.

  • When hosting an event or gathering, evaluate physical access of a space, including entrance and exit points of the building and room, accessible seating and accessible washrooms.

  • Consider offering a virtual alternative for those unable to attend in person.

  • Use inclusive, person-first language. Saint Mary’s provides guidance on inclusive language within the Saint Mary’s Style Guide.

  • Add information on disability and accommodation to your course syllabus. Here’s a boilerplate you can copy/paste:
    “If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please ask The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility to submit your accommodations to your faculty member in a timely manner so that your needs can be addressed. The Fred Smithers Centre determines accommodations based on documented disabilities in the academic environment. Information on requesting accommodations is located on the Fred Smithers Centre’s website. Contact The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (902)420-5452 or email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca for further assistance.”

 

4. Refer students to the FSCSA as needed

In some instances, a student may not be registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility for whatever reason but may confide in a staff or faculty member about experiencing a disability. It is important to maintain trust and confidentiality, so please do not seek out FSCSA accommodations on their behalf. Instead, help them feel validated in their experience and provide them with information about SMU accessibility and accommodation to help them make an informed decision on whether to register with the FSCSA.

 

5. Keep learning

Where capacity permits, take some time to check out additional learning resources. Below are some great options:

 

The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility team is happy to answer questions, offer guidance and provide resources for faculty and staff, in our shared effort to enhance accessibility for learners. Reach out by phone (902)420-5452 or email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca, or stop by the offices in the Student Centre, 3rd floor, room 309.

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Dr. Sam Veres wins prestigious award in spinal research

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Dr. Sam Veres, Associate Dean of Science at Saint Mary’s University

Dr. Sam Veres, Associate Dean of Science at Saint Mary’s University

Dr. Sam Veres, a biomedical engineer and Associate Dean of Science at Saint Mary’s University, has won the prestigious ISSLS Prize in Basic Science for 2020 from the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine.

The winning paper, co-written with student Tyler Herod (MASc in Biomedical Engineering at Dalhousie), is titled “Beyond microstructure: Circumferential specialization within the lumbar intervertebral disc annulus extends to collagen nanostructure, with counterintuitive relationships to macroscale material properties.”

The work focuses on intervertebral discs, which are a component of the skeletal system that is not yet fully understood, despite being critically important to everyday living. These thin soft tissue discs interposed between adjacent vertebrae are what provide the spine with flexibility, allowing us to bend and twist.

Intervertebral discs support mechanical load in a similar way to an exercise ball or car tire, explained Dr. Veres. “When compressed, the pressure generated within the centre of an intervertebral disc resists the compressive load, while the periphery or annulus of the disc is stretched in tension, restraining the pressurized interior from escaping.”

A herniation, or slipped disc, occurs when the stretched disc ruptures, allowing the pressurized centre of the disc to escape—with painful, debilitating consequences for the patient. Disc herniations often occur posteriorly, and their proximity to the spinal cord makes this especially problematic. Herniated nuclear material from within a disc can cause pain by mechanically compressing or chemically irritating the spinal cord or its enveloping membrane, the dura.

“What struck us as odd about the posterior annulus is not that failure often occurs here, but that the rates of microdamage accumulation in this area—the small tears, clefts, and fissures that start to develop within the first few decades of life—are not remarkably higher compared to other less loaded regions of the annulus,” said Dr. Veres. “We suspected that the posterior annulus may possess structural differences to other regions on a smaller structural scale.”

To test their theory, Dr. Veres and Tyler tested the lumbar spines of sheep to study the structural organization of collagen molecules using a thermo-mechanical technique known as hydrothermal isometric tension analysis.

“In general, our results showed that the collagen fibres of the intervertebral disc annulus are much stronger than previously thought—more than double the strengths previously reported,” said Dr. Veres.

“Interestingly, despite being composed of fibres with greater intermolecular connectivity, the posterior annulus was significantly weaker than the anterior annulus,” he said. “These results show that a previously unknown regional variation exists in the fundamental load-bearing structural makeup of the intervertebral disc annulus.”

Currently the standard treatment for herniated discs is to remove the discs and fuse the two adjacent vertebrae to become a single column of bone; successful, well-established techniques for repairing discs don’t yet exist.

“Our work is just one piece in a much larger attempt by the spinal research community to understand normal function and failure within intervertebral discs, in order to inform how to better care for and perhaps one day repair or replace these critical elements of our skeletal system,” said Dr. Veres.

Dr. Sam Veres’s Research

Biomedical engineer Dr. Veres uses a multidisciplinary approach, using knowledge and techniques from engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine to improve understanding of tissue development, normal function, aging, injury, and repair. His work has provided fundamental insights into the structural changes that occur in mechanically overloaded soft tissues, and work continues on the development of new therapies for treatment of tendons, ligaments, and the intervertebral discs of the lower back.

The award-winning work was funded by a grant from the Natural Sciences and Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The Veres Group is part of a tissue development, damage and repair research collaborative located at Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University.

The Group specializes in investigating interactions between structure and function in the load-bearing tissues of the human body, and how these relationships change in health and disease.

The ISSLS Prize for Lumbar Spine Research

The ISSLS Prize program is sponsored by the European Spine Journal. Three prizes of $20,000 each are awarded annually based on scientific merit in the areas of basic science, bioengineering, and clinical science. Papers submitted for the competition must be original, full article manuscripts, not previously published or submitted for publication. The prize also comes with an invitation to present the winning paper in Australia in 2020.