From experience to employable: new Experiential Badges recognize student achievements

Tom Brophy, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Services; Lyra Telles; Emily Fisher; Christy Starkey, Co-Curricular & Career360° Lead

Saint Mary’s University’s Career & Experiential Learning (CEL) team recently launched the Experiential Badge Program, a new initiative that helps students showcase their learning and leadership experiences gained outside the classroom.

These digital badges recognize students for the meaningful skills and competencies gained through campus involvement, community engagement, co-op placements, micro-experiential learning, and more. The badges appear directly on a student’s Experience Record and can easily be shared on LinkedIn or with future employers, helping to demonstrate their professional growth and employability.

“The Experiential Badges are a bridge between what students learn through applied experiences and what employers are looking for,” says Christy Starkey, Co-Curricular & Career360° Lead. “They help make the transferable skills gained at Saint Mary’s visible and credible, giving students a competitive edge on the path towards their career goals.”

What are Experiential Badges?

The Experiential Badge Program enables students to earn recognition in five distinct experience categories, each with four different levels of achievement.

• Community Leader: Demonstrate exceptional leadership and personal growth while contributing to the Saint Mary’s campus or broader community.

• Career Explorer: Learn to identify, articulate and communicate the professional skills and experiences developed throughout their degree in résumés, cover letters and interviews.

• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA) Champion: Engage in practices that promote inclusion, challenge inequity and advocate for social justice.

• Sport Leader: Build teamwork, organization and communication skills through sport and community engagement (open to all students, not just varsity athletes).

• Entrepreneurship: Explore how to create, evaluate and pitch innovative business ideas through experiential learning opportunities.

To start earning a badge, students can log into Career360° and track their experiences through the Experience Record, which includes Co-Curricular Recognition, Community Service Learning, Co-op, Micro Experiential Learning, and the Student Employment Initiative program.

“Keeping my record updated has been incredibly helpful when requesting reference letters,” explains Melissa Maria Alvarez, Experiential Badge recipient. “It provides supervisors with a clear, detailed overview of my roles and responsibilities, making it easier for them to write a letter on my behalf.”

Meet the First Badge Recipients

The CEL team recently awarded the first Platinum Experiential Badges to Lyra Telles and Emily Fisher at a recognition lunch with Tom Brophy, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Services. These inaugural recipients – along with another early badge earner, Melissa Maria Alvarez Del Angel – are setting an inspiring example for how students can use the Experiential Badge Program to reflect on their learning and tell their stories in meaningful ways.

Melissa Maria Alvarez Del Angel
Badge: Bronze Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (EDIA)

A fourth-year Psychology Honours student from Mexico, Melissa is passionate about mental health, belonging, and community care. Through her research on post-traumatic growth among newcomers and her leadership as a Senior Residence Assistant, she’s committed to supporting others through advocacy and research.

Her advice for building experiences: “Start small, follow your curiosity, and say yes to opportunities that feel meaningful, even if they scare you a little. Every role teaches you something new about yourself.”

Lyra Telles
Badge: Platinum Community Leader

A fourth-year Environmental Science student, Lyra’s roles as a Residence Assistant, Pack Leader, and Peer Success Coach have helped him build essential leadership and teamwork skills. He is also involved in other societies such as Saint Mary’s University Astrophysics and Ancient Studies Society.

“The CCR is such a valuable tool,” Lyra says. “It lets you record everything you’ve done in one place – your hours, skills, and references – so you’re ready for whatever comes next!”

Emily Fisher
Badge: Platinum Community Leader

A fourth-year Honours Astrophysics student, Emily has held roles such as President of the SMU Astronomy and Physics Society, Contributor for the SMU Journal, Residence Assistant, and Executive with the Ancient Studies Society. She has found confidence and connection through involvement.

“Log into Career360 and take a look at the CCR,” she says. “It only takes a few minutes, and you can create a permanent record of everything you’ve done at SMU. You might even discover new opportunities along the way.

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Congratulations to all the inaugural badge recipients for leading the way and inspiring others to take their university journey beyond the classroom!

To learn more or begin earning your own Experiential Badge, visit the Experiential Badges page on Career & Experiential Learning online.

SMU Huskies continue campus tradition with upcoming Red Tape hockey games

SMU Huskies players put red tape on their hockey sticks as a visual statement against racism in sport.

Saint Mary’s University has a deep connection with the Red Tape movement.  

The movement began in 2019, when former SMU student Logan Prosper—of We'koqma'q First Nation—was on the receiving end of racial abuse during a minor hockey game in Cape Breton (Unama’ki). Logan, and his father Phillip Prosper, started what is now an internationally recognized statement against racism, wherein hockey players wrap their sticks with red tape as a sign of solidarity with athletes in all levels of hockey.  

The movement picked up quickly, as athletes across Canada spoke out about their experiences with racism in the sport, noting the generational impact of the issue and the effect it continues to have—especially on Indigenous youth.  

SMU Huskies were early adopters of the movement, launching their first Red Tape game in January 2020 in support of the Prospers’ vision. Five years later, Saint Mary’s continues to host Red Tape games in solidarity with athletes across Canada and the world, and this year is no different.  

Former SMU Husky Erin Denny BSc’25 hits the ice at one of last year’s Red Tape games.

This year, Ryan Francis (Saint Mary’s first Indigenous Visiting Fellow) is once again working together with Athletics & Recreation and the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health to organize the Red Tape events on Saturday, November 22.  

Francis grew up in Cole Harbour—an area known for its hockey history—and is from Wasoqopa'q First Nation. He’s had his own experiences with racism during his time in hockey, and he has done exemplary work to address systemic barriers in the sport, including launching the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program, a program that sees him working closely with former SMU Husky Erin Denny BSc’25. 

Francis also founded the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, an organization that “[provides financial support] to communities, and charities in Atlantic Canada who lead initiatives that create opportunities for Indigenous women and girls to experience sport, recreation, and physical activity in a meaningful way.” 

This Saturday, November 22, Saint Mary’s will host two games – one with the women’s hockey team and one with the men’s hockey team – to raise awareness of the movement. The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health will also be hosting a draw for six copies of Beyond the Rink to encourage attendees to examine the “complicated role of sports in residential school histories.”  

“What makes this matter is the ongoing commitment and recognition of this cause,” says Francis. “Showing up every year and saying that this matters and that this is a priority for the athletic community is a key part of how the university creates [more inclusive space for Indigenous athletes.]”  

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To support the movement by attending our Red Tape Games, see the Huskies website here: Saint Mary's Huskies - Universe  

For more about the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, see the website at Home | GFMF.  

Fall Convocation celebrates inspiring grads, new President

See our Facebook album for more photos

Graduates from the Fall Class of 2025 crossed the stage on November 13 and 14 to the tremendous applause from family and supporters, celebrating the dedication and effort put in during their studies at Saint Mary’s.

Among the hundreds of undergraduate and master’s students were five PhD graduates who joined the university’s highest rank of academic achievement, along with the first two graduates from the Sobey School of Business Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) program.

See a full list of graduates and award winners in the convocation program.

Alan Abraham Jr., Chair of the Board of Governors and Chancellor Dr. Michael Durland assist Dr. Michael Khan in donning his ceremonial robes during the Presidential installation ceremony

Welcoming our new President

Dr. Michael Khan was installed as Saint Mary’s University’s 35th President and Vice-Chancellor in a special ceremony during convocation. Having joined Saint Mary’s in July, this was his first convocation ceremony as President.

Dr. Khan was joined on stage by colleagues from universities across Canada and received messages of support from around the world on an online message board.

In his speech, he said, “At Saint Mary’s, we are about providing opportunity. Opportunity to those who have ambitions and want to pursue their dreams, but also opportunity to those who may not realize what they’re capable of, or those who may have barriers to overcome, those whom others may have doubted. Our purpose is to enable you to pursue your passion, your talent, your purpose - not that of which someone else wishes for you.”

Watch the video here: Presidential Installation.

Inspiring valedictorians

KJ Conyers-Steede addresses convocation

Lipika Kharbanda joined by Alumni Association President Bafana Mashingaidze, Dr. Khan and Dr. Durland

Two valedictorians shared insightful remarks and reflections on their time at Saint Mary’s.

Kjeld Conyers-Steede addressed his fellow graduates from the Sobey School of Business by saying, “We are not a collection of individual achievements here today. We are a network of relationships that has pushed each other further than if we did it alone.”

Lipika Kharbanda represented undergraduate students in the Faculty of Science. Reflecting on an experience with a supportive professor, she said, “I carried with me her lesson that resilience is not built in isolation, but by the people who care enough to stand by us. And that’s exactly what Saint Mary’s does for each and every one of us.”

Watch their speeches and the full convocation ceremony recordings here: Video & Graduation Program Archive

Faculty excellence

Dr. Michael Khan and Dr. Diane Crocker

Dr. Diane Crocker was recognized with the President’s Award for Excellence in Research. The Criminology Professor is a national leader in criminology and restorative justice research.

Since joining Saint Mary’s in 2000, she has held increasingly senior academic roles, including Associate Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (2013-2018), Chair of the Department of Criminology (2019-2024), and currently Associate Dean of Arts, Curriculum and Student Affairs.

Read more about Dr. Crocker’s important community work and research.

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Related:

• Convocation photo albums

• Meet your Valedictorian: Kjeld Mizpah Conyers-Steede, MTEI

• Meet your Valedictorian: Lipika Kharbanda, BSc

• President’s Award for Excellence in Research: Dr. Diane Crocker

• Ceremony recordings, program and more

• New grads - check out all of the services, perks and opportunities available to SMU alumni: smu.ca/alumni

Meet your Valedictorian: Lipika Kharbanda, BSc

Lipika Kharbanda

Originally from New Delhi, India, Lipika Kharbanda is graduating from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Since joining SMU in 2021, she has earned a place on the Dean’s List and served multiple times as a Chemistry Lab Demonstrator, helping her peers gain confidence in the subject through her guidance and enthusiasm.

Lipika’s time at Saint Mary’s has been guided by empathy and a belief in the value of human connection. She aspires to become a doctor and has recently begun her journey in healthcare as an Early Childhood Educator, continuing to demonstrate kindness and care in everything she does.

Learn more about Lipika in the Fall Convocation Program.

Q & A

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University?
I chose Saint Mary’s University because of its small size and diverse community. The smaller campus environment allows students to focus more effectively, while professors can offer more individual attention. This creates a more personal and productive learning experience, rather than one that simply revolves around completing coursework.

How did you get involved in the SMU community?
I participated in numerous societies, contributed to the SMU Food Room, and served multiple times as a Chemistry Lab Demonstrator for various chemistry courses since my second semester. I accumulated over 900 hours of volunteering within the Saint Mary’s campus. Additionally, I have completed several online workshops that have enhanced my academic and personal growth.

Do you have a favourite space on campus?
Definitely the Patrick Power Library. Somehow, I always find myself sitting in the same spot I’ve occupied for the past four years. That library is more than just a study space; it’s a home filled with memories, friendships, meaningful conversations, and cozy corners. It truly feels like a second home to me, holding a lot of emotional significance.

Looking back, what was your favourite SMU memory?
My Pack Leader days and the fun evenings spent with students and staff, especially the bonfire nights with marshmallows and laughter, stand out as some of my best memories. I also cherish my time with the SMU Boat Club and all the experiences that came with the Pack Leader role.

What are your goals for the future?
I plan to pursue a career in healthcare, most likely in medicine, though I’m also open to following wherever life leads me. Saint Mary’s has played a meaningful role in preparing me for the future, providing a strong academic foundation, valuable volunteering opportunities, and essential life skills. It has also taught me important lessons and values that I will carry forward.

Did you or do you currently volunteer with any organizations?
I have volunteered with several organizations, including IWK Health Centre, Nova Scotia Health Authority, St. John Ambulance, Vedanta Hindu Temple, and the Maritime Sikh Society.

What advice would you give your younger self who was starting university?
Attend Welcome Weeks! It’s incredibly helpful and provides all the resources and guidance you need to start university life on the right foot. You’ll meet new people, find answers to your questions, and feel part of the SMU community right from the beginning.

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Fall Convocation takes place November 13 & 14. See the schedule, live stream links and more information here: smu.ca/graduation

Meet your Valedictorian: Kjeld Mizpah Conyers-Steede, MTEI

Kjeld Mizpah Conyers-Steede

Kjeld Mizpah (KJ) Conyers-Steede is a graduate of the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI) program at Saint Mary’s University. His research explores how social finance and catalytic capital can empower rural and isolated communities to achieve sustainable economic transformation. Under the supervision of Dr. Chantal Hervieux, KJ’s thesis examined how seed funding shapes capital flows and governance in rural regions, providing new insights into how social innovation can reimagine development beyond traditional finance models.

As the founder and CEO of Future Civics, a nonprofit organization based in Nova Scotia, KJ continues to test ways to support rural innovation by merging business startup ideology with community-based approaches.

Learn more about KJ in the Fall Convocation Program.

Q & A

Where is your hometown?
I’m originally from Bermuda, but I’ve made my home in Hantsport, Nova Scotia. Both places are islands in their own way and have shaped how I see community, resilience, and innovation.

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s?
My father went to Saint Mary’s, and for him, it was the launching pad for his career. In many ways, it’s been the same for me. I chose SMU because of its reputation for connecting business with community impact, a balance that reflects both my roots and my goals.

Did you live on campus?
I lived off campus on my property, which I am turning into a small-scale farm while juggling work, research, and community projects. 

What’s your favourite space on campus?

The Inspiration Hub. It’s the heartbeat of the university — open, bright, and filled with the kind of energy that comes from people who believe they can make things happen.

What was your favourite course?
My thesis. It gave me a framework for understanding how ideas move from concept to impact, a lesson that’s shaped both my thesis and my career.

Which instructor had the biggest impact on you?
Dr. Chantal Hervieux. Her guidance pushed me to connect research with purpose, and to always ensure that my work, whether academic or practical creates space for others to lead and innovate.

What is your favourite SMU memory?
Defending my thesis. It was the culmination of years of research, travel, and collaboration. That moment wasn’t just academic; it was deeply personal. It represented resilience, purpose, and growth.

What will you miss most about Saint Mary’s?
The community. SMU has a unique way of bringing together people from every walk of life, each with a story that adds to the bigger picture. I’ll miss that daily exchange of ideas, cultures, and perspectives.

What are your goals for the future?
I want to continue bridging research and practice, especially in social financing and rural innovation. Whether in Bermuda or Atlantic Canada, my goal is to design systems that make it easier for communities to access capital and build sustainable futures.

How has Saint Mary’s helped to set you on this path?
Saint Mary’s gave me the language and confidence to turn ideas into action. The university’s focus on entrepreneurship and social impact helped me see that business can be a vehicle for systems change, not just profit.

What advice do you have for new students?
Be curious about everything — not just your program. The real magic of SMU is in the connections you make and the ideas you explore beyond the classroom. Don’t just chase a degree; chase understanding.

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Fall Convocation takes place November 13 & 14. See the schedule, live stream links and more information here: smu.ca/graduation

From Pugwash to the World Cup stage: BComm student champions community, entrepreneurship and global impact

BComm student Olivian Sanderson presents at the Enactus World Cup stage in Bangkok, Thailand

Olivian Sanderson grew up in Pugwash, Nova Scotia—a rural, picturesque fishing village with approximately 800 full-time residents. In just a few short years since coming to Saint Mary’s, she’s had the chance to travel the world and make a meaningful impact in the community through her involvement with Enactus Saint Mary’s and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Growing up, Olivian learned from her parents the importance of hard work, community and seizing opportunities. She made an impression during her high school years as Chair of the Cumberland County Youth Council, Student Council President, Ambassador for the Nova Scotia International Student Program and recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Award (2022) and Governor General’s Academic Medal of Canada (2023).

When considering universities, Olivian knew she wanted to experience city life and find a program that would allow her to pursue her passion for business and community building. Knowing its reputation as one of Canada’s best business schools, she applied to the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s.

She was the successful recipient of a Sobey National Innovator Scholarship, including on her application: “Looking to the future, I have big dreams and aspirations. I am passionate about understanding how the economy works and plan to use my skills to be involved in projects that support the community, as it has provided so much for me. I want to make the best world for myself and the people around me.”

Now a third-year accounting and management student, she’s made great strides toward her goals as the Co-Founder of the Sociable start-up and presenter for the global award-winning Enactus team.

Launching Sociable

Despite being very involved in high school, Olivian found the first few weeks of university difficult and lonely. Determined to find her place at Saint Mary’s, she dove headfirst into everything – trying out multiple societies and volunteering. Ultimately, it was Enactus and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre where she found her place among people who shared her passion for big dreams and doing business for good.

Olivian found community and leadership opportunities through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

During a session with Enactus Saint Mary’s, the idea for the Sociable start-up was formed. Sociable is an online community platform that helps students connect, get peer support and gain access to campus events. It builds student engagement, boosting student retention, wellness and success. Olivian and co-founder of Sociable, Jason Phonchareon BSc’25, developed the start-up to address student loneliness and mental health concerns, something they both experienced.

In 2024, Sociable won the Dream Chaser Change Maker (DCCM) Foundation Social Impact Award, which included a $10,000 prize to support business development – bringing Olivian one step closer to making a positive impact on students’ lives.  

Seeing the world with Enactus

In 2024, Enactus Saint Mary’s won the National Enactus Championship for the first time. As a member of the presentation team, Olivian had the opportunity to travel to Astana, Kazakhstan, to represent Canada in the World Cup competition. While they didn’t win in Kazakhstan, it was an incredible learning experience for Olivian and her teammates.

In 2025, during Olivian’s second year as presentation team captain, the Saint Mary’s team earned their second National Championship win. This time, they travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, to compete against 28 of the best teams from around the world in the Enactus World Championship.

The team worked around the clock on their presentation about two student-run social enterprises—Alaagi and Square Roots—practicing, editing and preparing to answer questions. Olivian applied her work ethic and passion to the Enactus presentation, sharing the inspiring work being done by students at Saint Mary’s. Facing finalists from Zimbabwe, Tunisia and Germany, their presentation wowed the judges, and the team was crowned Enactus World Champion – the first world title for Saint Mary’s University.

Olivian on stage at the Enactus World Cup in Thailand

Enactus Saint Mary’s celebrates winning the World Cup

Reflecting on her first two years at Saint Mary’s, Olivian sometimes shakes her head at how much she has experienced. Her advice to new students: get as involved as you can.

“Classes are great, but you will have life-changing experiences in extra-curricular activities. The mentorship, the soft skills, and the network – so very valuable. It’s thanks to those experiences that I’ve been able to see the world.”

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Opportunities at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre are open to all Saint Mary’s students – check out their programs and events here.

Engineering students tackle real-world medical challenge in hybrid hackathon

First-place team

Second-place team

Third-place team

When 18 undergraduate students from Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University joined a week-long engineering hackathon this September, they weren’t just tackling a school project, they were helping shape the future of cancer care.

Through the Experience Ventures program at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, students took part in a hybrid Engineering Hackathon in partnership with Qalam Health Solutions, an Atlantic Canadian startup developing a product called the Osteoprobe: an AI-powered medical device that helps surgeons detect remaining bone cancer tissue in real time. The innovation could one day help reduce unnecessary amputations and lower relapse rates.

From September 19–26, students worked in small teams to design creative solutions for Qalam’s challenge — developing ways to improve their AI-powered medical device that helps surgeons detect bone cancer tissue in real time during surgery. Guided by Qalam’s founder and CEO, Haitham Shoman, the teams brainstormed, tested ideas and presented their final pitches at the end of the week.

One team stood out for more than just their idea. The winning team impressed Qalam so much that they were offered the chance for a future internship, a powerful reminder of how meaningful connections can be built.

“This program has been valuable to Qalam Health Solutions,” said Qalam’s founder and CEO, Haitham Shoman. “Students dove into real technical challenges mechanical, electrical and design to came up with solutions worth exploring.”

For many students, the experience was their first chance to apply classroom learning to real-world problems, working side by side with industry mentors.

“This hackathon helped me connect theory with practice,” said Aweer Yuang, a second-year Engineering student at Dalhousie. “It taught me to think like an entrepreneur and to keep finding solutions, even when things didn’t go as planned.”

The event was organized by Experience Ventures, which serves as the regional lead for Atlantic Canada. The program focuses on making hands-on opportunities accessible to all students. Over 80% of its experiences are offered virtually, allowing learners from across the region to participate and build valuable industry connections.

If you want to be a part of the Experience Ventures program or learn more, click here.

Changing the game: how one sports business student is championing inclusion in sport

Van Bernard began his Bachelor of Commerce at Saint Mary’s in Fall 2025

Van Bernard has known what he wants to do since he was eight years old.

Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 2 as an infant, Van uses a power wheelchair to navigate daily life and support his vast athletic endeavours—participating in para-sports like power wheelchair soccer, sledge hockey and para sailing. He also coaches baseball.

Van’s love of sports began as a young child, when his father and his uncle—both lifelong hockey fans—competed over which of their respective teams would become Van’s favourite. Van’s uncle won, and he’s been a diehard Ottawa Senators fan since. As time went on, and as Van and his family began travelling for specialized medical treatment in Toronto, his love affair with sports evolved from a passion into a calling.

“I remember going to a Blue Jays game in Toronto, and I realized that sport instills a feeling of excitement like nothing else,” Van says. “I knew being a professional athlete wasn't how I envisioned my career as a person living with a disability and using a wheelchair. I knew I wasn’t going to be a professional NHL player, but it wasn't over for me. I knew I could still be in the sports world and combine my passion for relationship building with my love for athletics.”

“...sport instills a feeling of excitement like nothing else. I knew I could still be in the sports world and combine my passion for relationship building with my love for athletics.”

— Van Bernard

Van has already begun to carve a path that blends these passions. His dedication to disability advocacy in sport was recognized earlier this year when he received the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award. Looking ahead to his career, Van has identified an area of the sports industry that he is uniquely suited to address—para-athlete sponsorship—and he’s come to Saint Mary’s to gain the education he needs to start making waves in the industry.

Van plans to use his Sports Business degree to work with para-athletes

“I've always wanted to manage the sponsorships of para-athletes,” he says. “I love them. They're people like me, and giving them an opportunity to be a pro, to be recognized, and to get more recognition from able-bodied people is something I’m passionate about—because these athletes are extremely talented, and often, nobody hears about them.”

The Sports Business major is a new specialization within the Bachelor of Commerce program at Saint Mary’s. It’s designed to give students like Van hands-on experience that prepares them to work in the world of athletics. The program is also unique in Atlantic Canada, helping to nurture Maritime talent right here at home. The timing of the new major was perfect for Van.

“One of the main reasons I came to Saint Mary’s was the sports business program. I was looking at universities outside of Atlantic Canada because I knew this was what I wanted to do, and I was prepared to move to pursue the education I needed. The minute SMU announced that they were introducing a new major in sports business, I immediately applied. And when I got in, I was thrilled.”

“The minute SMU announced that they were introducing a new major in sports business, I immediately applied. And when I got in, I was thrilled.”

Offering courses in sports marketing, sports and sustainability, and sports law, the major combines classroom learning with experience-based projects to equip students to thrive in a fast-paced and in-demand industry. For Van, that education is an invaluable foundation to build the career of his dreams.

“I’ve done lots of advocacy work for disability rights,” Van says. “That’s my path, that’s what I want to do, and I’m continuing to do that work right here at Saint Mary’s.”

As one of the 2025 recipients of the prestigious Sobey National Innovator Scholarship, Van is part of the Sobey Scholars Network with fellow students, alumni and faculty (shown here).

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Academic Integrity Week: November 3-6, 2025

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.

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Schedule of events

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

Monday, November 3, 2025
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.  
Virtual Event

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Jason Grek-Martin, Chairperson of Academic Senate and the Senate Committee on Academic Integrity.

Are you curious what happens when you submit an Academic Integrity Incident Report? Do you want to learn more about how potential violations are assessed and what outcomes are possible? Are you interested in discussing ways to make the existing procedures even better? Then, as part of SMU’s upcoming Academic Integrity Week, I invite you to attend “Faculty Forum: Understanding the Academic Integrity Process.”

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 841 2841 8597 Passcode: 762731

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

Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Noon-2 p.m.
Loyola Colonnade

Drop by the academic integrity information table at Loyola L Colonnade by Tim Hortons, Nov 4th (noon – 2 pm) and test your knowledge of academic integrity. Spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes.

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Avoiding Academic Mistakes Workshop

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
11:30 a.m.-12:45 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.

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Copyright and Credibility Workshop 

Thursday, November 6, 2025
10-11 a.m. 
Library LI135/Zoom

Academic Integrity, Copyright, and Your Thesis

Academic integrity and copyright are closely intertwined. For thesis writers and future authors, academic integrity goes beyond citation. This workshop explores the link between academic integrity, copyright and scholarly publishing. Learn the copyright rules for incorporating third-party works (charts, images) into your thesis, and the 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, Library Assistant, Copyright

Zoom link

Meeting ID: 830 9509 0825 Passcode: 577234

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Citation Station: activities, fun resources and prizes

Thursday, November 6, 2025
11 a.m.-2 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!