Getting ready to celebrate Welcome Weeks at Saint Mary’s!

In just a couple of weeks, Saint Mary’s will be bursting with energy as students, staff and faculty make their way back to campus and new students prepare to begin their journey here. As we get ready for the excitement and bustle of Welcome Weeks, we want to highlight what’s open on campus and which events you’ll want to save the date for.

Move-in weekend

Move-in weekend starts on Saturday, September 2. There will be higher than normal volume coming from Robie St. and moving through the roundabout by the Loyola Residence entrance. Be sure to have your SMU campus map on hand to help navigate campus or find alternate driving and walking routes to avoid excess congestion. 

What’s open on campus during move-in weekend?

• C-Store (campus convenience store)
  Loyola Colonnade, through the Loyola Academic Complex (LA)
  September 2-5, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

• Tim Hortons
  Loyola Academic Complex (LA), en route to Loyola Residence
  September 2-5, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Dockside Dining Hall
  Loyola Residence (LR), down the hall from the Residence Information Desk
  September 2, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
  September 3-5, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

• Campus Bookstore
  O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre, 2nd floor
  September 2 and September 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Patrick Power Library (PPL)
  For hours, visit The Patrick Power Library

• SMUSA Information Desk (Bus Pass)
  O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre (SC), 1st floor (by the elevators)
  September 2-4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• The Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness (HC)
  September 2-3, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  September 4, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

All facilities and resources will resume regular operations beginning on September 5. SMU Dining locations, will resume regular operations beginning on September 6.

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Welcome Weeks key events

Welcome Weeks activities will run from September 2-15. These events are designed to introduce students to Saint Mary’s, learn about the campus, build connections in their program/faculty, find their supports and resources, and make friends. It’s also an excellent time for faculty and staff to get reacquainted with each other, make a lasting impact on new students, expand their own awareness of supports and resources and have some fun! Below are some of the key events that everyone will want to save the date for.

Husky Festival | September 4, 2-5 p.m.

Come out to the Quad for an afternoon full of fun! There will be games, inflatables, snacks and more. This is a great way to shake off the start of term nerves, make friends and enjoy some time away from screens before classes begin.

Service Expo | September 2-7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Key campus service providers will be set up to meet with students. Students can pick up their SMU ID, learn about the Student Health Plan, talk to advisors and learn about the various services and supports available. Just past the circulation desk of the Patrick Power Library, get all your questions answered. It's all here!

Academic Welcome Sessions | September 5

An opportunity for students, faculty and staff to meet within their respective faculties. This is a great opportunity to connect with peers, find out how to get involved within each program and start the academic term off on the right foot. Students - check your email for details.

• Faculty of Arts | September 5, 10 a.m.-noon

• Faculty of Science | September 5, 10 a.m.-noon

• Bachelor of Commerce | September 5, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Santamarian Ceremony | September 5, 3-4 p.m.

Saint Mary’s annual ceremony officially welcomes new students to SMU, inviting them to share in the core values of the Santamarian: academic integrity, the pursuit of knowledge, responsiveness to community needs, openness to change and concerns for a just and civil society. Hear from the University President and an alumni speaker.

Festival of Food | September 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Leave the lunch bag at home and have some cash ready. The Festival of Food is coming to campus and there will be all kinds of delicious food to taste, including Abhi’s Curry N’ More, Bud the Spud, Jamaica Lee’s, PBJ Eatery, and Drift coffee truck. Please note that a portion of the Inglis St. pay and display parking lot will be closed off to regular parking to accommodate the food trucks.

Husky Kickoff and Home Opener | September 15, 6-7 p.m.

It doesn’t feel like the academic term is in full swing until the Huskies play their first home game of the season. Get out your maroon and burgundy and meet us in the Quad for games, face painting, snacks and all kinds of energy to get everyone pumped up. Then head over to the field in time for the football game kick-off and take in the awesome atmosphere of the Friday night lights with your fellow Huskies. Get your Home Opener tickets here.

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Find out more!

For information on Welcome Weeks activities, checklists, student resources and more, be sure to visit New to SMU, and don’t forget to register your favourite events and add them to your calendar! If you have questions, reach out to welcome.weeks@smu.ca.

Want to stay in the know all throughout the year? Be sure to follow @SMU_StudentLife and @SMUhalifax on social media.

Five tips for faculty and staff to support wellness

As we prepare for the fall 2023 academic term, we are mindful that changes in routines, increased noise and traffic throughout campus and a busier season can often mean challenging impacts to health and wellness.

To support faculty and staff through this transition, The Counselling Centre has developed five tips for looking after yourself this fall.  

1. Sleep 

A consistent sleep schedule will help you regulate your energy and emotions throughout the day. Keep up with your bedtime routines as much as possible, avoid caffeine and screens before bed and try to relax for a while before you turn out the lights. 

2. Healthy boundaries 

In the first few weeks of the term, you may be balancing many competing priorities (including those unplanned tasks that seem to pop up at the worst moments!). It’s important to be realistic with yourself about what you can accomplish, what you might need help with and what you simply can’t do. Set boundaries where you can and be compassionate with yourself and others. 

 3. Self-care 

We all have different activities we do regularly that help us feel good, whether that’s getting out for a walk, journalling, painting, reading, going to the gym, meditating and more! During stressful times, it’s easy to let those activities slide and a couple of missed days can quickly turn into a couple weeks or more. Try to prioritize self-care activities where possible to help mitigate burnout and reduce stress. 

 4. Take care of your basic needs

Eat foods that make you feel good and provide you with energy. Move your body regularly to help regulate your mood. And remember to stay hydrated! If you need help figuring out nutrition that works for your needs, remember that BlueCross coverage includes dietician services. 

 5. Stress management strategies 

This is the time of year to practice those stress management strategies we hear about: break big tasks into small, manageable tasks; try to slow down situations if they become too intense; talk about what’s bothering you even if it won’t solve it. Remember, stress impacts all aspects of your well-being, including your emotions, your physical health and your behaviour. If you’re experiencing a particularly challenging moment, consider a grounding exercise like the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method or try a breathwork practice like box breathing. These strategies will help to slow your breathing, calm your mind and improve your focus.  

Want to take a deeper dive into supporting health and wellness? The Counselling Centre’s Mental Health Series will be returning in September. This four-part workshop series explores topics including how to identify and support a student in distress, coping strategies for anxiety and depression, how to talk about suicide with students, and international student mental health. Contact Counselling@smu.ca to be notified when the fall dates are finalized. 

For health and wellness tips, information, upcoming events and more, be sure to check out The Counselling Centre and sign up for the bi-weekly Healthy Minds Newsletter! Contact Counselling@smu.ca to be added to the email list. 

SMU hosts Provincial Sexual Violence and Harassment Investigation Training

The group of newly-trained Sexual Violence, Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying Investigator's include representatives from each of Nova's Scotia's ten universities and the Nova Scotia Community College.

As part of the work of the Nova Scotia Provincial Sexual Violence Prevention Committee (NSPSVPC) and the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP), Saint Mary’s was proud to host the Internal Investigator’s Sexual Violence and Harassment training last month.  

The training is part of a multi-pronged approach to improving sexual violence and harassment prevention, response, and policy at Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions, as outlined in key documents that emerged through the work of the Nova Scotia Sexual Violence Strategy.

Representatives from each of the ten universities and Nova Scotia Community College attended the training, including Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Advisor, the Director, Student Accessibility, Wellness and Success, the Human Resources Officer (OHS & Wellness) and the University Secretary and General Counsel, to learn how to facilitate fair and thorough investigations using reliable and respectful techniques in cases of sexual violence, harassment, discrimination and bullying. 

“Both the Changing the Culture of Acceptance: Recommendations to Address Sexual Violence of University Campuses report and the Development of Survivor-Centric Sexual Violence Policies and Responses report have shaped much of the work to prevent and respond to sexual violence on Nova Scotian campuses,” says Tom Brophy, Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs and Services. “The associated efforts to implement the recommendations and guidelines addressed within the reports have provided a strong foundation for improving institutional responses to sexual and gender-based violence within Nova Scotia.” 

Facilitated by Hill Advisory Services, the five-day intensive training included theory-based education and experiential learning related to conducting investigations, taking statements, preparing interviews and writing final reports. 

Lynn Cashen Basso, Director of Student Accessibility, Wellness, and Success (left) and Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor representing the Nova Scotia Provincial Sexual Violence Prevention Committee at the Investigator's Training, hosted at Saint Mary's University in July 2023.

SMU’s Sexual Violence Advisor, Dee Dooley, coordinated the training on behalf of the NSPSVPC. “It was wonderful to see this training come together,” says Dooley. “The training is based on the vision of a dedicated group of survivors, front-line staff, senior administrators, faculty and students who have been advocating for improved sexual and gender-based violence response on Nova Scotian campuses. A key component of this vision is ensuring institutions incorporate a transparent policy response and investigation process into post-secondary strategies,” elaborates Dooley. “This training is a crucial step in moving that forward.” 

The newly-trained investigators will participate in a Community of Practice group, coordinated by Dooley, where they will engage in continued training, networking and knowledge-sharing to support consistency in responses, which are rooted in best practices. 

For more information on related resources and initiatives at Saint Mary’s, visit the SMU Sexual Violence Support Centre. 

Touchdown Atlantic: what to expect on campus

Touchdown Atlantic will bring the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders to Huskies Stadium on Saturday, July 29! This exciting event is expected to draw more than 10,000 people to campus to enjoy the game and pre-game festivities, and viewers across the nation will tune in for the televised game.

The Saint Mary’s organizing team has been working diligently with the CFL and other partners to ensure a safe, enjoyable and smooth-run event.

Here’s what to expect on campus on July 28 and 29:

Friday, July 28

• Media load-in/out: Two TSN semi-trucks will park in the Homburg Lot at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, July 28. They will travel via Gorsebrook Avenue into the Rice Lot and through to the Homburg Lot. The vehicles will leave by the same route on Sunday, July 30.

• A Youth Football Clinic will run from noon–2 p.m. at Huskies Stadium.

Saturday, July 29

• Pre-game entertainment and food trucks from 1:30–4:30 p.m.

• A flyover from a Canadian Armed Forces plane is planned for approximately 5:02–5:06 p.m. 

• The game will run from 5–8:30 p.m. Any delays (e.g. due to weather) could extend this running time.  

Touchdown Atlantic event map. Click image to open online.

Security presence

• There will be security overseeing access to campus for the event, with security and police personnel at various entry points. Please refer to the event map to see which parts of campus will be closed off for the event (Gates 1-4).

• If you need to come to campus on Saturday, July 29, please complete this form so the organizing team can assist if needed.  

Access to stadium grounds

• Accreditation will be required on Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29 to access the fenced-in stadium grounds.

• Access to the stadium grounds for all, including volunteers, accredited pass holders and ticket holders, will be restricted to the four designated gates as indicated on the event map.

• Anyone entering the stadium grounds is subject to security screening before entering the designated gates (e.g. metal detector wand and bag check).

• If you are not a ticket holder and require access to the fenced area, you will need a Touchdown Atlantic credential. Please reach out to your department lead to inquire or email greg.knight@smu.ca.  

SMUfit facilities

• SMUfit facilities will be closed to the public from Friday, July 28 until Sunday, July 30. Re-opening on Monday, July 31 at 6 a.m.

Parking  

• Campus parking lots will be closed on Friday, July 28 at 9 p.m. and re-open Sunday, July 30 at 9 a.m.

• Permit holders for the underground parking lot are to be advised that access to this lot will be very challenging between noon and 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, due to pedestrian traffic.

• Rice Residence parking lot will be open for residence permit holders and conference overnight accommodations guests only. 

• Vehicles parked on campus without a CFL event pass may be towed.  

 Public/guest Wi-Fi

• SMU-Guest Wi-Fi will be deactivated on Saturday, July 29 and will be re-enabled on Sunday, July 30.

 Increased activity and noise

• Traffic in and around campus will be very heavy, and there will be increased noise and activity.

Increased light levels

• Due to broadcast/set-up requirements, lighting levels on the football field will be brighter (Level 2 – varsity game lights) and on until 12:05 a.m. on July 29 and 30.  

If you have any questions about the event and the above details, please contact Greg Knight (greg.knight@smu.ca) or Janelle McNulty (janelle.mcnulty@smu.ca) for assistance.
 
For more details about Touchdown Atlantic (e.g. additional game-day transit service information), please visit www.cfl.ca/tda23.

Volunteer opportunities are still available for game day, if interested, please register here.

Community Food Room full after record-setting contributions

Thanks to the faculty, staff and alumni who participated in the annual Food Drive Competition hosted by the Alumni Office. As a community, we exceeded last year's record and raised more than 2,100 lbs of food and $1,475 in monetary donations—the shelves in the campus Food Room are full! 

Congratulations to the Sobey School of Business ‘Accounting Matters’ team who won the competition by contributing 455 lbs of food with just eight members! They received a trophy and pizza party. Special shout-out to the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre for the most creative team name—’The IncrEDIBLES’.

Thank you to faculty, staff and alumni who made financial contributions during the competition allowing the Food Room to have some flexibility in making purchases of much-needed items. Members of the SMU community can donate to the Food Room anytime and receive a tax receipt for your donation.  

““I am thankful to every department that enthusiastically participated in the Annual Alumni Food Drive. Each participant’s passion and excitement in supporting this important cause was extremely motivating. I would want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers from the SMU Community Food Room, whose outstanding assistance was critical to the food drive’s exceptional success. Their commitment to collecting, weighing, and stacking the amazing 2,100 pounds of food was remarkable. Despite the huge workload, the persistent dedication and hard effort paid off magnificently.” ”

— Tarim Faress Alsaquaf, the Community Food Room Coordinator

Stats: 

• 13 teams (141 people including alumni) participated. 

• Food donations raised: 2,138 lbs 

• Monetary donation from faculty, staff and alumni: $1,215 

See more photos published in an Alumni Facebook album 

Sobey School of Business accepts EQUIS Award

(L-R): EFMD President Eric Cornuel, Sobey School of Business Dean Dr. Harjeet Bhabra and EQUIS Director Professor Alfons Sauquet.

In June, Sobey School of Business Dean Dr. Harjeet Bhabra travelled to the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Annual Conference in Lyon, France, to accept the business school’s EQUIS Award.

On October 25, 2022, the Sobey School of Business achieved EQUIS accreditation. This international accomplishment places high value on research and knowledge mobilization efforts and keeps the school on a short list of excellent academic institutions. The Sobey School is also AACSB accredited, making it part of the one percent of business schools worldwide to have AACSB and EQUIS accredited.

“This is one of the many ways we are upholding our ongoing commitment to excellence,” said Sobey School of Business Dean Dr. Harjeet Bhabra. “As the oldest and largest business school in the Atlantic region, we have a responsibility to provide quality education to our students, further research and knowledge mobilization, and uphold responsible ethics and leadership.” 

EQUIS accreditation benchmarks the business school against international standards in governance, programs, students, faculty, research, internationalization, ethics, responsibility and sustainability.

The EQUIS accreditation is valid for three years. It is the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement, and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration.

Sobey School of Business receives international recognition for societal impact

(L-R): Economic Professor Dr. Mark Raymond, MBA student Yu Chung Chiu (Jacky), Sobey School of Business Director, Strategy & Accreditation Jane Mulatz, and BComm student Adrianna Timmons.

The Positive Impact Rating (PIR) is the only ranking measuring the positive impact of business schools and the only student-based rating of its kind. The PIR was developed by an international task force and was first released at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2020.

The rating is based on data collected by student associations from 69 business schools from 25 countries. Students assessed their business schools on how they perceive their positive impact on the world, which goes beyond the contribution to business and the economy and addresses the need for positive societal impact.

The fourth edition of the Positive Impact Rating was announced at the 2023 PRME Global Forum. Bachelor of Commerce student Adrianna Timmons and MBA student Yu Chung Chiu (Jacky) attended the PRME Global Forum in New York thanks to a generous gift from Bill Linton BComm’75 DComm'22 and Marilynne Linton.

“I’ve always been really proud to be a student at Saint Mary’s University,” says Timmons. “For the Sobey School of Business to take part in a survey that gives students a voice and to implement their feedback says a lot about the school and what it’s been doing to support sustainability and having a positive impact on society.”

Societal impact and purpose have become the new focus not only for business but also for business schools. Participating schools were placed into five categories. “Transforming Schools” are those with a positive impact culture embedded in governance and systems, with visible results of progress in many impact dimensions. This was the first year the Sobey School of Business took part in the Positive Impact Rating Report.  

SMU community shows Pride love at Paint Your Pride event

Group of people standing in Saint Mary's University Quad in front of colourful chalk rainbow and chalk sign reading Paint Your Pride 2023

Pride flags depicting different 2SLGBTQIA+ identities are strung between two trees.

Group of people visiting Pride information table.

Kyle Cook, Indigenous Student Advisor, drawing two-spirit pride flag in chalk.

Group of people visiting Pride activity tables in Saint Marys Quad.

Saint Mary's Quad featuring several Pride activity tables along edge of grass and colorful chalk drawings on cobblestone path.

Bookstore staff member stands in front of Pride apparel table.

Hanna Sakaki, Alumni Assistant, smiles while making a chalk drawing of different coloured hearts on the Quad pathway.

Ken Cornell, SMU student, sits on the Quad pathway next to a chalk heart drawn in genderfluid pride colours.

Two students draw a Spiderman image in chalk.

On June 20, Student Affairs and Services (SAAS) hosted a Paint Your Pride event to kick off the 2023 Pride Season at SMU.

Taking place in the Quad, Paint Your Pride brought students, faculty, staff and even Halifax locals together to celebrate Pride Month and create a beautiful rainbow chalk mural. The event also boasted activities including a make-your-own Pride pin station, lawn games, cake and popcorn treats, an info table breaking down the various 2SLGBTQIA+ pride flags and highlighting community resources, and a pop-up Pride merch table from the SMU Bookstore.

During the event, Welcome Activities Coordinator, Toky Tajwar and Student Life Coordinator, Liv Brennan asked attendees what Pride means to them. Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor described Pride as “community and liberation” while Peer Success coach, Michael Rumsby felt Pride to mean “loving and accepting everybody for who they are.” Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and allies joined together with resounding messages of love, acceptance and community resounding in the beautiful artwork created.

Paint Your Pride was just one of several Pride initiatives that SMU is involved in this year. In addition to several Pride events, SAAS has undertaken a project to develop a 2SLGBTQIA+ Community webpage to be launched this summer. The initiative, prominently developed by members of the queer community, will create a digital hub of pan-campus resources, groups, committees and societies, as well as news and upcoming events.

Related:

• Celebrating Pride at Saint Mary’s University.

• Student perspective: experiencing Pride at Saint Mary’s

• Student experience: safe space and gay allyship at SMU

Dan Seneker announced as AVP Enrolment Management & Registrar

Dan Seneker

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce that Dan Seneker will join the university as Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Management & Registrar on August 21, 2023.

Seneker joins the SMU community from Bishop’s University in Quebec, where his most recent post was Director, Student Recruitment & Retention. Dan is an award-winning leader with more than 20 years of experience in student enrolment and success.

He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts (Bishop’s University) as well as a Master of Communications Studies and a University Teaching Certificate (University of Calgary). 

During his career, he has worked at four major Canadian universities and brings a wealth of experience in key areas such as enrolment management, internationalization, student recruitment, admissions, scholarships, marketing, student success, retention and student experience.

This role reports to the Vice-President, Academic and Research. Seneker will provide senior leadership to all aspects of our enrolment management strategy, including recruitment, admissions, registrar services, the Academic Discipline Officer, as well as the coordination of conversion and retention initiatives and academic advising.

People & Culture notice: Workplace Violence Assessment

Under the provincial occupational health and safety act, Saint Mary’s University is required to conduct a Workplace Violence Assessment at regular intervals.  The last such assessment at SMU was in 2015 and it is now time to update the assessment.  As I did in 2015, I have agreed to conduct the survey and will report back to Occupational Health and Safety with the results.  This research is not funded, and both Mahya and I are working on the project as a service to the university.

All Saint Mary’s employees are invited to participate in the risk assessment by completing an online survey.  The survey asks about your experiences with various programs at SMU, your own experienced and witnessed experience of violence and your perceptions and attitudes toward the university.  The survey will remain open until June 27, 2023 and responses received before then will be included in our analysis.  Through your participation, you are helping us to minimize the risk of violence in our workplace.

 This research has been reviewed and cleared by the Saint Mary’s University Research Ethics Board (REB # 15-155). If you have any questions or concerns about ethical matters, you may contact the Chair of the Saint Mary's University Research Ethics Board at ethics@smu.ca or 420-5728.

If you wish to participate, or wish to learn more about the survey please follow the link given below. https://smuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9EpjIu3MzOGUXoG

Thank you,

Principal Investigator:                    
Dr. Kevin Kelloway, Dept. of Psychology
Kevin.kelloway@smu.ca (902) 491-8616

Student Co-Investigator:
Mahya Masshadi, Dept. of Psychology
Mahya.masshadi@smu.ca (902) 491-6355

Student perspective: experiencing Pride at Saint Mary’s

June is the kick-off month for Pride Season, a time to honour the celebration of love and acceptance dedicated to celebration and commemoration of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), intersexual, asexual (2SLGBTQI+) pride.

At Saint Mary’s, we strive to create a welcoming, respectful and supportive environment for our entire community. For many, SMU has become a home away from home, and we endeavour to ensure there is safe space for self-discovery and to experience joy in community. 

Liv Brennan

Liv Brennan (she/her) is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Geology, who is currently working as the Student Life Coordinator for the Student Success Centre (SSC). SMU’s initiatives in allyship and creating safe space were an important factor in Brennan’s decision to work in the SSC.

“Previously I worked in Residence Life and have been involved in the RainBEAU Committee as well as the Pride Society, so I knew there would be support for me as an LGBTQI+ person,” says Brennan. “My experience at SMU has always been positive and my colleagues have always been supportive—it makes me proud to work here.” 

Being involved with 2SLGBTQI+ initiatives on campus has been an empowering part of Brennan’s experience at Saint Mary’s University. “It means a lot to me to see SMU acknowledging Pride Month,” explains Brennan. “It’s a great opportunity for our community to feel a sense of belonging and it enhances our sense of pride in who we are.” 

Within her role as Student Life Coordinator, Brennan is supporting initiatives to celebrate Pride Season. Alongside her team, Brennan is excited to host a SAAS pride event on June 20, called Paint Your Pride, inviting the entire SMU community to create a large chalk mural in the Quad. She is also helping to develop a 2SLGBTQ+ community resource hub for SMU.ca.

“For me, it’s about community and making the world a better place for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.”

“There are all kinds of resources available at SMU for our community,” notes Brennan. “In addition to the RainBeau Committee and the Pride Society, we have the SMUSA Pride Centre and the SMUSA Women’s Centre, both on the 5th floor of the Student Centre. There are also health and wellness resources through the Student Health Clinic, Counselling Centre and the Sexual Violence Support Centre.” 

When asked what World Pride Month means to Brennan, she highlighted how her journey as a bisexual woman has strengthened her passion for helping create a sense of belonging. “For me, it’s about community and making the world a better place for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Pride Season gives us a chance to amplify our messages of love and tolerance and acknowledge those who helped pave the way for us and those who carry on the important work for our community.” 

Brennan is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Pride initiatives at SMU. “It’s so important to give our voices a platform,” she notes. “Hearing from people at SMU who are going about their lives, whether they’re working or studying here, really enhances that sense of community on campus. Knowing that SMU wants to share our stories reinforces that we belong here and that we don’t stand alone.” 

Visit Celebrating Pride at Saint Mary’s to learn more about initiatives and resources at SMU. 

Celebrating Pride at Saint Mary's

Photo credit: Brian Webb, HomoCulture | www.TheHomoCulture.com.

Pride Month in June acknowledges the 2SLGBTQI+ community (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex all other gender identities such as asexual, pansexual, and polyamorous). It spotlights the resilience, celebrates the talent and recognizes the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

In Halifax, Pride is celebrated with a festival, happening July 20-30. Throughout June and July, the Saint Mary’s community will celebrate pride with events and learning opportunities.

Follow @smuhalifax, @smu_studentlife and @SMUalumnihfx to see posts and alumni profiles shared throughout the month.

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SMUSA Pride Centre

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Located on the 5th floor of the O’Donnell-Hennessey Student Centre

The Pride Centre offers a safe space for all members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. SMUSA strives to create more events and resources for students within this community on campus and wants to create a welcoming and accepting environment for all. If you are looking for a hang-out spot, or place to study, check out our pride centre!

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New Pride collection at the SMU Bookstore

The Saint Mary’s Campus Store has brand new Pride merch to help you celebrate in style! Available at the store in person from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday to Friday,
or order online.

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DEI stories of success: 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion

Thursday, June 8
2–3 p.m.

This webinar for faculty and staff will discuss how organizations can demonstrate allyship towards individuals identifying as 2SLGBTQI+. DEI leaders discuss Canada's first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action plan and share success stories of initiatives that lead to creating an inclusive and psychologically safe space for individuals identifying as 2SLGBTQI+.

Presented by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. Faculty and staff can register here (select Employer Partner to register for free).

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Paint Your Pride!

Tuesday, June 20
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
The Quad outside the O’Donnell-Hennessey Student Centre

Join Student Affairs and Services in the Quad to Paint Your Pride with chalk, play fun lawn games and enjoy snacks to celebrate Pride Month alongside your peers, staff and faculty!

Email studentsuccess@smu.ca for more information.

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…and more!

More events taking in place in June and July will be announced. Check the Student Life events calendar for all upcoming events!

Related Content

• Student perspective: experiencing Pride at Saint Mary’s University

• Photo album: SMU in the Halifax Pride Parade (2022)

• RainBEAU Residence Committee

• SMU Pride Society