Can’t find a parking spot? Here's why.

Anyone who drives to campus might have noticed that parking is trickier than usual at Saint Mary’s.

At the September 28 University Town Hall, Michelle Benoit, VP Administration and Finance shed some light on the situation, noting there are several factors impacting parking availability.

“A significant factor is changes to neighborhood street parking. Many areas around campus that were once 2-hour parking now require a permit,” she said.

Construction around the campus area is also having an impact. “Road construction on Inglis Street has reduced the availability of street parking, with about 20 construction crew typically arriving at 6 a.m. to park on adjacent streets for the day,” she added.

“Additionally, up the street, the IWK has reduced parking due to construction, which means that more of their employees are parking in the neighborhood.”

Part of ensuring availability is the ability to use parking enforcement tools like ticketing and parking boots. Facilities management and the Security team are actively monitoring parking throughout the day, and issuing tickets as needed to unauthorized vehicles, which has led to some improvement.

Regulations for use of parking boots have changed, and currently SMU is not permitted to use them. The university is working with the HRM to obtain required designation.

Some good news: the parking lot in front of Inspiration Hub should be paved within the next two weeks and be turned over for use shortly after, opening up 12 to 15 parking spots.

Celebrating Mi'kmaq History Month at Saint Mary's

October is Mi’kmaq History Month! This year marks the 30th anniversary of this important celebration of Mi’kmaq culture and heritage.

This year, there is a special focus on highlighting traditional sports, games and pastimes central to Mi’kmaw culture. These activities help young people develop their understanding of Mi’kmaw culture and carry those teachings into adulthood.

Visit mikmaqhistorymonth.ca to learn more and to download a copy of the 2023 poster!

Saint Mary's University acknowledges that the university is located on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This territory is covered by the "Treaties of Peace and Friendship" which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725.

Resources and related links:

The Patrick Power Library's Mi'kmaq History Month collection is on display throughout the year. Access the collection on campus or online this month to learn more about Mi'kmaw culture and history. The Library is also proud to host an exhibit of Mi'kmaw cultural artifacts on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum. These important artifacts represent a range of landscapes, sites, traditional activities and cultural periods in Mi'kma'ki. Everyone is welcome to visit the exhibit!

The library has also created an online Indigenous Studies guide. This guide is a resource for research and study in the interdisciplinary aspects of Indigenous studies. It particularly focuses on Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

• Saint Mary’s Indigenous Community

• Learn more about Mi’kmaq History Month, and the 2023 theme!

New Self-Service Banner 9 features will simplify name changes, self-identification

Enrolment Services is proud to share that the Student Systems and Strategic Projects team has taken steps to improve and enhance Self-Service Banner 9 (SSB9) as it pertains to personal autonomy, including name changes and self-identification.

The Studio for Teaching and Learning (The Studio) has developed an excellent instructional resource that reflects SSB9’s new capabilities. The previous process of submitting a preferred name change form is no longer required. Please refer to the Preferred Name Change Guide found on The Studio site or access it through the Resources section of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Hub for instructions.

We are also pleased to announce that further upgrades are happening this term, including:

1.    Confidential and voluntary self-identification opportunities

Having a more fulsome view and understanding of our dynamic community will allow Saint Mary’s to better support and further an equitable, diverse and inclusive institution. Self-identification opportunities are confidential and completely voluntary. Data reports will focus on big-picture snapshots of populations and will not identify individuals. These reports will help drive initiatives, strategies and systems that better reflect and serve Saint Mary's students.

2.    Gender identification opportunities

In offering students an opportunity to identify with a gender descriptor, Saint Mary’s will be better able to provide services, enhance interactions and support consistencies in how we engage with students. Gender identification will be a voluntary option for students using Self-Service Banner. As we capture data on population representations, Saint Mary’s will be in a position to improve its awareness and continue strengthening a community of belonging.

We look forward to launching these enhanced capabilities this fall. We welcome feedback and questions; please connect with Enrolment Services via registrar@smu.ca.

Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, administrative offices will be closed, and there will be no classes or labs on Friday, September 29.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls for a day to “honour survivors, their families,  and  communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” 

September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day , which began in 2013 to honour Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools. Orange t-shirts are available for purchase at the Campus Store, with proceeds going to a local Indigenous organization.

To help commemorate this day and to provide opportunities for learning, reflection and action, the following events will take place:

Events

Reconciliation, what does it mean to you?
September 27, 2023
10 a.m.
Loyola Colonnade
Stop by the Loyola Colonnade (across from Tim Horton’s) and share what reconciliation means to you. The Residence Life Multicultural Committee will display input from the SMU community on a display board of mini orange t-shirts.

---

Reflective Campus Walk
September 28, 2023
2-3 p.m.
Meet at the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre
All members of the Saint Mary’s community are invited to join Elder Debbie Eisan for a reflective walk around campus.

---

Moving from reconciliation to reconciliACTION: Engaging and supporting Indigenous communities
September 28, 2023
2-3 p.m.
Webinar

Join us for this panel discussion with Indigenous leaders and allies alike as we ask the question: where should organizations focus their resources and energy to ensure the longevity and health of those connections and start to create safer working environments for Indigenous employees?

Registration is free for anyone with a smu.ca email address.

---

The Marshall Lecture in Public Philosophy
September 28, 2023
7-8:30 p.m.
Scotiabank Conference Theatre

Undoing the Colonial Double-Bind: Interpretation and Justification in Aboriginal Law

Dr. Joshua Nichols (McGill University, Faculty of Law) is Métis from Treaty 8 Territory in British Columbia.

In this lecture, Dr. Nichols discusses the idea that Aboriginal law in Canada is caught in a colonial double-bind. On the one hand, the courts have acknowledged the pre-existing sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. On the other hand, the courts have accepted the sovereignty and legislative power of the Crown as against and over Indigenous peoples. By appealing to legal reasoning found within relevant case law, including the Quebec Court of Appeal’s recent reconsideration of Van der Peet in the C-92 Reference, Nichols aims to provide a way to deal with the double-bind using legal tools the courts already possess.

Read more about this year’s Marshall Lecture in Public Philosophy.

---

Resources and related links

• The Patrick Power Library has developed a resource collection including books and videos related to Truth and Reconciliation. Be sure to also visit their Indigenous Studies Research Guide

• More information on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Keeping your SMU technology safe with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

As part of the continued effort to keep Saint Mary’s University’s computing environment and data secure, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is being implemented.  Faculty, staff and new students have already been enrolled.  Returning students will receive further communication at the beginning of the term.  MFA will provide an additional layer of protection for services such as email and network access.   

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and why are we implementing it? 

Also known as two-step verification, Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of protection to help prevent cyber threats even in cases where someone has stolen your password. Multi-Factor Authentication is a safe and simple way to protect your Microsoft 365 email and single sign-on account.  

What does it mean for you? 

Once MFA has been implemented for your M365 account, you will be asked to verify your identity every week through the input of an access code received from the Microsoft Authenticator app. You will also be prompted to authenticate your sign-in whenever you log-on using a new or different device. These extra steps will provide enhanced security for your accounts. These links provide more information on using the Microsoft Authenticator App and Multi-Factor Authentication

When will this be implemented?

Throughout the spring and summer, staff and faculty have been enrolled in MFA, and currently, more than 99% are using it to secure their accounts. We have also enabled MFA for new students, all incoming graduate and undergraduate students are using it as well.  For returning SMU students we will continue to communicate through the beginning of the term and will enable all of the accounts on September 20, 2023. 

Questions?

Please submit any questions to our support team at mfa@smu.ca and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.  You can also find answers to frequently asked questions and support documents on the Multi-Factor Authentication HUB. 

We ask for your patience and understanding as we step through best practices to ensure a smooth transition. Please stay tuned for further communications and updates on this project. 

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.

---

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.

---

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.