Input wanted for Campus Active Transportation Plan

Do you dream of a more active transportation (walking, cycling, scooting, rolling, etc.) friendly campus?

Your voice matters and we want to hear from you! Saint Mary’s is beginning work on an Active Transportation Plan, an initiative aimed at improving the current active transportation network and shaping a more sustainable campus for the future.

Please join us on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 for an Open House to learn more about the initiative and to provide your input!

Where: Loyola Academic Conference Hall, Room No. LA290
When: There will be two sessions: 9:30–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–3:30pm
Who: All those who use SMU Campus (staff, students, faculty, Homburg)

Celebrating excellence: Saint Mary’s faculty recognized for external research funding

At a recent celebration, researchers at Saint Mary’s University were recognized for their success in securing more than $12 million in external funding to engage in important work in their fields. The funding received was in the form of research contracts, Canada Research Chair positions and tri-council grants.

Research by Saint Mary’s faculty covers diverse topics such as policy changes to protect women migrants and refugees against violence and the examination of 2SLGBTQ+ poverty in Canada to improve livelihood and social well-being. Secured funding also supports research that examines the sustainable trade of goods, improves plant health and nutrition, investigates the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems, assesses biodiversity conservation and Indigenous health and well-being.

A celebration to honour 97 researchers from faculties of Science, Arts, Sobey School of Business and two staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre took place in the McNally Theatre Auditorium on October 6. The quality of research happening here at Saint Mary’s University is something that we should all be proud of, congratulations to all of those that have been recognized.

Employee Recognition Awards: Check out nominees and recipients!

The 29th Annual Employee Recognition Awards are quickly approaching, with the celebration event to be held on Wednesday, November 8.

This year, close to 70 faculty and staff are celebrating service milestones at Saint Mary’s! Curious to see who among your colleagues will be receiving service awards? You can visit this site to learn more.

The Saint Mary’s community has responded positively to the new Santamarian Awards, nominating a total of 11 individuals and 5 teams from across the university. These awards were established to recognize colleagues who make a positive contribution to our work culture while embodying our values. See the nominees here.

Winners of the prestigious President’s Awards for Exemplary Service will also be announced at the celebration ceremony. Guests and award recipients will have the opportunity to connect and celebrate with colleagues over some refreshments following the award presentations.

Be sure to save the date and RSVP for this special event!

Kane Writers Award: Apply by Nov. 30

The Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award supports aspiring writers of African Nova Scotian and Black/African descent. Valued at $30,000, the award will be presented to an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Arts upon graduation from Saint Mary’s. 

Floyd Kane BA’92

2024 award criteria: 

To be eligible, undergraduate BA and BES students must: 

• be graduating from Saint Mary’s in 2024, 

• be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, 

• identify as Black/African descended, with priority going to African Nova Scotian students, 

• have good academic standing, 

• have demonstrable financial need, and 

• aspire to a career in writing, broadly defined.  

 This award was established through the generosity of alumnus Floyd Kane BA’92, a writer, lawyer, filmmaker and creator of the acclaimed TV series, Diggstown. It aims to reduce financial roadblocks for graduating students by supporting them in pursuing further studies, training or self-directed projects to advance their writing aspirations. Broadly defined, writing can include (but is not limited to) creative writing, spoken word, film/television writing, digital publishing or an academic career path in an arts and humanities discipline. 

 Application deadline: Thursday, November 30, 2023 

 Learn more and apply today!  https://www.smu.ca/arts/arts-awards-andfunding.html 

Related reading 

• Embracing the power of writing with new Kane Award

• Removing barriers to increase access to education

Academic Integrity Week: Oct 30-Nov 2

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

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

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

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

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 826 4860 0695   Passcode: 603419  

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Citation Station: activities, fun AI resources and prizes

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

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

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Avoiding Academic Mistakes Workshop

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

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

Zoom link
Passcode: academic

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Intersections Between Copyright and Academic Integrity

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

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

Presenters: 

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

• Patricia Langille, MA, Copyright Assistant 

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

Mental Health Series: Information for staff and faculty

Faculty and staff play a crucial role in supporting student mental health and wellness. The Counselling Centre is here to support you navigate these conversations!

Our Mental Health Series is a 4-part training opportunity that equips you with the knowledge, resources, and tools to better support student mental health. The Fall 2023 dates for the Mental Health Series are below. Please Register here!
 
Mental Health 101: Recognizing and Responding to Students in Distress
Monday, October 16,1:30–3:30 p.m. (in-person)
 
Mental Health 202: Practical Approaches for Supporting Students Who Are Stressed, Anxious and/or Depressed
Monday, October 30,1:30–3:30 p.m. (hybrid!)
 
Mental Health 303: Suicide Risk and Facilitating Referrals for Students
Monday, November 20,1:30–3:30 p.m. (in-person)
 
Mental Health for International Students
Monday, November 27, 1:30–2:30 p.m. (in-person)
 
You can now access Mental Health 101 on demand! This course is now offered virtually through Brightspace, in addition to in-person sessions. Email counselling@smu.ca to register or if you have any questions. 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.