Saint Mary’s University announces mix of online and in-person classes for Winter 2021

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See more information for faculty and staff

Saint Mary’s University will deliver a mix of online and in-person classes for the winter term beginning in January 2021.

The university’s plans were communicated to students, faculty, and staff today in messages from Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.

“The combination of what we have learned over the summer, the successful start of the Fall Term and the health and safety protocols and resources we continue to put in place on our campus enables us to evolve and engage in greater access to campus and more in-person activities starting in January,” says President Summerby-Murray.

Undergraduate lectures will be delivered online primarily for first, second, and third-year courses and the goal is for every discipline to have opportunities for on-campus experiences, including small class discussion groups, experiential courses, labs, seminars and tutorials. There will also be opportunities for graduate students to meet on campus and in-person in small groups. Other in-person activities will be designed to allow students to experience more peer-to-peer learning, build community, and increase overall engagement. 

For any students unable or not comfortable moving forward with in-person experiences during the Winter 2021 term, online options will remain available.

“I want to give credit, where credit is due. This step forward is only possible due the efforts of members of our local and campus community and your dedication to public health and safety,” says President Summerby-Murray. “Thank you for your commitment to your fellow Santamarians and Nova Scotians. It is your work that is allowing the university to gradually introduce more access to campus.”  

A recent example of this gradual access to campus is the opening of the Homburg Centre for Health and Wellness for both gym members and students by appointment.  Varsity athletes are also resuming training and practicing at the Homburg Centre and on the field, following strict health and safety protocols.

“Our success depends on everyone continuing to do their part,” says President Summerby-Murray. “Let us continue to tackle this pandemic the way we handle everything at Saint Mary’s —together.”

Saint Mary's Clean Catch Baits wins the Atlantic Canada 2020 AquaHacking Challenge

Left: Robel Berhane, Chief Financial Officer: Top right: Katherine vanZutphen, Operations Manager; Bottom right: Guillermo Villarreal De Lara, President & CEO

Clean Catch Baits, a company that creates biodegradable fishing lures, is the winner of the inaugural Atlantic Canada 2020 AquaHacking Challenge. 

Based out of Saint Mary’s University, Clean Catch Baits decided to address the challenge of microplastics in fishing gear. Their winning solution to this problem is a 100% biodegradable, PVC-free soft-bait fishing lure for recreational fishing, developed through a unique organic biopolymer solution. The people behind the idea and the company are Robel Berhane, Chief Financial Officer and a 4th year undergraduate student in Commerce; Guillermo Villarreal De Lara BComm’20, President & CEO; and Katherine vanZutphen BComm’20, Operations Manager.

“We are very happy to be the inaugural AquaHacking Challenge winners here in the Atlantic region,” says Guillermo Villarreal, CEO, Clean Catch Baits. “With this prize, we can expand the scope of our business and bring this solution into the hands of anglers across Atlantic Canada.”

The Atlantic Canada AquaHacking Challenge is a start-up competition designed to support technology and business development addressing environmental problems related to water. Through the Challenge, they then develop their solution into commercially viable products or services and establish start-up companies.

The following is a list of the five finalists, their rewards, and placements:

• 1st = Clean Catch Baits - $20,000

• 2nd = Well Warriors - $15,000

• 3rd = WIDE - $10,000

• 4th = ExTech MIP - $2,500

• 5th = What the Well $2,500

The teams can also match funds through the Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur program thanks to a national partnership between Mitacs Canada and Aqua Forum.

“Congratulations to all the organizers, sponsors and above all the finalists in the 2020 Atlantic Canada AquaHacking Challenge!” says Désirée McGraw, President & CEO of Aqua Forum. “I salute your ingenuity and for your commitment to a better future by solving wicked water problems. I am particularly pleased that, for the first time in the history of AquaHacking Challenges, a solution addressing the critical issue of microplastics wins. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you and all the finalist teams. Thank you again for your dedication and for your participation.”

The AquaHacking Challenge is an initiative of Aqua Forum founded by the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation in 2015 to support technology and business development addressing environmental problems related to freshwater. After five successful years in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Basin, AquaHacking went national for 2020 with regional competitions across Canada.

The Atlantic Canada 2020 AquaHacking Challenge is powered by the RBC Foundation, with support from the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation along with other national and local sponsors.

For more information on the competition, the companies and their solutions, visit:  https://aquahacking.com/en/2020-atlanticcanada/.

The Homburg Centre for Health and Wellness to reopen Monday, September 21, 2020

The Homburg Centre for Health and Wellness and SMUfit is reopening for students, community members, faculty, and staff.

On Monday, September 21st, the Homburg Centre will open for SMUfit gym operations. The Department of Athletics and Recreation is excited to welcome the community back to the Homburg Centre and to reassure the community that there will be strong systems and protocols in place to support a positive and safe experience required during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are a number of modifications and enhancements outlined here.

As part of this reopening, varsity student-athletes and their teams will begin training and practicing on campus following strict guidelines that align with the directives of public health.

Homburg Centre staff have been hard at work throughout the pandemic, and all modifications are being done with the health and safety of the entire community in mind.

SMU researcher to look at impact of COVID-19 pandemic on student-athletes

Dr. Cheryl MacDonald

Atlantic University Sport (AUS) student-athletes have found themselves in an unusual predicament since the cancellation of national championships last season and the current sporting season being on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many classes have moved online and there are no current decisions regarding the status of AUS schedules in 2021.

After having conducted previous research with this demographic, Dr. Cheryl MacDonald of the Centre for the Study of Sport & Health at Saint Mary’s University has shifted her focus to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the everyday lives of AUS student-athletes. Participants between their second and fifth year of sport eligibility will be asked to complete an online survey and photo sharing exercise aimed at examining how their activities, relationships, and mental health may have been affected since March of this year.

“From both an academic and administrative perspective, it’s important to hear from the student-athletes themselves about how they are doing with the changes they have experienced,” said Dr. MacDonald. “We have an opportunity here to document their experiences and perhaps use that information to determine how to better support them right now, in the transition back to sport participation, and maybe beyond that.”

Dr. MacDonald is a sport sociologist who is best known for her research on masculinity and ice hockey, but university-level athletes have been participants in her studies since 2009. Her work has been published in the Sociology of Sport Journal, she has a forthcoming anthology on social issues in ice hockey, and she has twice been a media panellist for the Hockey is for Everyone initiative on behalf of the National Hockey League’s Edmonton Oilers. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted her most recent study on gender and sexuality education in ice hockey, she used the pause as an opportunity to change directions and find a way to serve the athletes with whom she was already working.

This survey and photo sharing project on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AUS student-athletes’ lives will require between 30 and 90 minutes to complete because it involves some short answer questions and will thus depend on how participants respond. We have removed the collection of IP addresses in an attempt to anonymize responses and participants are cautioned to not include any names of people or places, to block out any university or team logos using emojis or other digital shapes, and to avoid sharing any criminal content (obscenity, illegal substances, etc.).

Click here to take the survey in either English or French.

SMU joins Atlantic universities offering region-wide virtual events for student entrepreneurs

Seven universities in Atlantic Canada are co-ordinating efforts to engage and support student entrepreneurs by hosting virtual workshops this fall.

Five virtual workshops and an additional three virtual fireside chats for female-identifying students will be hosted by different participating institutions. Students across all campuses are eligible to attend for free.

The fireside chats, titled Women Leading Startups, are in partnership with the Canadian Ecosystem Gathering and aim to provide additional support and inspiration for female-identifying students, who are traditionally under-represented in entrepreneurship. The chats will introduce students to women who have founded high-growth startups in Canada and allow them to network in a safe and dedicated virtual space.

Two of the workshops, How do I entrepreneur? and Stayin’ lean, are supported by Propel, an online accelerator for technology startups in Atlantic Canada.

The post-secondary institutions participating in these workshops include:

·       Cape Breton University

·       Dalhousie University

·       Memorial University of Newfoundland

·       Mount St. Vincent University

·       Saint Mary’s University

·       University of New Brunswick

·       University of Prince Edward Island

Florian Villaumé, director of the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship at Memorial University in St. John’s, N.L., says the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to reach more students through virtual events and by co-ordinating efforts between all the universities.

“Having most students studying online has opened new opportunities to inspire and enable aspiring student entrepreneurs,” said Mr. Villaumé. “With the support of Propel and Canadian Ecosystem Gathering, we are collectively investing in the future of student-led startups. This collaboration will create a strong connection between entrepreneurial students across the region, thus making the foundation of the Atlantic Canada startup ecosystem stronger.”

The workshops include topics such as: How do I entrepreneur?, Uncover the right idea; Stayin’ lean and Take on tech.

“Creating a culture of innovation and increasing awareness of available programming across the Atlantic region is amplified by this effort,” said Jeff Larsen, executive director of innovation and entrepreneurship at Dalhousie University. “By working collaboratively, we are able to expand our networks and reach to allow students, academics and community members exposure to the markets, opportunities and experiences that exist outside their home institution.”

The first workshop, How do I entrepreneur?, will be held on Sept. 24.

Patrick Power Library gets bookable

Starting next week, the Library is open for bookings for individual study space- including computer terminals, tables, carrels and study rooms- from 2-5pm, Monday-Friday. Local students can book space at https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/PatrickPowerLibrary1@smuhalifax.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/

The Paging Service continues, in which members of the Saint Mary’s community (students, faculty and staff) can put a hold on a book through the online catalogue, and make an appointment for curbside pick-up. Pick-up appointments are available between 12-5 pm, Monday to Friday.

The University Archives is also open for appointments only. Appointments are limited to 2 hours and are available between 10 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday, based on staff availability. Material to be viewed must be requested in advance, so library staff can retrieve the items. A minimum of 24 hours of notice is required for appointments.

At this time, appointments are limited to faculty, staff, and students of Saint Mary’s University.

On-site Archives staff may be able to provide remote research/reference services and limited scanning of certain materials; contact hansel.cook@smu.ca for details.

Virtual Homecoming: an opportunity to reconnect alumni across the world

Homecoming provides our alumni with the opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and faculty, bringing the Santamarian community together to celebrate their time at Saint Mary’s. This year carries a few important milestones, including the 35th anniversary of the Fred Smithers Centre, the 25th anniversary of the Women and Gender Studies program and the 20th anniversary of the Forensic Science program.

 “Although we can’t be in person this year, we are excited for what a virtual homecoming can provide,” says Chantal Caissie, BA’13 Alumni Officer. “The virtual events will give us the unique ability to reconnect with alumni who live in other parts of Canada or around the world that would not normally attend Homecoming events.”

 The two main events presented over the Homecoming weekend, Back to the Classroom and SMU After Hours, will be hosted online this year. This means that the university has the unique opportunity to invite speakers who may not have participated in the past due to their location. These events consist of professor lectures and panels to celebrate the important milestones of the Fred Smithers Centre, Women and Gender Studies and Forensic Science programs.

 To celebrate the golden grads this year, the university has contacted members of the class of 1970 to gather photos and messages to create a nostalgic video. With the help of a playlist compiled of hit music from that year, the hope is to inspire fond memories for the grads.

Virtual Homecoming means bringing Saint Mary’s home, not matter where that might be.

To register and find out about this year’s Homecoming events visit: https://news.smu.ca/homecoming

New To SMU virtual events are a success!

This years’ New To SMU events have operated differently than they have in the past. With virtual events, Student Affairs & Services and SMUSA were able to provide students with more than two solid weeks of activities. New To SMU started in July and will continue until the end of September. Turnout has been steady throughout and students have been engaging with facilitators and building relationships with their peers.

“To make the New To SMU engaging and successful virtually, we had to create a new approach,” says Lyndsay Anderson, Chair of the Welcome Activities Planning Group. “We thought about what the main goals were to benefit the students and came up with new online activities that would still meet those goals.”

The Santamarian ceremony was especially successful as a virtual event. On Zoom, new students were wearing their Saint Mary’s colours and added a campus background to their screens. Each student was asked to virtually sign the university registry which will be added to the physical book at a later date. As their official welcome into Saint Mary’s, to operate this event online was very important to the students.

Another ongoing event that has received a lot of great feedback is the Trivia events. Students are able to engage with each other on a social level to create those important peer relationships.

A new program for new students this year is the peer coach program. This program provides each student with a peer coach who they can have direct contact with if they have any questions or concerns. Students are facing new challenges by entering into a virtual university, and the peer coach program provides students with the support they need.

New To SMU events are still taking place and students are encouraged to check out the schedule at www.smu.ca/NewToSMU.

If you have any questions, please email welcome@smu.ca.

Saint Mary's wins United Way award

Saint Mary's University has been selected to receive the Local Love award for Fundraising Innovation from the United Way Halifax!

United Way committee co-chairs Roberta Graham, Manager, Custodial Services and Tricia MacPhee, Supervisor, Payroll & HRIS heard the good news via an email from Nicole Cameron, Development Officer with United Way Halifax. Cameron has worked closely with the SMU committee on previous annual campaigns.

“There's a million reasons you deserve this award as an incredible group of dedicated and caring volunteers,” said Cameron. “Your research into finding a virtual 50/50 platform was exceptional as was your ability to dive in and try new things and work collaboratively. Your leadership will benefit other organizations looking for new ways to fundraise virtually this year.

“You also helped the staff at United Way Halifax gain new skills and expertise in the area of virtual fundraising (which little did we know would be critical a few short months later).”

Saint Mary's is featured in the United Way Halifax 2020 annual report at the following link:

https://www.unitedwayhalifax.ca/annual-report-chapter/2019-celebrating-our-workplace-partners/ 

Two Saint Mary’s University scientists receive $795,000 in research funding

Two researchers in the Faculty of Science at Saint Mary’s have received a total of $795,000 in funding from two government organizations.

Dr. Erin Adlakha and Dr. Erin Cameron will have their work, on hydrothermal ore mineral deposits and soil invertebrates, respectively, funded in equal parts by grants from Canadian Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund and from Research Nova Scotia.

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Dr. Erin Cameron : “Global change impacts on soil invertebrates”

A researcher in the department of Environmental Science, Dr. Cameron’s work focuses on increasing understanding of the impacts of climate change and land use on below-ground ecosystems.

Dr. Erin Cameron

“Much of our understanding of these impacts in terrestrial ecosystems is based on aboveground organisms,” explained Dr. Cameron. “In contrast, although soils support high levels of biodiversity and provide key ecosystem services such as decomposition and carbon storage, we have a limited understanding of global change effects below ground.”

Her research seeks to address this gap in our knowledge by examining how climate change, land use change, and invasive species (earthworms) affect communities and ecosystem services (e.g., carbon dioxide flux) in Nova Scotia, Canada's North, and globally, using a combination of field observations, experiments, lab analyses, and modelling.

In Nova Scotia, her work will focus on examining how human disturbances may be affecting soil biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided by soil in forests, and on examining the spread and effects of non-native earthworms. This work will increase understanding of impacts of global change on soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and inform effective management of climate change and invasive species in Canada.

Read more about Dr. Cameron’s recent cover story in the prestigious Science Magazine, in which she studies the global diversity and biogeography of earthworms.

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Dr. Erin Adlakha: “Characterizing Alteration Footprints of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits Using Super Light Element Micro-X-Ray Fluorescence” 

A faculty member and researcher in the Department of Geology at Saint Mary’s, Dr. Adlakha’s research focuses on hydrothermal ore mineral deposits, which we mine for the metals that we use in everyday life. Part of Dr. Adlakha’s research is to understand the source of fluids and metals, and identify the chemical or physical “traps” that cause ore deposition.

Dr. Erin Adlakha

“These deposits precipitate from fluids (e.g. seawater, meteoric water, magmatic fluids) that circulate through Earth’s crust along structures — faults, fractures, mineral grain boundaries —and dissolve metals from the rocks that they pass through,” explained Dr. Adlakha. “When the fluids encounter a chemical and/or physical change, a reaction may occur that triggers the precipitation of economic minerals.”

“I am also interested in the mineralogy and chemical variation of un-economic alteration minerals that form as different fluids circulate through Earth’s crust, as they guide exploration geologists to find new deposits,” she added.

This CFI award will be used to purchase a Super Light Element Micro X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer to characterize the complex ore and alteration systematics of different ore systems, including polymetallic Co deposits in Nova Scotia, Canada; W skarn deposits of the Canadian Cordillera; and polymetallic deposits of the Nonacho Basin, Northwest Territories.

“The results of this research will be used to develop deposit models that describe how hydrothermal ore deposits form, and provide exploration vectors for these deposits, thus contributing to the longevity and sustainability of Canada's exploration and mining programs,” said Dr. Adlakha.

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About the Canadian Foundation for Innovation

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) was built on the ideals of thinking big and investing in areas that matter to Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has ensured Canadian researchers have the tools — the cutting-edge labs, facilities and equipment — they need to push the frontiers of knowledge in all disciplines, and to contribute to the full spectrum of research — from discovery to technology development.

The John R. Evans Leaders Fund enables excellent researchers to undertake leading-edge research by providing them with the foundational research infrastructure required to be or become leaders in their field. In turn, this enables institutions to remain internationally competitive in areas of research and technology development, aligned with their strategic priorities. 

Research Nova Scotia

Research Nova Scotia (RNS) is a not-for-profit corporation established to enhance research capacity and align research funding with provincial priorities. RNS invests in research that builds and translates knowledge to help ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Nova Scotia. This support for the research community in our province helps to advance strategic growth in Nova Scotia, and contributes to innovation in the healthcare system in Nova Scotia. 

Keeping students informed: Getting ready for fall

As we prepare for September, and with classes being delivered remotely and online, the university is being proactive in connecting with students to make sure they have the information they need to have a successful fall term.

With a vast amount of information to share, Saint Mary’s is making strategic use of email, web, and social media to share important information in a timely and coordinated way.

The university has developed a schedule of communications that reflects input from across the campus, to ensure the frequency and flow of information is timely, relevant and helpful to students as they get ready to being a new term.

Below are examples of upcoming fall 2020 communications:

EMAIL

Getting Ready for Fall Email Series Sent to all undergraduate and graduate students

Each week leading up to September students will receive an email to assist them with their preparation for fall. Topics will include:

·      Student finances- view the email here
·      Tips for studying online, using technology & student success
·      Information for on & off-campus living
·      Travel, self-isolation & quarantine
·      Health, safety & hygiene
·      Mental health & wellness

Faculty & Academic Advising Emails Sent to all undergraduate students 

Students have been receiving email outreach from their Academic Advising office over the summer. These emails will continue throughout the academic year and help students understand their academic requirements, identify areas of academic support and assistance and help students build connections within their program.

For graduate students, staff and faculty from each program will contact students to provide program specific information related to virtual operations and course delivery.

New to SMU Sent to new students beginning their studies in fall 2020

Our newest Santamarians will receive information about events, workshops, webinars and resources to help them feel apart of the Saint Mary’s community, make new friends, and have a successful start to their academic journey.

New students will receive outreach from the New to SMU welcome team, their Peer-coaches and other departments such as Housing and Residence, International Student Centre, and Academic Advisors. The university will also share information about safety, hygiene, preparation for fall and the university’s COVID-19 response.

On-campus Housing Sent to all students living on-campus during fall 2020

Any student living on-campus this fall, will receive an email from the Housing and Residence office providing information on:

·      Move-in dates and procedures
·      Self-isolation (if required)
·      Services and supports for students living on-campus
·      University cleaning and hygiene practices
·      Residence Life community building opportunities and experiences

International student information Sent to international students registered in fall 2020

International students will receive information from both the university and the International Student Centre related to:

• Study permits for online study

• Government regulations and laws for travelling to Canada

• Self-isolation in Canada/Nova Scotia

• Airport pick-up program

• Services and supports offered to international students

SOCIAL MEDIA

The university will share information through its social media channels to amplify and reach the greatest number of people. The use of social media will help deliver information to internal and external audiences such as parents and student supporters.

By following university social media accounts, you will receive real time updates for everything that’s happening at Saint Mary’s. It is recommended that students follow these social media channels:

• Saint Mary’s University Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

• Student Life Facebook | Twitter

Your Faculty:

• Faculty of Arts Facebook | Twitter

• Faculty of Science Facebook | Twitter

• Sobey School of Business Facebook | Twitter

• Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA) Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

WEB

There are a number of ways our website can be helpful to students.

Virtual University smu.ca/virtualuniversity

A web environment has been created to provide information about the university’s transition to virtual learning for fall 2020. This site will provide information about virtual operations as well as the university’s response and protocols related to COVID-19.

smu.ca

The university website provides a wealth of information related to all aspect of being a student at Saint Mary’s.

Students can use the Search Tool to type key words, and find relevant webpages. Another web feature are the links at the top of the homepage to help users access the content they are looking for.

On the smu.ca homepage students can use the quick access bar to:

• Login to SMUport, Brightspace and Self-Service Banner

• Use the People Finder tool to search for professor, staff and departmental contact information

Events and university news are also posted on the smu.ca homepage. In the event of a university closure or disruption due to weather or emergency, a notification bar will appear on the smu.ca homepage. 

Have a communications question or issue?

If you are having issues receiving or accessing student communications please contact our student communications officer.

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Saint Mary’s partners with Nova Scotia Health on new testing centre

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of the Saint Mary’s community have been the primary focus of the university. 

The Santamarian community has come together to provide PPE to health care workers, look at new ways to create PPE and related products such as sanitizers locally, and research the pandemic's economic, psychological, and societal impacts.

On Monday, August 17th, another step in ensuring the Saint Mary’s community is supported move forwards when Nova Scotia Health begins operating a testing centre for COVID-19 located at the Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness. The university has worked closely with Nova Scotia Health to ensure that the testing centre is secure and appropriately spaced from campus activities.

“Our university prides itself on putting community at the heart of all that we do,” says Dr. Malcolm Butler, Vice-President, Academic and Research. “In challenging times, our values are tested. We know that testing is a vital part of the fight against COVID-19. We are proud to partner with Nova Scotia Health and to do our part in helping to keep our community safe.”

By partnering with Nova Scotia Health, the university ensures that members of both the local community and campus community have a safe and secure centre in their community to be tested for COVID-19 when directed by 811.  With the counselling centre and student health centre available to students and residence students, this represents another investment in ensuring that students can receive the healthcare they need when they need it.