Student Support

New home for Saint Mary’s Engineering to open in September 2024

Saint Mary’s University is excited to announce a significant expansion to its engineering facilities that will have an immediate positive impact on enrolment and allow the university to grow the engineering program from 240 to 320 students over the next two academic years.

President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray notes, “Saint Mary’s University has seen an increased demand for our STEM programming in recent years, particularly in our engineering diploma. Our excellent faculty, facilities and ability to provide focused, hands-on learning are very attractive to incoming students looking to build the foundation for their careers. We are delighted to be offering this experience to more students and researchers.”

960 Tower Road

Following a re-design over the spring and summer, SMU Engineering will move into its new home in the existing building on campus at 960 Tower Road. The new facilities will take up all three floors of the 28,000-square-foot building. This significant expansion of engineering space on campus will enhance teaching and learning capacity by providing state-of-the-art labs, classrooms and project rooms.

The first floor will house workspaces where student teams will design engineering projects. The second floor will include three large classrooms and the mechanics of materials lab, an electric circuits lab and thermofluids lab. The third floor will be home to an engineering design classroom and faculty research labs.

A professor works with three students
“This contemporary building will provide a dynamic environment for the training of future engineers and allow more students to experience the distinct advantages of SMU Engineering: small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities and more hands-on learning”
— Interim Dean of Science Sam Veres

Built to LEED Silver standards and opened in 2013, 960 Tower Road has housed various academic programs over the past decade. The university's administration took an innovative approach to re-purpose an existing building for a popular program that is experiencing growing demand. The new home of SMU Engineering will be ready to welcome students in September 2024.

Saint Mary’s Engineering offers a two-year Diploma of Engineering that provides students with an introduction to scientific principles and a strong foundation in engineering mathematics, design and technical communication before choosing an engineering path to complete their degree. Saint Mary’s has offered engineering for more than 100 years, with classes located in the McNally building since 1951.

Saint Mary’s University a top destination for International Baccalaureate students

Photo: Smith and Whitton

Saint Mary’s University Senate approved an enhanced International Baccalaureate (IB) admissions policy that will allow Saint Mary’s to have one of the leading IB admissions and recognition policies not only in Canada but in the world. 

The university worked closely with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) North America University Relations Team on crafting a policy that offers admission to IBDP and IBCP graduates from the over 180 IB curriculum schools across Canada and more than 5,600 schools in 159 countries worldwide. The new policy further enhances Saint Mary’s strong recognition and support of IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and individual diploma course-taking students.

IBO Senior Recognition Manager US and Canada, Marie Vivas, calls Saint Mary’s enhanced policy “pioneering” and is confident that this will enhance post-secondary options for IBDP and IBCP students while paving a path for other post-secondary institutions to emulate. 

“Our new IB policy allows the IBO and school counsellors to talk to their students and point them to us as a definite place where their programme is accepted, recognized and valued,” says Saint Mary’s Associate Vice-President Enrolment and University Registrar, Dan Seneker. 

 “Research shows that IB students tend to transition to university smoother and outperform their colleagues in their first year,” says Seneker. “Recognizing these students and the intellectual and personal growth that they experience both inside and outside the classroom is long overdue. We are proud to be a leader in this regard and partner with the IBO and Nova Scotia’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in developing this new policy.”

“Having one of our post-secondary partners lead the way in recognizing and celebrating Nova Scotia’s IB students is a great milestone, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Saint Mary’s in further developing IB recognition within our province,” says Mary MacDonald, IB/AP Program Lead, Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.  MacDonald continues, “This is a development that is good for our province and, more importantly, our students.”

The IBCP programme was officially introduced by the IBO in 2017 and was specifically developed for students who wish to engage in more targeted career-related and experiential learning. The IBCP maintains the core elements of the IBDP program (diploma program courses, international-mindedness, approaches to teaching, language development, reflective project, service learning, and personal and professional skills) and adds career-related studies elements that include technical and employability skills. 

For more information on Saint Mary’s various IB admissions policies, please visit www.smu.ca/IB

For more information on the International Baccalaureate Organization and the IBDP and IBCP programmes, please visit www.ibo.org

Ramadan at Saint Mary’s University

This month, many members of the Saint Mary’s community observe the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins with the sighting of the new moon on March 10 and continues until April 9.

Ramadan is marked by compulsory acts guided by the five pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, charity, fasting and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Those taking part in Ramadan participate in daily fasting during daylight hours, having one meal (Suhoor) before the sun rises and one meal (Iftar) after the sun sets. Prayer also takes place five times a day during the month-long observance. See below for a list of events and activities happening at Saint Mary’s during Ramadan.


Ramadan In Unity

Tuesday, March 12
5 p.m.
Loyola Academic Conference

Join us for a Ramadan experience! Visit informational booths, hear from community speakers, enjoy an included dinner/iftar and more. This event is free for all Saint Mary’s students, staff and faculty.

See photos from the event on the SMU Muslim Society’s Instagram @smu_msa.


Community Food Room Iftar Kits

The SMU Community Food Room, generously supported by the SMUSA and Saint Mary's University Health and Wellness Fund, is excited to introduce Iftar Kits!

Student standing behind table filled with bagged Iftar food kits

A student hands out Iftar kits in the library

Embrace the spirit of Ramadan by signing up to receive specially curated kits designed to make breaking your fast a delightful experience. Kits are crafted with care to provide support and nourishment during this sacred time. Each Iftar Kit includes a selection of wholesome snack items, water, traditional dates, and other thoughtfully chosen treats to complement your Ramadan evenings.

A pop-up Iftar Kit distribution will take place in the Patrick Power Library on Thursday, March 14. Subsequent Iftar kit distributions will be available through the SMU Community Food Room on the 5th floor of the Student Center, with appointment bookings for the week opening each Monday.


Other supports

SMU Dining Iftar Meals

SMU Dining Services has extended meal services to accommodate the daily fasting period throughout Ramadan. Service provisions include a nightly hot buffet dinner after sundown and a Suhoor bagged-to-go breakfast. The daily accommodation is available for students observing Ramadan who have pre-registered for the Iftar meals.

Interfaith Prayer Space

The interfaith prayer space is open to all faiths and is conveniently located in Loyola Academic LA210. Please ensure to read the guidelines for using the space, posted just inside the entrance and be respectful of others in using the space. The Interfaith Prayer Space Rules and Guidelines can also be found on the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility web page.

International Women's Day at Saint Mary’s

On Friday, March 8, the Saint Mary’s community joins the global celebration of International Women’s Day. The theme for 2024 is Inspire Inclusion - When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. Learn more.

To shine a light on women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural and political achievements, and on the work still being done toward gender equality and empowerment, we’re highlighting some of the many stories that celebrate our students, faculty and alumni.

Saint Mary’s is also hosting two events in March related to International Women’s Day—see details below.


Inspiring Inclusion Art Therapy Session

Monday, March 11
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Secunda Boardroom, Sobey Building 401

Join the Sexual Violence Support Centre for a gently guided Art Therapy Workshop focused on 'Inspiring Inclusion!'. Art Therapist Chelsea Kitsch focuses on community-building and empowerment through creative expression and leads participants through a collaborative art piece in celebration of International Women's Day. All levels of experience are welcome and encouraged to join.

Register


Listen, Learn, Act Panel

Thursday, March 28
3-4:30 p.m.
Scotiabank Theatre, Sobey Building 201

Join the Sexual Violence Support Centre for a conversation led by community activists, academics, government, and students. Together, we will learn about how we can prevent and respond to violence while working towards safer and more empowered communities for all.

The panel will feature:

  • Stephanie McGinnis-Langley, former Executive Director for the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women and long-time feminist advocate

  • Sue Bookchin, Executive Director of Be the Peace

  • Carmel Farahbakhsh, Executive Director of the Youth Project

  • Dr. Tatjana Takseva, Chair; English Language and Literature and Lead, CAPSAP project

  • Nauman Sajid, Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Peer Educator


Stories

50th Anniversary of Women in Varsity Sport

This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport. Throughout the year, we will highlight women in sport at Saint Mary’s.


Student entrepreneurs win Innovation Cup with sustainable business idea

Students Madeline Bristol, Susan MacInnis and Mya MacDonald won December’s Innovation Cup, a 10-week experiential learning program. Their business Plastarch Packaging, a bioplastic alternative made from set-to-be-wasted root vegetables, solves the need for environmentally friendly cutlery and food packaging.
Read more.


Sobey School of Business welcomes Wendy Luther EMBA’08 as Alumni in Residence

Wendy Luther EMBA’08, President and CEO of Halifax Partnership, is the Sobey School of Business Alumni in Residence for 2024. In 2023, Wendy was named one of Atlantic Canada's 25 Most Powerful Women in Business. The Alumni in Residence program aims to bridge the gap between academic life and the professional world by creating meaningful connections between our alumni and current students. Read more.

Meet Wendy at our upcoming event Moving From Successful Student to a Stellar Professional and Entrepreneur on March 25!


Saint Mary’s University launches MyCreds™ digital transcripts

Effective February 6, 2024, Saint Mary’s University students and graduates will now have 24/7 direct access to transcripts via the MyCreds™ platform.

The MyCreds™ platform is a digital document wallet that allows for certifying, sharing, and verifying academic credentials. Saint Mary’s will engage with the platform both as a sender and receiver.

Through MyCreds™, students will be able to securely and conveniently access and share their academic documents with other colleges and universities, government, employers and third parties. Documents issued through MyCreds™ are tamper-evident and cryptographically signed, making them authentic and official.

“At Saint Mary’s, we understand the value and importance of intuitive navigation to services and ease of access for all users,” says Dan Seneker, Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services and University Registrar. “Implementing the MyCreds™ platform allows Saint Mary’s to modernize an important aspect of engaging with and supporting students. We’re excited to meet students’ needs by simplifying the process of transcript sharing and enhancing their user experience.”

Saint Mary’s has adopted the MyCreds™ platform as part of a larger, provincial strategy developed in collaboration with the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents and EduNova.

Students and graduates will gain access to the MyCreds™ platform through the Self-Service Banner and will be prompted to set up their MyCreds™ account upon first access.


About MyCreds™

MyCreds™ is a national, shared service and platform that provides students and graduates access to a secure, online, password-protected learner credential wallet. This virtual wallet allows them to view and share their verified and official transcripts, credentials, and academic documents in a digitized format on a 24/7 basis – anytime, anywhere. It also enables sharing between organizations with the learner’s permission. Secure, cryptographically signed documents can be sent conveniently and require no further verification. MyCreds™ is the first and only national bilingual system of its kind in Canada. Visit www.mycreds.ca for more details or contact ARUCC’s Executive Lead, Joanne Duklas at info@aruccnationalnetwork.ca.

Career Week 2024

Career Week February 5-9, 2024

Join us for Career Week 2024, from February 5-9, 2024! Over these five days, you will have the opportunity to attend fun interactive sessions, network with employers, meet SMU alumni, prepare for graduation, participate in skill-developing workshops and more! This week is designed to teach you what's next for your job or future career at any point in your degree.

See the event descriptions below for registration details.


Career Week 2024 Events

Event title and information over photo of students sitting together

Careers in Corrections

Monday, February 5 | 4-5:30 p.m.
Loyola 188

Cancelled due to the weather-related campus closure.


Summer Job & Career Fair

Tuesday, February 6 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Loyola 290

Are you interested in learning about employment opportunities or finding a summer job?

The Summer Job & Career Fair provides students with an opportunity to connect with a diverse range of hiring employers to share their skills, ideas and talents. Students who are eager to put their skills to good use in new roles will get a chance to interact and learn about opportunities from employers in their desired fields.


Event info laid over photo of graduates celebrating outside McNally building

Grad Expo

Wednesday, February 7 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Loyola 290

2024 graduates can stop by the Grad Expo to learn about alumni benefits, grad photos, student loan repayment, convocation, resources for new graduates and more!

Register for the Grad Expo


Event info over photo of students sitting together

Your Next Chapter Abroad: Insights for International Students

Wednesday, February 7 | 3:30-5 p.m.
Loyola 290

Do you have questions about staying in Canada after graduation and how to prepare? Join us for an insightful panel discussion designed for international students preparing for graduation. Our expert panel of young alumni and industry experts including representatives from the International Centre and Office of the Registrar will share valuable insights and advice for a successful transition to your professional life after graduation.

Register for Your Next Chapter Abroad: Insights for International Students


Event info over photo of campus

Drop-In Career Exploration for Arts Students

Thursday, February 8 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Arts Commons, McNally Main 214 

A "feel good" event for Arts students. Drop by the Arts Commons to find out more about the power of your Arts degree as you transition out of university and into a career. Explore whether grad school might be for you, learn tricks and tips on how Arts students can job hunt successfully, and do some inner exploration on your values, beliefs and goals. You have more options than you think!


LinkedIn Photoshoot
Thursday, February 8 | 3-5 p.m.
Student Centre, 4th floor

Elevate your LinkedIn profile with a new professional photo! All students are invited to get a professional headshot taken by a photographer for free at the Career and Experiential Learning office on the 4th floor of the Student Centre between 3-5 p.m. Remember to dress in professional attire!

Sign up in advance to book your spot for the LinkedIn Photoshoot


Event info over photo of business people sitting on a stage

Bring Yourself to Work: Authenticity and Inclusivity in the Workforce

Thursday, February 8 | 4-5:30 p.m.
Unilever Lounge (Sobey 422)

Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring recruiters, employers and industry professionals as they share invaluable insights on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) in the workforce. This event is tailored for students who are eager to understand the crucial role of EDIA in shaping thriving workplaces and building successful careers.

Register for Bring Yourself to Work: Authenticity and Inclusivity in the Workforce


Event info over photo of hands typing on a keyboard

How to Apply for the Government

Friday, February 9 | 12-1 p.m.
Online event 

This virtual session will go over the application process for government jobs. If you're thinking about working for the Government of Canada, you don't want to miss this online event!

Register for How to Apply for the Government and receive an online link to the session by email.


Event info over photo of two women speaking in an office

Job Search and Resume Support Webinar

Friday, February 9 | 2-3:30 p.m.
Online event

This virtual session will provide an overview of formatting, structure and best practices for building a resume and searching for work opportunities.

Register for the Job Search and Resume Support Webinar and receive an online link to the session by email.

Accessibility Week at Saint Mary’s 

Digital image shows students working at computers with text: Saint Mary's University Accessibility Week, November 27 to December 1, 2023

Please join the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility as we celebrate Accessibility Week at Saint Mary's from November 27-December 1, leading up to the United Nations’ International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3. 

During the week, the Fred Smithers Centre will offer virtual and in-person events for students, faculty and staff, including events highlighting stress management, mental health and wellness, workshops for faculty on creating accessible coursework, guest speakers, a faculty open house and tour of the Fred Smithers Centre, a blind hockey exhibition game and a student trivia night. Read below for a full list of events.

The Fred Smithers Centre strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Events will have sign language interpreting and real-time transcription. Please email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca for other accessibility requests and specific accommodations.


Accessibility Week Events  

Patrick Power Library Book Display
November 27 – December 11, 2023  

A collection of literature relating to disability and accessibility, featuring staff picks from the Fred Smithers Centre team. See library hours here.


Vicky is a white woman with short brown hair wearing a white sweater. The event title and information is included as text on the image.

Keynote Speaker: Vicky Levack

Monday, November 27  
Noon – 1:30 p.m. | CLARI, 3rd floor Atrium  

Vicky Levack is a disability advocate and educator who lives in Halifax N.S. Her story and her work have been featured in many news and media reports including CBC and Global News and the Halifax Examiner.  She is a former SMU student and hosts the “Disability Debunked” podcast.  Vicky is known for her candid and genuine take on all things disability.   


An image with event information, included in text

More Accessible Word and PowerPoint Document Workshop

Monday, November 27  
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Sobey Building (SB) Room 159  

The Studio for Teaching and Learning provides an opportunity to learn how to create more accessible Word and PowerPoint documents. During the workshop participants will have an opportunity to work on their own document(s) and ask questions.  

  


Accessibility Week Trivia Night  

Monday, November 27  
6:00 p.m. | The Gorsebrook Lounge, Student Centre main level  

Join Accessibility Wellness ambassador, Zoe, for a night of neuro-spicy trivia covering topics on accessibility, diversity and social justice. This will be an accessible and welcoming event that highlights important issues and fosters great discussions through a fun, trivia format with chances to win prizes.  


Tune-sy Tuesday Accessibility Week Edition  

Tuesday, November 28  
Noon – 1 p.m. | Lobby Couches, O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre  

Bring an instrument or borrow one of ours and come jam out for a midday musical mood boost and explore the roles that music can play in accessibility and wellness! Students, staff, faculty and alumni are welcome.   


A digital image of a person petting a dog. Event title and information included as text on image.

Therapy Dog Drop-in  

Wednesday, November 29  
11:30 – 1 p.m. | The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (SC 309)  

Get ready for a paw-sitively amazing event! Join Meri, the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog for a barking good time. Meri will be here to show us the importance of self-care and emotional support during a stressful time! Don’t miss out on this furry-tale event!  


A digital image of people sitting together working on laptops with event information overlaid

Accessibility Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Wednesday, November 29  
Noon – 1 p.m. | Online via zoom (registration required)  

Hosted by the Fred Smithers Centre, the Studio for Teaching and Learning and the Software and Application Support teams, this Q&A event will be an opportunity to discuss and explore accessibility within the scope of institutional learning and working. Participants will learn about resources, supports, software and tools, and will have an opportunity to ask questions.  

Register for the Accessibility Q&A.  


A digital image of a hockey net, sticks and puck. Event title and info included as text on the image.

Blind Hockey Exhibition

Wednesday, November 29  
7 p.m. | The Dauphinee Centre (Arena)   

The parasport of Blind Hockey is played by athletes whose level of vision ranges from legally blind – which is approximately 10% vision – to completely blind, using an adapted puck that makes noise and is bigger than a traditional puck. Players will take the ice during the SMU v. UPEI hockey game for an intermission exhibition.  


Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility Open House

Thursday, November 30  
Noon – 2 p.m. | Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (SC 309)  

Faculty and staff are invited to visit the Fred Smithers Centre, meet the team, explore the testing and accommodation spaces, and have a chance to explore some of the assistive technologies. This is an opportunity to learn what services and supports the Fred Smithers Centre offers, ask questions and learn how to incorporate accessibility and accommodation into the classroom and workplace.  


Thursday, November 30  
7 – 8:30 p.m. | Gorsebrook Lounge  

What does masculinity mean to you? Why are men less likely to access mental health supports? How do we show up for ourselves and the men around us? Join us for a panel discussion about men’s mental health! We’ll be discussing what masculinity is and isn’t, the importance of social support, and how we can reduce the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Our panelists include private counsellors, community social workers, other special guests you’ll recognize from campus.  


Digital image with event information incldued in text

Accessible PDF Workshop

Friday, December 1  
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.  

Join the Studio for Teaching and Learning to explore creating more accessible PDFs using various software. Learn how PDFs are processed for various neuro-diverse experiences, explore accessibility check tools and get templates to build off accessible-ready documents. This hands-on workshop will allow participants to develop or work on their own documents, get help and ask questions.  


A digital image of hands typing on a laptop. Event title and information included in text.

Keynote Speaker: Jay Dolmageon Academic Ableism

Friday, December 1  
Noon | Online  

Faculty and staff are invited to tune in with Jay Dolmage, disability rights author and educator, for a discussion on academic ableism in higher education. Jay will discuss and explore possibilities for building a more accessible classroom and campus and welcomes audience participation in discussions, questions and explorations of disability rights.  

Register for this event.

Meet our 2SLGBTQIA+ and Accessibility Wellness Ambassadors 

Did you know that you can access peer-based mental health support through the Counselling Centre? Along with professional counselling services, they offer drop-in peer supports, bi-weekly art and mental health programming, programs geared toward specific communities and more!

Two of the Counselling Centre's student staff this year 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador Jo (Left), and their Accessibility Wellness Ambassador Zoë (Right). Wellness Ambassadors coordinate wellness-based social programs for members of their communities. Jo hosts bi-weekly Queer Board Games Nights and monthly Trans Student Drop-Ins. Zoë works as a part of the Counselling Centre and Fred Smithers Centre offering social programs to students who are part of the blind, deaf, disabled and neurodivergent communities. All students are welcome to attend events and learn about their work.

Jo and Zoë both have training to offer one-on-one peer support. Want to set up a chat with one of them? Send them an email and learn more about what they do on the The Counselling Centre's Peer Support Page.

Jo McKenzie (they/them), 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador
2SLGBTQ.Wellness@smu.ca

Zoë MacDonald (she/her), Accessibility Wellness Ambassador
Accessibility.Wellness@smu.ca.

Launch of new partnership to support diverse student entrepreneurs

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the launch of the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, which was made possible through the generous gift of $200,000 by the TD Bank Group. This two-year pilot is designed to amplify the support of diverse student entrepreneurs, advance the entrepreneurial mindset and innovate business models. Three key initiatives include:

"Helping create an environment where everyone can adapt, thrive and reach their full potential is extremely important to us at TD. By supporting the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, through the Sobeys School of Business and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, we know that we will contribute to providing entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds with the right tools to realize their dreams," says Jenn Auld, Vice-President Atlantic Region, TD Canada Trust.

 The program will leverage the expertise and passion of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, creating a holistic support environment for diverse entrepreneurs. Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre said, “The TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative is a significant milestone for our students and the broader entrepreneurial community. This initiative represents an important step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for our students and aspiring entrepreneurs. It aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation, diversity and excellence in the entrepreneurial community.”

The first TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative event, TD Connect: Celebrating Diversity Through Entrepreneurship, was held on October 26. This event provided a platform for students to connect and engage with a diverse cohort of entrepreneurs and professionals. It highlighted the endeavours of eight student entrepreneurs and a panel discussion featuring accomplished and diverse business leaders. With an attendance of over a hundred enthusiastic students, the event emphasized the importance of DEIB in the entrepreneurial world.

 Learn more about the programs and events offered by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the spaces in the new Sobeys Inspiration Hub.

Impact and inspiration: students attend Michelle Obama talk

Inspiration and encouragement was the goal behind three generous Saint Mary's University alumni donors this term. On October 18, 200 Saint Mary's University students had the opportunity to attend A Conversation with Michelle Obama thanks to tickets provided by Chancellor Michael J. Durland BComm'87 DComm'10, former Chancellor Robert P. Kelly BComm'75 DComm'97 and Daniel J. McCarthy BComm'76 DComm'11.

A diverse group of student attendees was selected based on nominations from academic Deans, Athletics, Student Affairs and Services, the President's office, the Students' Association and other university departments.

"It was a real honour to be chosen for this event. But I think the bigger impact was the nomination itself...to be nominated for an event as big as this was something else," says Ken Cornell, a fifth-year student in the Faculty of Arts.  

Before picking up their tickets, the students had a chance to hear from guest speaker Nick Booth, CEO of the True Patriot Love Foundation. Booth spoke about his professional journey as a leader in the non-profit industry. His inspirational words and advice sparked insightful questions from the student audience. The pre-event was an excellent kick-off for a night of inspiration. 

“It was one of the most empowering and inspiring experiences I have ever encountered,” says Shiray Tan, fourth-year student in the Sobey School of Business and President of the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association. “Michelle Obama made me realize that I can do anything and everything in this world as long as if I put my mind into it and work hard.” 

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

Students working in the Atrium

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.

The Counselling Centre: Regulating emotions during stressful times

A person walks along a woods path wearing running clothes

The team at the Counselling Centre is pleased to welcome new and returning students to Saint Mary’s! We know that transitioning from summer life to the academic term can come with challenges such as navigating new environments, changing routines, disrupted sleep schedules and even impacts on nutrition. These changes can cause physical and/or emotional stress that can wear us down and leave us feeling dysregulated.

PL.E.A.S.E. Skills are a great way to help you regulate your emotions and energy during stressful times, like the start of a new semester. Have you ever had a bigger reaction to a stressor than was necessary? Maybe something small happened, and you found yourself snapping at others or becoming overly upset. Emotional regulation skills can help. PL.E.A.S.E. is an acronym that stands for:

PL – Physical symptom treatment
Some physical symptoms are easier to manage than others – do what you can!

E – Eat food that makes you feel good
Eating at regular intervals throughout the day will help you maintain your energy levels.

A – Avoid substances
Some substances like alcohol or cannabis can have lasting effects hours or days after using it. Be mindful of how substance use might impact your other commitments.

S – Sleep
Good sleep hygiene and a consistent sleep schedule will help with memory, cognitive functioning and much more!

E – Exercise
Move your body in a way that feels best for you: dancing, walking, weight training, running…you name it!


Want to talk to someone? The Counselling Centre provides one-on-one, professional therapy for students actively enrolled in classes. You can also reach out to our Peer Supporters, Accessibility Wellness Ambassador, or 2SLGBTQ+ Wellness Ambassador for peer-based support.

Contact the Counselling Centre

Four students, three stand and one sits in a wheelchair

Saint Mary’s student wellness ambassadors and peer supporters

Email:


Phone:
902-420-5615
Location: Fourth Floor, O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday