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.

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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.

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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!

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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

• 50 Years of Women in Varsity Sport at Saint Mary’s University

• Justine Colley-Leger BComm’14: Inspiring young women with her legacy 

• From the Huskies to the NHL: Grit and tenacity pay off (Courtney Schriver-Richard BA’11)

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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.

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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!

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More inspiring women at Saint Mary’s:

• Women’s Huskies win AUS Basketball Championship for the second year in a row

• Celebrating 40 Years of Shirley

• History professor joins International Science Council Fellowship

• Student launches Black haircare and beauty supply vending machine on campus

• Students tackle health care, food security issues with Wicked Problem Lab awards

• Student researcher has found 100—and counting—invasive crayfish in Three Mile Lake

• Meet our 2SLGBTQIA+ and Accessibility Wellness Ambassadors

• Women in Business event highlights networking and sustainability

More events this month:

• Launch of EmployNXT with Shubhra Singh MTEI'23 and Purvasha Dewanjee MTEI'23

• Reading + Q&A with SMU's 2024 Writer in Residence, Casey Plett

• "Popular Politics and the Struggle for Democracy in the Early American Republic" - A Faculty Author Series talk with Dr. Shira Lurie

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.

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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

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.

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Career Week 2024 Events

Careers in Corrections

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

Cancelled due to the weather-related campus closure.

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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.

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.   

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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.  

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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.  

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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.   

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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!  

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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.  

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 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.  

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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.  

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Man, Oh Man! A Conversation About Masculinity and Mental Health

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.  

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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.  

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Keynote Speaker: Jay Dolmage on 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

Participants celebrating the first Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) event and the generous gift by TD Bank Group

Natasha Fernandes, Project Manager, TD Inclusion Initiative; Michael Sanderson, Director, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre; Peter Owusu, Account Manager, TD; Stephanie Tennant, District Vice President, TD; Jennifer Auld, Vice President, Atlantic Region, TD; Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary's University.

PhD student Tanner George, Lilia Sanchez and their artwork

MTEI student Manish Shinde and MSc student Julie Dayrit with their business HerBiome Skincare

Ashwin Razdan, Katerina Msafari and their business Adrigo Insights

Queen-Esther Okundonor (right), Marketing and Finance co-op student, and her business QTress Beauty Supplies

Tashauna Reid, Psychology and Biology student, and her business College Creative Curations

Students and Tia Upshaw

Students networking

Keynote speaker Dr. Rohini Bannerjee

Jennifer Auld, Vice President, Atlantic Region, TD, gives remarks at the panel discussion

Panelists Tia Upshaw, Ritika Saraswat, Emo Ikede MBA'13 and Sehmat Suri BComm'19 BA'19

Panelists, staff from the Arthur L. Iring Entrepreneurship Centre and guests from TD

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:

• The Ignition Program —a 10-week program offering training, mentorship, resources and networking;

• The Student Entrepreneurial Experience Bootcamp (SEE) —providing students with a transformational learning experience and an opportunity to develop their own businesses with resources and funding;

• Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) events —promoting collaboration and celebration within and beyond our diverse entrepreneurial network.

"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

Students attend the Michelle Obama pre-event at Saint Mary’s

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray welcomes students

Nick Booth speaks with students at the pre-event

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

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

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!

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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

Email:

• Counselling Centre: counselling@smu.ca  

• Peer Supporters: Peer.Support@smu.ca

• Accessibility Wellness Ambassador: Accessibility.Wellness@smu.ca

• 2SLGBTQ Ambassador: 2SLGBTQ.Wellness@smu.ca

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

Saint Mary’s launches 2SLGBTQIA+ digital community hub

Saint Mary’s is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2SLGBTQIA+ digital community hub!

The 2SLGBTQIA+ Hub was developed to address a gap in readily accessible and easily navigable resources, supports and information of interest for an important population within the SMU community.

The digital hub was developed primarily by members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who sought out a wide variety of community consultation, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, alongside those who offer services and courses that may be directly or indirectly connected with the community. Feedback through community consultation was a priority and updates and revisions were made based on the insights received.

The digital community hub is where you can find news and events for and about SMU’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community, information about support services and spaces on campus, and updates during Pride season. It’s designed to continue evolving and growing, with the SMU community offering contributions as new information, programming and resources are developed.

Have feedback or questions? Contact student.services@smu.ca. We'd love to hear from you!

Keep It Social team promotes responsible consumption at Touchdown Atlantic

Members of the Keep It Social team at Touchdown Atlantic

The Saint Mary’s Keep It Social team recently made an appearance at the CFL’s Touchdown Atlantic event hosted at Saint Mary’s University at the end of July. Keep it Social is a student-led partnership with the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) which promotes responsible consumption, personal choice and a culture of moderation on East Coast campuses. The Keep it Social campus teams work to empower students to reduce the risks of consumption and respect their individual limits.

Members from the Saint Mary’s Keep It Social team, Student Life Coordinator, Liv Brennan, Welcome Activities Coordinator, Toky Tajwar and Student Transitions Specialist, Emma Rota, alongside student volunteers, participated in the Touchdown Atlantic pre-game tailgate event to help share the Keep It Social message and support participants in having a safe and fun time. The team distributed mini Keep It Social footballs and noise makers, and even boasted a 360° photo booth, while reminding participants about safe consumption, hydrating and making the safe choices for their own limits.

The SMU Keep It Social team is available for training sessions and can be present during events where substances may be consumed. If you’re interested in booking the SMU Keep It Social Team, or would like to get involved, email student.life@smu.ca.