Saint Mary’s University invests in online learning

Saint Mary's University is investing strategically to create an exceptional online learning environment for Fall 2020.  

Saint Mary's is providing $300,000 in additional funds for its Studio for Teaching and Learning to create more supports for faculty, students, and staff. These include a new program for students, Jump Start, the addition of staff to the Digital Learning Team to support faculty in their online instruction, and new Digital Teaching Assistants to support the university's existing teaching assistants transition to a virtual environment.

The university has also introduced a Peer Coaching program. Now every new student is paired with a student-coach who they can connect with throughout their first year of studies.  

"We are very fortunate that the Studio for Teaching and Learning has proven expertise in curricular innovation, accessibility and digital tools for learning," said Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "Over two decades, The Studio has developed an ecosystem for teaching and learning. Now we will adapt the technology and expertise to excel in this new virtual world." 

Professors have been working with specialists in digital learning and digital teaching assistants since March to adapt courses and teaching strategies. This work is continuing through the summer to ensure that the more than 1000 courses in Arts, Science and Business and graduate and professional degrees are designed to offer exceptional online academic experiences for Fall 2020.  

"I want to reassure students and parents that Saint Mary's is committed to providing an engaging, high-quality, and meaningful academic experience, whether students are studying in Bangladesh or Bras d'Or," said President Summerby-Murray. 

"We are actively working now and throughout the summer to make sure that faculty are ready for remote teaching,  and that all the necessary academic support services, co-curricular activities and community-building opportunities are available to students who will be studying online," said Dr. Esther E. Enns, Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning.   

"We have seen a strong interest in our online summer workshops in Jump Start," said Enns. "This as an encouraging sign that the activities and supports are resonating with students, and we will continue to provide and expand these offerings into the fall."  

The Jump Start program is available to all incoming and returning Saint Mary's students free of charge. It is a five-day program delivered in a virtual, online environment, matching university academic life and learning. The five days are split between two modules: How to be an Online Student and Summer Writing Workshop. Students learn by doing, participating, and meeting and making new friends. They will develop new academic skills while building on those they already have. 

Among the activities covered are:  

• practising the steps required to plan and write a variety of undergraduate assignments; 

• experiencing an online classroom lecture with a professor;

• opportunities to meet other students;

• learning about SMU’s academic and technology supports; 

• meeting and working with professional academic writing tutors; and 

• a roundtable discussion with SMU professors. 
  

More information about support for students and their online learning

• Learn more about Jump Start

• Information for future students (Fall 2020)

• Saint Mary’s moving online, increasing student supports

Saint Mary’s students among the finalists of the Atlantic AquaHacking Challenge

Six Saint Mary's students are among the finalists in a competition taking place across the Atlantic region, committed to solving freshwater issues through technology and entrepreneurship. Congratulations to SMU students Alexandra Embree, Robel Berhane, Kati van Zutphen, Guillermo Villareal de Lara, Matthew Mizzi and Robert Afari for making it to the finals of the Atlantic AquaHacking Challenge!

Source: AquaHacking Challenge Atlantic

The AquaHacking Challenge brings students, developers, designers, scientists, programmers, engineers, technology enthusiasts and entrepreneurs together to form interdisciplinary teams to tackle five different water challenges.   The competition began in February with 117 participants, and now only 22 remain across the five finalist teams.

Here is a list of the teams in the final and their solution:

• Clean Catch Baits
  
  Water Issue: Microplastics from Fishing Gear
  Team members: Robel Berhane, Kati van Zutphen and Guillermo Villareal De Lara
  
  How they describe their solution: We are the first to manufacture a 100% biodegradable, PVC Free, soft-bait fishing lure used for recreational fishing, developed through a unique organic biopolymer solution. Our baits biodegradation process starts just after 48 hours of submersion in the water, and best of all - they're edible! This technology allows anglers to fish worry free and contributes to the safety of fish, and all aquatic life.
  
  

• ExTech MIP
  
  Water Issue: Private Well Safety
  Team members: Aliasghar Golbabanezhadazizi and Fereshteh Shahhoseini
  
  How they describe their solution: We’re introducing a novel technology and devices for testing organic contaminants in water resources. This technology offers a reliable, fast, portable, and convenient measurement of organic contaminants in water resources. Our solution provides an easy method for onsite sampling of well water or any other freshwater resources using a field deployable and inexpensive device. Well-owners can easily perform the sampling and send this device by regular mail to the lab where instrumental analysis provides appropriate data for safety of the water resources.
  

• Water Innovators
  
  Water Issue: Treatment of Drinking Water in Rural and Indigenous Communities
  Team members: Rachel Hudson, Nathan McNally, Grace McNally, Waseem Jawad, Sochima Nnama, Patrick Palmer, Lauren Martin, Ben Veysey and Mudiwa Mharapara

  How they describe their solution: Our solution is a containerized distillation water treatment system that integrates off-the-shelf, existing technologies, to provide high quality trusted water to small rural and Indigenous communities in an accessible, sustainable, and culturally appropriate way.
  
  

• Well Warriors
  
  Water Issue: Private Well Safety
  Team members: Alexandra Embree, Jonathan Kan, Adam Fleiger and Liam Hartery

  How the describe their solution: Clarify is a user-friendly, web-based platform that educates, guides, and facilitates the process of treating well water. This will allow well water users to simply test and interpret their water quality. With Clarify, we strive to improve well water quality for all Atlantic Canadians.
  
  

• What the Well

  Water Issue: Private Well Safety
  Team members: Leili Abkar, Matthew Mizzi, Robert Afari and Anita Taylor

  How they describe their solution: We are proposing a service to help bring convenient testing to private well owners. Our solution will streamline the water analysis process using test kits and cloud analysis to reduce known barriers and increase well testing. SIP will provide instant water analysis and treatment consultation.
  

As the challenge has moved to phase 2, the teams will receive a $2,000 bursary courtesy of Canada's Ocean Supercluster. These funds will be used to invest in their solution, participate in a virtual retreat on water leadership and innovation, and continue to work with mentors as they refine their solutions in preparation for the Final on September 18, 2020.

The AquaHacking Challenge is an initiative of Aqua Forum founded by the de Gaspe 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.

Tyler Naugler named interim head coach of the men's hockey program

Tyler Naugler, interim head coach of the SMU Huskies men's hockey program.

Saint Mary's University is pleased to announce that Tyler Naugler will assume the role of interim head coach of the Huskies men's hockey program. 

Entering into his 19th season with the Huskies, Naugler has been an assistant coach with the team and an important part of the hockey program. For seven years (1997 – 2004), he worked alongside former head coach Trevor Stienburg, to help shape a new era in Huskies' hockey tradition. With Naugler's help, the team won an AUS championship in 2002 for the first time in 25 years. He returned to the Huskies in 2010 to help bring home the National Championship Gold medal and win a Silver medal in 2013 and a Bronze medal in 2015.

"I am very pleased to announce Tyler as our new interim head coach," says Scott Gray, Saint Mary's University's Director of Athletics and Recreation. "He has proven his dedication to the Huskies both on and off the ice, creating a nurturing environment for our student-athletes."

His success with the Huskies and key role in youth hockey development supports Gray's confidence in Naugler to develop creative ways for the team to grow and train. Given the suspended competition for the Fall 2020 varsity season, he has already begun to create new ways to keep athletes engaged and safe.

"Coaching has always been a passion of mine," says Naugler. "Growing up, I would often call coaches or just show up at the rink to see if I could step in and help with younger teams."

In addition to his excellent work with the Huskies, Naugler has also worked to help young players at the grassroots level.  Through his work with the Saint Mary's Jr. Huskies Camp over the years, he was appointed the Director. Naugler is also the Lead Instructor and Director of Player development with N.S. Prospects.

A Bridgewater native, Naugler came up through their local minor hockey system alongside NHL star Glenn Murray. He is a former MJAHL player who skated alongside NHL's Aaron Downey of the Detroit Red Wings and Eric Boulton of the Atlanta Thrashers for three seasons with the Cole Harbour Scotia Colts. He would go on to play three years of university varsity hockey before moving into the coaching ranks.

Third cohort graduates from the BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program

This year’s BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program graduating class when they started in 2016.

On June 19, a group of 72 students from the BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program graduated in absentia from Saint Mary’s University.

Each of the 72 graduates was awarded a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Sobey School of Business, with 60 earning a major in Finance. Later this month, they will also be granted a Bachelor of Economics degree from Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai.

This is the third cohort to graduate from the Joint BComm Program, which began in 2014 and is based entirely in Zhuhai, China. Students in this program receive a truly international education, with half of their courses delivered by visiting SMU faculty and the other half taught by faculty members of BNUZ.

Many of this year’s graduates plan to continue their postgraduate studies abroad in September, and 44 have already received offers from universities in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. Some well-known institutions include Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Sydney.

The BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program was born out of a longstanding partnership between Saint Mary’s University and Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai. This partnership dates back to 2002 and has included a range of 2+2 programs in Arts, Business and Science, as well as a number of other exchange programs and summer institutes for students, faculty and members of the community.

Over 40 SMU faculty members from the Sobey School of Business and the Faculty of Arts and have travelled to Zhuhai to teach in the Joint BComm Program since 2016. The relationships developed in this process have led to further research initiatives with colleagues in the International Business Faculty at BNUZ. The annual joint convocation in Zhuhai is normally an opportunity for friends, colleagues and alumni of both institutions to reconnect while celebrating the outstanding success of our students. Although this year’s celebrations have been curtailed due to the ongoing global pandemic, we honour the achievements of our graduates and extend our warmest welcome to the newest members of our alumni community.

Saint Mary’s University introduces new Vice-President, Finance and Administration

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Benoit to the position of Vice-President, Finance and Administration, at Saint Mary’s University effective July 1, 2020.

Michelle Benoit Bcomm’91, the new Vice-President, Finance and Administration.

“After a national search, I am pleased to announce Michelle Benoit as our new Vice-President, Finance & Administration,” says Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University. “Saint Mary’s takes pride in the strength of its financial and administrative practices, particularly our strong focus on exceptional financial management. We are very pleased to have someone joining us who will continue that tradition and uphold our shared Santamarian values with pride.”

A senior finance leader, Benoit has a proven track record of developing and executing strategy, leading growth, and empowering cross-functional teams through collaboration to optimize business results. She has successfully led large interdisciplinary teams on international projects and directed organizations through strategic transformation and improved organizational structures. Benoit has experience developing strategy and implementing tactics for complex national and international organizations and has effectively led in both union and non-unionized environments. She has also served as a mentor for executives from post-secondary institutions.

“As a proud Saint Mary’s alumna, I look forward with anticipation to beginning my new role as the Vice-President of Finance and Administration,” says Benoit. “I am honoured to take on this important role, and I look forward to working alongside the tremendous team at Saint Mary’s.”

A finance leader in the retail and consumer goods industry for over 20 years, Benoit started with Loblaws in Atlantic Canada in 1998, followed by Nestle Canada, where she held progressive roles during her twelve years with the company. In 2013, she joined Sobeys as the Vice President, Finance (Sobeys Ontario). Upon leaving Sobeys, she joined Wal-Mart Canada as the Vice President, Commercial Finance in 2018 before leaving to return to Nova Scotia.

Benoit earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University in 1991 and obtained her CPA, CMA professional accountancy designation in 1998. She was the proud recipient of the Canadian Grocers 2019 Executive Star Women’s Award, recognizing Benoit’s leadership and material contribution to the retail food industry.

Saint Mary’s announces prominent alumna as new RBC Talent Hub Entrepreneur-In-Residence

Saint Mary’s University alumna Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92 is joining the university as the newest RBC Talent Hub Entrepreneur-In-Residence.

"I'm excited to begin working with students as the RBC Talent Hub Entrepreneur-In-Residence,” says Susko. “Being a Saint Mary's University alumna myself, it's an incredible feeling to be able to give back to the community and share my experience and business expertise, helping students reach their entrepreneurial goals."

Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92

Susko is a successful serial entrepreneur and is the founder and CEO of Metronome United. Recognized in March 2020 as one of Canada’s Top 25 Inspirational Women Leaders, Susko was also named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2018. Susko has built and led high-growth tech companies in the financial services industry. In six years, she co-founded, managed, and sold two companies: Subserveo, Inc. and Paradata Systems Inc.

“As we welcome Shannon and her extensive business expertise to the team, I want to express our gratitude to RBC for driving entrepreneurship at Saint Mary’s,” says President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “This initiative launched a year ago and is funded by the RBC Foundation as part of the RBC Future Launch program. They have invested $695,000 over three-years in work-integrated learning at Saint Mary’s, and I want to thank them for their continued support.”

As home to the RBC Talent Hub, the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC) hosts two Entrepreneurs-In-Residence (EIR), giving students access to some of Canada’s top entrepreneurs. The EIR are selected based on their passion for entrepreneurship, as well as their ability to provide a breadth of advice and information.   The RBC Talent Hub also includes an entrepreneurial mindset success certificate, multi-level skilled entrepreneurship training workshops, a student consultant team and a talent fund for co-operative education.

“We are delighted that Shannon will be joining the RBC Talent Hub as the newest entrepreneur-in-residence,” says Kellie Sauriol, RBC’s Regional Vice President, Business Financial Services, Atlantic Canada. “Students fortunate to have her as a coach will no doubt benefit greatly from her valuable experience, business acumen and entrepreneurial mindset. We’d also like to thank Gregg Curwin for his past and future contributions.”

Saint Mary’s inaugural entrepreneur-in-residence, Gregg Curwin BComm‘90, has had such a great time creating impact through one-on-one coaching, connecting students to resources, and supporting other campus events, that he is staying on for a second term.

"This past year as the entrepreneur-in-residence has been incredibly exciting and very dynamic," says Curwin. "From the students and the faculty to the awesome SMUEC team, this program truly provides a world-class entrepreneurial experience. "

Curwin will continue to focus on general one-on-one coaching and virtual student drop-ins. In contrast, Susko will focus on a small cohort of student entrepreneurs, meeting with them regularly as a group and coaching them through her strategic processes.

“Shannon is an experienced entrepreneur and CEO, whose impact we have seen first-hand,” says Michael Sanderson, director, SMUEC. “We are ecstatic to add Shannon to our team. The knowledge she can share and the advice she can provide to our community will be a significant boost to the great work already underway through this program.”

New Saint Mary's project reduces carbon footprint and improves infrastructure

Saint Mary's University is moving forward with changes to the central heating plant and distribution system to significantly reduce our carbon footprint, reduce energy use and improve infrastructure. Work will start next week on campus on replacing steam boilers at the end of their lifecycle with new hot water boilers that are more energy efficient. The new boilers will be in the Science and Vanier buildings, and the replacement project will take place over two years during summer months.

Saint Mary's conversion from steam heating to hot water heating is a critical step toward the cleaner and greener province envisioned in Nova Scotia's Sustainable Development Goals Act of 2019. This conversion will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by more than 580 tonnes a year---an amount that equals removing about 125 cars from the road---and will also create a heating system that enables future carbon reduction. This project will significantly reduce the university's carbon footprint while also addressing the need to replace a system at the end of its life cycle.

"This project is a great example of finding a way to make infrastructure changes that are both more energy and cost-efficient while also being significantly better for the environment," said Dennis Gillis, the Senior Director of Facilities Management. "As our sector looks towards the future, I expect we will see more opportunities with improved technologies to help us reduce our carbon footprint further, while also improving our campus."

In 2007, Saint Mary's reduced its carbon emissions by one third when the university became one of the early anchor clients for natural gas on peninsular Halifax. At that time, the university moved from using oil to natural gas, while keeping the same steam boilers. This project builds on that carbon reduction strategy by now replacing the boilers themselves.

Saint Mary’s researcher to study the effect of COVID-19 on dating, romance and sex

Dating can be difficult at the best of times, and social distancing requirements, face masks, and limited access to restaurants and bars during a global pandemic make finding new romantic partners even more difficult.

This issue has inspired a new survey that looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has potentially changed how we feel about ourselves in terms of dating and romantic relationships. Respondents will be asked to complete a series of surveys examining their attitudes about sexuality, how many sexual partners they have had or wish to have, how they feel about themselves, and how much money they have recently spent on items related to appearance.

"This is a fascinating time to conduct research because people are having to adjust, to be creative in the way they date," said Dr. Maryanne Fisher, the Saint Mary's University researcher conducting the study. "Online dating websites are reporting a surge of membership enrollments and messages between users, which indicates people are trying to make connections, and potentially different types of connections, than ever before. I'm really intrigued by how we view ourselves as mates has changed due to the pandemic."

Dr. Maryanne Fisher, a researcher and professor of Psychology at Saint Mary's, has been studying these issues since 2017 and is tracking changes over time. She is an expert on the evolutionary foundations of human interpersonal relationships. Her primary research areas include the evolutionary foundations of human interpersonal relationships and women's mating strategies and indicators of female physical attractiveness.

This survey on the effects of COVID-19 on dating and romantic relationships, as well as perceptions of self-worth and attractiveness, will require about 20 minutes to complete. We have removed the collection of IP addresses in an effort to anonymize the responses, and you will not be asked your name or other identifying information. We are seeking volunteers 18+ to complete the confidential now.

Click here to take the survey.

SMU men’s hockey coach, Trevor Stienburg, steps back

Coach Trevor Stienburg (centre) with the 2019-2020 graduates of the Saint Mary’s University Men’s Hockey Team.

After two decades of accomplishments on and off the ice, Trevor "Stieny" Stienburg has stepped back from his duties as Head Coach of the Saint Mary's Huskies Men's Hockey Team.

Stienburg stepped back on June 1, 2020, which is precisely 23 years to the day that he first stepped onto the university.

When he joined the Huskies in 1997, his impact was instantaneous as he was the catalyst for the second significant era of Huskies Hockey. Stienburg is the longest-serving coach, with the highest record of wins, in Huskies' Hockey history. During his 23 years with the team, Stienburg led the Huskies to 369 regular-season wins, culminating in the team's first ever USPORTS National Championship in 2010.  

"After a lot of self-reflection and family discussion, I've decided that now is the right time to step back as the men's hockey coach," says Stienburg. "Over the last 23 years, the team has accomplished more than I could have imagined, and I'm very grateful to be a Husky."

Stienburg's leadership was recognized as he was named USPORTS Coach of the Year three times. Currently, he is the only university hockey coach ever to win Coach of the Year honours for two consecutive years, in 1998-99 and 1999-00.

Under his tenure, Stienburg led the Huskies hockey program to three AUS Championships (2002, 2009, 2010).

In addition to the 2010 National Championship, he coached the team to two medals in USPORTS Hockey Playoffs - a silver medal in 2013 and a bronze medal in 2016.

"Saint Mary's University is known for our excellence in athletics.  Coaches like Trevor are at the heart of our success," says Gabrielle Morrison, Vice-President, Finance & Administration. "He created a legacy not only at Saint Mary's, but also in the local and national hockey community." 

"Stienburg pursued excellence and was rewarded by his players and the community," says Scott Gray, director of athletics and recreation. "He paved the way for an NHL-size arena on campus, first by spearheading the move to the Halifax Forum and then by bringing his team home to the newly created Dauphinee Centre in 2019. This was a crowning achievement for the university and for Coach Stienberg and one that tops off his remarkable and lasting positive impact."

Stienburg is an ambassador for the university on and off the ice. He has actively given back to the community and instilled these lessons in his student-athletes. In 2005, he led the Huskies in fundraising $20,500 for Sebastian Savage, a Moncton Aigles Blues player, who became paralyzed after crashing into the boards during a game. 

"I want to express how proud I am of every student-athlete I had the privilege of coaching and how appreciative I am of every coach that has stepped in over the last 23 years," says Stienburg. "Without the talent exhibited by these players and coaches, the Huskies wouldn't be where they are now."

"Not only has Trevor brought great success for Huskies on the ice, but he also ensured that his athletes were students first, creating successful student-athletes in the classroom," says Saint Mary's University President, Robert Summerby-Murray. "On behalf of the entire Saint Mary's University community, I want to thank Trevor for the 23 years of service he has given and the impact he has had on so many people."

We must act against racism: A message from President Summerby-Murray

A long history of overt and systemic racism led to the tragic death of George Floyd and many others before him and continues to be a global call to action. The protests in Minneapolis spread throughout the United States and around the world. It rightly reached us here in Canada and in Nova Scotia. 

This global movement calls on all of us to acknowledge and speak out against racism that exists in every country and society to this day.

It exists explicitly in violence and hate, but it can also exist in more subtle, but equally troubling ways, through our institutions, laws, and practices. Racism in all its forms – both explicit and systemic – must be condemned and it must be fought. This is the responsibility of every citizen.

It is part of our history and we need to acknowledge that.

It continues to exist, and we must also acknowledge that.

It did and does exist here in Nova Scotia, and we must acknowledge that.

Even before the death of George Floyd sparked a global call to action, African Nova Scotians and Black Canadians continued to be placed at systemic disadvantages and continued to face disproportionate socio-economic hardships.

I am also not blind to the challenges here at Saint Mary’s University. No institution or university is immune from this charge, but we are committed to doing better. Our leadership here promises that we will lead by example.

Earlier this year, we struck a Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism, a key recommendation of an earlier ad hoc committee. Among other recommendations from the ad hoc committee, the current committee has a key mandate to raise awareness and oversee the implementation of other recommendations, including:

• The recent successful hiring of a full-time African Nova Scotian/Black Student & Community Liaison staff position. This role will help us better support Black students on campus.

• We commit to holding more workshops to help educate and combat racism.
  

• We will revise our Code of Conduct to ensure it clearly addresses issues of racism.
  

• We commit to developing a retention strategy focused on Indigenous and racialized students.
  

• We commit to education and training to ensure we can identify, report, investigate and respond to incidents of racialized discrimination on campus
  

• We commit to recruiting more racialized faculty and staff members

These are just some of the action items from the committee’s report we will move on.

As place of learning, our mission is to help educate the next generation of engaged citizens and ethical leaders. We must reflect and hold onto that mission now more than ever. The diversity of our student body is a source of pride and we are working harder to ensure our university and its structures reflect that diversity.

My heart goes out to the families of George Floyd and to all of those who are impacted by this insidious societal force. Many of us feel this way. Our feelings are not enough, nor are our words. We must act against racism and stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues and students.

We have had many discussions prior to the recent tragedies, and we will continue to have these discussions. Throughout this week, we have had many conversations internally to decide what actions were needed and to ensure we could make commitments to our community. To those who participated in those discussions – thank you. We are committed to continuing the discussions and dialogues to ensure we can meet the needs of our African Nova Scotian and Black students.

To members of the Saint Mary’s University family who are struggling right now, please know that we are here for you. You can access mental health resources and you will be given the support you need. Even while many of us are working from home, please know that you are not alone. Please reach out.

Today’s calls for justice are the result of a long and unacceptable history. In this moment, we must decide what happens next. We are committed to systemic change. We need each of you to share that commitment.

This is what we owe one another.

Resources

Here is a list of suggested books:

The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power (Desmond Cole): 
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/536075/the-skin-were-in-by-desmond-cole/9780385686341

Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present (Robyn Maynard): https://robynmaynard.com/policing-black-lives/

Me and White Supremacy (Layla F. Saad): https://www.meandwhitesupremacybook.com/

So you want to talk about race? (Ijeoma Oluo): http://www.ijeomaoluo.com/

If you want to speak to children about this issue, here is a link that has been shared by the Black Educators Association here in Halifax to educate children about racism.

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray
President and Vice-Chancellor

Saint Mary’s moving online, increasing student supports

Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray says that after extensive consultations, Saint Mary's University will transition to online course delivery for all courses and programs this fall.  

"The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is paramount," said Dr. Summerby-Murray. "For that reason, we are announcing our intention to move our courses fully online. Our decision ensures that all Saint Mary’s students, can start or continue their studies confidently and without interruption, no matter where they are in the world.” 

Dr. Summerby-Murray said the university is focused on continually improving its online delivery to ensure academic quality, an excellent student experience and to create opportunities for student and community engagement.  

"Saint Mary's prides itself on creating memorable student experiences and connecting with the greater community," said Dr. Summerby-Murray. "We are investing in enhanced services for faculty, staff, and students to ensure we can continue to grow and learn together."  

The university is focused on providing supports to those students who need it most by:  

• Providing more than $1.5 million in additional student financial support for the upcoming year 

• Launching Jump Start 2020, which includes online meetings and webinars where students will meet instructors, academic staff and fellow students before the fall semester begins 

• Working closely with the Saint Mary's University Students’ Association to maintain a close connection and understanding of student needs  

• Helping students understand the external sources of funding available to them 

"We remain committed to accessibility and equity as we move toward the fall term," said Dr. Summerby-Murray. "We believe that we have put in place the resources to help every student succeed."  

While all academic courses and programs will be offered online, the university will support special opportunities wherever possible for in-person on-campus participation in enriched learning and student life activities in a safe and responsibly managed environment. 

The university will host a series of town hall discussions with multiple groups to ensure members of the community can have input as the plans for the fall continue to be developed and refined.  

"Saint Mary’s University is known as a strong community, with exceptional local and global connections," said Dr. Summerby-Murray. "From these challenging times, we will emerge even stronger and with a renewed sense of our purpose and mission."  

More information

• For students

• For future students

• For faculty and staff

Media contact: 

• Margaret Murphy  
  Associate Vice President, External Affairs 
  Saint Mary’s University 
  Email: margaret.murphy@smu.ca 

Inspiring new film spotlights sustainable communities solving environmental problems

A new documentary – to be released June 5, World Environment Day – focuses on the power of communities to find sustainable solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges.  The film, Sustainable Futures – Communities in Action, highlights how local communities have dealt with challenges they face with the environment, the climate, and how to sustain economies and livelihoods.

 “The strength that comes from these small communities shows that building a sustainable future isn’t as far off as some would think,” says Dr. Tony Charles, a professor at Saint Mary’s University and director of the Community Conservation Research Network. “We hope that by showcasing the successes of people working together in their communities, it will open up a discussion about rethinking the world’s path to sustainability.”

 This 52-minute film follows four communities from different corners of the world as they deal with some of the biggest global challenges. The film begins in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where the local community battles for food security. It travels to the other side of Canada to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, British Columbia, which is working to protect their rights and build relationships. The film moves to Papendorp, South Africa, where the local community fights to build a sustainable future, and Koh Pitak, Thailand, showcasing the community’s success achieved through caring for the environment.

The film is presented by the Community Conservation Research Network (CCRN) and Saint Mary’s University. It was produced by Nexus Media in Chester, Nova Scotia and financially supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

 The film will be available, starting June 5, at: www.communityconservation.net