A guide for faculty and staff: five ways to support institutional accessibility

May 28-June 3 marks National Accessibility Week; an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities and highlight the work of people, organizations and communities that are removing barriers. At Saint Mary’s, the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (formerly the Fred Smithers Centre for Students with Disabilities) is a leader in institutional student accessibility.

This year, the theme for National AccessAbility Week is “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice”. As part of our Accessibility Week initiatives, we have developed a guide with five easy steps that faculty and staff can incorporate into their practice to help enhance learner accessibility at SMU.

“With the evolving landscape of accessibility in learning, it is crucial that we take a user-centered approach to modernizing our offerings,” says Kate McHugh, Manager, Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSCSA). “It is also imperative that we equip those on the frontlines of student education and care with knowledge and resources to put our best foot forward in accessibility and accommodation.”

Below are five steps for faculty and staff that can help enhance accessibility across campus.

1.     Familiarize yourself with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility

We are a unique team comprised of two accessibility advisors, an education employment advisor, two exam accommodation administrators, several part-time exam and testing invigilators, an accessibility resource assistant and the FSCSA manager. Many on our team experience some form of disability so our varied experiences paired with our cumulative training and backgrounds provide a unique and well-rounded insight into supporting students who experience disability.

Within the scope of FSCSA, we work directly with students in supporting their academic journey, provide various assistive technologies, employment skills and future readiness, access to grants, educational materials and services, exam and testing accommodations and more.

We also work with stakeholders across Saint Mary’s to raise our level of accessibility pan-campus and enhance the experience for all within the SMU community who experience disability. Our efforts extend beyond the SMU walls and into the broader national institutional community. Members from the FSCSA team recently represented Saint Mary’s at the Atlantic Association of College and University Student Services (AACUSS) to present on supporting adaptive exam and testing accommodations in unprecedented circumstances.

2. Understand what is included in the scope of disability

While traditional or commercialized perceptions of disability fixate on mobility impairments, disability covers a wide range of reduced or impaired functions that can present in visible and/or invisible ways and be on a short or long-term basis. Some common disabilities that exist within the institutional landscape include but are not limited to mental illness, learning disability, ADD/ADHD, hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility impairment, medical condition and autism spectrum disorder. Students registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility have provided both a detailed application and supporting medical documentation.

The FSCSA provides personalized support for each student based on their individual needs. Since disability can present itself in unique ways for each student, it is of the utmost importance to offer flexibility, options, and customized plans of action for each student. The FSCSA team, and the students it supports, rely on the flexibility and consideration of staff and faculty to achieve an inclusive learning environment that is accessible to all.

3. Take time to evaluate inclusivity

Whether in the classroom, hosting an event, preparing content, developing visual supports, or conducting assessments, there are quick considerations that can help ensure an accessible and inclusive environment. Below are some considerations:

• Work with university resources like the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility, the Learning Studio and department communications staff to develop accessible course materials, documents and presentations, visual and graphic components, and more.

• When hosting an event or gathering, evaluate physical access of a space, including entrance and exit points of the building and room, accessible seating and accessible washrooms.

• Consider offering a virtual alternative for those unable to attend in person.

• Use inclusive, person-first language. Saint Mary’s provides guidance on inclusive language within the Saint Mary’s Style Guide.

• Add information on disability and accommodation to your course syllabus. Here’s a boilerplate you can copy/paste:
  “If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please ask The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility to submit your accommodations to your faculty member in a timely manner so that your needs can be addressed. The Fred Smithers Centre determines accommodations based on documented disabilities in the academic environment. Information on requesting accommodations is located on the Fred Smithers Centre’s website. Contact The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (902)420-5452 or email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca for further assistance.”

4. Refer students to the FSCSA as needed

In some instances, a student may not be registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility for whatever reason but may confide in a staff or faculty member about experiencing a disability. It is important to maintain trust and confidentiality, so please do not seek out FSCSA accommodations on their behalf. Instead, help them feel validated in their experience and provide them with information about SMU accessibility and accommodation to help them make an informed decision on whether to register with the FSCSA.

5. Keep learning

Where capacity permits, take some time to check out additional learning resources. Below are some great options:

• Saint Mary’s Learning Studio – Academic Accommodation resources (including accessible templates for slide decks, PDFs and more!).

• Atlantic OER Pressbooks Network – Accessible Teaching & Learning FAQ

• Atlantic OER Pressbooks Network - Accessible Strategies for Students With Disabilities

• Government of Canada – Inclusive Language Considerations

• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – Duty to Accommodate

The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility team is happy to answer questions, offer guidance and provide resources for faculty and staff, in our shared effort to enhance accessibility for learners. Reach out by phone (902)420-5452 or email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca, or stop by the offices in the Student Centre, 3rd floor, room 309.

Student perspective: experiencing disability and enhancing accessibility

Madison (Maddy) Brophy is a fourth-year student majoring in English and minoring in Psychology at Saint Mary’s. She also lives with an invisible disability—epilepsy—which presents in the form of grand mal or tonic-clonic seizures.

Maddy Brophy, fourth-year student

As someone who experiences disability, Brophy has the right to certain academic accommodations, but she almost didn’t register with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility after starting at Saint Mary’s due to the invisible nature of her disability.

“I had to get over my own misconceptions and barriers of what disability means,” explains Brophy. “I was diminishing my own experience because I didn’t feel like my disability was enough to warrant accommodation.”

Brophy’s academic experience became unpredictable due to her epilepsy. Seizure flare-ups and recovery medication can often leave her forgetful, disoriented and extremely fatigued, making it difficult to maintain academic consistency at times. Eventually, Brophy registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSCSA) and was immediately put at ease.

“There were so many aspects of experiencing disability and suffering in silence that I had never considered,” notes Brophy. “The FSCSA team helped me feel validated in my experience and not only taught me about my rights but also taught me how to advocate for myself and my needs.”

“Accessing the accommodations available as a student with a disability has been of paramount importance to my university career,” describes Brophy, whose academic experience greatly improved with the support of the FSCSA. “It has made me realize how crucial institutional accessibility is to so many.”

With an ignited passion for student accessibility, Brophy recently secured a role with Student Affairs and Services (SAAS) as a Communications Assistant, supporting the development of student-centric communications with an emphasis on enhancing the digital accessibility of content. Working jointly with Communications and the Fred Smithers Centre, Brophy will spend the summer auditing SAAS web pages, updating content and making recommendations to raise the level of accessibility to meet or surpass Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

“There are so many barriers faced by people who experience disability,” shares Brophy. “I’m excited to be on a team that works to reduce those barriers and make our little corner of higher education more accessible to all.”

In reflecting on her own journey as a student with a disability, Brophy has an important message to share for current and future students. “The supports are here for YOU. Your experience is valid and there is no shame in asking for the support that SMU has made available for students who experience disability.”

To learn more about student accessibility and accommodations, visit The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility. 

Ramadan in Unity brings SMU Muslim community together

Students at Ramadan in Unity at Saint Mary’s

Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar, began on March 22. It is marked by compulsory acts guided by the five pillars: 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.

“Here at Saint Mary’s, we have a diverse community of learners, faculty and staff,” notes Lynn Cashen Basso, Assistant Director, Student Culture and Experience, Student Affairs and Services (SAAS). “Through various initiatives, we strive to support an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment for all.”

Iftar kits were prepared by the Student Success Centre and SMUSA Community Food Room

This year, SAAS undertook several initiatives to support those within the SMU community who were observing the holy month of Ramadan. “It is important to create opportunities for open and inclusive dialogue that reinforces our commitment to fostering a community that is based on respect and belonging,” elaborates Cashen Basso.

Led by the division of Student Culture and Experience, SAAS, in collaboration with both the Saint Mary’s Muslim Students Association and Saint Mary’s Students Association (SMUSA), the university coordinated the creation of new guidelines for the multi-faith space where students could step away for prayer throughout the day without having to leave campus with extended hours for Ramadan.

The Community Food Room, a shared initiative with SAAS and SMUSA, handed out 266 Iftar kits over five distribution days to support those breaking fast at sundown. Most notably, the International Student Centre collaborated with the Saint Mary’s University Muslim Society to host the inaugural Ramadan in Unity event.

“To have the opportunity to openly acknowledge Ramadan at Saint Mary’s is extremely meaningful,” explains Ammar Abdul Shakoor, President, Muslim Students Association. “This ensures that Muslim students feel welcomed and know they have a safe space on campus.”

The event was open to members of the Saint Mary’s—and broader Halifax—Muslim community, as well as non-Muslim students across the city. “We wanted an opportunity to share our holy month and its significance in Islam with our peers,” Shakoor elaborates. “Our goal was simply to unite and come together as one in a welcoming environment, which is why we called the event, Ramadan in Unity.”

Ramadan in Unity boasted special guest speakers, SMU President, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, the Ummah Masque Imam, Abduallah Yousri, community leader, advocate and local Imam Mohammed Yaffa, and SMUSA Vice-President of Events, Toky Tajwar.

“Religion and faith are of paramount importance to many at Saint Mary’s,” describes President Summerby-Murray. “Supporting our students, faculty and staff in this way reinforces our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive academic environment and allows us opportunities to learn from each other and broaden understandings that go beyond our own lived experiences.”

To learn more about Ramadan, visit Islamic Relief Canada.

International student experience comes full circle for Shanshan Luo BComm‘07

This year marks the 21st Asian Heritage Month in Canada. This month-long celebration honours Canadians of Asian Heritage, recognizing their contributions to building a dynamic and prosperous country. Here at Saint Mary’s, diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is notable throughout our vibrant community.

Shanshan Luo BComm’07

Shanshan Luo came to Saint Mary’s in 2002 as an international student from China to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce. Throughout her time as a student, Luo received guidance and support through the International Student Centre and The Language Centre. “Saint Mary's has been very unique to me,” claims Luo. “It’s like my first point in Canada and it made me never want to leave.”

Shortly after Luo graduated in 2007, she secured a position with The Co-operative Education office as an Office Coordinator. She then moved to the International Student Centre as Office Coordinator, before transitioning to her current position as International Student Advisor. Luo has been in that role for 13 years now and is extremely passionate about supporting international students in their transition to Saint Mary’s and Halifax.

“I deal with everything from immigration guidance to student engagement,” explains Luo. “I consider myself a bit of an in-house mother for our international students, supporting them through challenges in relationships and with roommates, financial struggles, diaspora and more.”

Having spent the first half of her life growing up in Yunnan, China, and the second half of her life in Canada, Luo credits her diverse blend of cultural upbringings in forming a worldview that has been paramount in her role within the International Student Centre.

Shanshan with students at Peggy’s Cove, NS

“My identity is mixed in diverse ways which gives me an advantage when dealing with international students,” notes Luo. “My duality allows me to relate with students and assist them in more personalized ways in transitioning and accessing supports.”

In the midst of Asian Heritage Month, Luo takes time to reflect on her experience as an Asian international student and immigrant. “I have been fortunate to experience an incredibly welcoming environment at Saint Mary’s,” describes Luo. She describes her colleagues as open-minded and very inclusive, giving her a strong sense of belonging at SMU. Luo notes that it can be challenging transitioning to a new cultural norm and finding space for yourself, and she commends Saint Mary’s for acknowledging observances like Asian Heritage Month.

“Saint Mary’s University is really a number of cultures mixing and combining, and when all sides are being respectful and open-minded, we are able to be successful.”

To learn more about resources for international students visit The International Centre.

Nova Scotia wildfires: support and information

Dear SMU community,

This is a difficult time for the thousands of people who have been displaced by the ongoing wildfires in Tantallon, Shelburne and the surrounding areas.

We are all very concerned for those affected, especially members of our faculty, staff and student body, and our alumni community. Please know that the Saint Mary’s community is here to help however we can.

Below are some links to resources that may help at this time:

For impacted faculty and staff

• Faculty and staff members are encouraged to make use of the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), which offers an array of supports. 

• There is also specific assistance available to SMUFU members; details can be found on the website.

• A reminder that hotelling workstations are available on campus for anyone needing to work on premises. You can find details and book a space here: www.smu.ca/about/facilities-finance-admin.html. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Angela Dunn angela.dunn@smu.ca or facilities.management@smu.ca.

• Any faculty or staff who have been impacted by the fires can access compassionate leave for APC staff, or special leave for unionized staff as per respective collective agreements. These special leaves were created specifically to help faculty and staff dealing with emergency situations. If you have questions about this, please contact your supervisor, chair or hr@smu.ca.

Help for students

• A wide range of student supports can be found at www.smu.ca/supports. This is being communicated widely via our main social media channels (@SMUHalifax).

• Those needing more specific assistance may contact student.services@smu.ca. 

Shower facilities at the Homburg Centre

• Athletics and Recreation has advised that anyone impacted by the fires is welcome to use the shower facilities at the Homburg Centre. Please just come to the front desk for assistance.

(NEW) Temporary emergency accommodations

• The Housing & Conference Services team is making free temporary, emergency accommodations available in Loyola South and Vanier on a first-come, first-served basis to any faculty, staff or students who have been displaced. Please contact conference.services@smu.ca or call 902-420-5055 for information and assistance. For hours of operation for various food services on campus, visit smuca.campusdish.com.

In light of these stressful circumstances, faculty are asked to consider leniency where possible for affected students, and I encourage all to extend compassion to our colleagues in the coming days.

We will continue to monitor the situation, and if we have any updates to provide, we will do so via mass email or social media on our @smuhalifax channels. You can also visit the Halifax Fire and Emergency Management website for ongoing updates and important information about transit, comfort centres and more: www.halifax.ca/fire-police/fire/emergency-management/fires-tantallon-hammonds-plains

Please take care and stay safe.

Rob Summerby-Murray
President and Vice-Chancellor 

Dr. Pat Bradshaw appointed Professor Emerita

Dr. Pat Bradshaw (center) with President Robert Summerby-Murray and Dr. Jeff Power at Spring Convocation

Dr. Patricia (Pat) Bradshaw was appointed Professor Emerita at the Spring 2023 convocation ceremonies. This distinction is an honorary rank awarded to members of the university who have served with excellence, upon or following retirement from full-time academic duties.

Dr. Bradshaw completed her term as Dean of the Sobey School of Business in May of 2018, celebrating with a special event with alumni and colleagues. She taught as a Professor of Management, retiring in September 2022. She received the Associate Alumni of the Year award in 2017 for her dedication and support to the university.

As Dean, she was responsible for building consensus around a compelling mission for the school and establishing strategic priorities to ensure 80 full-time faculty, 3200 students, key donors, community leaders and more than 20,000 alumni felt aligned with the School’s direction.

With an annual economic contribution to the province of Nova Scotia of over $329 million by this AACSB accredited School, her position was focused on creating an impact with purpose and ensuring that resources of the School were mobilized to help build prosperity in the province.

Previously, Bradshaw was an Organizational Behaviour Professor at the Schulich School of Business, York University and held roles such as the Chair of the University Senate, Treasurer of the faculty union and Chair of the Organization Studies Area. Her research interests include governance of non-profit organizations, change management and organizational power and politics from an intersectional feminist and social justice lens.

Bradshaw is currently on the board of Feed Nova Scotia and has been on the Board of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council as well as being Chair of the Board of the Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia. She was one of the founding co-chairs of the Nova Scotia Nonprofit COVID-19 Coalition, and is currently active as a consultant and facilitator in the areas of strategic planning and non-profit governance.

Watch a recording of the Spring 2023 Bachelor of Commerce convocation ceremony here.

Q&A with Bachelor of Arts graduate and activist Trayvone Clayton

Trayvone Clayton is a member of the Spring 2023 graduating class. He graduates with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Criminology with a minor in Social Justice and Community Studies. A founding member of GameChangers902, Trayvone has made a positive impact on youth in the African Nova Scotian community. His advocacy work has been recognized with the 2019 Peace Medal from the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, and two 2019 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards

In May, he was the recipient of the first Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award. Valued at $30,000, it’s one of the most substantial student awards in the university’s history. Launched in the fall of 2021, it was created through the generosity of donor Floyd Kane BA’92, a writer, filmmaker, lawyer and TV producer from East Preston.

Q&A with Trayvone Clayton

How did you feel when you found out you were the first winner of the Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award? I was speechless. My mouth just dropped. It was such a big surprise. I’m still shocked about the award, and what it can do for my future.

How will this award help in your next chapter ahead? Honestly, it’s going to push me more to continue to do what I do. I’m going to keep doing everything I can to give back to my community and create opportunities for youth in my community.

What were your thoughts on graduating? It’s such a humbling but exciting moment. I’m just the third person in my family to graduate from university. My uncle (Dekota Clayton, a local audiologist) and my older brother Marquis were the first. Ever since I was a kid and saw them walk across the stage, it was always like, ‘ok, I’m going to do this’. My whole family played a big role. My parents are hardworking people. I’ve seen them always pushing to do more so I guess it’s in the DNA, that’s where I get it from. Marquis plays basketball too—he won the championship with SMU, so he’s a well-known man around here.

What courses or instructors had the biggest impact on you? Rachel Zellars is such a great prof. If students have a chance to take her Community Organizing course, they should. It can apply to anything, from local issues to worldwide issues.

Any thoughts to share about the Huskies and your teammates? I didn’t play this past year but in previous years, my teammates always made me feel welcome and comfortable. I built great friendships with people from all over and now it’s brotherhood. Basketball definitely got us all to where we are now.

What’s next for you? I’m going to continue on with community organizing. A lot of people call me an activist but I just like to do things for my community and to be a role model for youth. I’m planning to go to law school in the future, so that will be another big part of my life

What will you miss the most about SMU? Definitely Timmys. And one thing about SMU, it’s all right here. Especially in the wintertime, when you don’t even have to step outside … man, I’m grateful for that. Not too big, not too small, everything is here.

What advice do you have for new students at Saint Mary’s? Go talk to your profs. They can be a great source of help and support. And talk to other students. Make some new friends with people who are from another part of the world, it expands your horizons.

Be yourself, for yourself and nobody else. Accept people for who they are, too. Don’t come to university thinking, ‘I’m only going to hang with the cool kids.’ Everybody has their own ways of being cool. Even if they have a notebook in their pocket. Carry a notebook, always! Not for school or class, carry a notebook so you can jot down and document what’s going on in your daily life.

Science grads make SMU history with four-way Gold Medal tie

President Summerby-Murray, Chancellor Durland, Dean Francis with Science Gold Medal winners and Governor General’s Medal winner

Abby Brouwer with President Summerby-Murray

Sumayyah Choyete with President Summerby-Murray

Jaylynn Skeete with President Summerby-Murray

Allison Vandaele with President Summerby-Murray

Abigail Battson, Governor General’s Silver Medal with President Summerby-Murray

Martin Hellmich, Governor General’s Gold Medal with President Summerby-Murray

Michael MacNeil, Diploma in Engineering Gold Medal

Dr. Zainab Almukthar with President Summerby-Murray, Chancellor Durland and supervisor Michael Zhang

Dr. Thomas Steele (center) with President Summerby-Murray, Chancellor Durland and supervisors Dr. Robert Singer and Dr. Susan Bjornson

Dr. Mary Sheppard (right) with Alumni Association member Fiona King and President Summerby-Murray

In a first in Saint Mary’s University history, four Spring graduates tied for the Bachelor of Science Undergraduate Gold Medal, earning the top GPA marks in the program. Abby Brouwer, Sumayyah Chotoye, Jaylynn Skeete and Allison Vandaele received their medals at the recent May convocation ceremony. Typically, only one undergraduate student in each faculty receives this award.

“We could have approached this four-way tie as a problem, but instead we celebrate the outstanding performance of these hardworking graduates whose commitment and perseverance are an inspiration to us all,” said Interim Vice-President, Academic and Research Madine VanderPlaat at the May 18 ceremony.

All four graduates received numerous awards and scholarships during their time at Saint Mary’s. Brouwer, from Hammonds Plains, NS, majored in Biology and plans to attend dental school. Chotoye, from Port Louis, Mauritius, majored in chemistry (honours) with a minor in French and is currently in the Master of Science, Applied Science program at Saint Mary’s. Skeete, from Dartmouth, NS, majored in psychology (honours) and will be entering a Masters/PhD program in clinical psychology. Vandaele, from Montague, PEI, majored in psychology (honours).

Congratulations, graduates!

More awards in the Faculty of Science

Two graduates in the Faculty of Science, Abigail Battson and Martin Hellmich, were awarded the Governor General’s Silver and Gold Medals. These awards recognize exceptional academic achievement and are given to the top undergraduate and graduate students in the academic year. Abigail graduated with a Bachelor of Science, honours astrophysics, while Martin graduated in Fall 2022 with a Master of Science, Applied Science (co-operative education). Hellmich also received the Georgia Pe-Piper Medal for Excellence in Applied Science.

Michael MacNeil received the Diploma in Engineering Gold Medal.

Natania Blair represented the Faculty of Science as the Valedictorian for the Bachelor of Science ceremony. The biology major received the John and Heather Fitzpatrick Valedictorian Award.

Three graduates, Dr. Zainab Mahdi Almukhtar, Dr. Meftah Mohamed Elsaraiti and Dr. Thomas J. Steele, graduated with a PhD in Applied Science and received the Durland Family Doctoral Convocation Award. Dr. Almukthar also received the J. Kevin Vessey Award in Applied Science.

Faculty were also recognized at Spring Convocation, with professor Mary Sheppard receiving the Father William A. Stewart, SJ Medal for Excellence in Teaching. This award, given by the Saint Mary’s University Alumni Association and Faculty Union, was determined by nominations from current and former students and colleagues.

For a full list of convocation award recipients and Spring 2023 graduates, read the Spring Convocation program or watch recordings of the ceremonies.

Documentary by Dr. Kate Ervine reveals the unseen ways we contribute to greenhouse gas emissions

Dr. Kate Ervine, The Carbon Cage

When you think of your carbon footprint, you may think of your daily commute or home energy consumption. One Saint Mary’s professor is shedding light on the other unseen ways we contribute to greenhouse gas emissions every day.

Kate Ervine is an associate professor of Global Development Studies. Last November, her short documentary, “The Carbon Cage,” was published by Scientific American. 

“Perhaps we can start reimagining a world where we reprioritize things that contribute to people’s well-being” - Dr. Kate Ervine

Ervine co-created the documentary with journalist and documentary filmmaker Duy Linh Tu through a grant from the Global Reporting Centre. It highlights how wealthy countries like the United States and Canada have become trapped in a cycle of fossil fuel reliance, and how attempts to combat climate change sometimes don’t address the root of the problem.

“I set out to explore the global political economy of climate change and the centrality of carbon to our economies, our society and our lives, and why that makes climate change hard to address,” says Ervine. 

“It's not that we're not doing some effective things, but there’s a lot of delay and distraction.”

Ervine traces the roots of contemporary climate change to the rise of our current economic system during the Industrial Revolution. Since then, demands for unchecked growth in production, consumption and energy use have contributed to record-high CO2 emissions.

Ervine’s documentary shows that the last time Earth experienced similar levels of atmospheric CO2 was more than four million years ago.

“Fossil fuels have become central to powering economic growth,” says Ervine. “They still provide roughly 80 per cent of global energy.” 

Changing this system is no easy task. Ervine worked her way through university and graduate school with jobs at an automotive assembly plant and steel mill in her home province of Ontario. These jobs were in carbon-intensive industries, but they provided her—and other families—with a secure livelihood. 

“It's a challenge when we're talking about the kinds of deep transformations that need to happen because so many people's lives are going to be impacted in profound ways,” Ervine says. “It can provoke a lot of fear because you're asking, ‘What does this mean for my job? What does it mean for my family?’”

Ervine’s research looks at how just transitions and sustainable development for all might be possible within the context of carbon dependency. 

For Ervine, cutting emissions is key to combatting climate change. But as the effects of climate change have worsened, she says these reductions are not happening fast enough.

Ervine points to investments in things like carbon offsets as a way businesses and governments are delaying real, lasting change. In recent years, voluntary carbon offsetting has ballooned to a more than $2-billion industry. But research shows significant problems with carbon offsetting, which doesn’t actually lower emissions. 

“Part of my research has been about saying, when we know what needs to be done and how significant the problem is, why do we design policies that are not particularly effective?” says Ervine. 

As we look forward to a changing future, Ervine says more investments need to be made in phasing out fossil fuels and laying the groundwork for transformative and equitable change.  Democratic green energy, accessible mass public transit and sustainable food systems are just some of our many options. 

“Perhaps we can start reimagining a world where we reprioritize things that contribute to people’s well-being,” says Ervine. “It does require change, but we might actually get some pleasure and joy out of it.”

The Carbon Cage by Kate Ervine and Duy Linh Tu

Construction of temporary Huskies stadium seating

Work began this week on the construction of temporary stadium seating in preparation for the CFL Touchdown Atlantic game that will be held on campus on July 29, 2023.

This work is expected to run from May 10 until May 24. During this time, there may be some noise and activity associated with the construction. Additionally, the Homburg members’ parking lot (see 9 on Campus Map below) will be closed to vehicle and foot traffic while construction is completed.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we prepare for this very exciting event at Saint Mary’s. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Greg Knight, Assistant Director, Athletics & Recreation (greg.knight@smu.ca) or Janelle McNulty, Director, Quality Initiatives & Transformation (janelle.mcnulty@smu.ca).

Meet your Valedictorian: Flynn Walthour BA'23

Flynn Walthour BA’23

Four years ago when she was getting ready to graduate from high school in Oregon, Flynn Walthour didn’t have a clear plan for her next steps. She knew where she was heading, though—across the continent to Halifax, and Saint Mary’s University.

Flynn was intrigued with the possibilities of exploring the opposite coast, living in a new country and creating new experiences for herself. Along with her studies, she gained valuable leadership skills as co-president of the SMU History Society. Now the Dean’s List student is graduating magna cum laude and heading back home with plenty of memories and lifelong friendships formed here.

Q&A with Flynn Walthour

Where is your hometown? I was born in Carmel, California and was raised there until I was 14. I then moved to Portland, Oregon where my family still lives.

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s? I chose Saint Mary’s due to its small class sizes and international student population. I wanted to come to the East Coast of Canada and SMU offered me everything I wanted from a school.

What programs did you study? I majored in History with a minor in Geography. They are interconnected in so many ways and I find a knowledge of both to be necessary. I love human geography, and learning how humans affect the environment and how the environment affects us culturally and historically. I have always been drawn to history ever since California history in elementary school. I love learning about the past and how it affects us today.

Which instructor had the biggest impact on you? Although I have loved many professors here at SMU, I constantly chose courses with Dr. Heather Green. Her classes are always interactive and captivating. I appreciate all I have learned from her.

What can you say about the value of studying arts and humanities? We need writers, historians and philosophers just as much as we need doctors and engineers. The arts teach critical thinking, empathy and understanding. They ask us to dig deeper and find out the true story. They teach us how to better understand the world we live in and how to make it better.

Were you involved in any campus activities? I got involved with the SMU History Society. My friend Lydia signed on for the executive team and needed another person to help restart the society, which had been absent since 2018. It required a lot of work but we wanted an outlet on campus where history lovers could meet other like-minded individuals. Although we restarted it late into our education and didn’t get to hold many events, I’m happy that we were able to bring the society back for future students.

What’s your favorite space on campus? The third floor of the library. I have spent many days up there working and reading. I love the bright windows and the quiet atmosphere. Other than my room, I doubt I have spent more time anywhere else.

What was it like to live in residence? I lived in residence for all of my in-person years at SMU and I feel as though it was the best fit for me. As an international student, entering a lease seemed difficult, given the fact that I do not live here year-round. My roommate Ashlyn and I found fun and a sense of home in Rice, and I appreciated the stability of having a home in residence.

Can you share any thoughts on our student supports and services? The support systems at SMU are better than anybody could imagine. I received nothing but support and help from residence staff, the Financial Aid office and the Student Health Clinic.

What are your goals for the future? I would like to become a high school history teacher. Saint Mary’s has set me on that path through the education I have received. I am confident in my ability to pass on my knowledge to the next generation.

What advice do you have for new students? My advice for new students is to get involved. Life is what you make it so put yourself out there, make friends, join societies and make your experience at SMU one you can look back on with pride.

Spring Convocation for the Faculty of Arts takes place on May 19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.

Survivor Love Letters: A show of support in honour of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative team (Left to right, top to bottom): Dee Dooley, Sally Oppong, Jordyn Monaghan, Krystal Lowe, Olivia Landy

April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time for communities to come together to talk openly about sexual assault, increase knowledge and awareness, and help to make survivors feel acknowledged and supported.

As part of the annual awareness campaign, the Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative (SVPI) participated in a movement called “Survivor Love Letters”.

The initiative was started by artist and survivor, Tani Ikeda, who has become a well-known spokesperson for the survivor community. In 2012, Ikeda penned a letter to her younger self that closed with the words, “This is my survivor love letter.” From there, a letter-writing campaign rippled through survivor and ally communities.

This year, the SVPI encouraged members of the SMU community to pen similar letters to survivors sharing their heartfelt messages of support and validation. Faculty, staff and students submitted anonymous messages which were then posted around campus to demonstrate support and help start open conversations.

“We wanted to engage in the Survivor Love Letters movement at SMU to foster a sense of community while letting survivors know that they are not alone and that they are believed,” explains Krystal Lowe, Coordinator, Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative. “By sharing these letters and talking openly about sexual violence, we help create survivor-centered resources and reinforce messages of resilience, resistance and hope that can be accessed all throughout the year”

The Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative, under the Sexual Violence Support Centre (SVSC) is a team of students who are passionate about the education and prevention of sexual violence at Saint Mary’s and beyond. “Creating awareness at an institutional level is crucial,” explains Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor, SVSC. “Campaigns like Sexual Assault Awareness Month and support initiatives like Survivor Love Letters help bring these issues to light and improve perceptions that can lead to a shift in cultural attitudes towards sexual violence.”

The SVPI received overwhelming support in the Survivor Love Letters movement. “The community engagement throughout this initiative has highlighted how much power there is in our collective voice,” states Lowe. “It honours survivors in the community and emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences in a way that lets survivors empathize with one another and realize that they are not alone.”

The letters resounded with expressions of affirmation that survivors are valid, loved, worthy and believed. “Regardless of what happened, your experience, emotions, and trauma are valid,” shares one anonymous author. “Our experiences do not define us,” writes another author. “Our voices matter.” The letters will be made available for viewing through the Sexual Violence Support Centre.

The Sexual Violence Support Centre at Saint Mary’s provides support, learning resources and events for students.