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SMU ready to welcome Indigenous athletes and visitors

Excitement is building as the SMU community prepares to welcome hundreds of young Indigenous athletes and their supporters to campus as part of the 10th North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) 2023. 

Saint Mary’s is one of 21 sports venues across Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth, Millbrook First Nation and Sipekne'katik, and will host the wrestling and basketball competitions at the Dauphine Centre and the Homburg gymnasium, respectively between July 15-23.

NAIG 2023 is one of the largest multi-sport and cultural gatherings to be held in Atlantic Canada, drawing more than 5000 athletes, coaches and team staff from across Turtle Island (North America) to celebrate, share and reconnect through sport and culture.  

In addition to being a game venue, Saint Mary’s will also play host to approximately 700 athletes who, starting on July 14, will stay in Loyola and Vanier residences for the duration of the Games.  

Additional preparations include:   

  • A special menu from SMU Dining: The Aramark culinary team worked with chefs from Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations to create a special menu for NAIG guests that features campus favourites and new Indigenous-inspired items such as Three Sisters Burrito and Three Sisters Soup.  

  • The installation of a Brave Space structure on the Inglis Street side of the Atrium/Burke building. Brave Spaces are meant to represent comfort, Indigenous culture and support, and will provide a safe space for athletes to gather and decompress before, during and after competitions.  

  • A series of posters featuring welcome messages in Mi’kmaq and English and information about the Peace and Friendship Treaties will be displayed across campus, on digital monitors and on each residence floor.   

  • The Campus Store is offering a special 15% discount to visiting athletes, and the Recruitment team plans to set up general information tables on campus to help visitors with questions about Saint Mary’s or Halifax. 

For more information about NAIG, including game and event schedules, visit naig2023.com 

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SMU community shows Pride love at Paint Your Pride event

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On June 20, Student Affairs and Services (SAAS) hosted a Paint Your Pride event to kick off the 2023 Pride Season at SMU.

Taking place in the Quad, Paint Your Pride brought students, faculty, staff and even Halifax locals together to celebrate Pride Month and create a beautiful rainbow chalk mural. The event also boasted activities including a make-your-own Pride pin station, lawn games, cake and popcorn treats, an info table breaking down the various 2SLGBTQIA+ pride flags and highlighting community resources, and a pop-up Pride merch table from the SMU Bookstore.

During the event, Welcome Activities Coordinator, Toky Tajwar and Student Life Coordinator, Liv Brennan asked attendees what Pride means to them. Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor described Pride as “community and liberation” while Peer Success coach, Michael Rumsby felt Pride to mean “loving and accepting everybody for who they are.” Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and allies joined together with resounding messages of love, acceptance and community resounding in the beautiful artwork created.

Paint Your Pride was just one of several Pride initiatives that SMU is involved in this year. In addition to several Pride events, SAAS has undertaken a project to develop a 2SLGBTQIA+ Community webpage to be launched this summer. The initiative, prominently developed by members of the queer community, will create a digital hub of pan-campus resources, groups, committees and societies, as well as news and upcoming events.

Related:

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Multi-million-dollar gift strengthens university’s leadership in sport, business and health

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(L-R): Jule Naugler, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Scott McCain, Leslie McLean, Dr. Cheryl MacDonald, Dr. Colin Howell at the announcement of the $3-million gift supporting the Centre for the Study of Sport and Health.

Saint Mary’s University has a rich tradition of excellence in varsity athletics, interdisciplinary undergraduate education, community-engaged research and outreach, and world-class business education. Now, thanks to a $3-million gift from Scott McCain and Leslie McLean, the university is poised to forge a stronger strategic partnership between academics, athletics, research and industry—focused in the university’s Centre for the Study of Sport and Health.

“Sport brings us together, unites us and enriches our lives and our communities,” says McCain. “Leslie and I are pleased to join with Saint Mary’s University in this transformative endeavour.”

Leslie McLean and Scott McCain

McCain and McLean each have deep connections to the areas of sport, health and business—McCain is the Chairman of McCain Foods, director of SeaFort Capital Inc., and owner of the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, while McLean is a consultant, educator, researcher and advanced practice nurse who, apart from other areas of practice, has experience in public health, social determinants of health and mental health.

“It is widely recognized that sport plays an integral role in health,” says McLean. “By partnering with Saint Mary’s University, we can make a direct contribution to the lives of young people involved in sport by furthering their career goals and, in turn, watch them advance health and wellness in communities across Atlantic Canada and beyond.”

The strategic investment by McCain and McLean will build on the university’s strong track record of excellence in varsity athletics, academic rigour and community engagement. It will strengthen the school’s capacity to harness talent and invention and to train the next generation of scholars, researchers and community leaders as well as professional athletes, coaches, and sport industry professionals and entrepreneurs. It will enable dedicated resources to grow academic programs in this distinctive area and establish formal wellness, leadership and mental health programming for varsity athletes and students across all faculties. 

“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Scott McCain and Leslie McLean, Saint Mary’s will become one of the country’s leaders in sport innovation, combining the strengths of internationally recognized researchers and dedicated faculty to create the next generation of sport industry trailblazers, health and wellness policy-makers and community leaders,” says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.

In recognition of the transformative donation and its impact, the Centre will be renamed in honour of Scott McCain and Leslie McLean. This gift marks continued support from these prominent philanthropists for Saint Mary’s University; they previously established the Scott McCain and Leslie McLean Diversity Excellence Award in support of undergraduate Black and Indigenous students.

How the $3-million gift will support key areas of the Centre for the Study of Sport and Health

New Curriculum for a New Generation of Experts

Dr. Madine VanderPlaat

Fueled by the philanthropic investment from McCain and McLean, Saint Mary’s will drive curriculum development to build a strong pipeline of highly qualified professionals with expertise at the intersection of sport, health, society and business. The gift will fund new academic programs available to students across the university, building on the success of the certificate in Health, Wellness and Sport in Society from the Faculty of Arts and creating new programs in the renowned Sobey School of Business. Graduates of these programs will form new cohorts of leaders in the burgeoning sport and health industry, worth $85 billion in North America alone.

Madine VanderPlaat, Interim Vice-President, Academic and Research, says, “This strategic investment will provide new and exciting career training and opportunities for our current and future students. We know there will be strong demand and we look forward to meeting it with innovation and exciting programs and experiential learning in sport, business and health.”


Knowledge Creation and Research Impact

Dr. Cheryl MacDonald

The gift will expand research capacity and resources, enabling greater collaboration from a wider range of scholars, students, and community members, all dedicated to sport and health.  Researchers and visiting scholars will inform government policy and influence the work of practitioners and professionals working in sport development and sport business. Research outcomes, insights and recommendations will be shared through national and international forums and networks, project-specific workshops, national conferences, and speaker series.

“Through our partnership with Scott and Leslie, the Centre will grow its capacity to make global research connections, contribute to community programming, engage with varsity athletes, and expand on academic programming in Arts with a future focus in Business,” says Cheryl MacDonald, Director of the Centre for the Study of Sport and Health. “It’s an honour to have been entrusted as collaborators based on our shared vision of higher education and socially responsible approaches to sport, business, health, and wellness.”

Leadership & Wellness Programming

Leadership and social responsibility training and personal development opportunities will be offered in conjunction with SMU’s Athletics and Recreation Department with a focus on the dynamic connections between the physical, mental and social components of both individual and community well-being. The development of this programming will ensure that student-athletes are well-positioned to pursue their academic and professional goals and become impactful and healthy role models in their communities.

Julie Naugler

"The Health, Wellness and Sport in Society program at Saint Mary's has not only shaped my academic career but also instilled in me the values of leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship in the fields of health and sport,” says Julie Naugler, who received a Certificate in Health, Wellness and Sport in Society and is currently an MBA student in the Sobey School of Business.

“I am a firm believer in the transformative power of the business side of sport. With this generous donation, I am filled with joy and just a hint of envy for the new opportunities it will bring. The world of sport is in need of exceptional leaders in its boardrooms and arenas, and I have full confidence that this gift will nurture and produce them."

Dan Seneker announced as AVP Enrolment Management & Registrar

Dan Seneker

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce that Dan Seneker will join the university as Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Management & Registrar on August 21, 2023.

Seneker joins the SMU community from Bishop’s University in Quebec, where his most recent post was Director, Student Recruitment & Retention. Dan is an award-winning leader with more than 20 years of experience in student enrolment and success.

He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts (Bishop’s University) as well as a Master of Communications Studies and a University Teaching Certificate (University of Calgary). 

During his career, he has worked at four major Canadian universities and brings a wealth of experience in key areas such as enrolment management, internationalization, student recruitment, admissions, scholarships, marketing, student success, retention and student experience.

This role reports to the Vice-President, Academic and Research. Seneker will provide senior leadership to all aspects of our enrolment management strategy, including recruitment, admissions, registrar services, the Academic Discipline Officer, as well as the coordination of conversion and retention initiatives and academic advising.

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Student experience: safe space and gay allyship at SMU

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Genderfluid person stands in the Saint Mary’s Quad in front of a line of rainbow flags depicting the various 2SLGBTQIA+ identities with arm outreached grasping at the lesbian flag.

Ken Cornell stands in the Saint Mary’s Quad in front of a line of rainbow flags depicting the various 2SLGBTQIA+ identities.

When Ken Cornell began exploring universities, gay allyship and resources were not a factor of consideration. So, when Cornell arrived at Saint Mary’s, it was a welcome surprise to discover not only safe space and community but also resources that supported them, especially in the early days of their self-discovery and journey as a gay, genderfluid person.

Cornell sits in the Quad in front of a chalk heart depicting the genderfluid rainbow.

Cornell is a student in the Intercultural Studies Program, going into their fifth and final year at Saint Mary’s who currently works as the Training Module Developer for Residence Life. “When I first came to SMU I was just starting to come out as a lesbian and I hadn’t quite identified the gender issue yet,” explains Cornell. “I discovered SMU Q [newly established as the SMU Pride Society] at my first society expo and immediately found safe space and people that made me feel completely at home.”

Having such a positive and welcoming experience at SMU made Cornell want to get involved and help others. “I worked as a Residence Advisor (RA) and was able to support others in their self-discovery and journey in coming out,” highlights Cornell.

They also got involved in the RainBEAU committee in Residence Life and “was able to give a presentation on gender identity, and, specifically, genderfluidity, which isn’t as commonly discussed or understood.” Cornell elaborates that genderfluidity is a term under the trans umbrella, where a person does not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.

“How I view my gender and how I express it varies and changes, similar to a colour slider. How I carry myself, style my hair, dress and even talk depends on where I am on my gender slider at that time.”

In reflecting on Pride season, Cornell describes it as a complex issue for them. “We’re starting to see the growing anti-LGBT hate from the States spreading into Canada,” asserts Cornell. “Pride will always have an element of push-back to it, so to have a recognized and respected institute like SMU acknowledge Pride, telling us there is safe space here is a huge deal for our community.”

To members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, especially newcomers to SMU, Cornell suggests getting involved as much as possible to help find support and make friends in the community. “We have lots of events coming up this year,” details Cornell. “Pride season kicked off with Paint Your Pride, where the SMU community gathered to create a Pride chalk mural in the Quad. In July, Residence Life will be hosting a Dye-versity night where we’ll be tie-dying shirts and there will be a SMU float in the Halifax Pride Parade during Halifax Pride Festival.”

Visit Celebrating Pride at SMU to learn about 2SLGBTQI+ resources and upcoming events.

Science Academic Advising: updates for first-year students

The messages below have been sent to new students registered in the Faculty of Science for September 2023. To contact your Academic Advising Office, email advisor.science@smu.ca or schedule an appointment.

August 8, 2023 - First-year Science course FAQs

With the September 2023 semester just around the corner, we wanted to remind you of some important dates and upcoming events. We also wanted to provide some additional information on your first-year science courses.   

First-Year FAQ Sheets:  

Check out our First-Year FAQ Sheets for some of the core sciences courses you may be taking in September! Please keep in mind this is not a complete list of our first-year courses, nor are you likely registered in all of these courses. You will receive a full course syllabus for each course you are enrolled in during the first lecture. 

Important Dates:                   

Tuesday, September 5: Science Academic Welcome

Wednesday, September 6: First Day of Classes  

Tuesday, September 12: Last day to register or change fall term courses  

Friday, September 15: Last day to drop fall term courses   

Need More Information?

Have questions about your academics? We’re here to help! You can make an appointment through our online booking system. We are also happy to answer questions over email.  

July 18, 2023 - Preparing for Fall at SMU

We’re getting closer to the start of your time at Saint Mary’s!  Please mark your calendar and save the date for our Faculty of Science Academic Welcome on Tuesday, September 5.  More information about RSVPing for this event coming soon! 

What can you do now and during the summer months to get prepared to start in the Faculty of Science at SMU?   

  • Check out our New Student Resources   page where you can find information about a wide range of services and resources available to you.  

  • Consider JumpStart! JumpStart is a 3-day on campus camp happening at the end of July and again in August that will set you up for university success. Not in the Halifax area until September? Check out these online JumpStart Resources 

As always, you can also check in with us anytime you need.  You can make an appointment through our online booking system, join our weekly new student virtual drop-ins, or send us an email.   

June 21, 2023 - Welcome to the Faculty of Science

Your new journey has begun and it’s time to get excited about your future in the Saint Mary’s Faculty of Science! Whether this is your first time at university, if you’ve transferred to Saint Mary’s or if you’re a mature student, as your Academic Advisors, we are here to support you every step of the way. Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing various tips and resources to help you prepare for the start of classes in September.   

Tips and Resources: 

  • We offer dedicated new student virtual drop-in advising weekly! Come join us on Zoom to get your questions answered.  

  • Sign up for the Science Advising Brightspace page and subscribe to email notifications.

  • To sign-up, go to the SMU Brightspace Homepage, sign in, and on the NavBar click Discover. Search for Science Advising Centre, select it and enroll. You can manage your notifications when signed in by clicking on your name in the upper right and selecting Notifications from the drop-down menu. You’ll be using Brightspace throughout your degree to connect with your instructor and their course content. More information about Brightspace and other student software support can be found here. If you have issues with Brightspace, or other university-supported software such as Microsoft Office products—which students get for free—please email the Software and Application Support Centre at sas@smu.ca  

You may already have an idea of your intended program, or you could be a little uncertain about what you want to study in Science—regardless, as your Advisors we are here to support you through this process and throughout your time at Saint Mary’s. We recommend that you visit an Academic Advisor at least once per term to make sure you're on track to meet your educational goals. Can’t make our new student drop-ins? You can make an appointment to meet with us in person or virtually through our online booking system. You’ll also see all of our drop-in availability listed. We are also happy to answer questions by email.   

We’re looking forward to meeting you! 

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Business booming for BComm student

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Arsh Shaikh, Bachelor of Commerce student and business owner

When you walk into any of the four Flynn’s Dairy Bar and Convenience stores in the Halifax area, you are quickly immersed in a wide-ranging world of tasty treats. From classic candy delights to rare delicacies—Flynn’s has it all:

Noodle gummies – check!

Jolly Rancher slushies – you know it!

Dunkaroos pancake mix – you bet!

This is only scratching the surface. The store is also home to creative milkshakes crafted with your favourite cookies, candy and chocolate—and let’s not forget the ice cream.

The business opened in March 2020, starting with the first location in downtown Halifax and has grown since then with a store on Spring Garden, one in North-end Halifax (5552 Kaye Street) and another in Spryfield (383 Herring Cove Road).

The stores are run by Raees Shaikh and his sons Arsh and Zaid. Arsh is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student at the Sobey School of Business. His journey to entrepreneurial success in Halifax started with his business-minded family and he credits his grandfather and father for igniting his professional passion.

“Growing up, I wanted to be a pilot,” says Arsh with a smile. “When I was 13, my father gave me an opportunity to take on some responsibilities at one of the businesses he owned while he was away. When he got back, I was eager to take on more work and wanted to learn as much as I could.”

From there, Arsh continued to hone his business prowess. In 2018, his family made the move from India to Canada. When it was time for him to attend university, he started doing his research and learned more about the Sobey School of Business and knew it was the right fit for him.

“My professors are like family, they treat everyone really well, says Arsh. “They listen and they’re flexible and understand what’s going on with their students, they’re very caring and supportive of your education and goals.”  

The knowledge he’s gaining from his degree is providing a more solid foundation for his business expertise.

“My Bachelor of Commerce is helping me improve my writing skills,” he says. “It’s helping me be more strategic, to better understand the principles behind accounting and further enhance my relationship-building skills.”

Arsh has been able to strike a balance between maintaining his studies and running Flynn’s through clear, consistent communication with his professors as well as taking on a course load that’s right for him. When he’s done his BComm, he knows what he wants to do next.

“I’m going to pursue a master’s degree and it’s going to be at the Sobey School of Business,” he says with a smile. “I enjoy how passionate people are here and how your professors get to know you by name.”

Pursue your passion at the Sobey School of Business

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Future business leaders graduate from cross-cultural program in China

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This past week, the sixth cohort of students graduated from the BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce program based in Zhuhai, China. Twenty-six graduates received both a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University and a Bachelor of Economics from Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, with 19 earning a major in finance.

Prof. Zhong Xin, Dean of the International Business Faculty at BNUZ, offered words of encouragement to the graduating cohort, “Graduation is not the end, but a new beginning. Continuous learning is crucial, and lifelong growth is the key to success in an ever-changing world. I wish you all the best as you embark on this journey, reaching new heights and achieving happiness along the way.”

She went on to express her “heartfelt gratitude to the faculty and staff of the International Business Faculty and the Sobey School of Business for their ongoing dedication and guidance” to the students in this partnership program.

The Joint Bachelor of Commerce program allows students at BNUZ to experience a truly cross-cultural undergraduate education, with half of their courses taught by BNUZ professors and the other half taught by visiting SMU faculty. More than 400 students have graduated from the program since it began in 2014, with graduates earning a reputation as high performers in business and finance.

This fall, more than half of the graduating cohort will begin postgraduate programs around the world, including in Hong Kong, the Netherlands, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. Others will enter the workforce directly or begin preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam in China.

Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School of Business, highlighted the importance of this international education experience in his congratulatory message to this year’s grads, “The uniquely global perspective you have acquired throughout your studies will form the foundation for your future growth as business leaders both in China and beyond. We congratulate all of you on reaching this important milestone, and we wish you continued success as you join the ranks of our extensive alumni community.”    

The longstanding partnership between Saint Mary’s University and Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 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.

More than 40 SMU faculty members from the Sobey School of Business and the Faculty of Arts have travelled to Zhuhai to teach in the Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program since 2016, which has led to collaborative research opportunities with the International Business Faculty at BNUZ.  

We proudly honour the achievements of this year’s graduates in Zhuhai, and we extend our warmest welcome to the newest members of our 55,000+ global alumni network.

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Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair returns to SMU

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Budding young history buffs from across the province converged on campus last week, as Saint Mary’s University hosted the 2023 Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair.

“We were thrilled to welcome students back in person this year,” said the event’s coordinator Dr. Kirrily Freeman, Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning for the Faculty of Arts. “The Heritage Fair encourages young research talent to shine and connect with the expertise of our Arts faculty and heritage partners. It’s so great to be able to do that in person again.”

The annual celebration of history and heritage returned to campus on June 8 and 9 for the first time since June 2019. Virtual versions were offered over the past few years due to the pandemic.

Forty students—some in costume—shared projects on a wide range of topics, after being selected at their school and regional fairs. Subjects this year ranged from the history of the Jingle Dress to Vimy Ridge, Oak Island, ham radios and even local rapper Classified. The learning opportunity is designed for students in Grades 4 through 9, encouraging them to explore Canadian culture, history and heritage while gaining research and public presentation skills.

“By doing these projects, students focus on research and critical thinking. But they also learn how to share that knowledge with the public, and how to explain the significance of events from the past,” said Freeman.

The students and their chaperones arrived June 8 to set up their displays, attend workshops and get acquainted at a banquet with entertainment by Halifax ‘wizard rock’ band The Lovegoods. On June 9, the projects were open for public viewing in the McNally Theatre Auditorium. Students and their parents enjoyed chatting with The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, KC, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and Her Honour Mrs. Patsy LeBlanc, who wandered among the displays and stayed for the awards ceremony afterwards.

Educational workshops both days ranged from podcasting to archaeology, and astronomy sessions in the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. Awards recognized student research in such areas as Acadian and Indigenous heritage, environmental history, equity and justice, immigration studies, history of science and technology, military heritage and more. The judging panel included professionals who are active in the fields of culture, history and heritage: history professors, archivists, librarians, museum curators, museum interpreters and more.

Related:

Arts Academic Advising: updates for first-year students

The messages below have been sent to new students registered in the Faculty of Arts for September 2023. To contact your Academic Advising Office, email BAadvising@smu.ca or schedule an appointment.

July 28, 2023

As you begin to prepare for your first year at Saint Mary’s University, here are some important dates and information we want to share with you!

Save the Date!

Be sure to save the date for your Academic Welcome Session on Tuesday, September 5 at 10 a.m.!  At this session, you will meet the Dean of Arts and her team, faculty members, and fellow students. You will learn more about your degree and program, and there will be opportunities to ask any questions you may have.

 

JumpStart 2023

If you’re looking for a great way to prepare for the fall, we recommend Jump Start 2023. Jump Start is a series of academic workshops, webinars, and digital resources designed to introduce you to online learning. For more information or to sign up, visit the Jump Start 2023 website. 

Your Academic Welcome Session is one part of a fun New to SMU Welcome for incoming students! Sign up to take part in New to SMU events at  www.smu.ca/welcomeweeks

New Student Checklist

As a new student, you’ll need some items to start off your term. Using the new Student Checklist will help you get organized and prepared as you start University. Find the New Student Checklist here.

If you would like to meet with an Advisor, we can connect with you by phone or video chat. You can book an appointment online here or email BAadvising@smu.ca to discuss your advising needs or ask questions.

We look forward to meeting with you!

June 15, 2023 - Welcome to the Faculty of Arts

The Faculty of Arts and the BA Advising Centre are excited to welcome you to campus this September. This fall, you will begin a journey of academic exploration, personal growth and exciting opportunities as a student of the Faculty of Arts.

Whether this is your first time at university, if you’ve transferred to Saint Mary’s or if you’re a mature student, as your Academic Advisors, we are here to support you and cheer you on, every step of the way. We are so excited to be a part of your academic experience and wanted to introduce ourselves.

In preparation for the Fall term, the BA Advising Centre would like to take this time to introduce our team and the services we offer to you as BA students.

Meet your Advisors
BA Academic Advisors are experienced in helping students navigate their academic journey in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree programs. We recommend that you visit an Academic Advisor at least once per term to make sure you're on track to meet your educational goals.

Back (Left to Right): Charlotte Gilson (Secretary – BA Advising & Dean of Arts), Shawn Simamba (BA Program Advisor), Robyn McIntosh (Undergraduate Program Advisor – PSYC)

Front (Left to Right): Abhishek Bhuchar (BA Program Advisor), Emily Anderson (Senior BA Program Advisor)

The BA Advising Centre offers a blend of in-person and virtual services for students. Both in-person and virtual appointments must be booked online. Appointments are approximately 20 minutes long and can be scheduled up to two weeks in advance.

Academic Advising appointments are best used for questions about:

  • degree progress and course planning for the next academic year;

  • discussing and planning program options;

  • students experiencing academic difficulty;

  • students on probation or at risk of probation, suspension or dismissal;

  • discussing your goals, available skill-building opportunities and planning next steps.

How to meet with an Advisor
We offer in-person and virtual advising through booked appointments and drop-ins. You can book an appointment and view our drop-in advising schedule here. Students can also email questions to advisors at BAadvising@smu.ca.

New to SMU!
It’s an exciting time to enter university and start one of the most exciting experiences in your journey. New to SMU is designed to be a resource to help you get started this fall at Saint Mary’s. There are tips, resources and events to help you kick off your SMU journey and help you through your university experience. Be sure to keep an eye on the New to SMU webpage for updates on events and activities this fall!

People & Culture notice: Workplace Violence Assessment

Under the provincial occupational health and safety act, Saint Mary’s University is required to conduct a Workplace Violence Assessment at regular intervals.  The last such assessment at SMU was in 2015 and it is now time to update the assessment.  As I did in 2015, I have agreed to conduct the survey and will report back to Occupational Health and Safety with the results.  This research is not funded, and both Mahya and I are working on the project as a service to the university.

All Saint Mary’s employees are invited to participate in the risk assessment by completing an online survey.  The survey asks about your experiences with various programs at SMU, your own experienced and witnessed experience of violence and your perceptions and attitudes toward the university.  The survey will remain open until June 27, 2023 and responses received before then will be included in our analysis.  Through your participation, you are helping us to minimize the risk of violence in our workplace.

 This research has been reviewed and cleared by the Saint Mary’s University Research Ethics Board (REB # 15-155). If you have any questions or concerns about ethical matters, you may contact the Chair of the Saint Mary's University Research Ethics Board at ethics@smu.ca or 420-5728.


If you wish to participate, or wish to learn more about the survey please follow the link given below. https://smuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9EpjIu3MzOGUXoG

Thank you,

Principal Investigator:                    
Dr. Kevin Kelloway, Dept. of Psychology
Kevin.kelloway@smu.ca (902) 491-8616

Student Co-Investigator:
Mahya Masshadi, Dept. of Psychology
Mahya.masshadi@smu.ca (902) 491-6355

 

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Student perspective: experiencing Pride at Saint Mary’s

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June is the kick-off month for Pride Season, a time to honour the celebration of love and acceptance dedicated to celebration and commemoration of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), intersexual, asexual (2SLGBTQI+) pride.

At Saint Mary’s, we strive to create a welcoming, respectful and supportive environment for our entire community. For many, SMU has become a home away from home, and we endeavour to ensure there is safe space for self-discovery and to experience joy in community. 

Liv Brennan

Liv Brennan (she/her) is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Geology, who is currently working as the Student Life Coordinator for the Student Success Centre (SSC). SMU’s initiatives in allyship and creating safe space were an important factor in Brennan’s decision to work in the SSC.

“Previously I worked in Residence Life and have been involved in the RainBEAU Committee as well as the Pride Society, so I knew there would be support for me as an LGBTQI+ person,” says Brennan. “My experience at SMU has always been positive and my colleagues have always been supportive—it makes me proud to work here.” 

Being involved with 2SLGBTQI+ initiatives on campus has been an empowering part of Brennan’s experience at Saint Mary’s University. “It means a lot to me to see SMU acknowledging Pride Month,” explains Brennan. “It’s a great opportunity for our community to feel a sense of belonging and it enhances our sense of pride in who we are.” 

Within her role as Student Life Coordinator, Brennan is supporting initiatives to celebrate Pride Season. Alongside her team, Brennan is excited to host a SAAS pride event on June 20, called Paint Your Pride, inviting the entire SMU community to create a large chalk mural in the Quad. She is also helping to develop a 2SLGBTQ+ community resource hub for SMU.ca.

“For me, it’s about community and making the world a better place for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.”

“There are all kinds of resources available at SMU for our community,” notes Brennan. “In addition to the RainBeau Committee and the Pride Society, we have the SMUSA Pride Centre and the SMUSA Women’s Centre, both on the 5th floor of the Student Centre. There are also health and wellness resources through the Student Health Clinic, Counselling Centre and the Sexual Violence Support Centre.” 

When asked what World Pride Month means to Brennan, she highlighted how her journey as a bisexual woman has strengthened her passion for helping create a sense of belonging. “For me, it’s about community and making the world a better place for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Pride Season gives us a chance to amplify our messages of love and tolerance and acknowledge those who helped pave the way for us and those who carry on the important work for our community.” 

Brennan is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Pride initiatives at SMU. “It’s so important to give our voices a platform,” she notes. “Hearing from people at SMU who are going about their lives, whether they’re working or studying here, really enhances that sense of community on campus. Knowing that SMU wants to share our stories reinforces that we belong here and that we don’t stand alone.” 

Visit Celebrating Pride at Saint Mary’s to learn more about initiatives and resources at SMU.