Did you know that you can access peer-based mental health support through the Counselling Centre? Along with professional counselling services, they offer drop-in peer supports, bi-weekly art and mental health programming, programs geared toward specific communities and more!
Two of the Counselling Centre's student staff this year 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador Jo (Left), and their Accessibility Wellness Ambassador Zoë (Right). Wellness Ambassadors coordinate wellness-based social programs for members of their communities. Jo hosts bi-weekly Queer Board Games Nights and monthly Trans Student Drop-Ins. Zoë works as a part of the Counselling Centre and Fred Smithers Centre offering social programs to students who are part of the blind, deaf, disabled and neurodivergent communities. All students are welcome to attend events and learn about their work.
Jo and Zoë both have training to offer one-on-one peer support. Want to set up a chat with one of them? Send them an email and learn more about what they do on the The Counselling Centre's Peer Support Page.
Jo McKenzie (they/them), 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador
2SLGBTQ.Wellness@smu.ca
Zoë MacDonald (she/her), Accessibility Wellness Ambassador
Accessibility.Wellness@smu.ca.
Input wanted for Campus Active Transportation Plan
Do you dream of a more active transportation (walking, cycling, scooting, rolling, etc.) friendly campus?
Your voice matters and we want to hear from you! Saint Mary’s is beginning work on an Active Transportation Plan, an initiative aimed at improving the current active transportation network and shaping a more sustainable campus for the future.
Please join us on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 for an Open House to learn more about the initiative and to provide your input!
Where: Loyola Academic Conference Hall, Room No. LA290
When: There will be two sessions: 9:30–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–3:30pm
Who: All those who use SMU Campus (staff, students, faculty, Homburg)
Women in Business event highlights networking and sustainability
On October 17, the Sobey School of Business celebrated women in business, with the Elevating Women in Business: Blazing Trails event. Now in its 5th year, the annual event shines a light on women business leaders and this year, brought a special focus on how to create a more sustainable world.
Keynote speaker Chantal Brine BA’09, who is the CEO and Founder of EnPoint, spoke to a crowd of more than 80 attendees about the importance of mentorship and strategic networking techniques. Another highlight was a panel discussion with Dr. Denise Daley, Executive Director of the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank; Sara Shabnam BComm’15, Founder & CEO of Better Day Vintage; Rebecca de Condé BComm’15, Owner of Effex Curated Vintage; and Marley MacDonald MA’14, Director of Responsibility and Sustainability at the NSLC, who came together to discuss sustainability among their respective professions.
During this event, Dr. Rohini Bannerjee, AVP Diversity Excellence, moderated the discussion which explored how these accomplished professionals seamlessly integrated sustainability into their careers and discovered the art of building meaningful connections through networking.
This thought-provoking and inspirational gathering not only fostered a sense of unity within the Saint Mary’s community but also set a precedent, illuminating the path toward a brighter and more sustainable future.
Celebrating excellence: Saint Mary’s faculty recognized for external research funding
At a recent celebration, researchers at Saint Mary’s University were recognized for their success in securing more than $12 million in external funding to engage in important work in their fields. The funding received was in the form of research contracts, Canada Research Chair positions and tri-council grants.
Research by Saint Mary’s faculty covers diverse topics such as policy changes to protect women migrants and refugees against violence and the examination of 2SLGBTQ+ poverty in Canada to improve livelihood and social well-being. Secured funding also supports research that examines the sustainable trade of goods, improves plant health and nutrition, investigates the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems, assesses biodiversity conservation and Indigenous health and well-being.
A celebration to honour 97 researchers from faculties of Science, Arts, Sobey School of Business and two staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre took place in the McNally Theatre Auditorium on October 6. The quality of research happening here at Saint Mary’s University is something that we should all be proud of, congratulations to all of those that have been recognized.
Researcher leads team in discovering galaxies with James Webb Space Telescope
This image shows the Webb Deep Field of Galaxies, the very first unveiled science image by JWST. Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI. Post-stamps: Shannon MacFarland (SMU).
Dr. Gaël Noirot, a postdoctoral researcher at Saint Mary’s University, is playing a leading role in studying an image called “Webb’s Deep Field of Galaxies,” the extraordinary first image produced by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) which contains at least 7,000 galaxies.
Along with Saint Mary’s professor and CRC Chair Dr. Marcin Sawicki, a team of Canadian astronomers have used the Canadian NIRISS instrument on board JWST to collect spectra from galaxies in the image. These spectra are a type of scientific data created by breaking down the light of an object to reveal additional information such as the object’s age or distance.
The team has now measured the redshifts—a precise measurement of a galaxy’s distance based on the unique chemical signatures seen in its spectra—of nearly 200 galaxies whose distances from Earth were previously unknown.
“NIRISS is perfect for doing this because it can measure the redshifts of hundreds of galaxies at once,” said Dr. Noirot who is Principal Investigator of this observing program and lead author of the study published this month in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Launch of new partnership to support diverse student entrepreneurs
The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the launch of the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, which was made possible through the generous gift of $200,000 by the TD Bank Group. This two-year pilot is designed to amplify the support of diverse student entrepreneurs, advance the entrepreneurial mindset and innovate business models. Three key initiatives include:
The Ignition Program —a 10-week program offering training, mentorship, resources and networking;
The Student Entrepreneurial Experience Bootcamp (SEE) —providing students with a transformational learning experience and an opportunity to develop their own businesses with resources and funding;
Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) events —promoting collaboration and celebration within and beyond our diverse entrepreneurial network.
"Helping create an environment where everyone can adapt, thrive and reach their full potential is extremely important to us at TD. By supporting the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, through the Sobeys School of Business and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, we know that we will contribute to providing entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds with the right tools to realize their dreams," says Jenn Auld, Vice-President Atlantic Region, TD Canada Trust.
The program will leverage the expertise and passion of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, creating a holistic support environment for diverse entrepreneurs. Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre said, “The TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative is a significant milestone for our students and the broader entrepreneurial community. This initiative represents an important step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for our students and aspiring entrepreneurs. It aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation, diversity and excellence in the entrepreneurial community.”
The first TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative event, TD Connect: Celebrating Diversity Through Entrepreneurship, was held on October 26. This event provided a platform for students to connect and engage with a diverse cohort of entrepreneurs and professionals. It highlighted the endeavours of eight student entrepreneurs and a panel discussion featuring accomplished and diverse business leaders. With an attendance of over a hundred enthusiastic students, the event emphasized the importance of DEIB in the entrepreneurial world.
Learn more about the programs and events offered by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the spaces in the new Sobeys Inspiration Hub.
Impact and inspiration: students attend Michelle Obama talk
Inspiration and encouragement was the goal behind three generous Saint Mary's University alumni donors this term. On October 18, 200 Saint Mary's University students had the opportunity to attend A Conversation with Michelle Obama thanks to tickets provided by Chancellor Michael J. Durland BComm'87 DComm'10, former Chancellor Robert P. Kelly BComm'75 DComm'97 and Daniel J. McCarthy BComm'76 DComm'11.
A diverse group of student attendees was selected based on nominations from academic Deans, Athletics, Student Affairs and Services, the President's office, the Students' Association and other university departments.
"It was a real honour to be chosen for this event. But I think the bigger impact was the nomination itself...to be nominated for an event as big as this was something else," says Ken Cornell, a fifth-year student in the Faculty of Arts.
Before picking up their tickets, the students had a chance to hear from guest speaker Nick Booth, CEO of the True Patriot Love Foundation. Booth spoke about his professional journey as a leader in the non-profit industry. His inspirational words and advice sparked insightful questions from the student audience. The pre-event was an excellent kick-off for a night of inspiration.
“It was one of the most empowering and inspiring experiences I have ever encountered,” says Shiray Tan, fourth-year student in the Sobey School of Business and President of the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association. “Michelle Obama made me realize that I can do anything and everything in this world as long as if I put my mind into it and work hard.”
Homecoming 2023
At Homecoming 2023 on October 12-15, more than 2,300 alumni, friends, and community members came together on campus and online to celebrate milestones, reconnect and cheer on the Huskies. A heartwarming Golden Grad class of 1973 reception saw more than 145 people gather, some for the first time in 50 years. "We really enjoyed our Golden Grads Luncheon—51 years ago for me already—how did that happen in the blink of an eye…" said Bob Bissett, Golden Grad.
This year, Homecoming kicked off with the panel discussion Pathways to Success: From Saint Mary's to International Diplomacy—an opportunity for the Department of Philosophy to introduce the new major, "Law and Ethics," at Saint Mary's. Each speaker shared their journey, discussed challenges and successes, and helped students and young alumni explore the possibilities after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts.
Later that evening, our alums and community attended an eye-opening panel discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Computer Science Program. This event brought together science and business alumni and students to connect, network, and discuss AI. Discussions included how AI is advancing business, research and technology, as well as the importance of ethics in academic integrity, finance and government.
2023 was a big year for celebrating milestones at the university. Fifty years ago, the 1973 Huskies Basketball, Football, and Hockey teams took home championships. Almost 100 alumni gathered in the O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre for a 1973 champion teams reunion, where they celebrated and swapped stories from their big year.
The 1973 Men's Football team gathered for a reunion reception in the Gorsebrook Lounge. MLA Barbara Adams, Minister for Seniors and Long-Term Care, presented the team with certificates from the province. ADM Dwayne Provo BEd'95 addressed the team to celebrate their success in '73. There was a buzz of stories—from on and off the field—as if no time had passed.
Despite the rain on Friday evening, more than 900 former Huskies, fellow alumni and Saint Mary's community members cheered on the Huskies Football team. The Huskies won (33-18) against Acadia, sending them into the playoffs. Later that night, alums and friends gathered in the Gorsebrook Lounge for a Flashback Friday Pub night celebration following the football game—an opportunity to reconnect with friends and dance the night away with Halifax DJs PINEO & LOEB.
Homecoming also celebrated the classes of 1998 and 2013 with a brunch in the Gorsebrook Lounge on Saturday. The morning was full of laughs, tasty food and many graduates catching up with old classmates. The weekend was packed with sporting events and reunions with alumni cheering on the men's and women's hockey and soccer teams on the Huskies field.
Saint Mary's Alumni sends a huge thank you to all who came out to make another successful Homecoming weekend. Our alumni, friends and community were able to reconnect and celebrate monumental milestones for themselves and the university.
Saint Mary's is upgrading the technology for bubble-sheet exams
Saint Mary's is upgrading the technology for managing bubble-sheet exams: Remark Test Grading.
What is Remark? Remark is a software application to help you print, mark, and grade bubble-sheet exams.
Why is this technology changing? Our previous bubble sheet hardware, Scantron, is obsolete, unreliable, and is no longer supported by the vendor.
How does it affect instructors? The Software Application Support (SAS) Centre will continue to scan your bubble sheets and send you a grading report. Contact the SAS to learn more about receiving bubble sheets.
When will the change take effect? Remark will launch in the Fall 2023 Semester
Where can I learn more? Contact SAS: Atrium 107 | sas@smu.ca
Employee Recognition Awards: Check out nominees and recipients!
The 29th Annual Employee Recognition Awards are quickly approaching, with the celebration event to be held on Wednesday, November 8.
This year, close to 70 faculty and staff are celebrating service milestones at Saint Mary’s! Curious to see who among your colleagues will be receiving service awards? You can visit this site to learn more.
The Saint Mary’s community has responded positively to the new Santamarian Awards, nominating a total of 11 individuals and 5 teams from across the university. These awards were established to recognize colleagues who make a positive contribution to our work culture while embodying our values. See the nominees here.
Winners of the prestigious President’s Awards for Exemplary Service will also be announced at the celebration ceremony. Guests and award recipients will have the opportunity to connect and celebrate with colleagues over some refreshments following the award presentations.
Be sure to save the date and RSVP for this special event!
Kane Writers Award: Apply by Nov. 30
The Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award supports aspiring writers of African Nova Scotian and Black/African descent. Valued at $30,000, the award will be presented to an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Arts upon graduation from Saint Mary’s.
Floyd Kane BA’92
2024 award criteria:
To be eligible, undergraduate BA and BES students must:
be graduating from Saint Mary’s in 2024,
be Canadian citizens or permanent residents,
identify as Black/African descended, with priority going to African Nova Scotian students,
have good academic standing,
have demonstrable financial need, and
aspire to a career in writing, broadly defined.
This award was established through the generosity of alumnus Floyd Kane BA’92, a writer, lawyer, filmmaker and creator of the acclaimed TV series, Diggstown. It aims to reduce financial roadblocks for graduating students by supporting them in pursuing further studies, training or self-directed projects to advance their writing aspirations. Broadly defined, writing can include (but is not limited to) creative writing, spoken word, film/television writing, digital publishing or an academic career path in an arts and humanities discipline.
Application deadline: Thursday, November 30, 2023
Learn more and apply today! https://www.smu.ca/arts/arts-awards-andfunding.html
Related reading
Academic Integrity Week: Oct 30-Nov 2
Academic integrity is the foundation of higher learning. It refers to a set of ethical values relating to how we treat our sources of knowledge, and how new knowledge is constructed and shared with others. The values of academic integrity go beyond student citation mistakes, plagiarism, and cheating, as the technical manifestations of violations associated with it. Academic integrity is a shared responsibility among all members of the University community.
The aim of this week-long event is to engage students, faculty and staff in learning and sharing with others how they can uphold academic integrity to increase student success and promote the ethical values of scholarly dialogue and respectful knowledge creation.
Schedule of events
Faculty Panel on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AI (Academic Integrity)
Monday, October 30
3-4:30 p.m.
Virtual Event
The panel will be moderated by Dr. Karen Grandy, Chairperson of the Academic Senate and the Senate Committee on Academic Integrity. Panelists include Academic Integrity Officers, members of the Academic Integrity Appeal Board, and Education Developer Julian l’Enfant from The Studio for Teaching and Learning.
Bring your questions, challenges, and ideas about maintaining Academic Integrity in our classes now that Artificial Intelligence tools are widely available for everyone to use.
Zoom link
Meeting ID: 826 4860 0695 Passcode: 603419
Citation Station: activities, fun AI resources and prizes
Tuesday, October 31
1-4 p.m.
Student Common Space, 5th Floor of the Student Centre. Drop-by station.
Visit us at the Citation Station on the 5th floor of the Student Centre from 1-4 p.m. to learn about citations and plagiarism, to receive writing and referencing help on your papers and for the chance to win prizes!
Avoiding Academic Mistakes Workshop
Wednesday, November 1
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Virtual Event
Chat with the Writing Centre and Library staff about academic integrity and get tips to help you with writing a paper, assignment, or test. Learn how to avoid common academic mistakes! This workshop is designed to provide you with resources to help with your writing, research, and proper citations/references.
Zoom link
Passcode: academic
Intersections Between Copyright and Academic Integrity
Thursday, November 2
2-3 p.m.
Virtual Event
Copyright is more than knowing the limits of what you can copy. Whether you’re using images, videos, or scholarly sources, there are many scenarios where knowledge of copyright can be helpful – from knowing how to apply exceptions found in the Canadian Copyright Act to what you need to know before you submit your completed thesis. Join Suzanne and Patricia as they explore the intersections between copyright and academic integrity.
Presenters:
Suzanne van den Hoogen MLIS, University Librarian and Copyright Officer
Patricia Langille, MA, Copyright Assistant
Microsoft Teams link
Meeting ID: 229 086 915 918
Passcode: PzxmqJ