FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ACADEMIC CALENDAR: What is it? Why do I need it? How do I get one?
The academic calendar that arrives with acceptance letters is the rulebook for the University. In addition to listing the courses offered at Saint Mary's, the academic calendar contains valuable information on such things as programs, admission requirements, schedules, costs, regulations and student support services.
When selecting courses, the first step is to take a look at the course descriptions and prerequisites outlined in the academic calendar. To see when these courses are offered, check the timetable on the Self Service Banner.
Undergraduate calendars are available by request from either Admissions or the Service Centre; Graduate calendar are available from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in Room AT 210. For a digital version of the current academic calendar check: Academic Calendar.
ATHLETIC EVENTS: Where can I get tickets? How much do they cost? Are discounts available? How do I find more information?
Students who have a current Saint Mary's student I.D. receive free admission to home games in the regular season and a discounted rate for other tickets. Tickets are not sold online, but the Athletics webpage ( Athletics & Recreation ) lists the sales venues and provides a breakdown of ticket prices by regular season and playoffs. Simply select a sport and use the drop down menu to find useful links to scheduling and scores, team rosters, coaches, and other sport-related matters.
BUS PASS: Where do I get a pass for Metro Transit? How much does it cost? Are there special arrangements for students with disabilities? Where can I find transit schedules and route maps?
As part of compulsory student fees, full-time undergraduate and graduate students receive a U-Pass (Metro Transit bus/ferry pass) that's good from September until April. Students with disabilities can use the U-Pass on Access-A-Bus. There is no opting out except in the case of students who have CNIB passes.
For bus passes, schedules and route maps, present a Saint Mary's University I.D. at the O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre Information Desk.
Part-time students, faculty and staff may purchase bus passes and bus tickets directly from Metro Transit, from Saint Mary's Student Centre Information Desk and at most local pharmacies and convenience stores.
Schedules, route maps and information are available online at: http://www.smusa.ca and
http://www.halifax.ca/transit/Schedules/index.php
CAMPUS TOURS: How do I arrange a tour of the campus? How far in advance do I need to book?
The Centre for New Students in the McNally Lobby has student ambassadors who conduct one-hour campus tours that include the library, classrooms, bookstore, athletic facilities, dining areas and residences. To arrange a tour, leave a message at 420-5682, e-mail campustours@smu.ca or complete the Campus Tour Request Form at http://www.smu.ca/future-students/visit-our-campus.html. Book at least one week in advance to avoid disappointment.
COMPUTER ACCOUNTS: I have received an ‘A’ number. What is it? How do I use it? What is the Self-Service Banner? How do I access it? How do I get an ‘s’ number? Where can I find more information?
Once admitted, students receive a Banner ID number (known as an ‘A' number) and PIN, while faculty and staff receive this information from Human Resources. 'A' number and PIN are used to access Banner Self-Service, where students can register for courses; print their T2202A for income tax purposes; pay for tuition; view exam schedules and grades, etc,. Faculty and Staff can access a variety of employment-related materials including pay stubs, leave records and income tax forms. Faculty can also use Banner to check class lists and submit grades.
To access campus computers, network drives, SMUport, BlackBoard, and other services, all users need to activate an ‘s' number (s followed by 7 digits) by providing an ‘A' number and PIN at: https://activate.smu.ca. For security reasons, 's' number needs to be re-activated every 90 days.
For more information: http://www.smu.ca/eit/
COMPUTER PROBLEMS: Where do I go if I have computer problems? Where do I go for repairs to university computers? Where do I go for repairs to my personal computer? Where do I get more information?
The ITSS Help Desk provides help for problems related to software and computer use. ITSS Help Desk is in two locations, one in the Atrium and one in Loyola Academic 268. For University computers that need repair, the ITSS Help Desk provides referrals to ITSS Support Technologists. Repairs to personal computers are not provided on campus, but computer repair and servicing is available within walking distance of the university.
For more information call the Help Desk at 496-8111, email helpdesk@smu.ca or go to: http://www.smu.ca/eit/.
DIRECTIONS to the University: I am off-campus. Where do I find directions to Saint Mary’s University?
The easiest way to find the University from an off-campus location is to use Mapquest ( http://www.mapquest.com ).
Under ‘Get Directions' enter your starting address in the ‘A' line and Saint Mary's address in the ‘B' line. The address for Saint Mary's is 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS.
If there is no access to the Internet, the following provides directions to Saint Mary's from the three main routes into Halifax.
From the Halifax Airport (approximately 40 km): Follow Hwy-102 south toward Halifax/Dartmouth. Merge onto Hwy-118 S via the exit on the left toward Hwy-107/Dartmouth Hwy-111/Halifax via bridges.
Take Wright Avenue (Exit 12) toward Hwy-111 N/Halifax/Burnside Park. Take the exit on the left towards Hwy-111 N/Halifax/Commodore Drive. Merge onto Hwy-111 N/Circumferential Hwy via the exit on the left towards Halifax. Take the Exit to Robie Street/Windsor Street/Bedford. Stay straight to go onto Hwy-111 S. Merge onto Robie Street. Robie Street soon becomes Massachusetts Avenue. Stay slightly right to remain on Robie Street and go to #923.
From Dartmouth (approximately 8 km): Take the Angus L MacDonald Bridge from Dartmouth to Halifax. The bridge turns into North Street. Follow North Street to Agricola Street. Turn right onto Agricola Street and take the first left onto McCully Street. Turn left at Robie Street and go to # 923.
From the Annapolis Valley (Windsor, Wolfville and points west): Take Hwy-101 east to Hwy-102 south. Stay on Hwy-102 to the very end when it becomes Bayers Road. Continue along Bayers Road in the right hand lane until you reach Connaught Avenue. At Connaught Avenue, turn right. Follow Connaught to Jubilee Road. Turn left onto Jubilee Road. Take the third right onto Oxford Street. Remain on Oxford Street after it becomes Beaufort Avenue. Turn left onto Inglis Street. Continue until you reach Robie Street. Turn Right onto Robie. Go to # 923.
DIRECTIONS on Campus: I am on campus. Where do I find the location of my classes? How do I find my classrooms and other campus locations?
Information desks are located in the McNally lobby and on the first floor of the Student Centre. There are multiple maps posted throughout the campus and there is a campus map on the university website: http://www.smu.ca/documents/campus-map.pdf.
Check class lists for the location of classes. Not all classes are held on campus.
FAXES (sending and receiving): I need to send/receive a fax. Where do I go to do this? How much does it cost?
Students, faculty and staff may send and receive faxes at the Circulation Services Desk in the Patrick Power Library (fax: 902-420-5561) and at the Student Centre Information Desk (fax: 902-420-5433). There is no charge to receive a fax. Prices to send a fax vary. See locations for further information.
FOOD ON CAMPUS: Where is food sold on campus? What kinds of food are available? How early/late is food sold?
There are several locations for food and drink on campus, and a variety of options:
The Just Us Café in the Atrium
Tim Horton's and the C-Store in the Loyola Colonnade
The Student Centre Food Court (during the school year)
The Dockside Dining Hall in Loyola Residence
For hours of operation and menus call Saint Mary's Food Services at 902-420-5599 or go to: www.campusdish.com/en-us/CA/SaintMarys
HISTORY OF SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY: How can I learn more about the history of Saint Mary’s? Where do I find the University archives?
Saint Mary's University traces its earliest beginnings to 1802 when the Reverend Edmund Burke, later Bishop Burke, initiated instruction for young men at the Glebe House, located on the corner of Halifax's Spring Garden Road and Barrington Street. Some significant benchmarks in Saint Mary's early history include 1841 when the Nova Scotia Legislature bestowed the degree granting charter to Saint Mary's; 1940 when the Jesuit leadership began; and 1970 when the university became a public institution.
For information about the archives housed in the Patrick Power Library call 902-420-5508 or go to: University Archives.
HUSKY PATROL: I have heard that there is a program that provides safe drives to and from campus. Who can use it? Where and when does it run?
The Husky Patrol is a free service offered by SMUSA (Saint Mary's University Students' Association) in partnership with Campus Security. During the fall and winter sessions, it provides safe drives to and from campus for Saint Mary's students, faculty and staff.
To use the service, present a valid SMU I.D. at the Information Desk on the first floor of the Student Centre. From off campus, phone 496-8755 with I.D. ready.
For route maps and information about the rules of the road, call 496-8718; see the Husky Patrol Manager in the Student Centre, Room 522; or go to: http://www.smusa.ca/husky-patrol
INTERNET: How do I access the Internet while on campus? Is Internet service available to visitors? How do I arrange wireless service?
Internet is available to students, faculty, staff and alumni who have an ‘s' number and a password. Visitors may access the Internet on the guest computers in the Patrick Power Library.
For more information about wireless access, visit the ITSS help desk in either the Atrium or Loyola Academic 268 or go to: On-Campus Wireless Access. Summer guests staying in residence are able to arrange wireless service through the Residence Security Desk.
LOCKERS: Where are lockers located? Who can use them? How much do they cost?
Rental lockers are located in Loyola Academic, the Burke Building and the McNally Main. For more information see Facilities Management in MS001.
Daily use lockers are also available at no cost in the Science building.
PACKAGES (sending and receiving): I would like to send/receive a package. What is the best way to do this? Can I place a COD order or do I need to pay in advance?
Sending and receiving packages, whether by mail or courier, usually requires a complete mailing address and telephone number. Saint Mary's mailing address is: 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3.
The phone number is (902) 420-5400.
Inventory and Distribution receives all deliveries to the university, except COD items, and delivers them to the departments for faculty and staff, and to the Loyola Residence mailroom for students living in residence. Students receive an email from the Loyola mailroom advising them to pick up their packages between noon and 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. A student ID is required when signing for pick-up and parcels sent to students should include the complete room number and phone number.
Students who live in residence can pay for COD packages either by phone or online. Upon delivery of these pre-paid packages, Inventory and Distribution will deliver them to the Loyola mailroom. COD deliveries to students are discouraged because of the difficulty in coordinating drop-off times. Check with Inventory and Distribution at 420-5467 for more information about parcel deliveries.
For Purolator and UPS pickup, a box is located in the McNally Main Basement. Other couriers pick up from individual departments. For more information about sending and receiving parcels contact Inventory and Distribution at 420-5467.
PARKING: Where do I park while on campus? How much does it cost? Can I purchase a parking permit? Are there designated parking spots for people with disabilities?
Questions about parking are best directed to Facilities Management at 420-5572 or online at: facilities.management@smu.ca
Parking meters are found in a number of locations on campus including the Science Parking Lot, behind the McNally Building, behind the Student Centre, in front of Rice Residence and near The Tower. The cost of metered parking is $1.00 an hour from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and the meters take only loonies and toonies ($1 and $2 coins).
Daily or weekly parking permits for use in all general parking areas on campus are sold by Facilities Management. Temporary permits are also available to Conference groups through either Conference Services (420-5486) or Facilities Management (420-5572).
Permits for students, staff and faculty are available by online application at: Facilities Management.
Designated accessible parking spots for persons with disabilities are located in front of the Sobey Building, behind the McNally Building, in the Science parking lot and at the east side of the Arena lot. Accessible parking permits are available from Facilities Management (420-5572).
POSTERS: I would like to post something on a campus bulletin board. Do I need permission? What are the rules about posting a item?
Posters, 11 x 17 or smaller, must be approved and stamped at the Student Centre Information Desk. Stamped posters can be placed on general (non-departmental) bulletin boards in the Student Centre, Burke, McNally, Loyola Academic, Sobey, Vanier and Rice Residence lobby.
RENTAL SPACE and ROOM BOOKINGS: How do I go about renting a room for a special event? Are rental facilities available to the general public? Is it possible to rent the Courtside or VIP Lounge? What is involved in booking either a study room or a computer lab?
Rental facilities are available on campus to faculty, students, staff and the general public through Conference Services.
To make a booking or request information, phone 420-5055, e-mail conference.services@smu.ca or check the website: Conference Services .
Bookings for Athletic facilities and the Courtside and VIP lounges are made through Athletics and Recreation.
Call 420-5440 or email linda.gould@smu.ca .
Bookings for Computer labs in McNally East, Loyola and Sobey go through ITSS. Call 420-5417 or email shelley.macaskill@smu.ca .
Study rooms for two or more students can be booked at the Circulation counter in the library. Teamwork rooms located on the first and second floors of the Loyola and Sobey Buildings are available to Saint Mary's students without a reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Both are free of charge.
SCANNING: I need to scan something. Where can I do that? How much does it cost? Are scanning services available to alumni and guests? How can I find more information?
Scanners are located in the Software and Application Support Centre (SAS) lab on the first floor of the Atrium (Room 107) next to the Just Us Café. They are available at no charge to students, faculty, support staff, and by special permission to alumni and guests. Users should bring their own jump drives and CD/DVD's if needed.
For more information call 496- 8168, email sas@smu.ca.
Scanning is also available for a fee at the SMUSA Marketing Department, 5 th floor, Student Union Building and the RICOH Print Centre ( print.centre@smu.ca ).
SMUfit: What is SMUfit? Who can join? How much does it cost to join? How much do fitness classes cost? Are discounts available?
The SMUfit membership program builds on the Saint Mary's commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles and healthy communities. Our members have access to our newly expanded fitness facilities at the Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness that are home to a suite of cardio and fitness equipment, weight training facilities, studio spaces for fitness classes, a community studio, and much more.
All full-time Saint Mary's University students receive complimentary SMUfit Memberships, which run from September 1 to April 30 each year.
Membership discounts are available for part-time students, full- and part-time faculty and staff, students from other universities, 55 plus and corporate groups. Day passes are also available.
For more information: http://www.smufit.ca
SMUSA: What is SMUSA? Who belongs? How much does it cost to be a member? What are the advantages of membership?
All full-time and part-time students pay membership fees for Saint Mary's University Students' Association (SMUSA). SMUSA provides support, advocacy and representation to Saint Mary's University students. It is also responsible for a variety of campus services, including frosh packs, the U-Pass, the Journal newspaper, the student health plan, the Student Centre Information Desk, Husky Patrol, student societies, and the yearbook. SMUSA also operates the Gorsebrook Lounge and has a marketing and communications department that provides services for campus and the outside community. For more information go to: www.smusa.ca
SOCIETIES: Where can I find information about joining a society? Is it possible to start a society?
The Saint Mary's Students' Association website, www.smusa.ca has information about joining or starting a society and contains a list of over 50 current student societies including the Accounting Society, the Conflict Resolution Society and the Garden Action Group.
STAMPS: Where can I buy stamps? Where can I post letters and packages? How do I know how much postage is required?
Stamps are sold at the Student Centre Information Desk during the fall and winter semesters. A Canada Post letterbox is located on Tower Road, next to the entrance to Arena parking lot.
The Student Centre Information Desk does not weigh envelopes and packages. The nearest Canada Post outlet offering full postal service is located in the Shopper's Drug Mart at 5595 Fenwick Street.
For more information, call the Information Desk at 496-8713 or email infodesk@smusa.ca .
STUDENT I.D.: Where do I get my student I.D.? Do I need to supply the photograph? If I lose my student I.D. is it possible to replace it?
Student I.D.'s are made at the Patrick Power Library. In order to get one, new students must present a government photo I.D. such as a Driver's License. Returning students must present previous student I.D.
There is a price to replace a lost student I.D. and a government photo I.D. is required.
STUDENT LOANS: How do I apply for a Student Loan? What is the deadline for applying? Once I'm approved for a Student Loan, how do I get the money? Are foreign students eligible for Student Loans?
Help applying for Student Loans is available in the Service Centre through Saint Mary's Financial Aid and Awards.
Canadian students may apply online to the province in which they reside for either a Canada Student Loan or a Quebec Student Loan. Information concerning deadlines for application, course load requirements, processing, and loan payment is available at: www.canlearn.ca
Foreign students requiring loan information may contact Saint Mary's Financial Aid and Awards.
TECHNOLOGY TRAINING: Where do I go for help or training using technology that I need to use in my classes, like Blackboard, or Excel?
Want to take that next step with technology in your coursework? Located in AT 107, next to the Just Us Café, Centre for Academic Technologies (CAT) offers support and training (at no charge) to meet your needs.
Drop in to the CAT, attend a workshop, or make an appointment with a student technology assistant for help with MS Office, Blackboard, and more - just ask! 496-8168, cat@smu.ca, www.smu.ca/cat
TUTORING: I need a tutor. Where do I find one? How much do they charge per hour?
SMUSA coordinates a Tutor Database for individual and small group tutoring. SMUSA tutors do not charge more than $15 per hour. To find a SMUSA tutor, or to apply to tutor, go to http://www.smusa.ca.
For other tutoring services and requests for tutoring, see the notices posted on campus bulletin boards.
TUITION PAYMENTS: When is my tuition due? Do I need to pay it all at once? If I withdraw from a course, do I get a refund?
Tuition fees are due in September for the fall semester and in January for the winter semester. For the exact dates contact Saint Mary's Service Centre by phone at 420-5582, by email at service.centre@smu.ca or check the University web page Important Dates.
WRITING CENTRE: Where do I go for help writing an essay? Do I need an appointment?
Writing support is available by appointment at the Writing Centre, located in the Burke Building, room 115. A variety of online and in-print resources and various workshops are also available. Appointments may be made online, by e-mailing writing@smu.ca or by calling 491-6202. For more information, visit Writing Centre and Academic Communications.
If there is a question you would like to see added to the list, please send it to paffairs@smu.ca.