2020-21 SMU Saint Mary’s university NEW totoSaint Mary’s acknowledges that the university operates on the traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq nation. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples first signed with the British crown in 1725. The Treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship. with us at smu.ca/newtosmu or by emailing welcome@smu.ca. CONNECTThis September 2020 will be like no other term in our 218-year history. We are excited to embrace new learning methods and technologies, help you build meaningful online and in-person connections, and create a memorable experience. Rest assured, the university is fully operational in this “new virtual normal”. Even online, there are many resources and supports available to you. Learn more at https://smu.ca/virtualuniversity/ . Enjoy this exciting experience, as new students from around the world come together to take part in online courses. You are a part of the most significant transformation in post-secondary education in the last century. We are privileged to have you join our community! Your Fall 2020 experience Like 52,000 alumni before you, you are about to begin one of the most exciting experiences! As a student at Saint Mary’s, our entire community is here to support and cheer you on. Your professors, staff, and fellow students are thrilled to welcome you and participate in your academic journey. During your time studying, you will learn some of the most useful life lessons. You will learn how to think critically, address and overcome challenges, consider different perspectives, and embrace the global connections you make. This guide is a resource to help you get started this fall at SMU. The tips, advice, and resources noted will help you throughout your entire university experience. to Saint Mary’s Community! You’ve made a great decision to join the community at Saint Mary’s. I’m sending the biggest welcome from me to you.Taking your courses online can feel a bit strange when you first get started. Fear not! Get to know your professors, meet your classmates, and get involved in activities and you’ll have a great start. - Rebecca, 5 th year student. “ “Whether you live on or off-campus, you should participate in New to SMU welcome events. Welcome events will help you begin to understand how the university works, provide you with tips for academic success and help you meet new friends. For Fall 2020, welcome activities & events will take place online using Microsoft Teams or Zoom. These online activities will orient you and celebrate your choice to attend Saint Mary’s. You can choose from information sessions, social events, or whatever interests you. We encourage you to select a variety of opportunities to participate in so that you get the full welcome experience. Remember, every new student starts just like you – so seize the opportunity to send a hello message, connect with your peers, and make new friends. WHO Becoming a student at Saint Mary’s is a big life change. Becoming a student at Saint Mary’s is a monumental moment of your life, with lots to explore and consider. Our New to SMU welcome activities and events will help you meet new friends, learn how to be a successful university student, and have fun! Visit smu.ca/newtosmu for complete event & activity details. should participate in the events and activities? Students transferring to SMU for the first time from another university or college can benefit from many of our welcome activities and events. Learning about the specific resources at Saint Mary’s will be helpful for your continued success in your studies. This is also a great opportunity to meet other tranfer students and make friends. SMU 2020-21 toAcademic Sessions You will receive individual invitations for certain events, like your academic session. Academic sessions are hosted online by each Faculty and are very important to attend. These sessions give you the opportunity to meet your Deans, Academic Advisors, and Professors. Watch your email for an invitation to attend! Contact your Academic Advisor if you have questions about course options and your program. These are just a few examples of the awesome activities and events that await you at Saint Mary’s! New to SMU is your springboard for student success! Sign-up for your space in these sessions online at smu.ca/newtosmu . Have you ever seen hundreds of students all feel like great friends the very first time they meet? One of our online events, PLAYFAIR will help you do just that. Taking place over a giant Zoom call, join Playfiar for a unique blend of audience participation, non-competitive fun experiences, and group dynamic exercises. Santamarian Ceremony As a new student you will officially sign in to the university during the traditional Santamarian Ceremony, taking place this year in the comfort of your own home. Students will be joined by university administration, alumni, faculty, and staff online to welcome you as the newest Santamarians. Parents & supporters are welcome to watch the ceremony, so they can be welcomed into the SMU family as well! Get event details online at smu.ca/newtosmu . Get ready for some of the best experiences of your life! Beginning your studies at Saint Mary’s is going to be awesome. Be sure to participate in as many welcome activities as your schedule will allow. You’ll learn so much and meet so many great people. I’m excited to meet you in classes and on-campus in the future. Welcome! “ “ - Salma, 3 rd year student smu.ca/newtosmuStudying online may be new for you, or maybe you are an expert! Either way, it’s always good to review some of the basics of online learning. A few things to know: students use an online learning management system called Brightspace. You’ll login to Brightspace using your s# and see a module for each course. Within these modules, you can communicate with your classmates and professor, read the course outline, access course work, and submit your assignments and tests. This is your technology number used to access various online services like SMUport, Brightspace, and campus computers. It begins with the letter s and is followed by seven digits (ex. s1234567). You can get yours by visiting activate.smu.ca. YOUR AT SAINT MARY’S activities in your classes for this fall will take place in one of two ways: Synchronous activity, where learning is scheduled into a session at a specific time. (ex. You and your classmates might attend a lecture scheduled at a specific time each week with your professor) #1 Asynchronous activity, where learning activities can occur anytime within a defined period. Final exams may still be scheduled for specific times. (ex. You may watch videos of lectures on a time that fits your schedule) #2 OR Classroom Online S# THE LEARNING THE STUDIO FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING (The Studio) provides academic learning services and support for students. You can read more about online learning at: studio.smu.ca/studio-for-students . 7. And remember… Do your best, stay on top of your work, practice self-care, and be kind to yourself. The Studio has 1. Stay organized and proactive 2. Set a schedule 3. Create a study space 5. Avoid multi-tasking & take breaks 4. Make connections 6. Avoid distractions 7 tips on how to be an online student: YEAR- ROUND LEARNING SUPPORT The Studio offers virtual workshops and tutorials on a wide range of academic topics year-round. From essay-writing and software support to global learning opportunities and exam-writing workshops, The Studio is here to help you succeed at SMU! Read more about the Studio at studio.smu.ca . Read more at: studio.smu.ca/how-to-be-an-online-student Support resources for online learning Academic Advising is a key resource for you to discuss and plan your degree. Advisors can provide guidance on academic success, talk with you about your goals and future plans, and refer you to additional student services and supports. Book an advising appointment online, https://smu.ca/academics/ academic-advising.html . ACADEMIC ADVISINGStudents with a documented disability should contact the Fred Smithers Centre to arrange for necessary accommodations. International students should contact the International Student Centre to complete additional tasks before your studies begin. Visit the Campus Bookstore website to order great SMU clothing! Check the expiration date on your provincial health card and renew it if needed. Be familiar with the Code of Student Conduct and the Sexual Violence Policy . Get on the system! Set up your SMU account by obtaining an “s number” and gain access to SMUport and Brightspace . Discover tips for online students developed by the Studio for Teaching & Learning. Join a society based on your interests by checking out the list of active groups. Contact your Academic Advisor if you have questions about course options . Apply or confirm your place in residence if you plan to live on- campus. Get the low down on money – connect with the Service Centre for scholarship, student loan, and other financial information. Before Begin Classes ❱ Get organized – review your class details using Self-Service Banner . ❱ Order your books and supplies at the campus Campus Bookstore . ❱ Be a part of your online classes! Connect with your professors and TAs, and introduce yourself to a few classmates. ❱ Pay your tuition fees through the Service Centre . of class week student checklists Visit smu.ca/newtosmu for the full student checklists complete with links. your 1 st ❱ Make decisions about the automatic health insurance plan and UPass transit pass offered by SMUSA. If you have health insurance and do not need coverage through SMUSA, you can opt-out by Sept 25 th and waive this cost. Canadian students will opt-out through SMUport by clicking the SMU Health Waiver tab. International students with health insurance can opt-out by emailing healthplan.smusa@smu.ca . If you live outside Halifax or do not need transit access, you can opt-out of your UPass and waive this cost by emailing info@smusa.ca . Academic Supports - Connect with your Academic Advisor! Contact information for Advisors in each faculty can be found online at – https://smu.ca/academics/academic-advising.html Services for Students African Nova Scotian/Black Student and Community Liaison – charisma.grace@smu.ca Indigenous Student Advisor – raymond.sewell@smu.ca International Student Centre – international.centre@smu.ca https://smu.ca/international/the – international-centre.html Career & Experiential Learning – cel@smu.ca Fred Smithers Centre of Support for Students with Disabilities – smu.ca/campus-life/fred-smithers-centre.html ● fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca Housing & Residence – smu.ca/residence ● residence.housing@smu.ca Health and Wellness Counselling Centre – smu.ca/counselling ● counselling@smu.ca Student Health Services – smu.ca/healthservices Student Health Plan Office – studentvip.ca/smusa/healthplan ● healthplan.smusa@smu.ca Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA) smusa.ca ● info@smusa.ca Financial Service Centre – smu.ca/servicecentre ● Service.Centre@smu.ca Financial Aid & Awards – smu.ca/faa ● financial.aid@smu.ca Available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by phone Saint Mary’s Security – 902-420-5577 Housing and Residence Desk – 902-420-5591 Good2Talk confidential helpline ● good2talk.ca ● 1-833-292-3698 In Halifax: Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team – 902-429-8167 Halifax Regional Police – 902-490-5016 student support student life Need help but unsure where to go? 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