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Welcome Weeks

Saint Mary’suniversity

2019

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Saint Mary’s acknowledges our presence 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.

“On behalf of myself and all of my colleagues at Saint Mary’s, welcome!

As students working for students, we are here to make your university experience the best it can be.

We have worked hard to make this year the best one yet, filled with different programming, events, initiatives, and services to help you succeed.

Remember, you are not alone, we have all been in your shoes, and SMUSA is here for you always. The team and I can’t wait to see everyone soon and welcome you!

Once a Husky, always a Husky!

“Welcome to Saint Mary’s! As a new Saint Mary’s student, you may have feelings of excitement and nervousness, this is normal.”

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray President and Vice-Chancellor

Tom BrophyWelcome Weeks Committee ChairpersonSenior Director, Student Affairs and Services

Mary NavasPresident & CEO

Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association

Tom Brophy, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Mary Navas

University is a life-changing experience, one filled with learning, discovery, and personal growth. I hope you find Saint Mary’s to be welcoming, inclusive, inspiring and the very best place to help you succeed.

Enjoy this exciting time, as new students from around the world come together to take part in the start of a new academic year. I look forward to seeing you at the Santamarian Ceremony and many other Welcome Events - please do say hello!”

Our Welcome Weeks activities will help you meet new people, become familiar with campus, and begin your academic exploration. I encourage you to get involved, ask for help when you need it, and embrace this new chapter of your life.

I wish you great success for the upcoming year! Looking forward to seeing you in September!

Welcome to your new home!

Welcome Weeks

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to welcome you into the Saint Mary’s community.

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Welcome Weeks

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

everyone!Whether you live on or off-campus, you should attend Fall Welcome events. Our welcome program will be your guide for how the university works, provide you with tips for academic success, and help you meet new friends.

will help you meet new people, learn how to be a successful university student, and of course to have fun! Visit smu.ca/welcomeweeks for complete event details.

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Visit the Service Expo to get your SMU ID card, set up your WIFI and FREE Microsoft Office software, activate your health plan, sign up for your FREE gym membership, and select your meal plan. You can get all your questions answered in this space. Pre-order your Welcome Weeks Kit at smusa.ca, or purchase at the Service Expo.

Service expoEverything you need to get started, all in one place!

Order your Welcome Weeks kit at smusa.ca

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

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Saturday, August 31

Friday, August 30 - Thursday, September 5

Global Welcome & Workshop Series10:00am - 12:00pm Scotiabank TheatreWhat do international students need to know about living in Canada? This session will cover topics such as, health insurance, financial aid, and much more. Breakfast snacks provided. Global Welcome Lunch 12:00pm - 1:00pm Loyola Conference Hall (L290) Open to all new international students and their families.

Service ExpoMonday to Thursday 10:00am - 4:00pm Patrick Power Library Before beginning classes, there are number of things to do. Students can pick up their student ID card, activate their bus pass and meal plan, and much more. All new students should visit the Expo!

City Tour #1 2:30pm - 4:30pm Meet in O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre Lobby Students and their families are invited to ride the bus with our tour guides, to see key areas of Halifax, and learn how to use their Halifax Transit UPass.

SMUSA Jeopardy 7:00pm - 11:00pm McNally Main Auditorium Ever wanted to be on a game show? Try your luck at a SMUSA version of the popular show, Jeopardy! Come out for a night of games, laughs and pizza!

Friday, August 30

International Service Expo 10:00am - 4:00pm Patrick Power Library From opening bank accounts, to cell phone plans, visit the Expo to get ready for life in Canada. This expo will help new international students adjust to their new life in Canada!

Global Reception & Games Night 5:00pm - 10:00pm McNally Main Auditorium Game on! New international and local students will come together to meet each other, and university staff, while playing boardgames, and games of strategy and skill! Pizza will be served.

Residence move-in for international students begins.

Residence move-in for domestic students begins.

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Residence Floor Meetings 6:00pm - 7:00pm SMU Residences New students living on-campus will meet their Residence Assistant (R.A.) and floor mates! Meeting time and location will be shared with new students by their R.A.

Welcome to Residence 7:30pm - 8:45pm McNally Main Auditorium This fun and interactive session will bring all residence students together to learn about living on-campus, play some games, and enjoy cotton candy! Attend this session to earn points for a RES contest.

Welcome to the Gorsebrook 8:00pm - 12:00am Gorsebrook Lounge This alcohol-free event is open to all ages. Dance the night away with SMUSA and other first-year students! Stay tuned to find out who the secret DJ will be!

*Meet outside the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre

Residence move-in continues.Sunday, September 1

Trip to Peggy’s Cove 10:00am - 3:00pm* Visit Nova Scotia’s most iconic lighthouse and tourist attraction. Note: Sign-up for this event will take place during International events on Friday and Saturday, local students are welcome to join.

Trip to Halifax Waterfront 12:00pm - 2:00pm* Join a walking tour of the Halifax Harbour Waterfront. The walking tour will leave from campus and make its way to explore the waterfront shops, food, and beautiful views.

Parent and Supporter Orientation 2:30pm - 4:30pm McNally Main Auditorium Starting university is a transition for both students and their parents/supporters. This information session is designed to help parents/supporters understand the role they play in the life of a university student and find answers to questions they may have about university.

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Pumped Up

Your Saint Mary’s experience will officially begin on Monday, September 2.

The design of this day focuses on: building friendships and becoming familiar with campus.

Welcome Weeks Check-in 10:00am - 11:00amMcNally Main AuditoriumNo one should experience Welcome Weeks alone. New students will check-in for Pumped Up Monday, meet their group mates and Pack Leader (senior student) for an unforgettable day! New students will participate in Welcome

Weeks events with their group.

Opening Celebrations11:00am - 12:00pmHuskies Stadium - on the turfWe’ve rolled out the maroon carpet and are thrilled to show you the great community you are a part of! Sit back and enjoy the creative flavours of Saint Mary’s and performances

from our diverse community.

Pumped UpMonday

Let’s get pumped to be here!Starting university is a big life change. Join us for Pumped Up Monday for an amazing start to your university experience. This is the day where you will make friends for life!

What to bring and wear for the day:

Sunscreen Water bottle Comfortable clothes Active footwear

We will be outdoors and active for parts of the day.

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P.U.M.P. (People Up Meeting People) 12:00pm - 1:00pmHuskies Stadium - on the turfThis hilarious team building event will help you meet other new students. No awkward mingling here, just lots of laughs and new friends!

Great Big Picnic Lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pmQuad

Husky Cup 2:00pm - 4:00pmHuskies Stadium - on the turfThis is your chance to show your competitive side! Six teams will compete against each other to win the ultimate Husky Cup. Get ready to take on challenges, obstacle courses, fun games, and a big water fight to end the afternoon!

NS Appreciation Night 7:00pm - 12:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm)Gorsebrook LoungeA traditional Nova Scotian “kitchen party”. Take part in Nova Scotian trivia, food, and a live band as the university celebrates all things Nova Scotia!

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Tuesday, September 3

Academic Sessions 10:00am - 12:00pm Welcome to your Faculty! Come together to meet your Dean, Academic Advisors, and Professors. You will learn more about your program requirements, meet new students, and have some fun.

1) Sobey School of Business - Homburg Centre 2) Faculty of Arts - McNally Main Auditorium 3) Faculty of Science & Division of Engineering - Loyola Conference Hall (L290)

Lunch 12:00pm - 1:00pm Various Locations

Santamarian Ceremony 1:00pm - 2:00pm McNally Main Auditorium New students will officially sign in to the University during this traditional ceremony. Students will be joined by university administration, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Campus Tours 2:00pm - 4:00pm Find your way around campus, with a little bit of help. Take a campus tour before the first day of classes.

City Scramble 4:00pm - 5:00pm* Student teams will compete in an Amazing Race around downtown Halifax to find clues and complete challenges at 10 secret locations. The winning team will get a special prize at the final location.

Shopping Trip #1 5:00pm - 7:00pm* Join student leaders for a visit to the local shopping mall. Sign-up at the Service Expo.

Movie on the Field 9:00pm - 11:00pm Huskies Stadium - on the turf Grab a blanket and join us for a movie night on the football field! Check out smusa.ca for movie information

SANTAMARIAN

TUESDAY

*Meet outside the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre

What to bring and wear for the day:Sunscreen Water bottle Casual clothing

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Wednesday, September 4

Thursday, September 5

Classes Begin

Random Acts 9:00am - 5:00pmThe first day of classes is both exciting and overwhelming. Take time to enjoy several of our “Random Acts” across campus which will include musical performances, wellness activities, food and more!

Wayne Hoffman

Mentalist & Illusionist7:00pm - 9:00pm McNally Main AuditoriumGet ready to be amazed! Having appeared on Ellen and America’s Got Talent, Wayne Hoffman is the most exciting mentalist and illusionist you will ever see!

Society and Partners Expo 10:00am - 5:00pm QuadVisit the SMUSA Society Expo to get involved on campus! Societies are a great way to meet new friends and make the most of your university experience.

Residence Arrival Days (R.A.D.) Cup 9:00pm - 11:00pmMcNally Main AuditoriumFour teams will compete in friendly competition for the third annual RAD Cup! Students can decide to take part as a competitor or spectator! Off campus students welcome. W

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Saturday, September 7

IKEA Trip 5:00pm - 9:00pm* Missing that perfect item for your dorm room or apartment? IKEA is the answer! SMUSA will take students by bus to IKEA Dartmouth Crossing.

Sunday, September 8

Healthy Start in the Park10:00am - 12:00pm*Visit nearby Point Pleasant Park with student leaders, to take part in Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, soccer, frisbee, and more. Be sure to wear comfortable footwear!

Pride Picnic12:00pm - 2:00pm QuadCelebrate our LGBTQ2S+ community at Pride Picnic. In addition to games, learn about the different Pride flags, and LGBTQ2S+ resources in Halifax. Snacks provided. Open to everyone!

City Tour #2 2:30pm - 4:30pm*Students are invited to ride the bus with our tour guides, to see key areas of Halifax, and learn how to use their Halifax Transit UPass.

Friday, September 6

*Meet outside the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre

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Community Day 9:00am - 3:00pm McNally Main Auditorium SMUSA and Career Services invite you to get involved with the Halifax community by volunteering at six organizations around the city. For more information and to sign up visit smusa.ca.

Shopping Trip #2 5:00pm - 7:00pm* Join student leaders for a visit to the local shopping mall. Sign-up at the Service Expo.

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WAIT! There’s more...

Are you ready yet? Avoiding Academic Mistakes

11:30am - 12:30pm Patrick Power Library Classroom

Are you ready yet? Reading to Write

2:30pm - 3:30pm Patrick Power Library Classroom

Transfer Student Session 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Welcome Back Breakfast9:30am - 11:30amLoyola Conference Hall (L290)Come for a free breakfast, served by the university administration!

Monday, September 9

Tuesday, September10

Residence Arrival Days (R.A.D.) Team Meet & Greet 7:00pm - 9:00pm McNally Main AuditoriumMeet the RAD Team, who have designed 6 weeks worth of welcome to residence events! Everyone is welcome to attend this first event of the term, take part in exciting ice breakers, and meet other students living in residence.

To celebrate the first full week of classes, our Welcome Weeks events continue. Over the course of this week, events will focus on student finances, academic strategies, wellness, diversity, and Saint Mary’s spirit.Visit smu.ca/welcomeweeks to learn more

Are you ready yet? Avoiding Academic Mistakes 11:30am - 12:30pm Patrick Power Library Classroom

Are you ready yet? Listening and Note-taking 2:30pm - 3:30pm Patrick Power Library Classroom

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Festival of Food11:00am - 3:00pm QuadThe Festival of Food welcomes local food trucks to campus! Grab a friend and come enjoy something delicious. Note: Some vendors may only accept cash payment

Residence After Dark (R.A.D.) Challenge Night9:00pm - 12:00am Loyola 188Challenge yourself with games and activities from around the world! Open to all, drop in and test your skill at activities like the one-foot high kick, origami, and more!

Husky Cookout5:00pm - 7:00pm Quad Join the university community for a fun filled BBQ before the Huskies football game.

Thursday, September12

Friday, September 13

Life Course: Recycling in Residence & First Green Team Meeting7:00pm - 9:00pm Classroom in LoyolaStudents passionate about the environment are welcome to attend this Life Course to learn more about recycling in residence and meet with our residence Green Team.

Mawi’omi12:00pm - 3:00pm QuadThis Indigenous gathering will feature Mi’kma’ki (local Indigenous community) drumming and dance, traditional foods, storytelling and song. Open to all, this event is designed to be welcoming to everyone. Stop by to observe, take part, and share in celebration of the Indigenous spirit.

Wednesday, September11

Are you ready yet? Reading to Write

1:00pm - 2:00pm Patrick Power Library Classroom

Are you ready yet? Avoiding Academic Mistakes

2:30pm - 3:30pm Patrick Power Library Classroom

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Student Accounts, Financial Aid & Awards

Service Centre - Service.Centre@smu.ca McNally Main 108, 902-420-5582

Financial Aid & Awards - Financial.aid@smu.ca McNally Main 108, 902-420-5582

Housing and Residence Office

Loyola Residence - (LR114), 902-420-5598

Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA) info@smusa.ca Student Centre 5th Floor, 902-496-8700

Health/Wellness

Student Health Centre (Doctor’s offices) Student Centre, 4th Floor, 902-420-5611

Counselling Centre - counselling@smu.ca Student Centre, 4th Floor, 902-420-5615

Student Health Plan Office - healthplan.smusa@smu.ca Student Centre 5th Floor, 902-496-8754

Available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week

Saint Mary’s Security 902-420-5577 - MM016

Housing and Residence Desk 902-420-5591- Loyola Residence

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team - 902-429-8167

Halifax Regional Police - 902-490-5016

We can help!

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Grand Opening Sept 5th All welcome, details at smu.caStudent skate 4-7pm - Bring your skates & helmet

A SMU student without a Welcome Weeks Kit is like a carpenter without tools.

Start building your future today!Buy YOUR Welcome Weeks Kit:

smusa.ca/welcomeweeks

Grand Opening Sept 5thAll Welcome, details at smu.ca

TRYit at SMUfit - Sept. 5-13 TRY us for free - Zumba, yoga, cricket and so much more...

INTRAMURALS - competitive & recreational leagues.

Full-time SMU students receive a SMUfit membership.

Schedule for TRYit at SMUfit activates and classes plus a list of Intramural sports offered can be found at smufit.ca

Come Out and CHEER on Your Huskies:Full time SMU students get free admission to regular season home games with ticket.

Check smuhuskies.ca to find out how to get your game ticket plus find team schedules and scores.

@smuhuskies

@smufit

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Saint Mary’s students are known to stand

out for their determination, perseverance,

and ambition. With 217 years of academic

history, we are here to help you make an

impact on the world. Taking place all within

one city block, you are joining a supportive

community that wants to see you succeed,

find your passion, and develop a love for

lifelong learning. It all begins with you.

Education With Impact

Saint Mary’suniversity

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AT Atrium

AG Art Gallery

B Burke Building

C Dockside Cafeteria

DC Dauphinee Centre

EL Extended Learning

HC Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness

HS Huskies Stadium-Turf

LA Loyola Academic Complex

LC Language Centre

LR Loyola Residence

Gender Neutral Washrooms

Parking (Meters, and Pay & Display)

Parking Meters

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To access the campus map visit

smu.ca

MM McNally Main

MN McNally North

MS McNally South

PPL Patrick Power Library

Q Quad

RR Rice Residence

S Science Building

SB Sobey Building

SC O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre Food Court & Gorsebrook VR Vanier Residence

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