Stronger together: The 2025 SMU United Way campaign

It’s time for the annual SMU United Way campaign!

Faculty and staff are invited to check the schedule of events (listed below) for what’s happening on campus from February 10—14. With plenty of options to choose from, and many activities taking place over the lunch hour, it’s an easy way to take a break, connect with colleagues and support a great cause.

• First up is Pizza with the President on Monday in Loyola 290. Stop in for a slice, try your luck on the Wheel of Prizes, and enjoy special entertainment and speakers.

• Book lovers and board game enthusiasts rejoice! The popular Books & Games Sale is back on Tuesday, February 15, and Wednesday, February 16. Look for our tables at Loyola Colonnade to browse our selection and get your copy of the latest SMU colouring book.

• Additional events include Skating & Hot Chocolate at Dauphinee Centre, mini-massage therapy sessions, the return of Trivia at the Gorsebrook, and a screening of The Last Repair Shop, the Oscar-winning documentary with a SMU connection. This year the campaign wraps up on a creative note with a drop-in Art Studio where community members can tap into their artistic side over tea!

Other ways to give

Events not your thing? There are still other
opportunities to support the SMU United Way campaign.

You can pick up some copies of the new Saint
Mary’s Colouring Book in Facilities Management (McNally South—MS011), for just $5 each, or buy a
ticket to win a fantastic Valentine's-themed gift package (at our events or at LR114), including a $100 gift certificate for LeRouge Restaurant, a one-night stay at the Halifax Tower Hotel, plus chocolates and goodies!

As always, SMU community members can give to the United Way via payroll deduction (deadline of March 20 to enrol) or one-time donation on-line at SMU.ca/unitedway2025.

All proceeds raised go to the United Way Halifax Community Fund, and every dollar raised stays in the community.

CLICK TO DONATE NOW

Every donation counts and helps to improve people’s lives in our community. Thank you for your support.

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Schedule of events

Pizza & Prizes!
Monday, February 10
Noon—1 p.m. | Loyola 290
Pizza for lunch! | Spin the Wheel of Prizes!
Join us for the United Way Kickoff Event. Enjoy some pizza, try your luck on the Wheel of Prizes, and check out some of the great items at our Silent Auction!
Donations to United Way appreciated.

Books & Games Sale
Tuesday & Wednesday, February 11 & 12
10 a.m.—3:30 p.m. | Loyola Colonnade
Hard cover books, games & puzzles: $2
Soft cover: $1; SMU Campus Colouring Books: $5

Skating & Hot Chocolate
Tuesday, February 12
Noon—1 p.m. | Dauphinee Arena
Bring your own skates, helmets provided. | $5 at the door

Lunch at the movies!
Screening of The Last Repair Shop
Wednesday, February 12
Noon—1 p.m. | Loyola 275 | Run time: 40 mins.
$5 donations at the door

In a nondescript warehouse in the heart of LA, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain over 80,000 student musical instruments. Meet four unforgettable characters whose broken-and-repaired lives are dedicated to bringing so much more than music to the schoolchildren. Directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers.

Massage Therapy Sessions
Wednesday, February 12
Noon—4:30 p.m. | Patrick Power Library
By Massage Therapy Program, Eastern College
Minimum donation: $5/30 minutes

Team Trivia Contest at the Gorsebrook: POSTPONED due to weather. Stay tuned for a new date.
Thursday, February 13
11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m. | Gorsebrook Lounge
$30 for groups of up to four people | Register at the door

Art Studio Drop-In
Friday, February 14
11 a.m.—4 p.m. | Secunda Boardroom (SB401)
An afternoon of art, creative fun, and mindfulness!
Art supplies and tea provided. | Minimum donation of $5.

Kudos to the 2025 Wicked Problems Competition winners!

A student pitches his idea to an attentive crowd at the Wicked Problems competition.

Sheheryar Khan wants to develop a seaweed-based bioplastic.

Rebbeca Hill and Alyssa MacDonald hope to produce smoothies using cosmetically imperfect local fruits and vegetables.

2024 winner Lydia Lee reports on her project, Sustainable Seconds.

2024 winner Melissa Alvarez Del Angel discusses the results of her project, Palm Oil Reduction and Healthier Food on Campus.

The third edition of the Wicked Problems Competition, sponsored by SMU alumnus Douglas Coll BComm’89, awarded $2,500 each to two outstanding undergraduate projects for their innovative solutions to complex challenges. The Wicked Problems Lab also funded an additional award for a graduate student.

“Wicked problems, like food insecurity or pollution, are considered nearly impossible to solve. They are complex, constantly evolving, and lack a definitive endpoint,” explains Dr. Mathew Novak, professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and director of the Wicked Problems Lab (WPL). “These awards inspire students to think creatively and work toward solutions that make a difference.”

This year’s competition (2024–2025) showcased twelve remarkable project ideas addressing sustainability, health, pollution, food waste, transportation, and housing challenges.

The winning projects:

• Science/Chemical Engineering student Sheheryar Khan proposed developing a seaweed-based bioplastic that decomposes naturally within a year, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

• BComm students Rebbeca Hill and Alyssa MacDonald proposed producing smoothies using cosmetically imperfect fruits and vegetables from the Annapolis Valley, promoting local sourcing and sustainability as well as reducing food waste.

• Graduate student Erin Norris (Applied Health Services Research) proposed Group Music Therapy as a proactive intervention for autistic students, aiming to reduce stress and improve social connectedness.

The winners can collaborate with Dr. Novak and Dr. Patricia Matsumoto–the WPL’s Research Analyst–, to develop their projects. The Wicked Problems Lab (AT 212) supports students by providing access to data, research contacts and analytical software. The students will present an update on their projects at the end of the Winter term, showcasing how their ideas are contributing to solving society’s most pressing issues.

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Catching up with the 2024 winners

Melissa Alvarez Del Angel developed a project aimed at creating a healthier campus at SMU. She won the 2023-2024 Wicked Problems Lab competition with her pitch, “Palm Oil Reduction and Healthier Food on Campus”. Working alongside Wicked Problems Lab and Geography students Christina Connors and Maya Kosic, she helped map the campus vending machines, identifying what kinds of food and beverages are available and where they are located.  

Melissa also conducted a food survey in collaboration with another 2023-2034 student winner, Lydia Lee, to gather feedback from students, staff, faculty, and the wider SMU community about food options on campus.  

The survey revealed that over 80% of respondents were interested or might be interested in healthier vending machine options, such as fruits, vegetables, cereal bars, and natural juices. Respondents shared additional concerns, including: 

• The need for more variety and year-round food options, as some staff and students remain on campus even during breaks when availability is limited. 

• A preference for locally sourced options, like a local coffee shop.

• An emphasis on allergy labeling and clear ingredient lists. 

• Requests for more culturally inclusive food options, not just in dining halls and cafés but also in the food bank, as international students are among those facing food insecurity. 

In addition to developing her Wicked Problems Lab project, Melissa has advocated for wellness  at SMU and wrote an article for the SMU Journal highlighting why students should care about palm oil consumption. As the editor of the SMU Journal, Melissa also worked on publishing an article about SMU Dockside dining. 

Melissa’s project concluded that SMU’s community values wellness and inclusive food options. Her work not only raised awareness but also highlighted areas for improvement. She remains committed to advocating for a healthier campus and has made a meaningful difference for the SMU community. 

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Lydia Lee developed the project “Sustainable Seconds”, focused on addressing food insecurity by creating affordable and sustainable home meal kits. These kits used surplus produce from local farmers and donated ingredients, offering a cost-effective solution with pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. 

Through her project, Lydia found that nearly 57% of students were moderately or severely food insecure and had to skip a meal a couple of times per week because of the price. She also discovered that students wanted more affordable and healthier food options. Lydia worked with the Wicked Problems Lab and her network to connect with local producers and project partners. She ran a campaign to collect donated non-perishable goods and surplus produce. 

Her efforts resulted in the delivery of over 1,000 pounds of food through Sustainable Seconds meal kits to students at SMU and Dalhousie. This project not only provided immediate help to those in need but also promoted sustainability by reducing food waste. 

Lydia’s project demonstrates how practical solutions and collaboration can have a real impact on addressing food insecurity. 

Tallest solar-integrated building in North America wins Clean50 Award

Saint Mary’s University: bringing sustainability to life

Saint Mary’s University was honoured at the Clean50 Top Projects Awards, which annually recognizes Canada’s most innovative projects tackling climate change and sustainability.

Dennis Gillis, Senior Director of Facilities Management at Saint Mary’s accepts the Clean50 Top Project Award

The Loyola Residence Recladding Project, a 22-storey student residence with an integrated, retrofitted solar exterior wall, was selected for its environmental leadership and innovation. Saint Mary’s is proud to represent the post-secondary sector among leading organizations from across Canada.

"Sustainability is at the heart of Saint Mary’s University and is a key pillar of our strategic plan," said Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University. "The Clean50 Award reflects our commitment to building a sustainable future. We are thrilled to see our efforts recognized and hope to inspire similar initiatives across Canada. Universities are driving forces of innovation in green energy research and climate action. Through transformative projects such as this one, Saint Mary’s has become a leader and hub for groundbreaking sustainability efforts.”

Setting new standards for sustainable urban infrastructure

Originally built over 50 years ago, the Loyola Residence faced challenges such as heat retention, leaks, and structural issues. Instead of simply replacing worn-out concrete, Saint Mary’s took advantage of the opportunity to do something unique.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are solar power systems built directly into walls, a roof, or windows, generating electricity from the sun but also acting as part of the building’s structure. Saint Mary’s worked with Toronto-based company Mitrex to install BIPV across the entire south-facing wall.

The Loyola Residence tower BIPV system shown on the right, along with solar panelling on the roof of the Sobeys Inspiration Hub

The retrofit includes work from DSRA Architects, Dillon Consulting, Able Electric, Markland Associates, and BMR Structural Engineering, with construction overseen by EllisDon Corporation and Grey Cardinal Management Inc.

According to Clean50, the project is a model for sustainable urban infrastructure, showcasing how older buildings can be revitalized to meet today’s energy efficiency standards.

Saint Mary’s has installed an interactive energy production display in the Loyola Residence lobby, allowing students and visitors to track solar energy generation in real-time. This display further demonstrates the university’s commitment to education and transparency in sustainability.

An interactive display in the Loyola building shows real-time solar energy information

Carbon footprint cut by 51.7% since 2005

Beyond the Loyola recladding project, Saint Mary’s offers a range of campus spaces and programs that bring sustainability to life. Upcoming initiatives include a green roof on the Patrick Power Library, new roof designs for McNally East and Homburg Centre, and a solar canopy for the science parking lot.

Initiatives already completed include:

• replacing the steam heating plant with a high-efficiency hot water plant;

• switching from oil to natural gas for heating; 

• using compact fluorescent lights; 

• replacing less efficient lights with LED lights; and 

• increases in Nova Scotia Power’s energy blend from renewable sources.   

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 Related reading

• Clean 50 Top Project: Saint Mary’s University Loyola Residence Recladding

• Loyola integrated solar installation wins Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering

• Sustainability at Saint Mary’s

Holiday closure: What's open, what’s not

With exams wrapping up on December 19 and university administrative offices closing their doors at 5 p.m. on December 23 for the holiday break, here’s a handy reference of what services will be available for those on campus:

Food services

For a full schedule of food service operation hours during the exam period and the holiday closure (until January 8), click here.

Wellness services and supports

The Health Clinic, Counselling Centre and Sexual Violence Support Centre will be closed from 4 p.m. on December 23 to 8 a.m. on January 6. Additionally, the SMU Community Food Room will be closed from December 13 to January 8.

Students in need of support during the holiday closure can access the following resources:

• The Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team at 1-888-429-8167

• Good2Talk at 1-833-292-3698 or text Good2TalkNS to 686868

• The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Help Line can be reached by call or text to 9-8-8

• The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program at 902-425-0122

• Dial 211 for community and social services. For police, fire and medical emergencies, please call 911 and engage SMU Campus Security.

• For non-emergency health care, visit your nearest walk-in health clinic or access the NS Mobile Primary Care Clinics. 

Safety services

SMU Security and safety services will remain operational throughout the holiday closure. SMU Campus Security will maintain 24/7 operations.

• For campus emergencies, call 904-420-5000 or dial 5000 from any campus landline phone.

• For campus non-emergency support call 902-420-5577 or dial 5577 from any campus landline phone.

• The Loyola Residence Desk will also maintain 24/7 operations and can be reached by phone at 902-420-5591.

• The SMUSA Husky Patrol services will pause on December 17and resume on January 8, 2025. 
  

  A more complete list of important dates is available at the Academic Calendar of Events. Have a safe and restful holiday!

New web home for merged Political Science and Global Development Studies departments

The Department of Political Science and Global Development Studies is excited to welcome the SMU community to its new departmental web pages! The update emerges from the recent merger of Political Science and Global Development Studies into a single department, with students now able to benefit from enhanced course offerings, expanded faculty expertise and supervision, and added collaborative events and initiatives.

The new department offers undergraduate majors, minors and honours programs in both areas of study; graduate degrees in Global Development Studies; and, in collaboration with the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, a Minor in Global Environmental Politics (GEP).

Faculty members in the department pursue leading-edge research across a wide range of fields, offering students the knowledge and skills required to intervene in the world in bold and positive ways, encouraging intellectual curiosity, research skills, analytic thinking and practical engagement. 

Explore the department's new website at smu.ca/polisci-gds.

Mia Makhlouf receives 2024 Montreal Women’s Memorial Scholarship

Engineering student Mia Makhlouf.

Congratulations to Mia Makhlouf, the recipient of the 2024 Montreal Women’s Memorial Scholarship. This award was presented at a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women ceremony at Saint Mary’s University. Mia is a first-year student in the Diploma in Engineering program.

Presented each year to a female Engineering student, the scholarship honours the memory of the 14 women who were killed on December 6, 1989 in an anti-feminist attack at the École Polytechnique, the engineering school at the Université de Montréal.

The event was part of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at Saint Mary’s, commemorative days that served as a prompt to contemplate our collective past, celebrate our accomplishments, and work towards a better future for all.

Winter walking safety tips

Falling temperatures and snowy weather increase the risk of slips and falls. Follow these tips to help you navigate icy paths safely!   

• Wear boots or overshoes with grip soles. Slick leather or plastic soles on shoes will increase the risk of slipping.  

• When getting out of your vehicle, look down at the surface. If it’s coated with ice, you might want to try to park in a different place. Call Facilities Management at 902-420-5572 and advise of icy areas.  

• Take care when entering or exiting vehicles and use the vehicle for support. Before standing, brace yourself with the vehicle door and seat back for added stability.  

• Ice grippers on footwear can help you walk on hard-packed snow and ice. But be careful! Grippers become dangerously slippery and must be removed before walking on smooth surfaces such as stone, tile, and ceramic.  

• Don’t walk with your hands in your pockets; this reduces the ability to use your arms for balance if you slip.  

• Take short shuffling steps in extremely icy areas.

• Place your full attention on walking. Digging in your pocketbook or backpack while walking on ice is dangerous.  

• Test potentially slick areas by tapping your foot on them. 

• Practice a balancing act indoors if you are unsure of your balance. Practice single-leg balance exercises (for example, stand on one foot first, then the other) near a support until you feel more confident.  

• Slow down and take your time. Do not take risks, like climbing over snow banks.  

Reduce potential injury when falling with these tips: 

• Roll with the fall. Try to twist and roll backwards, rather than falling forward. 

• If you are falling backwards, tuck your chin to your chest to help prevent your head from hitting the ground.  

• Relax as much as possible when you begin to fall. 

• If you are carrying a load, just toss it. Protect yourself instead of the objects being carried.  

Jacob Hanley: 2024 winner of President’s Award for Excellence in Research

Dr. Jacob Hanley, recipient of the 2024 winner of President’s Award for Excellence in Research at Saint Mary’s.

As a global leader in the field of geochemistry and mineral resource geology, Dr. Jacob Hanley’s research conducted on campus at Saint Mary’s and nationally and internationally has been an influential force for faculty, students, industry partners and the scientific community.

Always happy to mentor the next generation of researchers, Dr. Hanley has supervised more than 50 BSc honours theses and graduate theses at SMU, with alumni moving on to successful careers in industry, government and academia. His lab’s active, varied research scope includes considerable student involvement, many industry and government funding sources, and spans a continent and centuries of data.

In a partnership with the Nova Scotia Museum, Dr. Hanley is currently engaged in an interdisciplinary collaboration with archaeologists, geochemists, and community members that may rewrite the understanding of pre-contact copper trade across North America. Using the chemical composition of copper from protohistoric sites in Nova Scotia, this research group is also tracking copper from its place of origin in 16th and 17th century Swedish mines to the Maritimes Basin of Canada, where it was repurposed by Indigenous peoples.

Another major research theme focuses on the geochemical origin of deposits of critical metals such as tin, tungsten, cobalt and lithium. Dr. Hanley’s team has developed ways of measuring concentrations of these metals at their source, deep in the Earth’s crust, by analyzing microscopic samples of trapped magma in crystals that are transported to surface during eruption. The supply of these metals is threatened, a concern that Canada has recognized as they are essential to national economic security and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Recognized for his research excellence, Dr. Hanley has won national awards, contributed to dozens of peer-reviewed publications and has received significant research funding, including $2.6 million as Principal Investigator from industry and government sources.

His career has already been exceptionally productive, creative, and influential, and we anticipate even more interesting work from him as it progresses.

Dr. Hanley earned his PhD in Geology from the University of Toronto, where he also earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Mining Engineering and a Master of Science (Geology). Now a full-tenured professor, he has held increasingly senior faculty roles in the Department of Geology at Saint Mary’s since 2007.

The President's Award for Excellence in Research honours continued exceptional contributions to research and scholarship conducted by a full-time Saint Mary's University faculty member. More information can be found atsmu.ca/fgsr/presidents-award.

Accessibility focus groups and survey

We want to hear from you!  

Please help us make Saint Mary’s University a more accessible and inclusive place for everyone! 

We invite you to share your experiences and insights by participating in a focus group and/or completing our accessibility survey.  Please consider taking part —your feedback is essential to shaping our 2025–2028 Saint Mary’s University accessibility plan. 

Focus Groups 

We will be hosting focus groups on the following dates:  

• Monday, November 25, 3:00 pm
  On campus (details will be provided upon registration) 
  Please register before November 21, 2024   
   

• Thursday, November 28, 10 am  
  On campus (details will be provided upon registration) 

  Please register before November 25, 2024 

  To register, please use your SMU email account to contact Jennifer Webb (jennifer.webb@smu.ca) and include the following information:  

  • full name

  • role (student, employee, other)  

  • any accommodation requests  
     

Survey 

The survey will be open on November 28, 2024. Watch for the link in the next Saint Mary’s University community bulletin!

Academic Integrity Week 2024

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.

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Schedule of events

Faculty Panel Session: Moving beyond the regulations: how do we make Academic Integrity a meaningful concept for our students?   

Monday, November 4, 2024
2:30-4 p.m.  
Virtual Event

Dr. Jason Grek-Martin, Chairperson of the Academic Senate and the Senate Committee on Academic Integrity, will moderate the panel. 

A panel of faculty members will discuss how they take tangible steps in their classes to help students understand what academic integrity means and why it is an important value in higher education. 

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 897 2906 6863  Passcode: 542960

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Academic Integrity Pop-Up Information Table – Spin to Win! 

Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Noon-2 p.m.
First floor, Student Centre

Drop by the academic integrity information table on the first floor of the Student Centre on November 5th and test your knowledge of academic integrity. Spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes. 

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Avoiding Academic Mistakes Workshop

Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Noon-1:15 p.m. 
Library LI135

Join us for pizza and chat with the Writing Centre and Library staff about academic integrity and 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. This is also an opportunity to meet with representatives from SMUSA and the Peer Success Coaching Program to find out how they can best support you.  

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Copyright and Credibility Workshop 

Thursday, November 7, 2024
10-11 a.m. 
Library LI135

Academic integrity and copyright are closely intertwined: while the Canadian Copyright Act provides exceptions for educators and learners, there are also limits to ensure materials are used appropriately. Dan and Sarah explore some nuances of copyright, exceptions, and ethical use of materials in this Academic Integrity Week workshop, where you can discover practical tips for balancing legal rights with academic responsibilities. 

Presenters:

• Dan Phillips, Data Services and Copyright Librarian 

• Sarah West, Copyright Assistant 

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Citation Station: activities, fun AI resources and prizes

Thursday, November 7, 2024
11 a.m.-3 p.m. 
Outside of the Writing Centre, Burke 115

Drop by the Citation Station outside the Writing Centre to learn about citations and plagiarism, to receive writing and referencing help on your papers and for the chance to win prizes!  

Announcing Ebun Oladele, Interim Black Student Advisor

Ebun Oladele MA’21

Saint Mary’s is pleased to announce that Ebun Oladele MA’21 will be stepping into the role of Interim Black Student Advisor in Student Affairs and Services (SAAS).

Ebun has been a valued member of the Saint Mary’s community for the past 3.5 years, serving as Secretary in the Marketing and Economics Departments and, most recently, as the Service Learning Coordinator in Experiential Learning. She holds Master’s degrees from Saint Mary’s University and from the University of Ulster, in Northern Ireland. She also brings an expansive wealth of knowledge and experience that spans Nigeria, Northern Ireland and Canada.

As an employee and former student of Saint Mary’s, Ebun's unique perspectives and experiences make her well-suited for the position. “I can relate to and understand a lot of the experiences some of our Black students are currently facing,” notes Ebun. “And I am equally aware of current processes and resources that are not entirely meeting the needs of our Black students. This role will allow me to advocate for enhanced resources, representation and support for our Black students.”

Ebun is particularly passionate about breaking down the institutional barriers that have historically limited access to opportunities for Black students. With a focus on academic empowerment, she hopes to champion initiatives that augment the educational experiences and outcomes of students, while creating programs that unite the culturally rich and diverse Black student community at Saint Mary’s.

Ebun is also committed to establishing dedicated spaces for Black students, recognizing this as a crucial factor in fostering a sense of belonging and overall success. “I’m passionate about engaging with students and creating spaces where they feel safe and empowered,” says Ebun. “Having access to a space that feels supportive can have a direct impact on students’ academic achievements, personal growth, mental health and emotional well-being. I’m excited to support students, as they explore and navigate resources, helping them create a positive journey here at Saint Mary’s.”

Ebun will officially begin her role as Black Student Advisor on Friday, October 25, 2024, and we are excited to see her bring her experience and dedication to this important role. For more information about Black student supports and resources, visit the Black Student Community Hub.

Saint Mary's ranked one of Canada’s top 3 undergraduate universities

Saint Mary’s has once again earned a spot as one of Canada’s top 3 undergraduate universities.

Saint Mary's University is the third Best Primarily Undergraduate University in the country, according to the 2025 Maclean’s University Rankings. This marks the third year in a row that SMU has achieved this enviable position.

The annual rankings also confirm Saint Mary’s status as the top-ranked primarily undergraduate university in Nova Scotia, and its Sobey School of Business as one of the top 20 business programs in the country.

“I am extremely proud of our consistent placement in the Maclean’s rankings”, says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “One reason for our high standing is that faculty and students alike participate on the front line of real-world research and knowledge creation. We take pride in offering these amazing opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students in a supportive community where they thrive.”

Located in the heart of Halifax, Saint Mary’s has been a renowned place of learning and scholarship since 1802, encouraging discovery and innovation across a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, sciences and business.

The university is known for its long history of investing in student support; a point made clear in the rankings, with Saint Mary’s taking second place for scholarships and bursaries and tying for second place in student awards.   

Saint Mary’s continues to advance student life on campus. The Sobeys Inspiration Hub, a four-storey, 43,000-square-foot building designed to foster student entrepreneurship and innovation opened in Fall 2023, and the new space for SMU Engineering, a 28,000-square-foot building with specially designed labs and project rooms, opened in Fall, 2024.  

The university’s research activity and calibre are also gaining recognition, with Saint Mary’s ranking fourth in medical/science grants and fifth in total research dollars. Saint Mary’s is now Nova Scotia's second-largest research university by research income.

Saint Mary’s is also listed as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities; in the undergraduate institution category, we ranked 1st in Atlantic Canada and 16th in the country. 

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Interested in seeing what Saint Mary’s can offer?

Attend our Open House on October 26, 2024! Visit the Future Students page for more information.