What you need to know about a possible Canada Post strike

Canada Post has provided the following update on the current labour negotiations with CUPW:

• While we are all hopeful that an agreement will be reached, there is a possibility that a labour disruption may occur.

• Strike action could begin on November 15 if postal workers can’t negotiate a new contract.

• Since a labour disruption remains a possibility, customers are encouraged to take precautions.

What this means for postal service at Saint Mary’s

• Canada Post will not operate in the event of a full labour disruption. Mail and parcels will not be delivered and no new items will be accepted.

• Mail and parcels currently in the postal system would be secured for the duration of a disruption and be delivered as quickly as possible when they resume operations.

• Since Canada Post is considered an essential service, they could be legislated back to work if there is a strike.

Mail Services encourages all departments to seek out other ways to communicate and send data.

You may wish to consider:

• Using electronic means of scan/e-mail/fax whenever possible.

• Consider using one of our courier agreements:

  1. Local courier: All Points Courier/Medic Delivery Services

  2. UPS/FedEx: NOTE: UPS, FedEx, and other major courier deliveries to rural areas also could be affected because, in certain cases, Canada Post carries these documents and parcels for the last few kilometres of their journey.

     Dan Wile, Mail Services, McNally Main 023

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact:

Dan Wile, Mail Services, McNally Main 023
P: 420-5178
E: dan.wile@smu.ca

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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Celebrating Mi'kmaq History Month

The 2024 poster highlights food and its significance in Mi’kmaw culture.

October is Mi’kmaq History Month, a time to celebrate and learn about Mi’kmaq culture and heritage.

This year, the theme is Mijipjewey Na Mawa’luksi’k (Food Gathers Us Together). The 2024 poster highlights the integral role of food in the Mi’kmaq culture: not just as a source of nourishment and comfort but as a key part of Mi’kmaq ceremonies, medicines and resiliency. Concepts around the stewardship of food sources and the generous sharing of resources are also highlighted.

Visit mikmaqhistorymonth.com to view a short video that further explores the theme.

Saint Mary's University acknowledges that the university is located on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This territory is covered by the "Treaties of Peace and Friendship" which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725.

Events

Sisters in Spirit: Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People

Thursday, October 3, 2024
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Loyola Private Dining Room (LA298)

Join the Indigenous Student Advisor and the Sexual Violence Support Centre in advance of the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People. The event will include guest speaker, Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley of of We'koqma'q, who made history as Cape Breton First Nations first female chief. Chief Annie has been a strong advocate locally, provincially, and federally, speaking to both the provincial and federal governments on matters related to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Following Chief Annie’s talk there will be a beading workshop, with supplies provided.

All are welcome.

Resources and related links:

• The Patrick Power Library's Mi'kmaq History Month collection is on display throughout the year. Access the collection on campus or online this month to learn more about Mi'kmaw culture and history. The Library is also proud to host an exhibit of Mi'kmaw cultural artifacts on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum. These important artifacts represent a range of landscapes, sites, traditional activities and cultural periods in Mi'kma'ki. Everyone is welcome to visit the exhibit!

• The library has also created an online Indigenous Studies guide. This guide is a resource for research and study in the interdisciplinary aspects of Indigenous studies. It particularly focuses on Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

• Learn more about Indigenous history, perspectives and culture through the Saint Mary’s lens and find resources on our online Indigenous Community Hub.

• Campus Reflection Walk in Honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Campus Reflection Walk in Honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Members of the SMU community gather for a special song and smudge ceremony led by Professor Raymond Sewell before the Campus Reflection Walk.

On Thursday, September 26, members of the Saint Mary’s community gathered on the Quad for a Campus Reflection Walk in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important event brought students, faculty and staff together to honour Indigenous communities, show gratitude for the land we are privileged to live, work and study on, and reflect on our collective role in reconciliation. 

Tom Brophy, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Services, welcomed more than 50 participants on the campus Quad. He took a moment to offer a thoughtful land acknowledgment, recognizing Mi’kma’ki as the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Brophy emphasized that the Mi’kmaq people are not only the original inhabitants of this region but also its long-standing stewards, caring for Mother Earth for countless generations.  

President Summerby-Murray (second from right) joined faculty, staff and students for the walk and to discuss truth and reconciliation.

The event began with a meaningful prayer and song led by Professor Raymond Sewell, L’nu singer-songwriter and Assistant Professor in the English Language and Literature Department. Participants stood in a circle around Sewell as he performed the song using a turtle shell rattle, symbolizing the Creation story and Turtle Island. Sewell then led a traditional smudging ceremony, inviting everyone to cleanse themselves with the smoke. He shared a reflection on how the sage smoke ties people together like a braid. 

Following the ceremony, participants embarked on a marked path around campus where posters along the walk posed thought-provoking questions. The prompts centered around the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the Treaties of Peace and Friendship. The walk encouraged reflection on the histories of Mi’kmaq people and on our responsibilities as Treaty people. Some fell into quiet contemplation, while others engaged in meaningful discussions about the ways the University and the Saint Mary’s community can actively support the ongoing journey toward understanding, healing and reconciliation. 

“Taking the time to participate in this reflective walk and to acknowledge the histories and treatment of Indigenous people is a crucial step in our journey toward understanding and honouring the truths of our history,” notes President Summerby-Murray. “The meaningful dialogue that stemmed from these important questions helps us continue to move forward in building a more inclusive campus and learning environment for all.” 

As we head into October, Saint Mary’s has organized a number of initiatives around Truth and Reconciliation, Treaty Day and National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People. To learn more about what’s coming up visit SMU News.

Carly the Robot, Imagination Station at SMU

Carly the Cat Robot

You might have seen something new prowling the halls around the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Meet Carly the Cat Robot, named in honour of Carleton, the much-loved late campus cat.

Carly is a groundbreaking service robot designed to assist with tasks and engage and inspire through advanced robotics and AI technology.

Alongside Carly, the Centre is excited to introduce the Imagination Station, a platform showcasing innovative, sustainable technologies and designs to inspire future innovators.

Product offerings change frequently and visitors have a chance to win some of the exciting items on display!

Visit the Imagination Station at the Inspiration Studio (SH212) in the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre to learn how to win!

SMU ID cards now validated automatically

Good news! Starting September 1, faculty, staff and students no longer need to validate their university ID cards.

Previously, returning students, faculty and staff needed to visit the Patrick Power Library at the beginning of Fall term to obtain a validation sticker.  

This process will now happen automatically through Self-Service Banner and be linked to existing ID cards. If you have an ID card, please make sure to check Banner before September, to ensure that your information is up-to-date.

No additional action is required to renew your ID. Students take note: this year’s bus pass can be obtained from the SMUSA information desk.

 Why do I need an ID card?

 ID cards are used to access many campus services, including:

·       Patrick Power Library
·       Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness
·       Metro Transit UPass/bus pass
·       Dining services

University ID cards may also be requested when you write exams or attend university functions. 

Don’t have an ID card?

Apply for a university ID or request a replacement online. You will be emailed when your ID is ready for pickup at the front desk of the Patrick Power Library. Remember to bring a piece of government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) to pick up your ID. Replacements can be made if your ID has been lost, stolen, or damaged, or if you have changed your name or significantly changed your physical appearance.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the ID card office at access@smu.ca

Pride Season 2024 at Saint Mary's

Pride Season at Saint Mary’s is celebrated throughout June and July, recognizing Pride Month in June and the Halifax Pride festival in July. The pride flag will be flown on campus throughout June.

Pride is an acknowledgement of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, all other gender identities such as asexual, pansexual, and polyamorous). It spotlights the resilience, celebrates the talent and recognizes the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Learn more about Pride Season and its origins in Canada and visit our online 2SLGBTQIA+ hub for resources at Saint Mary’s.

Join us this Pride Season in supporting and uplifting members of our #SMUcommunity!

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Paint Your Pride!

Tuesday, June 18
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The Quad outside the O’Donnell-Hennessey Student Centre

Join Student Affairs and Services in the Quad to Paint Your Pride with chalk, play fun lawn games and enjoy snacks to celebrate Pride Month alongside your peers, staff and faculty!

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Pride-Themed Movie Night

Wednesday, June 26
6 - 8:30 p.m.
Atrium 101

The Student Success Centre is hosting a Pride-themed Movie Night! Celebrate Pride with the Peer Success Coaches and a classic movie. We’ve got a few great movie choices, and you can cast your vote when you register. Blankets will be provided. Bring a friend!

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SMU in the Halifax Pride Parade

The entire SMU Community is invited to join SMU Alumni and SMUSA in the Halifax Pride Parade on Saturday, July 20 at 12 p.m. The group will walk the parade route and celebrate our Husky Pride!

Sign up here

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SMUSA Pride Centre

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Located in the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre, SC 106

The Pride Centre offers a safe space for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. SMUSA strives to create more events and resources for students within this community on campus and wants to create a welcoming and accepting environment for all. If you are looking for a hang-out spot or place to study, check out our pride centre!

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Mental health support for queer and trans students

Students who are part of the queer and trans community may have unique experiences that impact their mental health. Sometimes, it can be easier to speak with someone who has similar experiences—enter our newest therapist in the Counselling Centre, Derek!

Derek is World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) trained and brings extensive knowledge of trans and queer mental health to the team, as well as the ability to write WPATH assessment and surgery letters for Trans Affirmative Healthcare.

Request an appointment with the Counselling Centre.

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Saint Mary’s Pride Collection

The Saint Mary’s Campus Store has Pride merchandise to help you celebrate Pride Season in style!

Available at the Campus Store in the Loyola Academic Building from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and the Bookstore in the Student Centre from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday to Friday or order online.

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Check the Student Life events calendar for all upcoming events!

Related Content

• Student experience: safe space and gay allyship at SMU

• Changing your name and pronouns in email and Brightspace

• Faculty and staff: use the Email Signature Template to add pronouns to your email signature

Participate in EDIA focus groups on Employment Equity and SMU’s Canada Research Chairs Program

Invitation to Participate in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Focus Groups related to Employment Equity and SMU’s Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program.
 
Saint Mary's University is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable campus community where diversity is celebrated and where all members feel valued, welcomed, respected, and supported. An employment systems review (ESR) will be conducted as part of the University’s ongoing efforts to identify and remove barriers that impede members of Equity Deserving Groups to fully participate in the workplace and within the research environment.
 
Two focus groups are scheduled for:

April 25, 1:30–3 p.m. (Staff)
April 30, 10:30 a.m.–noon (Faculty)
Location:  Atrium 340 (CLARI Room)
 
Your feedback and participation are greatly valued. If you are interested, please send your contact information to EDI@SMU.ca and indicate if you are faculty or staff.

If you are unable to participate in these in-person focus groups and would still like to participate in an individual interview or survey, please let us know at EDI@SMU.ca and we will follow up.

Should you have any questions, please contact Deborah Brothers-Scott, Director, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness at Deborah.Brothers-Scott@SMU.ca.

Rare book returning to Saint Mary’s University Archives after featuring in Belgian museum exhibit

Photo credit: Tim Krocak. Photo courtesty of The Chronicle Herald

The star of the university’s rare book collection is on its way back to Saint Mary’s after a successful stint in a Belgian museum exhibit.

The Salzinnes Antiphonal is recognized as a significant historical and cultural artifact by scholars from around the world. It was recently featured in the Centuries of Silence: The Discovery of the Salzinnes Antiphonal exhibition at the TreM.a Museum of Ancient Arts in Namur, Belgium.

The Salzinnes Antiphonal is a 16th-century illuminated choir manuscript containing the liturgical text and music for the Divine Office, which refers to a set of Catholic prayers recited at fixed times throughout the day. The antiphonal was created in 1555 in Namur, Belgium by nuns at the historic Abbey of Salzinnes. Of special significance are several striking illuminated pages within the antiphonal that reveal unique insight into the spiritual and cultural lives of the nuns.  

An illuminated page from the antiphonal.

Running from October 7, 2023 until February 11, 2024 the exhibition was built entirely around the antiphonal and featured a main display of the manuscript, concerts of music from the antiphonal, related exhibitions at other galleries, and a symposium of academic work related to the manuscript organized by Dr. Jennifer Bain of Dalhousie University.

The exhibition was organized by curator and Saint Mary’s University alum Dr. Judith (Judy) Dietz BA'84 MA'07 DLitt’17 who has done significant work to restore and raise awareness of the antiphonal. The exhibition has been a great success with attendance and tours at the Museum of Ancient Art exceeding all expectations.

The antiphonal was likely brought to Nova Scotia in the 1840s or 1850s by Bishop William Walsh, the first Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Halifax. Eventually, Bishop James M. Hayes donated the antiphonal to Saint Mary’s University to celebrate the opening of the Patrick Power Library in 1975. At that time, the antiphonal was catalogued simply as a “Roman Catholic Antiphonary.” Judy Dietz re-discovered the antiphonal in 1999 and later identified it in 2002. Dietz was then the Manager of Collections and Gallery Services at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

Since its re-discovery and Dietz’s significant work to preserve the manuscript and raise awareness of its existence, the antiphonal has been studied by scholars around the world with research interests in musicology, music encoding, gender and women’s studies, bookbinding, and more. For more information on the Salzinnes Antiphonal, its history, and its discovery at Saint Mary's University visit: http://www.smu.ca/academics/archives/the-salzinnes-antiphonal.html

A crowd gathers for the exhibition opening ceremony on Oct. 6, 2023.

The Salzinnes Antiphonal on display (to right), featuring reproductions of several illuminated pages.

Facade of the TreM.a Museum of Ancient Arts in Namur, Belgium.

Related links:

• Learn more about the Salzinnes Antiphonal[HC6] [BM7] 

• Centuries of Silence: The Discovery of the Salzinnes Antiphonal exhibition details (in French)

• Agreement signed for historic Salzinnes Antiphonal exhibition

Student Leadership Conference 2024

The 2024 Student Leadership Conference will take place on March 2, 2024. Come learn new skills, hear from inspiring speakers and have fun meeting new people. This one-day conference is open to all SMU students and includes opportunities to connect with peers, build your leadership skills and have some fun along the way.  The day will feature a leadership primer, discussions with current and emerging student leaders and an inspiring keynote speaker. 

The SMU Student Leadership Conference will bring together students from across campus to connect, learn, laugh and be inspired.  

All students are encouraged to attend, whether you are already involved in leadership activities or just getting started on your leadership journey. You don’t want to miss this. 

The Early Bird Registration deadline is February 9th. Space is limited. Register early to be entered to win one of three $25 SMU Bookstore Gift Cards! The first 100 people who register will receive a free leadership starter kit, including a Saint Mary’s leadership padfolio and guide. Kits and gift cards will be distributed at the conference. Participants must be present to claim theirs. 

Why attend the Student Leadership Conference 2024? 

1. Conference participation is CCR eligible, and all participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end. This looks great on the resume and gives valuable references on the cover letter. 

2. The conference gives students the opportunity to participate in fun and interactive sessions, gain valuable insights and network with like-minded individuals. 

3. There will be prize giveaways throughout the day. 

4. Lunch is provided. 

Event Details 

Date: March 2nd, 2024 

Time: Doors open at 9 a.m. (check-in required at the front desk) 
Conference runs from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Location: Loyola 290 

Registration Is Now Open! 
Register to attend the Student Leadership Conference on March 2nd, 2024! 

Conference Schedule 

9-10 a.m. | Check-In and Coffee 
10-10:15 a.m. | Opening Remarks and Overview of the Day 
10:15-11 a.m. | Leadership Primer by Tom Brophy 
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Keynote Address 
12-1 p.m. | Lunch (included in registration) 
1-1:50 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions 
1:50-2 p.m. | Break 
2-2:50 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions 
2:50-3 p.m. | Break 
3-3:30 p.m. | Student Leader Panel 
3:30-4 p.m. | Closing Remarks and Ice Cream Social 

Questions? Email studentsuccess@smu.ca  

Changing local lives with the SMU United Way campaign

The SMU United Way committee is pleased to announce the schedule of events for the 2024 United Way campaign!

Running from February 12-16, the campaign kicks off with a Pizza Lunch on Monday in Loyola 290. Stop in for a slice, try your luck on the Wheel of Prizes, and take in some special entertainment and speakers.

New this year is the online SMU Scavenger Hunt! How well do you know the Saint Mary’s campus? If you’re a SMU whiz, you could win a prize!

Another new addition to help raise funds is the first-every SMU colouring book, filled with iconic sights from around campus. Pick up your copy of the new Saint Mary’s Colouring Book for $5 at the Book Sale on Tuesday & Thursday in the Colonnade, or in Facilities Management: McNally South—MS011.

Wednesday features some opportunities for self-care, with a free yoga session in the Homburg and massage therapy sessions in the Library, offered by student practitioners from Eastern College. Or stop by for a lunch-hour screening of the Oscar-winning documentary with a SMU connection, The Queen of Basketball.

Wrapping up the week is Lunch-hour Trivia in the Gorsebrook Lounge on Thursday, February 15. Teams of up to four are encouraged to join and put their trivia skills to the test for the chance to win some fun prizes!

All proceeds raised go to the United Way Halifax Community Fund,

When you give, you are helping people who are struggling to keep up with their basic needs: safe shelter, nutritious food, and mental health support. At a time when costs are rising and housing is scarce, United Way Halifax is bridging gaps with short-term and long-term solutions. Your support right now is crucial.

CLICK TO DONATE NOW

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

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Event schedule

Campaign Kickoff
Monday, February 12
Noon-1 p.m. | Loyola 290
Pizza for lunch! | Spin the Wheel of Prizes!
Donations appreciated

Books & Games Sale
Tuesday & Thursday, February 13 & 15
10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Loyola Colonnade
Hard cover books, games & puzzles: $2;
Softcover: $1; SMU Campus Colouring Books: $5

Massages Therapy Sessions
Wednesday, Feb. 14
12-4 pm | Patrick Power Library
By Massage Therapy Program, Eastern College
Minimum donation: $5/30 minutes

Trauma-informed Yoga
Wednesday, Feb. 14,
Noon-1 p.m. | Homburg Centre, Studio A
Donations appreciated

Movie Lunch Break!
The Queen of Basketball (22 minutes)
Wednesday, Feb. 14
11:30 a.m. | Film starts at noon sharp
Burke Theatre A
$5 donations at the door

Screen an Oscar-winning documentary with a SMU connection! Directed by Ben Proudfoot, The Queen of Basketball is an electrifying portrait of Lucy Harris, who scored the first basket in women’s Olympic history and was the first and only woman officially drafted into the N.B.A. Harris has remained largely unknown—until now.

Trivia
Thursday, Feb. 15
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Gorsebrook Lounge
$30 for groups of up to four people
Register at the door