Hello all,
As you begin your Reading Week, I want to thank you for your continued diligence in following the COVID protocols, wearing a mask in public, reducing social gatherings, staying home if you have symptoms and sanitizing your hands often.
As the number of positive cases in Alberta climb, it is important that we all take care of ourselves and others. Over Reading Week please follow the new provincial guidelines and do not host any social gatherings at home and observe the 15-person limit on social gatherings. Young people are not immune to the virus.
Think creatively to enjoy social connection safely. There are hundreds of walking trails in Calgary. The ski hills are open. An outdoor fire pit can provide warmth while maintaining the necessary 2-meter social distance.
You have been studying hard and likely plan to do more over next week. But I encourage you also to do something to tend to yourself – get some exercise, treat yourself, and look for some of the upsides of the current situation and innovative ways to relax while social distancing. Maybe you will try a new recipe with a friend – via Messenger video. Check out Wordfest: A Literary Extravaganza for Extraordinary Times for an amazing line-up of events from Nov. 8 to Dec. 8, all accessible virtually: https://wordfest.com/. Take a break from all the screen time J. Above all, be kind to yourself. This is hard – but you will get through.
StMU Student Athletes – Responding to Cancelled ACAC Season with Positivity and Continued Training
Like many other things during this pandemic, the ACAC athletic season has been cancelled, as we learned late this week. The season cancellation is a blow to our athletes, who have been training for months. However, StMU is committed to continuing to support our athletes and their training.
StMU Psychology major and men’s basketball all-time leading scorer Jordan Britton was featured in the news today and has some inspiring words for us about how to adapt and keep going even when your dreams are interrupted.
COVID check-in and planning survey – please respond by Nov. 9th
We want to know how you are doing, and how best to support you in the terms ahead. If you haven’t yet completed this short 5-minute survey, please follow the link below:
https://stmuir.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bCz7XIDuaOsHmoB
Thank you so much for contributing to your University experience by completing the survey!
Final Exams Dec. 15-23
Exams will be held in several formats this year: remotely through D2L, take-home and in-person on campus. Faculty have determined the appropriate format for exams, depending on course content and pedagogical reasons. The Registrar’s Office is working closely with Facilities to implement the in-person exam protocol that was approved by AHS. Exam rooms will be thoroughly cleaned between exams and facilities personnel will be continually cleaning entrances and common touch points, such as handles and light switches. As long as we all follow the safety protocols, wear masks, and sanitize hands frequently, it will be safe to complete your in-person exams on campus.
In-Person Exams
In-person exams will be held in individual rooms this year. We will be contacting students in these classes directly with the COVID protocol for the day of their exams.
All That is In Between: Virtual Unveiling of Unique Artwork Created by StMU Artist in Residence
Join us virtually!
RSVP to: Michelle.Scott@stmu.ca
Date: Friday, November 20th
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM MST
Join us for the unveiling of the new artwork created by our first artist in residence, Tamara Lee-Anne Cardinal, honouring the 8-pointed star which is central to our St. Mary’s logo and to many Indigenous traditions. Take part in our virtual panel, learn about the meanings and processes of creating the artwork, and join us for a virtual discussion with the artist and Elders.
Reporting Self-Isolation and COVID Test Results
If you have been in contact with someone who ash tested positive for COVID or if you test positive, please immediately fill out an incident report on St. Mary’s Safe App.
Here’s your laughter therapy:
Be well and keep safe!
Tara Hyland-Russell
Vice-President Academic
