Message from the Vice-President Academic


Hello all,

My hope for you this weekend, as we inhabit the interstices between terms, is that you pause and ground yourself in the moment. Honour the journey you have been on throughout the last academic year, the challenges, your growth, transitions, and insights born in this year of unexpectedness.

This week brought another round of change, as the province instituted new measures to try and break the alarming rise of COVID cases. At the same time, such encouraging news that vaccines are ever more widely available. As of Monday, May 10th, everyone 12 and over can book a vaccine: https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=Covid19&utm_term=Vaccine&utm_content=v2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwytOEBhD5ARIsANnRjVioYOgdVRPRt4jUCmByMQFbhyo9NtcDpCcvVt02G0FJn25wBjQVZykaAocfEALw_wcB

Hang in there. We will get through this.

May you find ways to celebrate this weekend all those who have provided nurture and mothering, while keeping safe.

Student Job Opportunities

Check out job postings on the StMU web at https://stmu.ca/about/career-opportunities/

We keep updating as we receive more postings for jobs for current students and alumni across our programs.

As well, we have received Canada Summer Jobs Grant funding and are looking for a Student Affairs Summer Student:

https://stmu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Student-Affairs-Student-Assistant.pdf

COVID Update – Message from the StMU President

Dear Students,

With COVID-19 cases and variant transmission on the rise, St. Mary’s University, in coordination with Alberta Health Services, will be implementing new restrictions to help ensure that our community remains safe and healthy while ensuring that we continue to provide the top educational experience our students have come to expect. Effective Monday, May 10th, all students will resume online learning environments and all will be delivered virtually through D2L.

Students are encouraged to keep accessing their StMU email for on-going instructions. If a student does not have regular access to a computer or mobile device, they are encouraged to contact Dr. Hyland-Russell at tara.hyland-russell@stmu.ca

These enforced restrictions will be in place at St. Mary’s until Tuesday, May 25th at which point the situation will be re-evaluated based on current restrictions and guidelines as per Alberta Health Services.

While collectively we all had hoped to avoid further restrictions, we must do our part to ensure the St. Mary’s University community remains safe and healthy, and that you are able to complete your academic year of studies.

Convocation

St. Mary’s University will be delivering a pre-recorded Virtual Convocation Ceremony to our community on Friday, June 11th at 6pm. More information will be provided to you in the coming weeks. We will also be delivering Grad Boxes to all of our graduands. This process will be reviewed and approved by Alberta Health Services to safeguard the safety of all individuals involved, while ensuring that our students receive some meaningful items that celebrate their achievement and illustrate how proud we are you.

Spring/Summer 2021 Courses

For the next two weeks, all Spring/Summer 2021 courses will be delivered online.

Summer Camp Offerings – CANCELLED

Unfortunately, due to the latest COVID restrictions and the increased concerns with virus spread, our Summer Camps have been cancelled for this year. We hope to be able to bring these back next year, bigger and better than ever.

Library Services

In keeping with all health and safety protocols established by Alberta Health Services, the St. Mary’s University Library will remain closed for now. Curbside pick-up will remain open for all students who require resources and online resources will continue to be available for students during this time.

Bookstore

In keeping with Alberta Health Services guidelines and recommendations, the St. Mary’s University Bookstore is open to in-person shoppers with a limited capacity of 3 customers. Online purchases and curbside pickups are also available.

Centre

As per the new AHS guidelines and restrictions, the Fitness Center will be closed for all training until May 25th at the earliest. We will be communicating with clients and athletes about these changes over the next couple of days.

The Fitness Centre staff will also be communicating with current clients and checking in with them over the restriction period to ensure their home training is adequate to their needs and that they are still benefiting from our excellent service.

Resources:
Alberta Health Services Self Assessment Form
St. Mary’s University Rapid Response Plan
ABTraceTogether App
St. Mary’s Safe App

As we continue to navigate this ever-evolving situation, we would like to thank you for your commitment and dedication to St. Mary’s and to our students. This is by no means an easy undertaking and the resilience and determination exhibited by all of our students, staff, and faculty is truly inspiring.

Stay safe, stay healthy,

Dr. Gerry Turcotte
President & Vice-Chancellor

New Student Leaders – Introducing the SLC Executive

Your new student legislative council executive began their roles on May 1st. Please join me in welcoming the following to their new leadership roles:

  • Kessa Stuckert, President
  • Gio Dagopiosa, Vice-President Events
  • Laura Fraser, Vice-President Internal
  • Andera Cortes, Vice-President Finance

Keep tuned for announcements and initiatives from the new SLC.

I would also like to thank the out-going SLC for their service and leadership during the most unusual year we have ever had at StMU. Despite the challenges of connecting with students, running events, and remaining visible as leaders, you maintained a profile as leaders, supported the students, and worked closely with the University administration. More than anything else, you also kept us reminded of why we think providing an excellent education is so important and inspire us to keep doing our best – even in the midst of a global pandemic.

So, I offer deep gratitude on the behalf of all students, staff, and faculty and StMU to Chris Kibwana, Josh Sheppard, Julianna Driscoll, and Sophia Della Rosa for your passion, commitment, and dedication to the students of StMU. We could not have made it through this year without you!

Until next week!

Tara Hyland-Russell
Vice-President Academic
St. Mary’s University