In response to the impacts of natural disasters and political unrest around the world, Saint Mary’s University has gathered a list of supports available to help affected students. Whether you need academic flexibility, financial support, emotional support, or help connecting with your community, the Saint Mary’s community is here for you.
These resources are available to all students* who have been affected directly or indirectly. Please reach out - you are not alone.
*Faculty and staff who have been impacted are encouraged to access employee supports and resources through Saint Mary’s Human Resources and the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
Students impacted by natural disasters or political strife may be able to request academic leniency through a Declaration of Extenuating Circumstances. Options include assignment deferrals, alternate exam arrangements, and pass-grade consideration. Faculty have been asked to show additional flexibility and understanding.
Contact your faculty’s Academic Advising Office:
Check your Advising Brightspace page for details and updates.
If you are completing a co-op placement and are struggling to maintain your hours or meet expectations because of natural disaster or political strife impacts, please reach out to your Co-op Coordinator via email Coop@smu.ca. They can help you explore accommodations, modified timelines, or additional supports to stay on track.
Students impacted by natural disasters or political strife maybe be offered compassionate supports, including:
Contact the Service Centre: Tanya Killam, Director, Service Centre and Financial Aid & Awards, tanya.killam@smu.ca.
The SMU Community Food Room (CFR) is the on campus food bank providing safe, nutritious, and culturally acceptable food to Saint Mary's students. Impacted students are encourages to connect with the CFR to access to fresh and pantry foods, as well as some toiletry and household necessities, and my be given priority to delivery appointments where appropriate.
To learn more or book an appointment, please contact the Food Room at food.room@smu.ca or visit the SMU Community Food Room online.
The International Student Advising Office monitors updates from IRCC for any special measures that may allow impacted students to take a temporary leave of absence or make changes to their study permit status.
Contact the International Student Centre, international.centre@smu.ca, or reach out directly to Ysaac Rodriguez, Manager, International Student Services, ysaac.rodriguez@smu.ca.
Students affected by natural disasters or political strife may be prioritized for appointments with SMU counsellors. The Counselling Centre can also help connect students with culturally responsive community counsellors (virtual or in-person).
Reach out to The Counselling Centre via email: counselling@smu.ca.
Students enrolled on the SMUSA Extended Health & Dental plan should contact healthplan.smusa@smu.ca for information about the coverage available for external counselling/therapy.
In instances of natural disasters or political unrest impacting Black-identifying students and communities, the Black Student Advisor may reach out directly to offer support, guidance, and connection to resources.
The Black Student Advisor may also collaborate with student groups, community partners, and national networks to help identify additional supports and relief initiatives.
Contact the Black Student Advisor, Ebun Oladele, ebun.oladele@smu.ca.
Relevant student societies may also lead community-building, fundraising, and donation efforts in response to natural disasters or political unrest impacting students and their home regions. These initiatives may include collecting essential goods, raising funds for relief programs, and sharing verified ways for the SMU community to get involved.
Students are encouraged to connect with the student society most closely aligned with their community for updates, support, and opportunities to participate.
The Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA) may coordinate with relevant student societies and community partners in response to natural disasters or political unrest impacting students and their home regions.
Students enrolled in the SMUSA Extended Health & Dental Plan can contact healthplan.smusa@smu.ca for information about counselling/therapy coverage and off-campus options.
To connect with SMUSA, email info@smusa.ca and follow @SMUSAhfx on Instagram for initiatives, updates, and ways to get involved.
If you’re unsure where to start or need help identifying the right support, connect with Student Affairs and Services for personalized assistance.
Reach out to Student Affairs and Services via email, student.services@smu.ca.
Please know you’re not alone.
We recognize how deeply these events have impacted many in our community. If you’ve been affected, please reach out – Saint Mary's is here to support you.