tootooba/SMU_FAQDataset huggingface dataset:
Question: Is there a deadline to confirm a space in residence?
Answer: No, but confirming sooner rather than later is important. Historically, there was an initial "deadline" for individuals to confirm a bed space in residence and to be included in the first round of room assignments for coming the academic year (September - April). Recently, however, we have seen a substantial increase in the number of individuals confirming a bed space in residence (by submitting a signed residence agreement and residence confirmation deposit) at much earlier dates than in previous years. This means that our inventory of single rooms, and residence bed spaces in general, is filling up far more quickly. As such, individuals should confirm their residence bed space offer as soon as possible, once they receive their offer. Residence applications for the 2024-25 Academic Year open February 1, 2024. Students currently living in residence who wish to re-apply to live in residence the following academic year should check their SMU email in January for important information on the re-application / seniority process, including associated deadlines.
Question: What are my residence fees and how do I pay them?
Answer: Residence fees get applied to your student account for the fall term in mid-to late-August (mid-December for the winter term) and are paid the same way you would pay for your tuition. The payment options are available on the Service Centre webpage. Depending on the type of room/bed space you have been assigned in residence, your room fees will differ.
Question: Can students get a single room?
Answer: Possibly, though unfortunately there is no guarantee of this. If a student applies and confirms a space in residence very early, their chances of being placed in the residence and room type of their choice increase. Please note, however, that preferred room types, floors, or buildings are not guaranteed. Not all students who apply for single rooms will be placed in single rooms, as we have more applications for these bed spaces than available rooms.
Question: How many people will be living on my floor?
Answer: In Loyola North, approximately 23 students will live on your floor. However, this residence is divided into four suites per floor, so you will only share your bathroom with up to five other students. In Vanier, approximately 18 students will live on your floor. However, this residence is divided into three suites per floor, so you will only share your bathroom with up to five other students. In Rice, approximately 23 students will live on your floor. However, this residence is apartment-style, so you will only share your bathroom with two or three other students, depending upon your apartment type.
Question: What size is my SMU residence bed?
Answer: lease see the chart below for a general guide to bed/mattress sizes in our residences. Room Type Bed / Mattress Size Loyola North Single / Double Twin Long (33" x 82") Loyola South Senior Apt Single Twin (33" x 76") Loyola South Senior Apt Super Single Double (54" x 80") Vanier Single / Double Twin (33" x 76") Vanier Senior Apt Single Twin (33" x 76") Vanier Senior Apt Super Single Double (54" x 80") Rice Single / Double Twin (33" x 76") Rice Super Single Double (54" x 80"
Question: What type of residence floor am I on?
Answer: Please see the chart below for a general guide to floor types/designations in our residences for 2024-25 Academic Year. (H&CS may adjust floor designations as required / if required.) LOYOLA SOUTH Floor Designation for AY 2024-25 Loyola South 3 Regular Coed Loyola South 4 Regular Coed Loyola South 7 Regular Coed Loyola South 8 Regular Coed Loyola South 9 Regular Coad Loyola South 10 Regular Coed Loyola South 19 All-Female Quiet Alcohol-Free Loyola South 20 All-Female Quiet Alcohol-Free LOYOLA NORTH Floor Designation for AY 24-25 Loyola North 4 Regular Coed Loyola North 5 Regular Coed Loyola North 6 Regular Coed Loyola North 7 Regular Coed Loyola North 8 Regular Coed Loyola North 9 Regular Coed Loyola North 10 Regular Coed Loyola North 11 Regular Coed Loyola North 12 Regular Coed Loyola North 13 Regular Coed Loyola North 14 Regular Coed Loyola North 15 Coed Alcohol-Free Loyola North 16 Regular Coed Loyola North 17 Regular Coed Loyola North 18 All-Female Quiet Loyola North 19 All-Female Quiet Alcohol-Free Loyola North 20 All-Female Quiet Alcohol-Free Loyola North 21 Coed Quiet Loyola North 22 Coed Quiet RICE Floor Designation for AY 24-25 Rice 2 All-Male Quiet Alcohol-Free Rice 3 Regular Coed Rice 4 Regular Coed Rice 5 Regular Coed Rice 6 Regular Coed Rice 7 Regular Coed Rice 8 Regular Coed Rice 9 Regular Coed Rice 10 Regular Coed Rice 11 Regular Coed Rice 12 All-Female Rice 13 Regular Coed Rice 14 Coed Quiet Rice 15 Coed Quiet Rice 16 Coed Quiet Rice 17 Coed Quiet VANIER Floor Designation for AY 24-25 Vanier A2 Regular Coed Vanier A3 Regular Coed Vanier A4 Regular Coed Vanier BG Regular Coed Vanier B2 Regular Coed Vanier B3 Coed Quiet Alcohol-Free Vanier B4 Regular Coed Vanier C2 All-Female Quiet Alcohol-Free Vanier C3 Regular Coed Vanier C4 Coed Quiet Alcohol-Free Vanier DG Regular Coed Vanier D2 Regular Coed Vanier D3 Coed Quiet Alcohol-Free Vanier D4 All-Male Quiet Alcohol-Free
Question: Can I get a residence tour or see my room before I move in?
Answer: More information on campus tours, which include our residences, is available on the Campus Tours webpage. Unfortunately, given our facilities operate throughout the year (including the summer months) and the complex logistics involved in turning over 1000 beds, we are not able to show residents their specifically assigned bed spaces/rooms prior to their assigned check-in dates. However, we do have 2 dedicated tour rooms that are included in campus tours: a Loyola Single and a Vanier Double.
Question: How do I do my laundry in residence?
Answer: Our laundry machines are card-operated. There are card vending and loading machines in front of the Loyola Residence Desk that allow residents to purchase a loadable laundry card and then add value (money) to their laundry card using a credit or debit card. Residents can also register online through Coinamatic, our laundry provider, to add value online at www.coinamatic.com. Laundry cards are available for purchase during move-in weekend in the fall and the card vending machine allows residents to purchase a replacement card throughout the year.
Question: How do I receive mail in residence?
Answer: The Residence Mailroom is located in Henn Alley. Residents pick up their mail from the Residence Mailroom. A mail clerk is available at certain times to distribute packages which do not fit into individual resident mailboxes. Mailroom hours of operation are posted outside the mailroom. The Residence Mailroom is NOT able to accept any mail, packages, or other items that require a 19+ signature. Anything delivered to the Residence Mailroom requiring a 19+ signature will be immediately returned to sender. The Residence Mailroom / Housing Office / Loyola Residence Desk / University are NOT able to accept any delivered items, perishable mail, packages, or other deliveries / items (such as prepared meal boxes, flowers, etc.). Unfortunately, we are not able to hold or forward mail for individuals after they have checked out of residence. Before checking out of residence, individuals should make sure they have provided a forwarding mail address to anyone who needs it and / or redirected mail / parcels appropriately. MAILING ADDRESSES The mailing address for students in all three residences is: Full Name Room #, Residence / Building Name Saint Mary's University 923 Robie Street Halifax, NS B3H 3C3 Individuals should ensure that mail is properly addressed. Please note that improperly or incorrectly addressed mail, including mail addressed to individuals not currently listed as living in residence, will be returned to sender. AMAZON ORDERS Individuals ordering from Amazon must have their Amazon orders shipped to the Amazon Hub Locker location here on the Saint Mary's campus. They cannot be shipped / processed via the regular Residence Mailroom. Our Amazon Hub Locker is located by the Rice Residence Entrance on Gorsebrook Avenue. This shipping option is available when checking out with Amazon. COURIERS & DELIVERY SERVICES Packages and deliveries from couriers (FedEx, UPS, DHS, Intelcom, etc.) must be collected directly from the courier or delivery service by the resident receiving them. The Residence Mailroom / Housing Office / Loyola Residence Desk / University Mailroom are NOT able to accept any delivery service or courier-delivered items. Individuals should ensure they have provided a phone number to the courier or delivery service (so they can be contacted by delivery personal) and courier-delivered items are able to be picked up immediately at the time of delivery from the courier / delivery service by the resident in question. If a resident is unable to accept their courier delivery at the time it arrives at the residence complex, the resident and the courier will have to make alternate arrangements for a new delivery time. The address to provide for couriers and delivery services is: Full Name Room #, Residence / Building Name Saint Mary's University 5907 Gorsebrook Avenue Halifax, NS B3H 1G3
Question: What can I do if I am not getting along with my roommate or suitemates?
Answer: Sometimes roommates find it awkward or uncomfortable to speak directly to their roommate about issues that are occurring in their room or on the floor. The mediation process is a great way for roommates to directly and respectfully address their concerns with each other in a safe, structured manner. Residence Assistants (RAs) have received training to facilitate this type of confidential meeting in an unbiased, non-confrontational, and non-judgemental manner. They will also make sure the meeting stays on track and that the meeting guidelines are being followed. Here is a brief overview of a typical mediation session: RA reviews guidelines for meeting (i.e. one person talks at a time, be respectful, no interrupting, no name-calling, telling the truth, etc.). First person states their concerns - RA clarifies and paraphrases. Second person states their concerns - RA clarifies and paraphrases. Both parties agree upon the key issues that need to be addressed. Both parties work together to brainstorm ideas to resolve each issue, one at a time. RA writes up what was agreed upon - roommate contract - and each party signs. Either party can request to re-visit agreement in the future, if it is not working
Question: How can I apply for a room change?
Answer: Residents are expected to occupy the room and bed assigned to them by the Housing & Residence. However, if students are experiencing problems with their particular room assignment they can apply for a room change. Please note there is no guarantee that room changes can be accommodated, as they are addressed based on available space. All room changes must be pre-authorized by Housing & Residence. Room change request information is available from the Housing & Residence Office (LR114) in late September, via email, a few weeks after classes begin. Request for room changes will not be considered before this time. Room changes are prioritized at the discretion of Housing & Residence, based on the needs of all those who apply (not just on a first come first serve basis). Naturally, all room changes are also subject to the availability of alternate accommodation. Unfortunately, not all room change requests are able to be accommodated.
Question: What is a Notice of Violation (NOV)?
Answer: A NOV is normally a monetary fine, usually ranging from $50 to $100, issued for minor violations of Residence policies and/or community standards (which are outlined in the Residence Code of Conduct in the Residence Handbook). NOVs are issued by Admin Staff, Residence Services Officers (RSOs), Residence Assistants (RAs), and/or Residence Coordinators (RCs). Individuals can complete modules in our Student Learning Opportunities Program to reduce or eliminate the financial components of NOVs if they wish. The NOV becomes payable to a student's account after 14 days (and is payable online using Self-Service Banner or in person to the Service Centre). A student who is issued four NOVs within one Academic year will have their residence status reviewed and may be dismissed from Residence at the discretion of the Director.
Question: Can I appeal an NOV?
Answer: If you feel that you are receiving a NOV undeservingly it is in your best interest not to dispute the fact with the staff issuing the Notice of Violation. Arguing with staff members may result in additional NOVs for being uncooperative with Residence Staff. Once you receive your copy of the NOV, please refer to the appeal instructions noted. Please review the Residence Handbook, including the Residence Code of Conduct, to find out what your rights and responsibilities are as a resident.
Question: Can I have overnight guests in residence?
Answer: Normally, yes, you may have overnight guests, however, you must remember that you are responsible for your guests' actions while they are in residence. They are subject to residence rules and regulations as well. Any misconduct of your guest will be your responsibility. It is the basic right of every student to have privacy in his/her assigned room. No student should feel obligated to relinquish this right. In a shared accommodation, overnight guests and visitors are allowed only with the consent of all roommates. Further to this, an overnight guest or visitor may be asked at any time to leave the room in the interest of preserving privacy. Your guest is allowed in residence for two consecutive nights (assuming you have the consent of all roommates). Should you wish to have them stay longer, you must contact Housing & Residence to gain permission.
Question: Where can I find information about living off-campus?
Answer: Student Affairs and Services and SMUSA have collaborated to put together a webpage with some off-campus housing resources, links, and tips.
Question: Can I access he Student Health Clinic if I have a family physician?
Answer: Yes. Even if you already have a family physician, you are welcome to access the Student Health Clinic.
Question: Are family members able to access the Student Health Clinic?
Answer: Children and spouses of students can access the Student Health Clinic while the student is enrolled at Saint Mary's and for up to one year after graduation
Question: Is there a cost or fee associated with my appointment?
Answer: Students who have a valid provincial health card (excluding Quebec residents) or students enrolled International Basic Health Plan will not have an associated cost for their appointment.
Question: Can I get a prescription renewal at the clinic?
Answer: Yes. Physicians can renew a prescription. It is recommended that you book an appointment at least one to two weeks before your medication runs out
Question: Can I get my blood drawn at the clinic?
Answer: No. Visit the Nova Scotia Health website to book an appointment for blood collection.
Question: Can I receive an immunzation at SMU health clinic?
Answer: Yes. Our physicians can provide the immunizations and boosters that are recommended in Nova Scotia. Vaccines available through the Student Health Clinic include, but are not limited to: Influenza Meningococcal B Td (Tetanus and diphtheria) MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) And more! Please note the Covid19 vaccines and boosters are not available through the Student Health Clinic. If you have questions about specific vaccines, please contact us at student.health@smu.ca.
Question: Can I get a sick note at SMU health clinic?
Answer: Yes, There is a $10 fee for a sick note for academic purposes and a $20 fee for a sick note for work purposes. Be prepared to provide your physician with a list of professors who will require the sick note.
Question: Does the Student Health Clinic provide dental services?
Answer: The Student Health Clinic does not provide dental services.
Question: Can I make a specialist appointment?
Answer: First, you need to book an appointment with a physician. The physician can provide you with a referral for a specialist appointment.
Question: What if I need immediate medical attention?
Answer: For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. For non-emergency situations, you call 811 to access the Nova Scotia Telecare Service. Available 24/7, you can use this service to talk to a registered nurse about your symptoms.
Question: What is counselling?
Answer: Counselling is a goal driven, collaborative process during which a Clinician and client work together to identify issues or difficulties causing distress. Counselling often involves building personal strengths and resources while trying to understand and improve things in life you are dissatisfied with.
Question: Who qualifies for the counselling via The Counselling Centre?
Answer: Any SMU student who is registered and attending class during the current academic semester. This includes students on co-op or who are completing their thesis. During the spring and summer months many students do not register and attend class. In that circumstance, if the student was registered and attended class in the winter semester and plans to again in the fall, we will continue to service them through the spring/summer months.
Question: What kinds of things can I talk about in counselling?
Answer: Our Clinician's support students with a broad range of concerns including anxiety, stress, depression, relationships, grief, trauma, boundary setting, self-esteem/confidence, and family dynamics, just to name a few.
Question: How many appointments do I get from The Counselling Centre?
Answer: We have a short-term counselling model which typically grants students 8-10 appointments per academic year (September-August). There will always be exceptions to our model and such things are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Clinician involved.
Question: What if I need or want more than the standard number of appointments at the Counselling Centre?
Answer: Your Clinician will help facilitate a referral to a community service or private therapy to ensure you're adequately supported
Question: Is there a cost to attend counselling at The Counselling Centre?
Answer: Counselling services at the Centre are free for any currently registered student at Saint Mary's.
Question: Can I attend virtual sessions while outside of Canada?
Answer: Unfortunately, no. Our Clinicians' regulatory bodies and insurance coverage does not allow them to service clients outside of Canada.
Question: Can I attend virtual sessions while residing in another province of Canada?
Answer: Yes. Between the various clinical designations, we have on staff (Psychologist, Social Worker, Registered Counselling Therapist) we should be able to offer services to all provinces and territories due to varying rules/permissions across their regulatory bodies and insurance providers.
Question: Is counselling confidential?
Answer: Yes, the things you share with your Clinician during counselling sessions is confidential. The information you reveal is not shared with friends, family, faculty/staff on campus or others without your expressed written permission. Counselling records are separate from your academic and other university records. There are a few instances where we may need to share information without your permission including if you express a desire to hurt yourself or someone else or if your Clinician is concerned that a child or another vulnerable person is at risk of harm. You would be notified before any information is shared. During your first intake appointment all limitations to confidentiality will be thoroughly reviewed and you will be given an opportunity to ask any questions you need.
Question: What is the wait time to access a counselling appointment with the Counselling Centre?
Answer: Our typical wait time is 2 weeks. During busier times of the year the wait time might be as long as 3-4 weeks due to an increased demand for services. We make every effort to prioritize urgent appointment requests so please let us know if your matter is urgent.
Question: Can I request for a specific clinican?
Answer: Yes, however, there may be a longer wait to meet with a specific Clinician due to their availability. All our Clinicians are generalists, meaning they have experience with a broad range of concerns. No Clinician on staff specializes in a particular area.
Question: Does the Counselling Centre prescribe medication or assess/diagnose mental health conditions?
Answer: No but we are happy to discuss other resources options that do.
Question: Does the Counselling Centre provide notes/documentation for academic or other reasons?
Answer: In very rare circumstances, yes. However, such things are often reserved for ongoing clients whose requests we can adequately speak to or for unexpected traumatic life events.
Question: Does the Counselling Centre have a black therapist?
Answer: Unfortunately, not currently. We are always looking to hire and retain as diverse a staff as possible and hope to have a black Therapist on our team in the future.
Question: Does the Counselling Centre have a WPATH certified therapist?
Answer: We have a Clinician on staff who has extensive WPATH training and experience supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ population.
Question: Someone I know was assaulted and I don't know how to support them. Are there any resources that I can use?
Answer: Yes, Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence (https://nscs.learnridge.com/) is a free, online, Nova Scotian based program that helps give people the tools to support survivors.
Question: What is a forensic examination and what does it entail?
Answer: A forensic examination is the collection of evidence after a sexual assault. In the media they are often called rape kits. A forensic examination includes collection of clothes, doing a head to toe physical exam and may include taking photos of any injuries. Any and all parts of a forensic examination are optional. It is suggested that survivors try not to shower, bathe, douche, use the washroom, change clothes, eat/drink, or clean teeth, following the assault until the exam is completed.
Question: If I get a medical treatment do I have to do a 'forensic examination' or file a police report?
Answer: No, no one can make you do anything you don't want to do. It is your choice and only your choice.
Question: If I get a forensic examination done how long can the evidence be held?
Answer: You can get a forensic examination done and not have it processed right away. These kits are held and frozen for six (6) months, and at any time you can choose to process it. These kits can be done up toseven days after an assault, but the sooner one is done after an assault the more forensic evidence can be collected.
Question: How to transfer to smu?
Answer: Admission requirements vary by academic program: Bachelor of Arts:? An equivalent of Grade 12 English Bachelor of Commerce:? An equivalent of Grade 12 English, an equivalent of Grade 12 Mathematics. Bachelor of Science:? The equivalent of Grade 12 English, the equivalent of Grade 12 Pre-Calculus, and two Grade 12 academic Science subjects. Note:?If you have an overall average of C, but lack specific courses for Commerce or Science, you can be admitted to the Bachelor of Arts. Later, you may be eligible to transfer to your first-choice program if you have taken the courses needed to make up those requirements. You will also be required to provide your university or college transcripts. To apply: Apply online Arrange to have official copies of all university or college transcripts sent directly to our Admissions Office from each school. Request that your high school sends us an official copy of your last transcript. Include the $50 application fee. Submit the results of an English language proficiency test (if English is not your first language). This result must be sent to Saint Mary's directly from the testing centre where it was administered. Once you are accepted, your previous education will be reviewed automatically.