A message from Keltie Jones, JD, DBA, Associate Vice-President, Student Experience at MSVU:
Welcome and welcome back, MSVU students! Our mission in Student Experience is to provide you with the best possible supports so you can make the most of your time as a student. We’re constantly working to make improvements to the services we provide and below you’ll find some key updates.
Be sure to also check out our full A to Z list of MSVU student services. And you can also drop me a line any time or stop by for a visit (Evaristus Hall Room 201). Have a wonderful year! – Keltie
1. E-bikes are coming!
A little while ago, MSVU became the first university in the Atlantic region to announce an e-bike program. Now the program is almost ready to launch! Starting this fall (stay tuned for an exact date), e-bikes will be available for rent by students right here on campus. The new e-bike hub is currently being set-up beside Rosaria just off the Assisi Parking lot.
2. Upgrades to Bill Morris Square
Where is Bill Morris Square, you ask? It’s that lovely little outdoor area bordered by the top floor of Rosaria, the side of Assisi Hall, the wikuom, and College Road in front of Evaristus Hall. MSVU’s Facilities team made a number of improvements to the space this summer, including: new landscaping, lighting, accessible tables and seating, and video cameras for your safety. Best of all: there’s a hammock coming to this area soon because it’s the perfect spot to relax. And it’s now a smoke-free space too.
3. New grad student Mount Mentor (and lean in to your Mount Mentors generally!)
When you join the MSVU community, you’re assigned a Mount Mentor. Mount Mentors know what it’s like to be a Mount student because they are Mount students. Their job is to answer your questions and provide you advice on how to get the most out of the upcoming year. They really mean it when they say, “ask us anything.” Find all you need to know about contacting your Mount Mentor. New this year: There’s a Mount Mentor dedicated to helping graduate students!
4. Freda Wales Trail
Spending time in nature really is good for the soul. And you don’t have to leave campus to do that. The 1.5 km treed Freda Wales Trail that cuts through campus was rejuvenated this past year, including new signage to help guide you. It’s a lovely walk that feels like country in the city. Find the trail map and more.
5. Student jobs and in-course bursaries available
Through our Student Works program, we are offering some excellent on-campus job opportunities for students at MSVU starting this fall. Apply now via Career Connects (log-in required). The MSVU in-course bursary program opens to applications each fall. These are non-repayable awards that are based on financial need. The application will be available online in October, with a deadline of early November. Be sure to apply!
6. Delve into the history of hip hop (and visit our awesome Art Gallery)
Tucked away in Seton is a gem of a place for students to visit: the MSVU Art Gallery. It’s a peaceful spot, a source of inspiration, and provides a wonderful opportunity to experience art in its many forms. Bonus: they occasionally offer free coffee and muffins! Starting in late September, the gallery will host two very cool exhibits all about hip hop, including one curated by part-time MSVU faculty member and instructional developer Mike McGuire. There’s an opening reception for both exhibits planned for 1 p.m. on September 21 and everyone is welcome.
7. Same day academic advising – on now!
You’ve no doubt got questions about your academic program, and your academic advisors have answers. Whether you need to select courses, make changes to your schedule, or have general questions about your program, they are here for you!
Academic Advisors are available for half-hour same-day appointments in person and online from September 3rd to 11th. Stop by the Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success (Seton 303) to reserve your in-person appointment, or call 902-457-6657 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to book your online appointment. Reserve early in the day to ensure you get a spot.
8. School supplies in the Library
The Library has teamed up with the Bookstore to offer a selection of basic school supplies and stationery items for sale at the Library’s front desk. Available whenever the Library is open, these essentials – from pens and pencils to calculators and earbuds – should be especially helpful to students taking evening classes or studying on campus during weekends. As always, the Library welcomes feedback on our new “stationery shoppe.” Drop them a line at library@msvu.ca to suggest additions. A full price list is available online.
9. Recreation activities
MSVU Campus Recreation offers a variety of fun activities and special events for students. There’s lots in store this month (and beyond), from life size battleship to Taylor Swift trivia and more. Find details on all upcoming recreation events here. Cheering on your Mount Mystics varsity teams is also a ton of fun – it’s almost the start of soccer and cross-country season! Find full varsity schedules.
10. New Tech Platforms to help you
MSVU Accessibility Services is now using a software application called ACCOMMODATE to streamline student accommodations. This software helps all users (students, faculty, and staff) more effectively and efficiently manage the student accommodation process. Access links, user guides and info sessions to come; stay tuned!
As well, Counselling Services and Career Services at MSVU are now using the Jane App. This web and app-based platform facilitates easier access to counselling and career supports for students by offering automated appointment reminders, access to secure video appointments, options to view appointment history and manage existing bookings, and more all in one centralized platform.