Dear MSVU students, faculty and staff,
It’s been a very difficult couple of days for members of our university and broader communities. We are thinking of all those impacted by the wildfires in Nova Scotia, including those who have had to leave their homes and those assisting with the emergency response. Please know that you are not alone – MSVU is here to help.
Emergency accommodations
MSVU students, faculty and staff who have been evacuated from their homes and need a place to stay can contact Jill.Hurlbert@msvu.ca to make arrangements for short-term temporary accommodations in MSVU Residences at no cost.
Day camps for children
MSVU’s Athletics and Recreation Department is offering free day camps this Wednesday (May 31) through Friday (June 2) for children of families affected by the wildfires, in particular those who have had to evacuate their homes or whose schools are closed due to evacuations. There are a limited number of spaces available, based on staffing availability. Register online at msvu.ca/camps or contact Athletics and Recreation for more information: camps@msvu.ca or call 902-457-6420.
Leave for affected faculty and staff
MSVU faculty and staff (across all employee groups) who have had to evacuate their homes, or are directly impacted by the evacuations, are being provided with up to five emergency leave days. Please speak to your supervisor or contact human.resources@msvu.ca to make arrangements.
Other supports
A reminder that students, faculty and staff in need of any supports are encouraged to contact the university as follows:
– Students can contact ose@msvu.ca;
– Faculty and staff can contact human.resources@msvu.ca.
Students can also connect with their professors, and faculty/staff can connect with their chairs or supervisors.
A reminder that there are also free counselling supports available for students and faculty/staff as follows:
– Students: MSVU Counselling Services: counselling@msvu.ca, (902) 457-6567; Good2Talk NS Helpline for Postsecondary Students: 1-833-292-3698
– Faculty and staff: Employee & Family Assistance Program (or EFAP) via Morneau Shepell (free, confidential counselling services) – visit the EFAP website or call 1-800-387-4765.
– ALL: Our EFAP provider has set-up a crisis line available to ALL those affected by the wildfires in NS (you don’t need to be affiliated with MSVU or any organization in particular). The LifeWorks Community Crisis Support Line is open 24/7 and can be reached at 1-844-751-2133.
The days ahead will continue to be challenging for so many in our community. Please know that our thoughts are with you and we remain here to help.
Take care,
Joël
Dr. Joël Dickinson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University