Mount Allison University Campus

Academic Calendar 2023-2024

Table of Contents

6 Co-Curricular Life

6.1 The Mount Allison Students' Union

The MASU is governed by the Students' Administrative Council (SAC), a body of elected and appointed persons who represent the educational, social and personal concerns of Mount Allison students. These representatives include, but are not limited to, student senators, councillors-at-large, and a six-member executive.

There are many opportunities to be involved with the MASU. For example, the MASU hires a number of part-time staff that receive compensation in the form of a small honorarium. Students can also serve on various committees, such as the Sustainability Committee and Finance Committee.

The MASU employs a General Manager, Office Manager, and Insurance Administrator to aid in its work. The MASU office is located on the first floor of the Wallace McCain Student Centre.

Some of the services and events provided by the MASU include:

  • Orientation, Shinerama, Winter Carnival, and the ASCARS

  • Extended Health and Dental Insurance and International Health Insurance

  • Funding for clubs and societies and for academic enrichment

  • Off-Campus Housing Directory

  • The MASU Handbook/Agenda and the Allisonian Yearbook

  • Events, parties, and workshops

The MASU also sponsors and promotes the Clubs and Societies (C&S) of Mount Allison. These are a great way to become involved with the Mount Allison community. Examples of C&S include:

  • Academic: Commerce Society, Psychology Society, Politics and IR Society, Chemistry Society, etc.

  • Community Involvement: Association for Physically Disabled and Chronically Ill Students (ACID), Because I am a Girl, Best Buddies, Eco-Action, Global Brigades, Health Care Outreach, Habitat for Humanity, MOSIAC, Right to Play, SMILE, World University Services of Canada (WUSC), etc.

  • Debating and Governance: Debate Society, Model United Nations, etc.

  • International Organizations: UNICEF, Amnesty International, etc.

  • Sports: Rugby (Men's and Women's), Lacrosse, Varsity Dance, Ultimate Frisbee, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, etc.

  • Musical, Theatre, and Musical Theatre: Garnet and Gold, Drama Society, Conduct Becoming, etc.

Any student wishing to join a club or society can attend the MASU Clubs & Society Fair in September and should go to the MASU Office for help starting a new club or society. All athletic clubs and intramurals are run through the Athletics Department.

Overall, students have widespread representation on campus, including membership on the Board of Regents (governing body) and Senate (academic body). Full-time students are also represented at the provincial and federal level by advocacy organizations such as the New Brunswick Student Alliance (NBSA) and the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA).

6.2 The Argosy Weekly

This campus weekly newspaper has been published for over 125 years by an all-student staff. The newspaper is editorially independent of both the University administration and the Student Administrative Council.

6.3 CHMA FM

In 1985 the CHMA Radio Station was converted to FM Stereo frequency. Mount Allison is one of the smallest universities to have an FM radio station. The staff (from the announcers to the technicians) consists mainly of students and members of the Sackville community, all working under a full-time Station Manager. The Station is funded by students fees and advertising revenues and reaches a listening audience of over 15,000.

6.4 Motyer-Fancy Theatre

The state-of-the-art Motyer-Fancy Theatre, located in the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts, not only supports the Drama Studies Program but is also open to the campus community. All students are encouraged to audition for roles, and to volunteer for design and production crews guided by professional staff and student technicians. It is also the home of Tintamarre, Mount Allison's bilingual theatre troupe.

6.5 Residence Council

Students living in the University's traditional-style residences elect house executives. These bodies organize house events and co-ordinate social activities. The president of each house executive sits on Residence Council, a body which represents residential concerns to Student Life and the Housing Office.

6.6 The Pond

The campus pub, established in 1974, is a vibrant venue for social gatherings. The Pond is the only permanently licensed facility on campus and offers TV screens, a dance floor and weekly special events. The Pond is located in the Wallace McCain Student Centre, ground floor.

6.7 Student Employment

Part-time job opportunities are available at Mount Allison. Students may earn extra income through employment with Dining Services, the Library, the Event Services Staff, Residence Staff, Bar Services, The Pond, the campus Bookstore, Conference Office and Summer Camps, and various academic departments. Contact the appropriate department of interest and/or Experiential Learning and Career Development.

6.8 Accommodation

6.8.1 Residences

Mount Allison is a residential university with housing facilities available for approximately 50% of the student population. Each residence is unique and provides a positive living and learning environment, which promotes a balanced university experience. All first-year students who want to live in residence are guaranteed accommodation if deposit deadlines are met.

Our 7 secure residences offer common lounges, kitchens, study rooms and laundry facilities with high speed and wireless Internet, digital cable TV (except Windsor) and phone hook ups in each room (except Windsor; students provide the hardware). Typical room furnishings are a bed, desk, chair, closets, mini-fridge, microwave, lighting and shelving. For more information see our residence profile pages at <www.mta.ca/life-mta/housing-and-dining>

Prospective students should note that the University cannot be responsible for personal property. Students are strongly advised to insure their personal belongings. As indicated in the Conditions of Residence Accommodation, pets, halogen lights, hot plates, wireless routers and networking equipment and firearms and explosive materials are not permitted in residence.

6.8.2 Residence Application Procedure

All first year students who wish to be considered for residence accommodation can apply using the application form found in the portal on the Housing website at <www.mta.ca/housing> . The residence application for new students opens November 1. A non-refundable residence application fee of $50.00 is required to complete the application. Assignment of residence rooms is based on the date the $100 registration deposit is received by the Registrar's Office up to March 1. The $500.00 residence deposit must be paid by March 1 to be eligible for early residence room assignments. The $500 residence deposit must be paid by May 1 to guarantee residence accommodation for September. Residence applications and deposits are accepted and rooms assigned after March 1 as they are received. For further information see Fees, Section 4.2.

Students are asked to take the time to answer all the questions on the application, as this helps in appropriate placement of students in residence. Provided incoming students have met all admission and deposit deadlines, they are guaranteed residence accommodation.

Students wishing to remain in residence for their second, third and fourth years of study can participate in the room draw process beginning in the fall. Students can choose to stay in the same residence or move to another residence for the following year. The room draw application can be found by signing in to the housing portal at <www.mta.ca/housing> . There is no application fee for room draw.

Once a student enters residence, the student is responsible for the full residence, meal plan and services fees. If a student later withdraws from residence, the student will be entitled to the refunds detailed in Section 4.5 "Withdrawals and Student Accounts".

Students studying abroad should contact the Registrar's Office, <regoffice@mta.ca> , in January, if they wish to live in residence upon their return to Mount Allison.

6.8.3 Non-University Housing

The Mount Allison Students Union (MASU) maintains, for the use of students, a list of accommodations available in Sackville and area. Students wishing to live in town are invited to use this information.

6.9 Department of Athletics and Recreation

6.9.1 Intercollegiate Athletics, Varsity Programs

Mount Allison's Intercollegiate athletic teams compete against other Atlantic Universities in a number of sports. Mount Allison competes in the Atlantic University Sport conference in football, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's swimming, and women's ice hockey. Mount Allison also has varsity teams in the Atlantic College Athletic Association in men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, and men's and women's badminton. In all sports, the championship team represents Atlantic Canada in National Championships. The Mounties also play exhibition games with teams from other parts of Canada and the United States.

If you are interested in receiving information about a varsity program, contact either the coach or the Athletic Director. Please note that the fall sports usually have pre-season tryout camps. Students interested in one of these sports should contact the Athletic Director.

Note: Students who are registered in self-directed distance learning courses offered by Mount Allison and who are considered full-time students according to their course load, but who pay per-course tuition according to the fee structure outlined in 4.1.1 are not considered full-time on-campus students and are not eligible to participate in varsity sports that require confirmation of full-time enrolment.

6.9.2 Competitive Club Sports

A number of competitive club sport teams have been developed in recent years. Men's and women's rugby, curling, lacrosse, field hockey, and ultimate frisbee are just some of the sports that have developed representative teams and compete against other Universities and Colleges. The co-ordinator is the Athletic Director.

6.9.3 Intramurals

The intramural program gives students the opportunity to participate and compete in a wide variety of activities. Emphasis is placed on participation and fun. Leagues are scheduled in soccer, softball, basketball, hockey, and volleyball. Tournaments are held in golf, curling, tennis, badminton, ultimate frisbee, and other sports based on student interest. The co-ordinator is the Intramural Co-ordinator.

6.9.4 Campus Recreation

There is ample time scheduled in the athletic facilities for open recreational use. Badminton, swimming, tennis, skating, pick up hockey, basketball, field games, ultimate frisbee, and fitness related activities are very popular daily activities. The fitness centre is open seven days a week with group fitness classes and personal training services available.

6.9.5 Men's and Women's Intramural Councils

Students play an integral part in the organization and administration of Mount Allison's intramural program.

Each residence on-campus and off-campus students have or will elect one or two representatives who make up the intramural council. If you are interested in becoming involved as a sports representative, contact your house president as soon as you arrive on campus. Many students become involved as officials for intramural competitions. These are part-time jobs, and students are paid for their services. If you would like to become an intramural official, contact the Intramural Office early in September.

6.10 Spiritual Care on Campus

MtA Spiritual Care supports students of all religious, spiritual and philosophical paths and has a place for students of all faiths and no faiths. The Multi-faith Chaplain and Spiritual Care Coordinator, together with the Spiritual Care Ambassadors, offers programs grounded in values of generosity, curiosity, gratitude, compassion and hospitality, engages in interfaith dialogue, teaches religious literacy, and is a resource with respect to religious diversity and life on campus and in the community. The Multi-faith Chaplain and Spiritual Care Coordinator is also available to listen and guide in life's big (and not so big) questions.

The University Chapel, a beautiful building witnessing to the Christian roots of the university, is open to anyone, no matter what belief, gender, sexuality or origin. The Chapel, including the Manning Multi-faith Room on the lower level, is a space to pause, reflect, study, meet friends, eat lunch, sit, nap or simply enjoy its beauty. It is also a bookable space for student groups and university departments.

6.11 Student Life

6.11.1 The Director of Student Experience

The Director of Student Experience is responsible for the quality of student life (transition and settlement) and for maintaining effective liaison with student administrative bodies, student organizations and individual students. The Director oversees orientation, the campus life of students, the quality of residence life, International Centre staff and services, and non-academic misconduct (e.g. Student Code of Conduct). The Director and other staff in Student Life are available for consultation and guidance on academic, personal, and extracurricular matters.

6.11.2 Academic Concerns

Students with academic concerns are encouraged to speak first with their professors and/or with the Head of the Department or appropriate academic Dean. The Manager of Academic Support, Student Development Counsellors, the MASU Ombudsperson, and Registrar’s Office staff are also available as resources.

6.11.3 Academic Support

Assistance with academic skills is provided by the Office of Academic Support, located in the R. P. Bell Library. Academic Support offers programs such as the Writing Resource Centre, the Peer Tutor program, PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions), Academic Help Centres in many first-year courses, and Fresh START study skills labs. Inquiries and requests for assistance should be directed to the Manager of Academic Support at <academicsupport@mta.ca> .

6.11.4 Writing Resource Centre

The Writing Resource Centre (WRC) can assist students with written assignments in any subject area, at any stage of the writing process. Writing tutors are available in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences. The WRC also provides professional writing support to students with EAL (English as an Additional Language). The WRC is located in the R.P. Bell Library, and support from a writing tutor can be accessed online through Moodle.

6.11.5 Academic Help Centres

Academic Help Centres in Math, Physics, Computer Science, Chem/Bio/Biochem, Psychology, Economics, and Modern Languages operate as drop-in services, both online and in person in the R.P. Bell Library. These supports are run collaboratively by the academic departments and Academic Support, and are intended to support students in introductory courses. Schedules can be found on the Library website.

6.11.6 Residence Academic Mentors

Residence Academic Mentors (AcMen) assist residence students with academic resources necessary for academic assistance. AcMen organize help sessions, provide access to tutors, and hold regular office hours in their respective residences. Please feel free to contact any of them at any time in person or by email if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

6.11.7 Academic Tutors

A list of peer tutors who may be able to help with courses is available through Mount Allison's Nimbus app. Students can download the app, select Mount Allison University as the institution, and complete the sign-up process. Tutoring services can be booked and paid for directly through the Nimbus app. Students interested in working as a peer tutor should email the Coordinator of Peer Academic Support at <peertutors@mta.ca> .

6.12 Student Life Resources

6.12.1 Personal Counselling

The demands of studies can be particularly stressful when students encounter additional challenges of health, family, relationships or other life issues. Mount Allison provides two accredited Counsellors, from whom students may receive confidential support through short-term counselling for a variety of personal issues which may include stress, adjustment to university, anxiety, depression, alcohol or drug use, sexuality, relationships, sexual assault, family dysfunction and grief. Students requiring support beyond Mount Allison's scope of practice, such as the need for psychiatric, psychological, or additional mental health services may be provided resource information through health and wellness staff. Additional information, such as the counselling scope of practice, how to book an appointment, contacts, and external counselling resources can be found by visiting <www.mta.ca/wellness> . Counsellors are located in the Wellness Centre on the ground floor of the Wallace McCain Student Centre.

6.12.2 Experiential Learning and Career Development

The Office of Experiential Learning and Career Development is located in the Wallace McCain Student Centre. The Office facilitates the MtA Internship Program. Internships provide meaningful, paid work-integrated learning experiences to support student professional and academic goals while also developing competencies and connections to the world of work. Co-curricular entrepreneurship programming and Venture Space MtA offer opportunities for students from any field of study to engage with start up programs and apply for funding. For more information about Venture Space MtA visit the website at <www.mta.ca/venturespace> .

The Career Services Coordinator offers individual consultations and provides information on graduate and professional programs, careers, study, volunteer, and work abroad programs. Information is available on occupational profiles, labour market trends, résumé writing, job search techniques and preparing for interviews. Workshops are also available on mentorship, networking, skill development, and digital and information literacy. For more information visit <www.mta.ca/expl> . Inquiries should be directed to <careers@mta.ca> .

6.12.3 Employment

On-campus part time job opportunities are available at Mount Allison. Students may earn extra income through employment with Dining Services, the Library, the Event Services Staff, Residence Staff, Bar Services, the Pond, the Bookstore, Conference Office and Summer Camps, and various academic departments. Contact the appropriate department of interest for details and/or Experiential Learning and Career Development.

An online job board is available to students through Experience MTA at <https://experience.mta.ca> . This portal is regularly updated with opportunities available locally and nationally. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Experiential Learning & Career Development in the Wallace McCain Student Centre if they require any support in applying for roles. Staff are able to help with resume writing, job search strategies, networking and more.

6.12.4 Health Services

The Wellness Centre is a non-emergency health service for all Mount Allison students open during the academic year (September to mid- April). It is a non-judgmental health service that strives to reduce health barriers for young adults living away from home with the support of a Registered Nurse/Educator. The Registered Nurse/Educator co-ordinates health care services of Mount Allison students, by triaging their individual needs through assessing, testing, planning, treating, providing health education and referrals when appropriate. Physician clinics may also be advertised throughout the year through a collaborative practice, and fee-for-service external supports (e.g. psychologist, massage therapist) may be available on site by appointment. Anyone experiencing a health emergency should call 911. There is also an Emergency Department at the Sackville Memorial Hospital. For more information on health services available at Mount Allison and external resources, visit <www.mta.ca/wellness>

6.12.5 Student Health Insurance

Domestic students must ensure they have basic health insurance for the duration of their studies at Mount Allison, such as New Brunswick Medicare or healthcare coverage under another provincial or territorial basic health plan. International students are automatically enrolled in the Mount Allison Students’ Union (MASU) Basic Medical Insurance Plan. To opt out of the plan, students must provide MASU with proof of equivalent insurance coverage from another provider. Visiting exchange students and Canadians without provincial healthcare coverage may apply through MASU for medical coverage under the same plan. The MASU also provides extended health and dental coverage to all students. All full-time students are automatically charged for the extended health and dental plans but can opt out if they provide MASU with proof of equivalent insurance coverage from another provider. More information is available on the MASU website at <www.masu.ca> . Inquiries should be directed to <masuhealth@mta.ca>

6.12.6 Dietary and Nutritional Concerns

To discuss dietary and nutritional concerns please contact Dining Services (506) 364-2423

6.12.7 Student Wellness

Mount Allison takes a holistic approach to student wellness. Staff across the University collaborate to provide comprehensive wellness support for students. Inquiries about services and supports can be directed to the Wellness Centre by email to <wellness@mta.ca> . Information, materials and programming regarding student health and wellness can also be requested through the Wellness Centre, and may be available on the web at <www.mta.ca/wellness> .

6.12.8 Landlord/Tenant Concerns

Students with inquiries about landlord/tenant relations or leases are encouraged to contact the Office of the Rentalsman in Moncton.

6.12.9 International Students

Mount Allison strives to provide a welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning environment for students from all nationalities and backgrounds. Students with citizenship outside of Canada form an important part of Mount Allison's community. To facilitate the social, cultural, and academic adjustment to life at Mount Allison, the International Centre organizes international orientation sessions prior to the start of each term. Support continues throughout the year in the form of dedicated programs and services coordinated by the International Centre team. A full list of programs and services is available on the International Centre's website <www.mta.ca/international/> . Students have access to a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) who can provide immigration advice and assist students with their temporary residence documents. The Mount Allison campus community features a range of clubs, societies, committees and projects that help promote cross-cultural awareness, understanding, and appreciation. Mount Allison University has policies and procedures that protect all students' right to live and study in an environment free from fear of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender and sexual identity, ethnicity, and national origin.

6.12.10 Student Conduct

The Academic Integrity Policy sets the University's standards for student conduct in academic matters and is administered by the Vice-President, Academic and Research. The Student Code of Conduct sets the University's standards for student conduct in non-academic matters and is administered by the Vice-President, International and Student Affairs. Other related policies governing students' non-academic misconduct include the Residence Life Code of Conduct, the Sexual Violence Policy, and the Anti-Racism Policy. All students at Mount Allison, by virtue of their admission to the University, are subject to the regulations outlined in these documents. The University reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student for infractions of the regulations. Neither the University nor any of its regents or officers shall be under any liability whatsoever because of such action.

6.13 Services for Students with Disabilities

6.13.1 Policy on Students with Disabilities

Mount Allison University is proud to be an institution that welcomes and supports a diverse student body. To this end, Mount Allison is committed to providing support for students with disabilities, and, where warranted and without compromising academic standards, will provide reasonable accommodations.

Copies of the University's Policy on Students with Disabilities (Policy 1201) may be obtained from the Director, Accessibility and Student Wellness and can be viewed on the Mount Allison website at <www.mta.ca/about/leadership-and-governance/policies-and-procedures/> .

6.13.2 The Meighen Centre

The Meighen Centre provides a range of services to support the academic and non-academic needs of students with documented disabilities or medical conditions.

Students who may require accessibility support and are applying for admission to Mount Allison are encouraged to identify themselves on the application form. Students should contact the Meighen Centre as early as possible in the admissions process.

Students currently attending Mount Allison who have been previously identified with a disability, or who suspect they have a disability, and who want to access support services should contact Meighen Centre staff.

The Meighen Centre is located on the 3rd floor of the Wallace McCain Student Centre. Staff can be contacted by emailing accessibility@mta.ca or by calling 506-364-2641. More information about the Meighen Centre is available on the Mount Allison website at <www.mta.ca/meighen> .