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The Student Union of Mount Allison is governed by the Students' Administrative Council (SAC). This is a body of elected and appointed persons who represent, organize, and plan for the interests of the students. However, the wider Mount Allison community benefits from many of the activities the SAC pursues.
The MASU represents the students through council with representatives from on and off campus, as well as the six member executive. There are also many other positions, appointed through council, that allow any student the opportunity to get involved. Many positions receive compensation in the form of small honoraria. The MASU also employs an administrator and an office manager to aid in its work. The MASU is located on the first floor of the Wallace McCain Student Centre.
Some of the services and events provided by the MASU include:
Funding of Clubs & Societies and Academic Enrichment
Orientation, Shinerama, Winter Carnival, the ASCARS
Online Used Book Sale
Off-Campus Housing Directory
Extended Health and Dental Insurance; International Insurance
Photocopying and faxes
Publications: MASU Handbook/Agenda, Allisonian Yearbook
Events, parties, seminars, and workshops
The MASU also sponsors and promotes the Clubs and Societies (C&S) of Mount Allison. These are a great asset and a wonderful way to become involved with the Mount Allison community. A sample includes:
Because I Am A Girl, Best Buddies, BODIES, Catalyst, MOSAIC
Eco-Action, Global Medical Brigades, Health Care Outreach, Habitat for Humanity
Academic Clubs and Societies: Commerce, Anthropology, Psychology, Political Science, Chemistry Bio-Chem, etc.
Debating and Governance: Debate, Model UN, ATLIS, Centre for International Studies, Young Liberals, Young Conservatives
Community Involvement: Right to Play, SMILE
World University Services of Canada (WUSC)
International Organizations: UNICEF, Amnesty International, OXFAM, Free the Children
Theatre and Musical Theatre: Black Tie, Garnet and Gold, Drama
Sports: Rugby (Men's and Women's), Lacrosse, Varsity Dance, Ultimate Frisbee, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, etc.
Musical: Elliott Chorale, Conduct Becoming
Underbridge Press, Swing Society
And many, many more!
Any student wishing to join a club or society can do so by attending the MASU Clubs and Societies Fair in September and should go to the MASU Office for help starting a new club or society. Athletic clubs and intramurals are all run through the Athletics Department. Students have widespread representation on the campus, including membership on the Board of Regents (governing body) and Senate (academic body). Full-time students are also enrolled as members of the New Brunswick Student Alliance and the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations.
This 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.
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.
This theatre group puts on major productions each term, some of which are created by members of the Mount Allison community.
All students living in the University's various residences elect house councils and executives. These bodies organize house events and co-ordinate social activities. Each House Council President sits on Residence Council, a body which represents residential concerns to the Student Life, Student Affairs or Housing Offices.
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 to its members T.V. screens, a dance floor and weekly special events. The Pond is located in the Wallace McCain Student Centre, ground floor.
Part time job opportunities are plentiful 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 and/or Career/Employment Services Office.
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.
Since 1973 the University has offered co-ed residence facilities to its students. Bennett, Campbell, Hunton, and Windsor Houses offer single and double rooms while Edwards, Harper and Thornton have single rooms. Single rooms with shared en-suite bathrooms are available in Bennett, Campbell and Bigelow. Single rooms with private en-suite bathrooms are available in Thornton.
Our 10 secure residences offer common lounges, kitchens, study rooms and laundry facilities with high speed and wireless Internet, digital cable TV and phone hook ups in each room (students provide the hardware). Typical room furnishings are a bed, desk, chair, closets, mini-fridge, lighting and shelving. Rooms in Bigelow and Thornton have microwave ovens. All en-suite style rooms in Campbell, Bigelow, Bennett, Harper, Thornton and Windsor have televisions provided.
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.
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 September 30. 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 5 to guarantee residence accommodation for September. Residence applications and deposits are accepted and rooms assigned after May 5 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 late October. Students can choose to stay in the same room, move to another room 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.
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 correspondence 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.
A number of competitive club sport teams have been developed in recent years. Men's and women's rugby, golf, curling, tennis, lacrosse, 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.
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.
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 weight room/fitness centre is open seven days a week with group fitness classes and personal training services available.
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.
Mount Allison is a church-founded university which affirms the partnership of faith and higher education. The Mount Allison crest declares that religion is a central and integral part of university life, and the University continues the commitment made in its founding to nurture the spiritual life of students. It supports and encourages personal spiritual development and affirms that university is a place to be awakened to the deep mysteries of life; the search for truth is a religious quest as well as an educational goal.
The chapel at Mount Allison, located at the heart of the campus, is a visible symbol of the commitment of the university to the importance of faith in university life. It stands as a reminder that the university is committed to nurturing students as whole human persons.
While founded under Methodist direction, Mount Allison upholds freedom of religion and creeds. Chapel worship and activities are ecumenical by design; the Office of the Chaplain is intended to be an ecumenical appointment, responsive not only to the many Christian denominations represented on campus but to the diversity of religious traditions. The Chaplain is open to engaging students of all religions in faith development.
The Chapel on campus is a refuge and a retreat in the midst of the activity around it; it is open daily for quiet reflection or prayer. Its exterior design makes it accessible from any direction on campus; the interior design naturally draws the eye upwards. The chapel is used primarily for worship, but individuals and groups associated with the university may arrange with the Chaplain for the use of the chapel for purposes that reflect the goal of nurturing religious life on campus.
The chapel was built and dedicated in 1965 through the initiative and generosity of the Rev. C.H. Johnson, and with the support of many other alumni, friends of the university, church people of the region and other individuals and institutions.
The organ is a gift of a former Chancellor, Dr. Ralph P. Bell, in memory of his mother. The stained glass windows were given by Marjorie Young Bell. A permanent record of the gifts is found in "The Book of Remembrance" in the narthex of the chapel. A small meditation room for private or small group prayer or worship is located to the right of the front of the sanctuary; the Chaplain maintains a study to the left side. The Manning Room in the basement is named for the generous gift of Mrs. Gladys M. Manning, and is dedicated to the religious and social life of the campus.
A multi-faith prayer room is available in the chapel; this room is intended for private or small group prayer in a comfortable setting supportive of all religious traditions. A Muslim student group makes use of this prayer room every Friday.
Sunday evening worship services, or vespers, are held throughout the academic year. Other special services in the week take place through the year.
The Chaplain provides leadership in worship, drawing on students and other members of the University community. Students take an active role in the chapel programs, sharing in planning, preparing and leading worship.
The Chaplain oversees the Chapel and its programs and worship; the mandate of the Chaplain goes beyond worship and extends to nurturing spiritual life on campus to include counsel and comfort for those needing encouragement or support, to being a refuge to those in need, to enriching University life. All the work of the Chaplain is undertaken regardless of the religion, ideology or faith of those who seek. The Chaplain is appointed by the University and serves as Chaplain to the whole community, including both students and employees, with a responsibility to speak to the university as well as from within it.
Students engage in their faith pilgrimages in many ways, and the University provides ample opportunity to develop in faith. The Chapel services give opportunity to share in worship and develop leadership abilities; the Chapel Choir provides a way to express faith in music. Student groups operate autonomously, but often in conjunction with the Chaplain.
Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship has an active group that offers fellowship, singing, Bible study and prayer. The Student Christian Movement is also very active, and encourages students to translate Christian faith into action through issues of peace and social justice.
The Pre-Theology Society comprises those students who are considering ministry, and it meets occasionally for fellowship, study and mutual support.
Religious awareness and spiritual development are the concern of a variety of programs initiated by student groups, the Department of Religious Studies and the Office of the Chaplain. These may include guest lecturers, forums for dialogue on religious matters, and other special events.
The Director of Student Life is responsible for the quality of student life 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, health services, counselling services, and the implementation of governance and liquor policies. The Director of Student Life, and other staff in Student Life are available for consultation and guidance on academic, personal and social matters.
Students with academic concerns are encouraged to speak first with their professors and/or with the Student Development Counsellor, or with the Head of the Department or appropriate academic Dean.
Assistance with academic skills is provided by Student Life in partnership with the Purdy Crawford Teaching Centre through Writing resource programs offered at the Library. Support and assistance is available on a group or individual basis. Topics addressed include: memory, time and lifestyle management, note-making, writing, preparing for and writing examinations, and motivation. For details please contact the Coordinator of Academic Support Services.
Student Life in partnership with the Department of English operates a Writing Resource Centre to assist any student to put thoughts on paper and complete written assignments in a variety of academic disciplines. The Centre is located in the main library, M13.
The Math Resource Centre is a drop-in service for students who need assistance in Mathematics. This service is available for any student who wishes to improve their mathematical skills. The Math Resource Centre is primarily directed to those in first year Mathematics courses, but students in any MtA course who want help in math-related topics are welcome to use the Math Resource Centre. The Centre is located in the library.
Residence Academic Mentors assist residence students with academic resources necessary for academic assistance. Most residences are assigned two mentors to 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 email if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
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 Personal Counsellors, from whom students may receive confidential support and assistance for a variety of personal issues including anxiety, depression, alcohol or drug use, sexuality, relationships, sexual assault, family dysfunction and grief. The need for psychiatric and other mental health services can be accessed through the personal counsellors who may be accessed at the Wellness Centre, ground floor of the Wallace McCain Student Centre
In emergencies students may contact the Wellness Centre during office hours, or the Sackville Memorial Hospital.
The University's Sexual Harassment Advisor is available to provide education on sexual harassment and assault and to receive complaints from students, staff and faculty. The Advisor has copies of the University's policies and upon request will advise those who contact her about the options available both on and off campus.
The Career Services Coordinator is located in the Wallace McCain Student Centre 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 career related issues throughout the academic year. The Career Services Coordinator offers guidance with career exploration through individual consultations.
On-campus part time job opportunities are plentiful 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 and various academic departments. Contact the appropriate department of interest for details and/or the Career Services Office.
An on-line job board is available to students at <www.mta.ca/careers/jobs> . Hard copies of job postings, a variety of internships and on and off-campus career and summer employment opportunities, both part-time and full-time, are posted on a notice board located on the ground floor of the Wallace McCain Student Centre. Federal and provincial summer employment program info brochures are also available at Career Services Office on the second floor of the Wallace McCain Student Centre.
Within 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. All health services are strictly confidential. Health information can only be released with the student's written authorization.
In order to promote and enhance students' good health and well-being, the Registered Nurse/Educator co-ordinates health care services of Mount Allison students, by triaging their individual needs. A Family Physician provides limited clinic hours at the Wellness Centre. Emergencies are dealt with at the Emergency Department of the Sackville Memorial Hospital.
Also the Wellness Centre provides comprehensive health care needs of students through health promotion initiatives, health education, testing, health counselling, clinical services, and referrals, when appropriate. Please see a list of student health services available on the Mount Allison University health web page at <www.mta.ca/health>
The Mount Allison Student Union (MASU) 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. Full-time international students are additionally covered by the 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 health care coverage can apply through MASU for medical coverage under the same plan. For more, go to the MASU website at <www.masu.ca> or email <masuhealth@mta.ca>
To discuss dietary and nutritional concerns please contact Dining Services (506) 364-2423
Information, materials and programs on health, lifestyle choices, stress management, sexuality, birth control, AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol, drugs, and similar concerns, are available through Student Life. Programs will be presented on request.
Students with inquiries about landlord/tenant relations or leases are encouraged to contact the Office of the Rentalsman in Moncton.
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 international 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, as coordinated by the International Advisor. For a full list of programs and services visit the International Centre's website. The Mount Allison campus community features a range of clubs, societies, committees and projects which help to promote cross-cultural awareness, understanding, and appreciation. Mount Allison University has strict guidelines which protect all students' right to live and study in an environment free from fear of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, and national origin.
Since 1989, students have been subject to the student governance system described in the document Policies and Procedures for Student Governance, which is available from the Mount Allison Students' Union or Student Life. The Director of Student Life is available to explain to students how the governance system works and what students' rights are under the system. All students admitted to the University agree to abide by, and be subject to, the regulations as outlined in this document. 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.
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 may be obtained from Student Life and can be viewed on the Mount Allison website.
The Meighen Centre provides a range of services to support the academic needs of students with disabilities. All inquiries related to services and accommodations for students with disabilities should be addressed to the Manager's office at (506)364-2527. Before services and accommodations can be provided, students must present documentation of their disability to the Meighen Centre.
The Meighen Centre provides services including academic counselling, learning strategies instruction, a peer tutoring program, a note taking program, assistance with Canada Access Grant applications, access to and instruction in the use of assistive technology, access to text books in alternate format, and the provision of accommodations for writing tests and examinations when appropriate. For more information about the Meighen Centre, please consult <http://www.mta.ca/meighen> .
Students with a disability who are applying for admission to Mount Allison are strongly encouraged to identify themselves on the application form. As well, they should make contact with 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 the Manager of the Meighen Centre at (506) 364-2527.