Education, resources, and training

Mount Allison’s Mental Health/Harm Reduction Outreach Coordinator provides information and outreach to the Mount Allison community focusing on mental wellness and harm reduction.

Questions? Contact Maggie Brewer at mbrewer@mta.ca.

Conduct and oversight

Conduct

Mount Allison students are expected to behave in a manner that is respectful, safe, and inclusive. Students are accountable for their behaviour and may be subject to university conduct-related policies, whether they are under the influence of alcohol or other substances or not. Matters may also be pursued by or referred to law enforcement where appropriate.

Risk assessment

Students planning an event on campus are required to submit a Risk Assessment Form to the Student Life Office. Email studentlife@mta.ca.

Security

The security office plays a crucial role in assisting the enforcement and upholding the university code of conduct with the Student Life Office. Their responsibilities generally include:
 
1. Maintaining Safety and Order: The security office ensures the safety and security of all members of the university community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. They monitor campus premises, respond to emergencies, and take appropriate action to prevent and address incidents that could disrupt the peaceful environment of the campus.
 
2. Enforcing Code of Conduct: The security office collaborates with the Student Life Office to enforce the code of conduct. They may patrol the campus, investigate reports of misconduct, and intervene when violations occur. This could involve addressing issues such as vandalism, theft, harassment, or any other behavior that goes against the Student Code of Conduct.
 
3. Collaboration with Campus Officials: The security office often works closely with university officials, such as the Director of Student Life, Residence Life staff, Director of Accessibility and Student Wellness, and other administrative bodies responsible for enforcing the code of conduct. They share information, coordinate efforts, and provide support in disciplinary processes as needed.
 
4. Investigations and Reporting: In cases of alleged violations, the security office may conduct investigations to gather evidence and facts. They document incidents, maintain records, and provide information to support the university's disciplinary procedures.
 
5. Supporting Student Development: While their primary role is to enforce rules, security officers may also contribute to the overall development of students by guiding them on responsible behavior, conflict resolution, and personal safety.

Event Service Students (ESS), like the security office, are used to keep events safe. ESS are required to be at all campus events that have alcohol.

Student alcohol and substance use advisory committee

The Student Alcohol/Substance Use Advisory Committee is represented by students, staff, and faculty. The committee supports a harm-reduction approach to alcohol and substance use and advocates for a safe, responsible, and respectful environment at Mount Allison.

The Committee is tasked with the following:

  • Assessing practices, policies, and procedures that currently exist at Mount Allison and are related to student alcohol and substance use on campus
  • Providing information and feedback current educational, outreach, and conduct-related resources used at Mount Allison
  • Considering upcoming events and activities on campus or in the community with a focus on harm reduction, safety, and responsibility
  • Advising on connections to external partners, resources, or community members in relation to alcohol and substance use at Mount Allison
  • Making recommendations to leaders on campus regarding alcohol and substance use related matters on campus and in the community

The committee meets at least once in the fall term and at least once in the winter term. It may also meet on an ad hoc basis.

2023-24 Membership:
 
Co-chairs

  • Danai Bélanger, Director of Student Experience
  • Matt Maston, Director of Accessibility and Student Wellness

Students

  • Cailean Clements, Vice-President Student Life (MASU)
  • Callie Dowell, Director of Entertainment and Activities (MASU)
  • Ege Ryo Sezgin, Health Services Coordinator (MASU)
  • Oliver Batchilder, Health and Wellness Intern

Staff

  • Andy Hebert, Manager of Security and Ancillary Services
  • Jacques Bellefleur, Director, Athletics and Recreation
  • Maggie Brewer, Mental Health/Harm Reduction Outreach Coordinator
  • Rohil Basapa, Residence Life Coordinator
  • Tasia Alexopolos, Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator
  • Vacant, Residence Life Manager

Faculty

  • Christiana MacDougall, Sociology and Women and Gender Studies


Alcohol

Consuming alcohol comes with risks. Less alcohol intake equals a lower risk of consequences, such as issues with your health. If you choose to drink, be mindful of the choices you are making and what it might mean for you and others.

What is a standard drink and how much is too much?

A standard drink is:

  • 341 ml of beer, cider, or cooler (5%)
  • 142 ml of wine (12%)
  • 43 ml of sprits (40%)

According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, 1 or 2 standard drinks a week is low risk. As you drink more, the risk of complications increases. Find out more about drinking less is better(pdf).

Tips for responsible drinking:

  • Eat before and while you are drinking
  • Drink water in between alcoholic drinks. If you’re drinking at The Pond, you can request water at the bar for free.
  • Slow down — do not have more than two drinks in three hours.
  • Engage in other activities — playing pool, darts, dancing, etc. will naturally slow you down reduce the effects of alcohol.
  • Set drinking limits and stick to them. Use apps or websites like DrinkFox to determine your limits.
  • Do not drive or get into a vehicle if you or someone you arewith are under the influence of alcohol.
  • Remember, the legal drinking age in New Brunswick is 19.
Liquor policy

Policy 4000 — Liquor Policy

At Mount Allison, the academic education of students is complemented by their social, emotional, and physical development. It is important to maintain an environment conducive to academic study and appropriate extracurricular activities. Liquor policy at Mount Allison is one component of that environment.

The onus is on each member of the University community, student or staff, to contribute to the responsible use of alcohol and to uphold the privilege of the Special Facility Licence which is granted to the University contingent upon compliance with statutory requirements and internal policies and regulations.


Cannabis

Cannabis, or marijuana, is a product of the cannabis plant. It contains approximately 400 different chemicals.

Like alcohol, consuming cannabis comes with risks, such as problems with thinking, memory, or physical co-ordination; fatal and non-fatal injuries (including those from motor-vehicle accidents due to impairment); mental and physical health problems; and cannabis dependence. Find out more: Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (pdf)

Tips to reduce harm with cannabis:

  • Take it slow and start with small doses. 
  • Choose lower THC products
  • Avoid smoking burnt cannabis — choose safer methods
  • Plan for a sober driver
  • Avoid if you have a personal or family history of mental illness, especially schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and/or if you’re pregnant
  • Postpone use until later years (25 years old and up)
  • Stay hydrated (water or juice)


Supports and resources

On-campus: Brave Space — Safe & Sober

If you’re a student who struggles with alcohol or drugs and wants to stay sober, the Mawita’mkw Indigenous Gathering Space (WMSC Room 130) welcomes ALL students to Brave Space. If you’re feeling lonely, need to have a chat, feel stressed out, or need a change of scenery, a diverse group of students will be at the centre during open hours. Coffee and snacks are available.

Our team at the Wellness Centre can also support you.

Off-campus support


Training and workshops

Follow updates from the Wellness Centre for training opportunities on campus, virtually, or in the community.