As a parent or family member, you are one of the most important people in your student’s support network.
The following resources will help you encourage academic success, assist your student as they navigate registration and academic life, and finally, prepare for milestones like Convocation.
How do I...
Send mail or a package to a student?
Students who are away from home for the first time love receiving mail.
You can send mail or packages for students to:
Student's full name
62A York Street
Sackville, NB
E4L 1E2
For more information, visit mail services.
Obtain a confirmation of enrolment
Students can request a confirmation of enrolment through their Self Service account.
Get a form filled out
Students can scan and e-mail to regoffice@mta.ca, fax to (506) 364-2272, or bring the form to the Registrar’s Office, located at the Wallace McCain Student Centre, to be completed.
Get info or ask a question about my student's registration, student account, etc.
Your student may request the information on your behalf.
Alternately, you need to have a release of information consent form filled out by your student that gives us permission to speak with you on their behalf.
For more information, visit records, documents, and forms.
Add money to my student's campus card
"Mountie Money" is an on-campus debit card program for students.
Funds can be loaded online using a credit card. The student's ID card is then used to purchase good and services on campus.
Mountie Money can be used at:
- all on-campus dining operations
- the University Bookstore
- Library (printing, photocopying, payment of fines)
- Wellness Centre (shots and some chargeable medical services)
Costs and financial aid
There are different types of fees and they need to be paid by specific dates to ensure students are enrolled, able to access services, and even eligible to graduate.
Our Academic Calendar is the authoritative source for fees, deposits, payments, late fees, and refunds. Visit our Academic Calendar 4 — Fees.
Academic supports and resources
Encourage your student to reach out if they are having difficulties with anything related to their studies.
First-year students in particular may not be familiar with available services or may be unused to or hesitant to ask for help.
Remind them that every student needs a little extra guidance from time to time and Mount Allison faculty and staff are here to help them succeed!
There are a wide variety of supports available to assist students with all aspects of academics.
- Academic advising
- Academic supports (peer support, drop-in centres, libraries)
- Academic mentors in residence
- Accommodations for students with disabilities
Academic information
Key sources of information for your student:
How you can help support academic success
Discover the best ways to help support your student in their studies.
Tips for parents of first-year students
Mount Allison has a wealth of services and resources to help students succeed, but first year students are sometimes hesitant to ask for help or are not sure where to find it.
If your student is struggling academically, encourage them to:
- attend all classes and listen carefully to the professor
- use a calendar or agenda to track tests, assignments, projects, and exams
- schedule in social activities
- take good notes and review them regularly
- set realistic academic expectations
- speak to their professors if they have questions or concerns about a course
- get to know the library and the many resources it offers
- meet with their academic mentor if they are living in residence
- speak with an academic advisor
- get a tutor if necessary
- consider reducing their course load
Common first-year feelings and behaviours
Though each student’s experience is different, here are some of the common feelings and behaviours students may experience in first year.
September
- Excitement and potential fears about the transition to university
- Social networks begin forming and adjustment to campus life
- Homesickness may occur
- Possible testing of new limits and boundaries
October
- Residence relationships grow stronger (and sometimes more tense!)
- Consequences of life decisions felt (“Are these choices working?”)
- Mid-term exams begin
- Planning living arrangements for next year
November
- Mid-term grades returned and reactions to grades
- Cold and flu season begins
- Potential pressure/procrastination with course-work and exams ahead
- Fall Study Break
December
- Preparations and likely stress over final exams
- Anticipating going home (or not) for the holidays— may want to assert a new personality with family (“I’m different now”)
January
- New Year’s resolutions – may attempt a “fresh start”
- Excitement or possible disappointment over first-term grades
- Happy or sad to return to campus and routine; possible homesickness
February
- Winter weather may affect moods and motivation level
- First round of mid-terms start
- Independent study week offers time to recharge, refocus, or catch up
- Winter Study Break
March
- Planning summer employment
- Academic stress may increase with mid-terms and deadlines
April
- Potential stress over final exams
- Excitement or concerns about summer plans and/or returning home
- Potential sadness over losing touch with friends over summer
Housing, dining, and residence life
The majority of students spend at least one year in residence, making this a big part of their Mount Allison experience.
Residence students benefit from a built-in support system, including residence leaders who are dedicated to creating the best residence atmosphere possible.
Services offered by the University also help students make the most of their time living on campus, including essentials to help them transition into their new home.
Parents and guardians eat free
Parent and guardians always eat free in Jennings Hall when accompanied by your student on a meal plan. Join your student for a meal anytime!
Birthday or “Having a Bad Day” Surprise
Jennings Dining Hall bakery is operational almost every day of the school year and we love happy surprises!
You can send us an e-mail at dining@mta.ca to book a small personalized cupcake just for your student on a meal plan. We need at least two business days to prepare a cake and a birthday or a hug from home card. If you have a special message, we will include that on the card as well.
On-campus dining FAQs
Jennings Dining Hall
Jennings Dining Hall is the main meal hall for residence students. Its marché-style dining makes it easier to eat a well-balanced meal at a variety of stations.
Meal plans
Residence students have a convenient and flexible all access unlimited meal plan, so the food, cooking, and cleaning up is on us and your student is free to focus on academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities, and other aspects of campus life!
In addition to saving time and money, being on a meal plan offers a sense of belonging and community for students. Dining on campus gives your student time to socialize with friends, take a break from a hectic schedule, and enjoy nutritious food in an atmosphere designed with students in mind.
Off-campus students can also take advantage of dining options on campus.
FAQs
When does the meal plan begin and end?
Meal plans begin at lunch on move-in day in the fall/winter terms. The meal plan ends at noon following the last full day of exams in the fall/winter terms.
Can special dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes. Students with food intolerances and allergies are encouraged to schedule a meeting with our director (dining@mta.ca) to best evaluate how we can accommodate requests. As part of your meal plan we can also schedule a meeting with a dietitian for consultation on issues ranging from allergies to weight management.
What is on the menu each day?
The daily menu is posted to our Twitter feed @MTADining daily. Any changes to the menu due to delivery problems will be tweeted before the meal begins.
When and how does my student sign up for a meal plan?
If your student applies to live in residence the all access unlimited plan is automatically assigned to their student account.
Can my student opt out of the meal plan?
No. All students living in residence have a meal plan.
Can my student use their meal plan for family or friends?
No. Their meal plan is subject to government regulation regarding tax-exempt status and is only for their own use. At Mount Allison parents are welcome to eat free of charge when accompanied to Jennings Hall by their student.
Are you open on weekends?
Yes. Jennings Hall is open for brunch and dinner from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday the dining hall opens from 10 p.m. to midnight for Late Night.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes. We have a station that has never been touched by meat! It has its own cooking equipment and utensils.
There are also vegan and vegetarian options at almost every station in Jennings — soup, pizza, breakfast, made-to-order charbroil and Mongolian grills, salad and fruit bars, pasta, and dessert.
We can work with students to have other options available at the accommodation station. Students should contact dining@mta.ca with requests.
What happens during storms when the University offices are closed?
During heavy snow or blizzard conditions we continue normal operations as much as is safely possible for both students and employees. Some stations may not be open. Most staff live close by and can make it to work or will work a double shift to ensure everyone is accommodated.
Our grounds crew works hard to clear snow — their priority is to keep the pathways to Jennings open and to keep the loading dock open for deliveries. We also follow the 72-hour preparedness recommendations for food inventory. The dining hall is on emergency power with a back up generator.
Student supports, services, and programs
Your student has access to many different supports and services on campus.
- Health and wellness — medical and health services, mental health and wellness support
- Safety and security — services, programs, and information about what to do in an emergency
- Tech help — Help with everything from WiFi to e-mail to printing
- Campus support services — information on student ID cards, books and course materials, and mail and printing services
There are also specific supports for:
- Indigenous students
- First-generations students
- Students with disabilities
- Black/African students
- International students
Indigenous student programs and services
There are supports and facilities in place on campus specifically for Indigenous students, including a sweat lodge; a staff member dedicated to supporting Indigenous students; and Mawita'mkw — a gathering place.
Events and activities take place throughout the year, such as an annual powwow.
Find out more
- Indigenous student programs and services — information for current students
- Indigenous engagement — information about campus-wide initiatives and events
Student experiences
Athletics and recreation
Mount Allison offers athletics, fitness, and recreation programming for all students.
For the official home of the Mount Allison Mounties visit mountiepride.ca
Show your Mountie Pride!
The University Bookstore has a wide variety of branded merchandise available.
Pick up a gift for your student or show your pride as a parent!
International experiences
Our international opportunities include study abroad, international internships and research, summer field schools, and volunteering.
Experiential learning
There are a variety of ways students can gain practical experience, including through jobs, paid internships, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Student research
There are independent and collaborative research opportunities for students across disciplines.
Graduation and Convocation
It all leads to this.
Earning a degree is something each graduate should be proud of and Convocation is an opportunity for families to celebrate their student's achievements with them.
- Make sure you take some time to tour campus and to visit some of your student's favourite places in Sackville
- Diploma frames and other graduation gifts are available at the University Bookstore
- On-campus accommodations are also available for friends and family