Written by Samarth Behl

Banner & Thumbnail Photo by SMUSA

In the challenging era of the post-COVID period, SMUSA played a crucial role in easing students’ transition back to university life during Welcome Week. The COVID era deteriorated students’ social skills and ability to make friends; SMUSA stepped in as a guiding light by organizing and hosting vibrant Welcome Week events that shattered attendance records. Through a series of well-organized events, SMUSA allowed students to make new friends, socialize, and build a sense of belongingness by helping students embrace the return to a bustling campus environment.

After the phase of limited social engagements and interactions, SMUSA acknowledged the challenges that students might face when re-establishing their social networks. SMUSA carefully arranged events designed to improve social engagement and make it easier for students to integrate back into campus.

SMUSA organized both social as well as educational events for the students.

Welcome Week Events

Welcome Huskies:

SMUSA kicked off the Welcome Week by welcoming students with open arms and providing them with insights into campus resources. This led to the foundation for the much anticipated week ahead.

Family Feud:

One hundred and twenty two eager SMU students participated in the well-known game of Family Feud, which produced a lively environment and fostered a sense of community among the attendees. The atmosphere in the McNally Auditorium was one of laughter and enthusiasm.

Welcome to the Gorsebrook:

A themed party at the Gorsebrook enabled students to mingle and enjoy music, snacks, and drinks. So many people showed up for the party that there were long queues outside the Lounge!

Mystery Party:

Suspense filled the air as students wondered where this party was going to be. Pack leaders guided the students as they enjoyed a night of snacks, socializing, dancing, and unraveling the mystery location: The Discovery Centre!

Hypnotist:

In the McNally Auditorium, the hypnotist Boris mesmerized and shocked 86 attendees with magic, comedy, and unbelievable illusions. This added an element of wonder and charm to the already magical Welcome Week.

Shopping Trips:

Students were taken to the Halifax Shopping Centre. This trip was an excellent activity for the students who were new to the city and wanted to shop for the upcoming academic year.

Students also embarked on a trip to IKEA, allowing them to buy new stuff for their dorms.

Paint in the Clouds:

During this event, students were given canvases, paints, and brushes to express their artistic creativity. This was also an opportunity to meet new people and interact socially through this event.

And many more events took place!

SMUSA’s Welcome Week initiatives facilitated organic interactions and enabled students to build new friendships. Through inclusivity and hospitality, SMUSA’s events nurtured a solid collective sense of belongingness on campus. SMUSA’s mission was to make students feel like home, even though they were away from home. They wanted students to feel like they belong and are wanted on campus, fostering an environment where they could explore their interests and socialize.

SMUSA’s efforts bore fruit as they broke attendance records. The positive feedback from students and record-breaking participation displayed the immense success of these initiatives, signifying an unforgettable return to campus life.

As we bid farewell to the exhilarating Welcome Week, our focus now shifts to an equally thrilling series of events lined up for Halloween Week. If you missed the Welcome Week events, worry not – SMUSA has you covered! Get ready for a spooktacular time as Halloween descends upon the campus very soon with a lineup of exciting events and possibilities.

Halloween Events:

Halloween Paint Night:

October 24th, 6-9 PM @ The Gorsebrook Lounge

Unleash your creativity in a spooky paint night experience.

Horror Trivia/Scaryoke:

October 25th, 7-10:30 PM @ The Gorsebrook Lounge

Test your horror knowledge and then sing your heart out in Scaryoke.

Halloween Bash 19+:

October 26th, 9 PM-1 AM @ The Gorsebrook Lounge

Dance the night away in your scary Halloween attire.

Ghoulish Grad Night:

October 30th, 6-9 PM @ The Gorsebrook Lounge

An evening of cocktails and socializing especially tailored for graduate students.

More information on events throughout the year can be found on SMUSA’s events website: https://smusa.ca/events

Get ready to embrace the Halloween spirit, create unforgettable memories, and continue the journey of building connections at Saint Mary's University. SMUSA invites you to dive into the magic of Halloween Week, where the campus comes alive with the spirit of the season!

SMUSA’s Role in Welcome Week