Promoting Community Connections on Sexton Campus 2024, by Mohammad Johar
On September 19th, 2024, Dalhousie University held its "Promoting Community Connections on Sexton Campus" event in the Emera IDEA Building Atrium. Running from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the event saw over 200 engineering students come together to learn about the various student supports and services available on campus. The event was not only informative but fun, with interactive activities, trivia, and giveaways to keep students engaged.
Connecting Students to Key Campus Resources
The main purpose of the event was to introduce students to a range of important campus resources. Services like Dal OUT, Dal WIL (Co-op Office), and the Dal Medical Campus Response Team were present to answer questions and provide information. Students were able to learn about career opportunities, work-integrated learning, and health support, all in one place.
Other groups, such as the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) and Dalhousie Undergraduate Engineering Society (DUES) offered students advice on how to get more involved in campus life. These organizations help build a strong sense of community, encouraging students to participate in activities that go beyond the classroom and create lasting friendships.
Supporting Well-being and Inclusivity
In addition to academic support, the event highlighted services aimed at promoting well-being and inclusivity. Representatives from the Office for Equity and Inclusion, the Multifaith Centre, and Sexualized Violence Prevention were there to provide information on how Dalhousie supports its diverse student body. These resources are critical for ensuring that every student feels supported, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.
The Melda Murray Student Centre, Student Health & Wellness, and the Sexton Library also played key roles in informing students about academic and health-related support. Their services are crucial for students who often juggle heavy academic loads with personal challenges, offering much-needed balance to university life.
Interactive Activities and Giveaways
What made this event unique was its focus on interaction. Several booths offered trivia games and quizzes, with students answering questions about campus services to win prizes. This added a playful element, encouraging students to explore booths they might not have initially considered. Prizes ranged from practical items like water bottles and tote bags to more creative, engineering-themed souvenirs. The giveaways kept the energy high and motivated students to visit each booth and learn more about what the university has to offer.
Raising Awareness of Lesser-Known Services
One of the major benefits of the event was its ability to bring attention to lesser-known but equally important services. For instance, the Imhotep Legacy Academy (ILA), which supports underrepresented students in STEM fields, provided valuable information. Similarly, the Ombudsperson Office offered students insights on how to navigate university policies and resolve conflicts, a service many students were not aware of before attending.
Other groups like the Student Accessibility Centre and Stay Connected Peer Support provided guidance on how to manage physical or mental health challenges during the school year. These services are crucial for students who may feel overwhelmed by academic pressures or personal struggles.
Strengthening Community at Sexton Campus
Overall, the event succeeded in its goal of strengthening the Sexton Campus community. By attracting over 200 students and offering them an opportunity to engage with both familiar and unfamiliar resources, it helped build a more informed and connected student body. The trivia, giveaways, and interactive elements made learning about these services fun and easy, ensuring that students left with more than just free items—they gained valuable knowledge about how to navigate their time at Dalhousie successfully.
By creating a space where students could easily access resources, the "Promoting Community Connections" event played an essential role in supporting students both academically and personally. It also helped break down barriers between students and campus services, encouraging them to seek help when needed and make the most of their time on campus. Through events like this, Dalhousie continues to show its commitment to helping students thrive, both in their studies and in their overall well-being.
In summary, the event was a resounding success, offering students the chance to connect with resources, meet peers, and build a stronger, more supportive community on Sexton Campus.