The Pulse
September's Graduate Newsletter from Student Affairs
Welcome to the start of what is going to be a very different academic year. There are many unknowns and changes to adjust to, but staff across Student Affairs are here to help! Our priorities remain your health, well-being, and academic success. Most services and programming are online and remote. No matter where you are located, you can tap in to the Queen’s spirit and community and access whatever supports you need to thrive. Scan through the information below and please reach out if you have questions or concerns. Have a great year!
Dates & Deadlines
September 7 – 2020-2021 Queen’s General Bursary online application available on SOLUS. Learn more 
September 8 to 30 – Optional Ancillary Fee and Health/Dental Plan opt-out period
September 14 – Fall/winter Work Study applications due. Learn more 
September 30 – Last day to enrol in the fall Payment plan (PPL). Learn more 
September 30 – ALL fall term fees due (tuition fees, Student Assistance Levy (SAL), UHIP (if applicable), and Student Activity FeesHow to pay 
Get Answers to Your Questions
Queen's COVID-19 Website – Updated for fall 2020
Student Affairs Support Services – How to access services for fall/winter 2020-21
School of Graduate Studies (SGS) COVID-19 Fall Information and Resources
Financial and Registrar Info
Where Are You Going to be This Fall? Time Zones Matter!
It is important to update your address and contact information in SOLUS for many reasons this fall – knowing your time zone will help us ensure we make course resources and assessment times accessible for everyone, wherever you may be living. Check your "To Do" list in SOLUS.

Get Your Student Card! 
Make sure we can mail you your photo ID student card (for new students), or validation sticker (for upper-years) – another reason we need your fall address! Learn more

Fall 2020 Process Changes and Deadline Adjustments
The university has implemented initiatives and process changes to help smooth out tuition and fee payments, awards disbursement and registration processes. See the list and review the 2020-21 Guide to Registration and Fees.

Looking for a 2020-21 Queen’s "Verification of Enrolment?" 
If you need this document to access funds from your RESP, you can get it in SOLUS. Learn more. 

About your Ancillary Fees 
The university, the AMS and SGPS have reviewed 2020-21 ancillary fees and have made initial adjustments due to the ongoing pandemic. Some fees require further evaluation depending on current public health information and anticipated service levels; they will be re-assessed twice in the upcoming year. Any adjustments will be reductions.
  • The first evaluation will be mid-September, before fall term fee payments are due. Any credits will be applied to your SOLUS account if payment has already been received. Learn about Ancillary Fees here. 
  • The annual opt-out period for optional fees is September 8–30

Looking for Financial Aid?
Visit the Student Awards website for timely information about financial aid programs, including government student assistance, Queen’s general bursary (the application opens September 7), and work study programs (fall/winter applications due September 14). 

Planning to Graduate this fall?
You will need to apply – find out what you need to do and when.

Thinking of Applying for a 2021 Rhodes Scholarship?
You will need institutional endorsement. The internal deadline to apply is September 4. Learn more.
Health & Wellness
Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities 

Medical and Mental Health Services
  • Students living in Canada can call 613-533-2506 to book a phone or in-person appointment with a physician at Student Wellness Services
  • Students living outside Canada are urged to seek medical care in the country in which they reside or contact International SOS
  • Students living in Ontario can book a remote mental health appointment with a counsellor at Student Wellness Services by calling 613-533-2506 Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm. 
  • Students living in or outside Ontario can call Empower Me 1-844-741-6389 to connect with a mental health professional 24/7. 

Workout with Queen’s Athletics & Recreation (A&R)
A&R has reopened some outdoor facilities and is planning a phased reopening of the Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC), with reduced capacity due to health and safety requirements, starting September 8. For updates about online programming, facilities, hours of operation, and events, visit gogaelsgo.com
 
Looking to be More Physically Active While Physical Distancing?  
Register to join Student Wellness Services and Athletics & Recreation for a live webinar that will give you strategies to stay motivated and let you know what is available to you as a student on- or off-campus. 

Want to Change or Start a New Health Habit this September?  
Book a remote healthy lifestyle appointment with one of our Health Promotion staff who can help you develop an individualized action plan. 

Eating on Campus this Fall
Several campus food locations will be open this fall with COVID-19 protocols in place. 

Support for Food-Insecure Students
The Swipe It Forward Queen's program helps ensure students in need have access to food. We also have a campus and community food resources webpage, and the AMS Food Bank has resumed operating on a limited capacity. 

Sexual Violence Support 
Any student with questions about supports, services, academic accommodations, or reporting processes can contact the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Coordinator, Barb Lotan, at bjl7@queensu.ca. Visit here for more information.
Work, Learn, & Live
Ready to Learn Remotely This Fall?
Student Academic Success Services (SASS) has new online resources to support remote learning and offers online appointments and drop-in sessions, as well as several workshops and programs especially for graduate and professional students. Review our FAQs or email academic.succss@queensu.ca to connect!
 
Check out information and advice from Queen’s IT Services about remote learning.

Eating on Campus this Fall
Some campus food locations will be open this fall with COVID-19 protocols in place.

Support Services
If you need assistance navigating university supports and resources, connect with a staff member ready to help! Email supportservices@queensu.ca.
Participate
International Student Advising, Webinars and Resources  
Queen's University International Centre (QUIC) offers advising; arrival webinars; information on visas and permits; English as Additional Language student sessions, including Write Nights; online social activities with the World Link program, and more. Check out all upcoming events! 

Support from Faith and Spiritual Life
Contact one of our chaplains or email chaplain@queensu.ca to arrange an online or phone support session. Online weekly programming starts soon! Visit our Facebook page or website for info!

Your Home Away From Home for Indigenous Students
Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre is offering online programming and services all fall, including cultural counselling, student advising, online sacred fires, drumming, beading circles, sharing circles, drop in times, and more! Check out our Facebook page and website.

Support for Mature Women Students 
The Ban Righ Centre offers personal, academic, and financial support for mature woman-identified students. Access remote one-on-one advising, group Zoom drop-ins, and more. Contact us at banrighcentre@queensu.ca, or follow us on Facebook 

Let’s Read Together
Download a, e-copy of the 2020-21 Queen’s Reads common reading program selection, The Other Side of the Game by Amanda Parris, and join critical and creative conversations with a specific focus on questions concerning equity, diversity, and inclusion; community dialogue; and resilience.