As we begin the fall term under very different circumstances than in years past, I wanted to check in and let you know that we are doing everything we can to ensure that you have the best student experience possible this year. With 130+ years of experience in remote learning, we are well prepared to handle the unique situations and challenges facing us now. Please rest assured that we are here to listen to any questions or concerns you may have and that my top priority is to ensure that you have the support you need to be successful in this academic year.

This past week also included Scholar Strike Canada, a worthwhile and meaningful initiative which Queen's supported. I have been encouraged by the numerous stories I have heard from members of our Faculty who participated in the Strike, and I hope it gave you opportunities to engage in dialogue on anti-racism in classes and academic activities and that you had time to reflect on racism, oppression, and transformative justice to become better informed about the impact on Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities.

The work and learning that the Strike inspired and amplified continues. We remain focused on and committed to advancing our guiding principle of equity, diversity, inclusivity, and Indigeneity (EDII) and the strategic initiatives that support it, and we look forward to sharing updates on our work with you in the weeks and months ahead.

I also want to take this time to welcome many of you back to Kingston. Last week, senior university officials, including our very own Associate Dean (Academic), Jenn Stephenson, delivered welcome packages to students throughout the university district, which included hand sanitizer, posters, important health and safety information, and copies of the Off-Campus Student Living Guide, which details helpful advice on integrating into the Kingston community and making the most of your time here. I hope some of you got the chance to meet and talk with her and other members of the senior administration.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your continued resiliency as we make changes and confront the continued challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic together. We all share the responsibility of taking care of each other, and I know that we share the same goal: ensuring everyone has the most successful and safest school year possible. To that end, I have included links to some resources below, which I hope will prove useful to you in the coming weeks. I also want you to know that even though we're not on campus right now, we are still here for you - please reach out with any questions or concerns.

I hope that you will join me at the upcoming Lunch and Conversation event mentioned in the e-news below, which will be an opportunity for us to continue our conversation and remain in communication this term.

Please stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Questions?

• For questions about tuition fees, awards, and transcripts, please contact the Office of the University Registrar at 613-533-2040.
• For questions about OnQ support, please contact the ITS Support Centre at 613-533-6666.