The Pulse
March 2021 Graduate Newsletter from Student Affairs
Your voice matters. Watch your queensu.ca email this week for the Queen’s Student Experiences Survey and help create a safer, more inclusive campus environment. We invite you to share your thoughts on diversity, inclusivity, and sexual violence on campus to help us design a better way forward for all students.

In appreciation of your time and feedback, the first 2,000 students to complete at least 65% of the survey can choose one of three local charitable organizations to receive a $5 donation from Queen’s, or can choose to receive a $5 flex credit. Everyone who completes at least 65% of the survey can also enter a draw for 10 Skip the Dishes credits of $100. Help shape future action!
We have a lot of great career supports you should check out: summer job supports,
12- or 16-month paid internships, and peer volunteering opportunities.
Dates & Deadlines
March 5 – March PPL (Pre-Authorized Payment Plan) withdrawal date. Learn more
March 8 – Deadline to register an exam conflict, time zone or religious accommodations for centrally scheduled April exams. Learn more
March 15 – Deadline to register for exam accommodations with Queen’s Student Accessibility Services. Learn more

For your comment: Revisions to the Student Code of Conduct
Proposed revisions to the Student Code of Conduct are posted for student feedback. These revisions:
  • align the Code's definitions of Harassment and Discrimination to those in the draft Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy;
  • include educational commentary on discrimination and protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code; and 
  • include additional language regarding how violating protected grounds under the Human Rights Code are considered as a factor in sanctioning.  

Financial and Registrar Info
Changes in Tuition Fees for International PhD Students
The School of Graduate Studies announced that starting in September 2021, international PhD students have the option to pay the same tuition amount as domestic students. Continuing international PhD students must opt into the new tuition rate by May 1st or they will continue to be assessed at the international tuition rate. For more information visit the School of Graduate Studies website. If you have not received information from SGS or your program about how to opt into the new tuition rate, please email sgscomms@queensu.ca.

Before You File Your 2020 Income Taxes…
  • Access your T2202 Tuition & Enrolment Certificate in SOLUS. This form allows you to claim tuition, education, and textbook deductions. There may be a delay if you have not added your Social Insurance Number in SOLUS
  • T4A forms for reporting scholarships, bursaries, prizes, and awards are being sent to your mailing address as listed in SOLUS. Make sure this is up to date! Here’s how

Expecting or Requesting a Fee Refund?
  • Make sure your banking information is up to date in SOLUS. Here’s how
  • Requests received by March 10 will be processed by March 22!
  • If you do not have a Canadian bank account, email refunds@queensu.ca

Apply for the Queen’s General Bursary
  • Applications for 2021-22 are still open – the link is in SOLUS. Learn More

Graduating this Spring?
Congratulations! You need to apply to graduate in SOLUS. 
Health & Wellness
New COVID-19 Variants Spread Faster
Thank you for staying home and limiting contact with others. Get the latest Queen’s COVID-19 updates. If you have any symptoms, if you have travelled outside of the Kingston region, or had visitors in your home, it is recommended you get tested at the campus COVID-19 Assessment Centre.

Medical and Mental Health Services
Book an appointment with Student Wellness Services (SWS) for a COVID Test with a physician, nurse, or counsellor. 
  • Counsellors are embedded in most faculties/schools, including the School of Graduate Studies, and there are specialized supports for racialized students, LGBTQ2S+ students, Indigenous students, and Black-identified students. Learn about our mental health model of care
  • Call Empower Me, 24/7, for crisis and other supports
  • Talk to a peer with the Graduate Peer Support Centre
  • PSC X CARED, for self-identified BIPOC students, runs M-W-F, 2 to 4 pm EST 

For Black Students: How to Advocate for Yourself and Your Mental Health
Learn how to prioritize yourself and your mental wellness, and how to communicate its importance to friends and family. Conversation led by E.L. Adams II, Clinical and Educational Psychologist, presented by Yellow House. March 4, 4:30-6:00 pm EST.

The ARC is Open
The Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) is open and offering 50+ free fitness opportunities each week to keep you active while physically distancing. Try an in-person class, a live virtual fitness class or a pre-recorded on-demand class from home. gogaelsgo.com/QueensGetsActive.

Sexual Violence Support
Any student with questions about supports, services, academic consideration, or reporting processes can contact the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Coordinator, Barb Lotan, at bjl7@queensu.ca. Visit here for more information.
Learn, Work, & Live
Writing Assignment Help
Busy writing your dissertation or thesis? No matter what stage of the writing process you’re at, our professional writing consultants are here to guide you and help you meet your writing goals. We have lots of consultants waiting to support you. Learn more.

Looking for Somewhere to Study on Campus?
Book a seat at Stauffer, the Education library, or MacCorry Hall. Hours and capacity have been expanded.

Summer Job Supports
  • Check out Career Services’ new summer jobs webpage for ideas and programs to support your summer job search. While the timelines on some postings have changed this year, new jobs – including positions with Student Affairs – are being posted daily, and include summer and fall positions. Visit MyCareer 
  • Check out Career Services’ Summer Opportunities Campaign to learn about more options for building skills and gaining experience!
  • Drop in to Virtual Career Advising, Monday to Thursday, 1:30 to 3:30 pm EST. Go to MyCareer to be placed in a virtual waiting room

Become a Volunteer Peer for 2021-22!
With more than 10 Student Affairs programs seeking students for peer support roles, there’s an opportunity for you, whether you’re interested in mentoring, health education, learning strategies, international experience, resume coaching and more. Enhance your volunteer experience while supporting your peers and building community on campus! Check out the different opportunities. Deadline to apply is March 7.

Expand your Leadership Skills and Knowledge 
The Leadership Workshop Series is designed for students looking to expand their leadership knowledge, develop new skills and connect with peers. The last two sessions of the term are Event and Project Management on March 3 and Online Debriefing on March 24.

Off-Campus Renting
Student Community Relations can help with off-campus renting issues and information such as:
  • Landlord conflicts
  • Housemate conflicts
  • Avoiding fraud
  • Choosing your housemates
  • Lease and application review
  • Navigating the Kingston rental market and housing searches
  • City services
Email the Off-Campus Living Advisor for confidential one-on-one or group sessions.

St. Patrick's Day – Off-Campus Student Check-In
Student Affairs wants to thank you for keeping Queen's and Kingston safe. Look for staff who will be visiting some off-campus houses on March 15 and 16 with cookies and campus resources. Or sign up to receive a delivery.

Have Your Groceries Delivered!
Queen’s Hospitality Services’ Campus Market now delivers to your off-campus home or residence building. Choose from fresh local produce, homemade baked goods, pantry staples, pre-made foods, and QGift care packages. Start shopping today! 
Connect
  • Yellow House is a safe, comfortable, accountable space for queer, racialized, and marginalized students to create community, feel empowered, empower others, and celebrate and honour their histories. Check out the website and all upcoming events

  • Queen’s Reads Presents: An Evening with Amanda Parris. Join us virtually for our special event featuring author Amanda Parris as she discusses her play, Other Side of the Game. March 10, 5 pm EST. Check here for more information and to register


  • Get Outside, Improve Your Well-being – Tag Faith and Spiritual Life on a “We Thrive Outside” photo on Facebook or Instagram showing your daily time outside to enter a weekly draw for a Starbucks gift card
  • Join Faith and Spiritual Life online for Soulful Singing (Wednesdays), Centering Prayers (Tuesdays, Thursdays) and Cooking with Chaplains and Friends. All event details

  • Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre’s regular online gatherings for Indigenous students this term include an Indigenous Writing Circle, beading and homework hangouts, teaching sharing circles, drumming, the Gather Together program, drop ins, and more! Check out their Facebook page and website

  • The Ban Righ Centre offers a daily Noon Zoom drop in with peers and centre staff, along with student advising and regular programming. All female-identified students welcome. Learn more on Facebook