ROAD TO HIGHER LEARNING
STM builds community during COVID through creative initiatives
STM'S college president shared studying tips. The Student Experience team produced `Sweet Skills' videos to advance basic baking skills. A virtual first year student community was created. Campus ministry developed self-care videos, and Christmas dinner deliveries were made to studying students.
These are just some of the many creative initiatives at St. Thomas More College (STM) at the University of Saskatchewan this past year to help keep connected with their students, extend hospitality and build community.
STM has long been recognized for its supportive environment. Richard Medernach, manager of student experience and enrolment, reminds us that relationships take time even under ideal conditions. “The pandemic is slowing that process further,” he says. “But we still want to meet and know our students, to help them feel welcomed, respected, and cared about.”
In March 2020, mandated restrictions to address the COVID-19 pandemic brought in-class instruction, special guest lectures, student social events, the Glee club, theatre group, Study Abroad, and so forth, to a halt at STM. Faculty had to quickly reimagine engaging course delivery in a remote format while staff and administration determined how to work and meet while maintaining a college community in the new virtual environment.
Reminiscing about what student life is all about, graduating STM student Veronica Lucas is saddened by what was lost with the lockdown on campus, noting that being in college in person plays a critical role for relationships and student identity. “Meeting new people in those courses where you can encounter literally anyone and developing connections with mentors, faculty, or other students can grow into new and exciting opportunities,” says Lucas.
STM staff and faculty took these sentiments to heart, and while recognizing that nothing can replace
the in-person experience, almost 12 months later and near a full academic year completed, the college is proud to see how everyone rallied to ensure students' needs were best served, with the addition of many creative initiatives amidst the pandemic crisis.
Being new on campus is often intimidating. Add to that remote delivery and making new friends may seem an immense challenge. STM'S recruitment officer and academic advisor, Linda Huard, introduced a summer initiative to combat this. “I reached out to several grade 12 students starting their first year at Usask, who wanted to join the STM community. Through group chats, virtual meetings, and social media, we kept in touch, discussing academic questions and concerns, as well as personal hobbies, pets, and the unique
stressors brought on during the pandemic. Many new friendships were forged, and confidence built, while sharing their experiences.”
Huard added, “With recruitment travel also halted, virtual career fairs were offered provincially and another new section on the STM website was developed for prospective students. Here students will find an STM introductory video, and all college specific materials that would be otherwise physically available.”
STM Student Services support remained a constant throughout this challenging year. STM academic advising remained available whether by phone, online meetings, or email. Student awards and convocation celebrations were held virtually, with dedicated web pages to recognize student achievements and social media contests to engage
new alumni.
To assist first-year students and welcome them to the college, a new transition guide on the STM website includes articles and links to resources that students need when starting out. Several orientation and welcome week activities were available to participate in virtually, and email contact ensured information was relayed on support services, academic success tips, while also addressing isolation, stress and mental health management.
Remaining true to the college focus on pastoral care of students, in mid-september, STM opened their doors to support Usask students in need of internet access and a quiet place to
study amid COVID restrictions. Meeting provincial health guidelines, limited access is available on weekdays and Saturdays. Details for entry restrictions and a real-time tally for available space can be found on the stmcollege.ca homepage.
Caring for the whole person is a hallmark of STM. Campus ministry takes this to heart by attending to a wide array of student needs including attention to student mental health and wellness. They offer a full array of weekly programming online, while also staying connected to the student groups. In January, STM hosted the Canadian Catholic Students Association Conference (CCSA) connecting
students virtually nation-wide.
Dr. Gertrude Rompré (EDD), director of Mission and Ministry for STM, finds hope and positivity have risen from these challenging times. “We've come to see each other as community in a new way—we've developed new skills to connect, strengthened our resiliency and been witness to numerous examples of compassionate service to others. We have achieved a sense of still being connected to the STM community although we're not in the same space.”