Orientation Summer/Fall 2021
Welcome! On this page you will find information related to grad orientation at Queen’s. As we are still uncertain how many of you can get to Kingston or indeed Canada right now, the School of Graduate Studies programming (in conjunction with campus partners), will be virtual. We want to get information to you early, so you can start your graduate journey and have a smooth transition to the new academic year! Please speak to your program graduate assistant for details on program specific orientations,
Details about live webinars, online modules, and pre-recorded videos that will be available this summer are listed below. Updates will be made as dates and resources are confirmed.
Principles, Policies and/or Protocols You Need To Be Aware Of
It is really important that each member of the Queen's community understands various policies and procedures. This is a list of those most pertinent to you as a grad student (although not exhaustive).
Principles, Policies and/or Protocols - Personal & Academic
| Policy Name | Description | Link to Full Policy |
|---|---|---|
|
Student code of Conduct |
Queen’s University has a Student Code of Conduct to describe the standard of behaviour to which its students will be held. | Full Policy |
| Harassment & Discrimination | Queen's University recognizes that all members of the University Community have the right to be free from harassment and discrimination. This includes sexual harassment, harassment based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, creed and sexual orientation or analogous grounds | Full Policy |
| Sexual Violence Prevention and Response | Queen's University is committed to maintaining a positive learning, living and working environment in which Sexual Violence will not be tolerated. This Policy reflects the University's commitment to addressing Sexual Violence |
and |
| Principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity (EDII) |
A statement from Dr. Fahim Quadir, Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies As we approach the 2021-22 academic year and reflect on the social, cultural, and political divisions and public health crisis that have marked our world and brought into sharp focus the imperfections of our global community, I would like to emphasize the School of Graduate Studies’ commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization. As an equalizer, Queen’s university is making a concerted effort to create a just, equitable, and sustainable society. Our goal is to rely on the transformative power of liberal graduate education, such as that which you will receive at Queen’s, to foster a deep sense of belonging to a common humanity, where everyone is treated as equal in human rights and dignity. |
and |
| Academic Accommodations for Students with a Disability | University administration, faculty, staff and other students are expected to support, to the point of undue hardship, all reasonable individualized and appropriate accommodation plans that preserve the program’s academic standards and adhere to the principles of academic integrity. |
and |
| Short Term Academic Considerations | This protocol is developed in response to the Queen’s Senate Policy on Academic Consideration for Students in Extenuating Circumstances (approved April 2017) and is intended to outline the general procedure for graduate students to request short term academic consideration when/if required. |
and |
| Academic Integrity | Academic Integrity is a commitment to behave in accordance with the fundamental values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility along with the courage to act on these values in all academic circumstances. | |
| Research Integrity | Research Integrity represents a commitment to strive honestly, openly and fairly for the best research practices and to report suspected instances of misconduct. Research integrity as a concept applies to all university research – the research integrity policies apply to all research except course based research which is covered by the relevant academic integrity policy. | Definition & Resources |
| Research Ethics | Research Ethics concerns the principles and practices that balance the protection of research participants with the legitimate goals of the research enterprise. |
and |
| Indigenous Research Ethics | Building ethical relationships and research partnerships with Indigenous communities takes time. Researchers who wish to engage in research with Indigenous peoples are encouraged to learn about the research priorities of specific communities, and design research collaboratively from the start rather than invite the community members to participate in a project that has already been shaped. |
and CORE Module 9: Research Involving First Nations, Inuit & Metis Peoples of Canada |
| Intellectual Property | Intellectual property is defined as any result of intellectual or artistic activity that can be owned by a person. Specifically, this includes inventions, publications, computer software, works of art, industrial and artistic designs, as well as other creations that can be protected under patent, copyright, or trademark laws. | Full Policy |
| Graduate Supervision | Guide to Graduate Supervision Handbook. Guidelines to foster productive working relationships between supervisors and graduate students. | Handbook & Resources |
| Maternity Leave | Graduate students who wish to take a maternity and/or parental leave from their program of study may register as inactive without prejudice to their academic standing | Guidelines |
Self Help Guides and Checklists
Transitioning to a new school, degree or program has its challenges! Use these Self-Help Guides and Checklists to ensure you don't forget an important step to starting.
Self Help Guides - How To... & Did You Know... Series
Self Serve Modules
At a time and pace of your choosing, these modules are for you to be aware of your responsibilities as a graduate student and a member of the Queen’s community. Each module takes between 30-45 mins to complete. It is strongly recommended that you complete these modules prior to arriving or at the latest by the end of your first term.
Self Serve Modules - Human Rights & Equity, Academic and Wellness
| Topics & Links | Description of Modules | Host |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Integrity | Understanding What is Academic Integrity | SASS |
| This course will help you understand the foundations of basic anti-oppression, diversity and inclusion concepts. | HREO | |
|
Call it Out (30 mins) |
The course provides a historical overview of racism and racial discrimination, explains what "race," "racism" and "racial discrimination" mean, and offers approaches to combatting racial discrimination. | HREO |
| Human Rights 101 (30 mins) | This course provides a basic understanding of rights and responsibilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code. | HREO |
| It Takes All of Us (45 mins) | This program was developed by KnowledgeOne and the Queen’s Sexual Violence and Prevention Response Office. Completing this program demonstrates a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive living and learning environment for everyone at Queen’s University. | HREO |
| Achieving Safety and Respect in the Workplace (30 mins) | This course was designed by the Human Rights and Equity Office to serve as a primer for staff and faculty on the Human Rights and Occupational Health & Safety obligations at Queen’s University. | HREO |
| Your Health & Wellness | In this module, students will be introduced to the importance of health and wellness and the various non-academic supports (eg Student Wellness Services, Health Promotion, Athletics & Recreation, Faith and Spiritual Life) | Currently in development by the Student Affairs, Student Experience Office |
| Navigating SOLUS | Tutorial videos and step by step instructions will teach you how to navigate SOLUS including managing your finances and academics. | DSA, SEO, OUR |
|
Your Queen's Community (coming soon) |
This module was designed by Student Experience Office & QUIC with modifications by the School of Graduate Studies to fit the graduate student community. You will learn to:
|
SEO, QUIC, SGS |
See the Human Rights & Equity Office website for a full listing of all HREO Educational courses
Informational Videos
This video series looks at preparations as well as providing insight into creating your grad community so that you enjoy your grad experience.
Videos - Funding, Wellness and Setting Yourself Up for Success
| Topics & Links | Description of video | Host |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Thanks goes to the SGPS for the production of these funding videos. | |
|
Linda Schmalz from the Registrar' Office at Queen's University explains how graduate students can pay their fees. She unpacks how to navigate Solus, how to understand your fee statement and how to pay your fees using options such as the preauthorized payment plan (PPL), paying online, and submitting sponsorship letters. |
SGPS | |
|
Colette Steer (School of Graduate Studies) explains what a funding package is, who gets them and how they are disbursed. She also notes some options for complementary funding. |
SGPS | |
|
Sandra McFadden discusses the Financial Aid Programs available through the Student Awards Office at Queen's University. She gives information on student assistant resources, the Queen's General Bursary, and the Queen's Work Study Program |
SGPS | |
|
Learn what Mitacs is and how students can benefit from and apply for one of their three main funding programs: Accelerate, Elevate and Globallink |
SGPS | |
| Student Wellness | This grouping currently in development | |
| Access to Healthy Food | Jessica Bertrand and Kim Gascoigne (Hospitality Services) talk about meal plans, food locations and food resources on campus as well as how to navigate food safely on campus as well as resources for those with special dietary needs. |
Hospitality Services |
| Keeping Fit & Social Time | How to maximise your access to the ARC and programming | Athletics & Recreation |
| Creating your Graduate Community | It is said that graduate studies can be lonely, but there are ways to create your grad community and help bring others along | SGS |
| Helping You & Your Graduate Journey | This grouping currently in development | |
| Queen's is full of acronyms. Use this video to get acquainted with just a few of them! | SGS | |
| What is the SGS Professional Development Framework | How to make the most of professional development opportunities available to you from the SGS and partners. | SGS |
| Your Individual Development Plan (IDP) | What is it and how can it benefit you? |
SGS |
| How QUIC can help you! | A suite of videos from QUIC for international students specifically are being developed now. Topics to be included such as - Getting to know QUIC services, Banking in Canada, Housing, Writing supports, Health Insurance, Career supports, Student Academic Success Services, English as an Additional Language Writing Support. |
QUIC
|
| Your Student Government - The SGPS | The Society of Graduate & Professional Students (SGPS) is your student Government. Meet the Team and hear what they can do for you and how to get involved | SGPS |
Summer -Fall Webinars
Throughout summer we will be advising you of webinars and events as they are confirmed and we will list them here. These will be hosted by the School of Graduate Studies, QUIC, SGPS and other partners. In September the main Orientation activities begin.
June 2021
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 22nd at 10:00am EDT |
Information and Q&A for Incoming International Students |
School of Graduate Studies (SGS), QUIC & SGPS |
Webinar |
July 2021
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throughout July |
International students |
QUIC | Go to the QUIC website orientation pages to see complete schedule & videos |
| Tuesday 6th at 9:00am EDT |
Welcome to Queen's from Queen's University International Centre
|
QUIC |
|
| Thursday 8th at 9:00am EDT |
Ask the Off Campus Living Advisor
This session is suitable to both international & domestic students |
QUIC |
|
| Tuesday 13th at 9:00am EDT |
Travelling to Canada During Covid-19
|
QUIC |
|
| Thursday 15th at 9:00am EDT |
What should I do my first two weeks in Canada?
|
QUIC | Register with QUIC |
| Thursday 15th, Instagram live |
I'm here, what now? Have a question about what to do once you’ve arrived in Canada? Submit all your questions through Instagram (IG) Stories on July 10th. The World Link Student Volunteers will be going live on Instagram on July 15th @quic.queensu to answer them. |
QUIC | find QUIC on @quic.queensu.ca |
| Thursday 15th at 4:00pm EDT |
Queen's Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) - how can they. Students will be informed of steps they need to take for academic accommodations and will be made aware of important dates and resources. |
QSAS | |
| Tuesday 20th at 9:00am EDT |
Working On/Off Campus with a Study Permit
|
QUIC |
|
| Wednesday 21st at 11am EDT | Preparations for Starting Grad School Registration, fees, payment plan, photo ID and more. What you need to do before you can start you graduate degree. |
School of Graduate Studies (SGS) |
Webinar - Register Now |
| Thursday 22nd at 9:00am EDT |
Ask Me About Grad Life Ask an international graduate student about various aspects of student life at Queen’s and at the School of Graduate Studies This session is suitable to both international & domestic students |
QUIC | Register with QUIC |
| Tuesday 27th at 9:00am EDT |
Ask an Advisor - UHIP International Student advisors will host a Q & A session with the UHIP Administrator to answer University Health Insurance Plan questions. Please watch the UHIP VIDEOS prior to the session. |
QUIC |
|
| Thursday 29th at 9:00am EDT |
Session for student parents: Registering your children in school/day care and supporting your spouse
This session is suitable to both international & domestic students |
QUIC |
|
August 2021
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throughout August |
International students |
QUIC | Go to the QUIC website orientation pages to see complete schedule & videos |
| Throughout August |
Social Activities and Mixers by the SGPS |
Society of Graduate & Professional Students (SGPS) |
Online |
| Tuesday 3rd at 10:00am EDT |
Ask the Off Campus Living Advisor Watch the upcoming videos and come with your questions, maybe you want to know:
This session is suitable to both international & domestic students |
QUIC |
|
| Thursday 5th at 10:00am EDT |
Financial Planning: What does it cost to live in Ontario?
The Awards Office is here to answer these questions and more. This session will focus on costs associated with living in Kingston, ON. |
QUIC |
|
| Tuesday 10th at 10:00am EDT |
Working ON/Off Campus with a Study Permit Learn about Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada’s regulations and policies related to working in Canada as an international student, including:
|
QUIC |
|
| Thursday 12th at 10:00am EDT |
Travelling to Canada During Covid-19 If you’re an international student, getting to Queen’s may include going through a port of entry or crossing the Canadian border. We will be talking about Covid-19 and things to consider when traveling:
|
QUIC |
|
| Tuesday 17th at 10:00am EDT |
Your Rights in Canada Moving and studying in a new country is very exciting, but sometimes in that excitement we forget to learn a little about the laws and individual rights of the country we’re moving to. Did you know that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms applies to everyone in Canada? Join QUIC, the Human Rights Office and Yellow House to learn about your Rights in Canada and Ontario. |
QUIC |
|
| Tuesday 17th at 2pm EDT |
Effective Communication With Your Supervisor Taking a multicultural focus, and using case-studies to illustrate some of the challenges of supervisory-student communication with practical suggestions on problem solving and avenues for assistance if communication breaks down. Tips on how to manage the intercultural elements of the student-supervisory relationship will also be covered (Also part of the Expanding Horizons Workshop Series.) |
SGS & SWS |
Online workshop |
| Thursday 19th @ 1pm EDT |
Tips on Applying For Scholarships - NSERC (Also part of the Expanding Horizons Workshop Series) |
School of Graduate Studies |
Online workshop Register with Expanding Horizons
|
| Monday 23rd at 1pm EDT | Tips on Applying For Scholarships - CIHR Lead by SGS Associate Dean, Tara MacDonald, this session will provide information about what makes an application stand out, what sells and what doesn’t, and how best to present your research. |
School of Graduate Studies |
Online workshop Register with Expanding Horizons
|
| Tuesday 24th at 10:00am EDT |
Ask Me About Grad Life Have a question about what it’s like being a graduate student at Queen’s? Join the World Link Social Activities Coordinator and QUIC volunteers to learn more. This will be a breakout session where students will be placed in smaller groups facilitated by a current graduate student. This session is suitable to both international & domestic students |
QUIC |
|
| Tuesday 24th at 2pm EDT |
Jump Start Your Career In this session, you will learn about graduate career pathways and helpful resources, as well as get started on an action plan to integrate career development with your academic studies from the beginning of your program. (Also part of the Expanding Horizons Workshop Series) |
SGS & Career Services |
Online workshop |
| Wednesday 25th at 1pm EDT | Tips on Applying For Scholarships - SSHRC Lead by SGS Associate Dean, Chris DeLuca, this session will provide information about what makes an application stand out, what sells and what doesn’t, and how best to present your research. |
School of Graduate Studies |
Online workshop Register with Expanding Horizons
|
| Thursday 26th at 10:00am EDT |
Ask an Advisor - UHIP So you watched the UHIP videos but still have questions, what should you do?
Be sure to watch the VIDEOS before you come to the session. |
QUIC |
|
| Monday 30th at 10:30am EDT |
Remote Teaching Development (TD) Week From Online to On Campus: Building Flexibility into your Teaching From Monday 30th August - Friday September 3rd |
Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) | Register with CTL |
September 2021
| Date | Topic | Host(s) | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throughout September |
Social Activities and Mixers by the SGPS & your graduate program |
Society of Graduate & Professional Students (SGPS) OR your Graduate Program's Social committee | See SGPS website for updates OR contact your program |
| Aug 30th - 6th Sept | Program Specific Orientations Contact your Program Graduate Assistant and find out what they have planned. They may have other dates to be aware of too. |
Ask your Graduate Program | Consult your program |
| Aug 30th - 3rd Sept |
Remote Teaching Development (TD) Week From Online to On Campus: Building Flexibility into your Teaching |
Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) |
|
| Sept 2nd (9am - 11am) |
Virtual Welcome and Resource Fair Hosted by the School of Graduate Studies, Student Affairs and the SGPS, this annual event is your opportunity to find out at one time about all the resources available to you throughout your graduate journey. With presentations followed by a chance to speak to each resource it is THE event to be at. |
SGS, DSA, SGPS |
|
| Labour Day Weekend - 4th -6th | Social Activities Building community starts now. Look for the social activities or mixers that your program / student committee or others may be planning |
Ask your graduate program | Contact your program |
| Sept 8th - 25th |
The SGPS O-Week Activities: |
SGPS | More details |
| Sept 9th (5pm - 8pm) |
Tricolour Open House Learn about the various clubs on campus, intramurals, and Student Affairs. When registering you will have to log into OnQ and find the Tricolour Open House registration option |
AMS & ARC | Register now |
|
13th September (9am - 10am)
|
Meet the Deans The Dean and Associate Deans would like to say hi and explain their roles and the role of the School of Graduate Studies. |
School of Graduate Studies |
Online
|
| TBD |
Dean's Welcome Reception for Indigenous graduate students. |
School of Graduate Studies, Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre and Faculties | TBD |