Hello Grad Students,
Five, four, three …. Let the new academic year begin! Ahmad’s blogpost last week, “Fall at Queen’s: A New and Returning Student’s Guide,” covered a rich list of opportunities. Thank you, Ahmad! I will introduce a few other events and resources in this post.
Why not start our hunt with a quick stop at Queen’s Events Calendar!
The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) invites you to focus on inclusion and wellness in your teaching this year. The three-day Teaching Development Conference (TDC) promises to deliver tips on inclusive learning environments and enhancing accessibility in teaching and assessment. The TDC is a MUST opportunity for first-year graduate students who are new to teaching and a refresher for experienced graduate student teachers! Below are my favourite sessions:
Understanding Your Collective Agreement and Union Resources
Wednesday, August 27, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
This online session is for Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Teaching Fellows (TFs) on understanding how the Collective Agreement operates at Queen’s, the benefits for TAs and TFs, standardized hiring practices, grievance procedures and more. .
Teaching with onQ: Key Tools and Accessibility Tips
Wednesday, August 27, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
This online session is for course instructors and teaching assistants who are new to onQ. The organizers provide a quick tour of key tools onQ and highlight features that support accessibility and flexible teaching. Treat yourself to this module on a more inclusive learning experience for your students from the comfort of your couch. Register here.
Designing for Impact: Integrating Experiential Learning into the Curriculum
Thursday, August 28, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Join the CTL team online for a session on how to integrate experiential learning (EL) into your curriculum. They will explore how EL aligns with Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (I-EDIAA) principles. This session is for you if you are looking to enhance your current approach to teaching. Register here.
It is the Queen’s University International Centre ! Here is my top 5 list:
Thursday, August 28, 12:30 PM, Community Lunch
Did you know that it repeats once a month?
Thursday, August 28, 8:00 PM, Movie Night at the Square
Movie Night is a true summer treat in town! Also check out concerts and other street performances.
Friday, August 29, 9:00 AM, Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic
You need this to accept your employment in Canada! Remember to bring your passport and study permit!
Friday, August 29, 2:00 PM, Parents Q&A Drop-in Session
Graduate student parents are welcome! Also join the QUIC and Kingston Community Health Centre (KCHC) for an introduction to health services at 1:00 PM on the same day!
Out and about in Kingston as a newcomer to Canada!
Deciding to move to Canada was certainly one of the biggest decisions I made as an adult. To join a trekking group in my second week was a smart move. Walking with locals provided me with the opportunity to get to know Kingston better. We occasionally visit nearby towns, too. I used to find out local events at the time. I am now exploring other apps. The might be for you if you are new in Canada and transitioning to your new life in Kingston. You can use the app to make connections, learn about housing, childcare services, education and so on … I will review it in a separate post.
For now, I’ll extend a warm welcome to all new and returning graduate students.
Beginnings in a new place entail having said goodbyes to your former home. You will sure have left some friends behind, too. I imagine September as a time to embrace past connections and celebrate adventures ahead. I am aware that some of you are at the on Elbow Lake, writing your research. Enjoy an early morning swim or a late afternoon hike! I miss my time at the Dissertation on the Lake retreats. Canoeing was the ultimate Canadian experience for me as an international student. Isn’t it a wonderful way to wrap up the summer term?
May the 2025-2026 academic year bring you lots of genuine connections and spectacular wellbeing besides solid research success, multiple publications, and many career-building opportunities!