A welcome message from the Mount's presidents



Zach Gallant, president of the Mount's Students' Union, with
Dr. Ramona Lumpkin at Spring Convocation (May 2012).



Today I have the pleasure of welcoming our students, faculty and staff to the beginning of our academic year.  Despite the beauty of our summer campus in bloom and the extraordinary view of the Bedford Basin year-round, the true spirit of the Mount re-ignites each fall when new students join us to embark on a journey to fulfill their academic dreams.

Over the coming weeks and months, I look forward to meeting students, learning about your future plans, and understanding how the Mount can further support you in your studies, your community and campus engagement and your athletic and social activities. Being involved is an important aspect of your student experience. At the Mount, there are countless opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom that will make a lasting difference in your personal lives and in the broader community.

At the Mount, the Students’ Union plays a large role in student-led initiatives, and today’s guest blogger is Zach Gallant, your Students’ Union president for the 2012-2013 year. Zach speaks to the importance of being engaged, and I fully support his message. Stay in touch, share your stories with us, and be part of something big.

Regards,

Ramona

Follow me on Twitter @MSVUpresident

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Getting involved is key to making the most of your Mount experience

I am always excited to start the fall term as it means new and returning students are arriving to campus. The Mount is a close-knit community filled with people who are willing to offer guidance to those who seek to be part of it. By being an engaged member of the Mount community, new and returning students can take full advantage of the support system I’ve experienced personally.

For those who are not familiar with the Mount’s student body, we’re quite a diverse group! With a maximum of 400 spaces for on-campus residence living, the majority of our students live off-campus, and some even at a distance.

Like many, I lived off-campus for my first year, but was committed to getting involved. My first experience was with the Students’ Union Haunted House after hearing about the event from a student who visited one of my classes to recruit volunteers. The connections I made as a result of this opportunity led me to a position at the Rosaria information desk, and then again in the following year as a Residence Assistant in Assisi Hall.

I owe many Mount experiences to the people I’ve met along the way. I was made aware of opportunities, and was encouraged to go after them. At the Mount, people really do cheer you on, and want you to succeed. This is why I was inspired to give back in a new capacity, by being this year’s Students’ Union President. Working alongside other Executive team members, our goal is to help students make the most of their experience by increasing the level of student engagement.

But what does it mean to ‘be engaged’ as a student? In short, it means something different to everyone, but the idea is about interaction. And whether you’re on campus or at a distance, you can still be part of the community by getting involved in a number of ways:

• Get to know your Students’ Union Executive by attending discussions and organized town halls
• Attend events! Watch for postings, posters and promos around campus!
• Join a student-led society or group
• Volunteer and develop your co-curricular record
• Send us your questions, feedback or input by email or online, or come visit us in person at the Students’ Union offices in the Rosaria Student Centre
• Follow the Mount, the Students’ Union and many others on social media, and stay up to date by visiting the Mount’s and Union’s websites
• Read the monthly Students’ Union newsletter, sent directly to your Mount email

Whatever it is you’re considering for the year ahead, look to those around you for inspiration. Be part of something that inspires you to make a difference, to strive for excellence and to succeed beyond your own expectations. 

As a valued member of the Mount student body, your voice matters to us, and throughout the year you can count on the Students’ Union Executive not only to listen to your concerns and ideas, but to take action. On behalf of the Students’ Union Executive, I hope both new and returning students enjoy their year and take pride in being part of the Mount community. I know I have.

Zach Gallant

President@MountStudents.ca