In response to the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica and its surrounding regions, Saint Mary’s University has gathered a list of supports available to help affected students. Whether you need academic flexibility, financial relief, emotional support, or help connecting with your community, the Saint Mary’s community is here for you.
These resources are available to all *students who have been affected directly or indirectly by the hurricane. Please reach out – you are not alone.
*Faculty and staff who have been affected by Hurricane Melissa are encouraged to access employee supports and resources including Saint Mary’s Human Resources and the Employee Family Assistance Program.
Students impacted by Hurricane Melissa can request academic leniency through a Declaration of Extenuating Circumstances. Options include assignment deferrals, alternate exam arrangements, and pass-grade consideration. Faculty have been asked to show additional flexibility and understanding.
Contact your faculty’s Academic Advising Office:
Check your Advising Brightspace page for details and updates.
If you are completing a co-op placement and are struggling to maintain your hours or meet expectations because of the hurricane’s impacts, please reach out to your Co-op Coordinator via email Coop@smu.ca. They can help you explore accommodations, modified timelines, or additional supports to stay on track.
Students impacted by Hurricane Melissa are being offered compassionate supports, including:
Contact the Service Centre: Tanya Killam, Director, Service Centre and Financial Aid & Awards, tanya.killam@smu.ca.
The International Student Advising Office is monitoring updates from IRCC for any special measures that may allow impacted students to take a temporary leave of absence or make changes to their study permit status.
Contact the International Student Centre, international.centre@smu.ca, or reach out directly to Ysaac Rodriguez, Manager, International Student Services, ysaac.rodriguez@smu.ca.
Jamaican students affected by the hurricane are being prioritized for appointments with SMU counsellors. Group debriefing sessions are also being offered, and the Counselling Centre can help connect students with culturally responsive community counsellors (virtual or in-person).
If you carry the SMU health insurance plan, external counselling sessions are also covered.
Reach out to The Counselling Centre via email: counselling@smu.ca.
The Black Student Advisor has been reaching out to directly to Jamaican students to offer support and guidance.
They have also been connecting in community to collaborate on local relief efforts. Current initiatives include:
Contact the Black Student Advisor, Ebun Oladele, ebun.oladele@smu.ca.
The SMU Caribbean Society is leading fundraising and donation efforts to support relief programs in Jamaica. Follow the SMU_CS Instagram channel for initiatives, updates and ways to get involved.
Contact the SMU Caribbean Society: Ramon Stultz, SMU Caribbean Society President, smucaribbean@gmail.com.
The Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA) is coordinating with Student VIP and community partners for relief efforts. Follow SMUSAhfx on Instagram for initiatives, updates and ways to get involved.
Connect with SMUSA by email smusa@smu.ca.
If you’re unsure where to start or need help identifying the right support, connect with Student Affairs and Services for personalized assistance.
Reach out to Student Affairs and Services via email, student.services@smu.ca.
Please know you’re not alone.
We recognize how deeply these events have impacted many in our community. If you’ve been affected, please reach out – Saint Mary's is here to support you.