DSU Handbook
A handbook of Dalhousie Student Union Services (http://www.dsu.ca) is made available to students in the early autumn. In addition to useful information, it contains an agenda for keeping track of classes and deadlines. And it is free.
The Dalhousie Multifaith Centre
The Dalhousie Multifaith Centre strives to explore the fundamental issues and concerns of the world from a religious perspective in a setting that encourages open and free discussion, and that appreciates divergent histories, attitudes, options, and values. The Centre is a space where students, staff, and faculty can address the basic questions of meaning and purpose in their lives no matter what their faith, philosophy, or doubt may be.
http://multifaithcentre.studentservices.dal.ca/index.html
About Dalhousie
First established in 1818, Dalhousie was originally a one-building high school in downtown Halifax. Now a sprawling 30 hectare campus with over 100 buildings, it is home to more than 10,000 students and 3,000 faculty and staff.
Now over 170 years old, Dalhousie was founded by George Ramsay, the Ninth Earl of Dalhousie and then Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia. The Earl had modeled his namesake institution after the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, creating Canadas first non-denominational college in a time when other institutes of higher lerning were supported and organized by religious groups.
In 1886 the University moved to the Forrest building on what is now University Avenue and began to expand. By the turn of the century, its rigorous standards and tolerance of new ideas helped lift it to regional prominence.
Dalhousie boasts many important "firsts" in its history. Not only was it Canadas first non-sectarian college, but it also established Canadas first Chair in physics in 1878. Its Law School, established in 1883, was the Commonwealthss first to teach common law outside of Britain. The Dental School, which dates from 1908, was also the first in Canada, and the Institute of Public Affairs, set up in 1936, was the first organization of its kind in Canada.
More than 60,000 people have studied at Dalhousie since its modest beginnings. Graduates have become prime ministers, premiers, distinguished jurists, business leaders, inventors, research scientists, scholars, teachers, actors, musicians, writers, leaders in health care and more.
Map of the Dalhousie Campus
http://www.dal.ca/visit/map/
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Health Plan
As a full-time student of Dalhousie Student Union (DSU), you are automatically enrolled in the DSU Health Plan (http://www.dsu.ca/ourservices.asp?cmPageID=202). Part-time students may opt into the plan. This plan provides a comprehensive set of supplementary health insurance benefits in excess of those provided through your provincial Medicare program.
When you register as a full-time student, paying full-time fees for the September term at Dalhousie, you are automatically covered under the Dalhousie Student Union Health Plan, provided you are covered by your provincial health plan or one which is equivalent. Part-time and co-op students may not be automatically covered, however they may opt-in to the plan. Students beginning in the Winter semester may opt-in to the plan before January 30, for coverage from January 1st until August 31st, at a cost of $100.00.
This plan runs from September 1st until August 31st, at a cost of $150.00 for the entire year and provides health and accident insurance including: Prescription Drugs at 80%, Extended Health (physiotherapy, chiropractic, etc.), at 80% co-insurance based on a $25 per session maximum and a $400 per school year maximum per service, one eye exam per year, HIV prophylaxis, Emergency Out-of-Canada/Province Hospital, Surgical and Medical Expense Benefit, Green Shield Travel Assist, Accidental Dental, Ambulance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment.
Students also have the option to add their spouse and/ or dependent children, for an additional fee of $150 for September enrollments and $100 for January enrollments.
DALPLEX - Recreation and Leisure
If you are interested in sports and fitness, Dalhousie University is a great choice for pursuing an athletic lifestyle. Both Halifax and the University offer excellent recreational facilities, from the playing fields on the Commons and the jogging and cycling paths of the city parks, to Dalhousies ice arena and Dalplex. Dalhousie has a complete package of athletic facilities available to its students, faculty, staff, alumni and neighbours. Membership at Dalplex is included in your student fees and it provides access to the fitness classes, weight rooms, pool, and arena. Other services and classes are available at an additional cost, with discounted prices for students and members. Pick up a copy of the current Dalplex Programme brochure at the front desk of the Dalplex or check out http://www.athletics.dal.ca/
Dalplex is open:
Monday - Friday from 6am - 10:30pm
Saturday from 7am - 5:30pm
Sunday from 9am - 5:30pm
Varsity Sports
Dalhousie University is Tiger territory, and varsity sports are a big attraction on campus. Dalhousie teams are very competitive on both the regional and national levels. With 13 varsity teams in the AUAA, Dalhousie participates in more extracurricular sports activities than any other university in the Atlantic region.
There are six womens and seven mens varsity teams on campus, including mens and womens cross country and track and field, mens and womens volleyball, mens and womens swimming, and mens hockey. All students are eligible to try out for the teams. If youre interested, contact the Athletic department (494-3752) early in the autumn to find out about try-outs.
Intramurals
There are about 50 teams participating in intramural competition each year in such sports as softball, basketball, volleyball, bowling, squash, raquetball, broomball and hockey, to name a few.
Dalhousies intramural organization includes, mens, womens and co-ed competitive leagues, with teams representing faculties, departments, residence halls or other recognized groups. Leagues are open to all students, faculty, staff and Dalplex members.
Sports Clubs
Another way to get involved in sports and recreation at Dalhousie, get fit and meet new people is by joining one of its many sports clubs. The University Sport Club Program consists of some 25 active clubs comprised of students, faculty, staff and community members. There are three classes of sports clubs available at Dal-competitive, recreational and demonstration. Clubs conduct regular pratices and participate in organized leagues and tournaments at local, regional and often national levels. Some of these clubs include: fencing, karate, rowing, water polo, cross country running, badmington, womens ice hockey, rugby, curling, scuba, track and field, basketball, and volleyball and figure skating. Membership in a sports club is open to all students, staff, faculty and members of the Dalplex and require a minimal membership fee. Contact the Recreation Office for further information.
Social Activities
There are numerous clubs and societies on campus. Some of which you are automatically a member as a graduate student here at Dalhousie. Your student fees provide financial support to these organizations, so it is important to get involved.
You are automatically a member of DAGS, the Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students. As described earlier in this handbook, we represent the interests and concerns of all graduate students at Dalhousie. All full-time students are also a member of the DSU, the Dalhousie Student Union (part-time students can become members by paying the full student fees). Matters of a general interest to all students are under the direct control of the DSU Council, and the Union regulates student organizations (including DAGS).
The graduate students in your department likely have a graduate student society as well. Again you would automatically be considered a member of that society. These departmental societies are registered with DAGS which provides them with financial, social and political support. Alisting of the departmental societies that are members of DAGS are found under the "societies" link on our lefthand menu. You may recognize your own department in this list, if not, it may be to the advantage of all graduate students in your department to create a departmental society and register with DAGS.
There are other clubs, societies and associations with interests as diverse as chess, scuba diving, politics, religion, photography and marketing. Refer to the Dalhousie Student Union's extensive list of student organizations. If you dont find the group you want, then we encourage you to create one! Visit the DSU office on the second floor of the SUB and ask for a list of clubs and societies with their contacts.
Bisexuals, Gays and Lesbians
The intent of DalOUT is to provide gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, two-spirited, gender variant, intersexed, queer individuals, and the people who support them with education, advocacy and support.
http://societies.dsu.ca/DalOUT
e Allies at Dalhousie exist to support students, staff, and faculty of the full spectrum of sexual and gender diversity. Allies work to provide programs, services, training, support, referral, and resources on Rainbow or lgbt issues at Dalhousie.
http://dalally.studentservices.dal.ca/index.php
International Students
(http://www.dal.ca/iss)
The Centre provides services and programs for international students. It is a resource and activity post for students and is dedicated to ensuring that international students make the most of their stay in Canada. The Centre can assist with locating temporary accommodation.
It organizes reception and orientation programs that assist international students in adjusting to the new culture and in achieving their educational and personal goals. The Centre provides ongoing information and advice on financial, legal, immigration, hospital insurance, housing, and employment and personal matters. The Center acts as a referral point to other services on campus. A variety of social, cultural, and educational programs are also held throughout the year.
The Centre has a lounge where students can meet or study. A number of international and national publications are on hand. International students may use the Centre as their permanent address to receive mail.
Dalhousie Women's Centre
(http://womenscentre.dsu.dal.ca/)
The Dalhousie Womens Centre exists in recognition of the common and diverse social, cultural, cognitive, and physiological needs of women. Run by the Dalhousies Womens Centre Society, the Centre provides a meeting place for faculty, staff and students to collaborate in groups, discuss important issues, and share common concerns. The Dalhousie Women's Centre houses a resource library for both research and personal reading and it offers referrals to women's services in the Halifax area. The Centre offers a wide variety of programs and events throughout the year, including Week of Reflection and International Women's Week. Located at 1229 LeMarchant St., all members of the Dalhousie community are invited to visit, and the DWC always needs women with energy and the interest to volunteer. Office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., call at 494-2432.
Libraries
The Dalhousie University Libraries (http://www.library.dal.ca/) serve students, faculty, and staff not only at Dalhousie University but all over the region. Likewise, Dalhousie students have access to library materials from the six universities in the Halifax area, government offices, schools and an excellent public library system.
University Libraries
Dalhousie University has four libraries where as a graduate student, you may borrow much of their book holdings for a period of up to 3 months. These libraries include: the Isaak Walton Killam Memorial Library, the W.K. Kellogg Health Sciences Library, the Dalhousie Law Library, the Pharmacy Library and the DalTech Library. All of these libraries are linked with NOVANET, the name of the centralized computer network which connects most of the major university libraries in the city. This network provides an integrated catalogue of the collections at all the libraries involved. The NOVANET can be accessed from within the libraries, or on the network within the libraries, or on the network within your department or from home through the phone lines (check with the computer service information desk on the basement floor of the Killam Memorial Library).
The libraries also have an extensive collection of CD-ROM (compact disk, read only memory) databases which may be accessed from the libraries or remotely. Some of these data bases include: Anthropological Literature, Aquatic Sciences & Fisheries Abstracts, Applied Science and Technology, Canadian Business Trade & Technology, CANSIM, Environment Abstracts, Medline, Life Sciences, etc.
You might find it valuable at the beginning of the year to attend one of the libraries tours and instructions sessions. There is usually a schedule of these sessions posted in the libraries in September, or you can ask at the Reference Desk.
Carrels and Study Space
There are about 60 closed carrels in the Killam Library that are available for graduate students. Since carrel space is at a premium, only students who do not have study space in their own departments and are currently in the thesis-writing stage of their degrees are eligible. If you are in the thesis-writing stage of your degree and your need a carrel, contact your graduate supervisor as soon as possible in September. Students who find that they are able to share carrels are encouraged to indicate this, as it might increase their chances of getting one. Please remember that the key to a carrel is not a license to keep materials from the Library for your sole use.
As well as assigned carrels, the libraries have numerous open ones for general use. These are available to all students on a daily first come, first served basis. Some departments also have office space available for their graduate students.
Public Libraries
The Halifax Memorial Public Library on Spring Garden Road is the closest branch to Dalhousie campus. An excellent assortment of books and other literature are kept at this location and three other branches located around the city. The basement is equipped with books and toys for children of all ages, and there are full programs of puppet shows and movies. Call 421-6983 or drop into the library to pick up a schedule. Or visit http://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/
The Rebecca Cohn and The Art Gallery
The Dalhousie Arts Centre (http://www.dal.ca/~cohn/box.html) houses the 1,000-seat Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, a 250 seat theatre, two studios, a sculpture court and the Dalhousie Art Gallery.
The Dalhousie Art Gallery (http://artgallery.dal.ca/) is located on the lower level of the university's Arts Centre (below the Cohn Auditorium). Established in the 1953-4 academic year, it is the oldest public art gallery in Halifax, with a mandate to collect, preserve, interpret and display both historical and contemporary works of art. Its programs of exhibitions, lectures, films and artists' presentations are offered free of charge. In its role as an academic support unit, the Gallery provides a locus where aesthetic appreciation and criticism may develop and where related cultural issues may be examined. Guided tours and topic-related seminars are offered for school and university classes by qualified Gallery staff (by arrangement). The Gallery is an active area of research, producing scholarly publications to accompany exhibitions; as well, it maintains an extensive library of art journals and publications which are always available for reference or study. The Gallery is the custodian of a rich, varied permanent collection of art, which it holds in trust for the enjoyment and education of the whole community. The continued operation of the Dalhousie Art Gallery as an active exhibition centre is made possible with generous funding from Dr. John A. Scrymgeour.