Queen’s students living in the near-campus neighbourhood received a special check-in visit from  Student Affairs staff and campus partners on Nov. 11 and 12.

Going door to door, while observing social distancing and other safety measures, the “Treat Youself” initiative created an in-person opportunity for staff to ask students how they are doing, hear about their experiences with remote learning, and what would be helpful for the university to consider with respect to their needs. 

The teams were equipped with treat bags and information about student services and resources, upcoming on-campus flu vaccine clinics, how to socialize safely, tips on staying connected and active, and much more. They also promoted university services that are open for in-person bookings, including study spaces, library services, and workout availability at the Athletics and Recreation Centre.

“The students we spoke with were happy to see us and appreciated the opportunity to chat about their challenges and successes of the past few months,” says Larissa Mankis, project lead for Support Services & Community Engagement (SS&CE). “It was great to hear how resilient many of our students are in these uncertain times.”

In addition to the team in SS&CE, Mankis also thanks the offices on campus that contributed their time and resources to support this initiative including: Off-Campus Housing; Student Experience Office; Faith and Spiritual Life; Student Wellness Services; Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office; Student Life & Learning; and Office of the Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, as well as the volunteers who completed the deliveries.

Treat Yourself was the second near-campus neighbourhood tour of the term, following an off-campus student Welcome Kit distribution in September as part of ongoing efforts to engage with students living in nearby housing and help them navigate the COVID-19 context.

“For those who volunteered, this was another opportunity to show students we are thinking about them, that we are here, and that we appreciate all they are doing to keep themselves and their community safe,” says Lindsay Winger, Assistant Dean, Support Services and Community Engagement, Student Affairs. “We appreciate how different a year this is, and we want to thank them for the steps they are taking, and make sure they are aware of all of the ways they can stay well, get involved and access support.”

Any student is encouraged to email supportservices@queensu.ca to receive the information that was distributed, and chat with a staff member.