Queen’s is taking steps to ensure continuous improvement to services and supports for students with severe allergies.

The university’s Severe Allergy Review Committee, convened in fall 2015, has released its report with recommendations relating to education, communications, food service policies and practices, and emergency response.

“I thank the committee members for their time and commitment, and all those who contributed to the review,” says Daniel Woolf, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “I believe the university is well positioned to continue to respond to this important component of student health and wellness.”

The committee consulted with students and other stakeholders across the university, and with parents, physicians and experts in the field. It concluded that while appropriate policies and practices are in place at Queen’s, and align with those at other Canadian universities, more can be done to raise awareness and make things easier for students and families to access the university services available.

Steps taken to date include:

• an additional opportunity, at July’s Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources, for first-year students to meet with dining hall staff to discuss their allergies and dining needs before arriving on campus
• the implementation of an “Ask Us Before You Eat” sign campaign in dining halls at food outlets across campus
• the creation of a central webpage with allergy information and resources for students with severe allergies as well as all students, faculty and staff
• plans for Campus Security and Emergency Services personnel to start carrying epinephrine auto-injectors this coming fall 

Comments on the report may be sent to the committee at vpdean.sa@queensu.ca. Feedback will be integrated into the university’s plans for implementation of the recommendations.