With the season of holiday cheer just around the corner, the university is preparing to celebrate with a number of events and activities on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

“Queen’s dedicated staff members ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the institution on a daily basis,” says Al Orth, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Resources). “We value their efforts throughout the year and Staff Appreciation Day is a wonderful opportunity to openly express our gratitude for everything they do.”

Staff Appreciation Day events will include tours of Summerhill and Benidickson House, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, the Miller Museum of Geology and the Phytotron, which consists of six climate-controlled greenhouse compartments inside the Biosciences Complex. There will also be free fitness classes at the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC). Staff can start their day with a free medium hot beverage at all Sodexo outlets.

Human Resources is finalizing the event schedule, which will be published on the Queen’s Gazette Online and the Human Resources website in the coming weeks. Staff will have the option of signing-up for the activities through the Human Resources Learning Catalogue.

Principal Daniel Woolf is also inviting the Queen’s community to his holiday reception on that day from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm in the ARC. Principal Woolf will present the staff recognition awards beginning at 12:30 pm.

A free shuttle bus between Duncan McArthur Hall and the ARC will operate every half hour between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.