First-year and returning students at Queen’s University will be greeted with welcoming messages over their social media feeds as the university runs a campaign to mark the beginning of the new academic year.

“Students are the heart of Queen’s, and we want to make sure they feel welcomed and inspired as they arrive here for the first time or return for a new semester,” says Michael Fraser, Vice-Principal (University Relations). “The videos feature a number of upper-year students who embody the warmth, positivity, and diversity of our vibrant campus community. We want to thank all these students for helping us welcome their peers to their new home away from home.”

In the videos, returning students answer two questions: “What is one word that describes Queen’s?” and “What would you say to a first-year student starting at Queen’s?”

“Put yourself out there by trying that extracurricular activity or intramural sport you’re interested in,” says Liliana Chow, second-year concurrent education student, in one of the videos. “It’s a really inclusive and supportive community, and we’re all very excited to have you. So welcome to Queen’s.”

The campaign will begin appearing on the university’s Facebook and Instagram channels in the days leading up to move-in.

Supporting a safe and positive start to the academic year

Along with the video welcomes, students will also be seeing messages encouraging them to "have fun and be safe." This content directs them to campus resources and services, and it raises awareness of local safety initiatives that promote good citizenship and personal responsibility.

“Queen’s students bring tremendous value to Kingston and the surrounding region,” says Fraser. “Even so we want to make sure they are set up to succeed as important members of the community. The campaign is designed to provide students with resources that will help them contribute to making our campus and city safe and inclusive for all.”

Messages promoting responsible behaviour will be shared on a variety of university communications channels, including social media, direct emails to students, and digital screens across campus.

The campaign will also remind students that the local University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) is in effect during the move-in and orientation period. Under the UDSI, individuals charged with certain offences, such as violating the city’s Nuisance Party Bylaw or the Noise Bylaw, may need to appear in court to resolve their matter regardless of where they live.

Rector Niki Boytchuk-Hale is helping spread the message about the UDSI by coordinating a brief video explainer about the initiative for her peers. The Rector’s video is being carried on her social media channels, as well as those of faculty associations and campus partners.

Some of the social media posts will direct users to an online hub with information about the UDSI, bylaws and fines, the university's Student Code of Conduct, which can apply to off-campus behaviours, safer substance use, and campus services that can provide support, including the Campus Observation Room (COR), a safe space to sleep if students have had too much to drink, and sexual violence prevention and response services.

Learn more on the online hub.