Learning about safer socializing during a pandemic and what’s expected in a safe, equitable and respective community were two of the outcomes experienced by StFX students who completed the Safer Socializing and Respectful Communities modules.
StFX students were asked to complete one, or both, of the modules to have their names entered to win one of two grand prizes of $1,500 towards their choice of tuition, StFX Store, or X-Ring. The prize winners are Elizabeth Fenwick and Kaitlen Lockhart, both third year human kinetic students.
Organizers say response to the modules, which remain open as resources, was terrific. And that means good news.
“Now, with the competition closed, we are confident that most close social circles here at StFX have at least two people who are fully trained safer socializers and can provide leadership to their friend groups,” says Elizabeth Yeo, VP Students.
StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin also offered thanks to all who students who completed the modules.
“By doing so, you’ve shown your Xaverian spirit and helped to keep our campus and community safe in unprecedented times. So thank you! And for everyone that has not yet had the opportunity to do the modules, the competition is closed, but the modules will remain open throughout the year and we encourage students to go online and complete them,” he said.
“There is a lot of fantastic information on how to be a good host and guest, how to keep our community respectful for all students, and how to stay safe over the holidays.”
Students, in their feedback, said the modules were helpful learning tools.
“Through the Safer Socializing module, I have learned that it is possible to still have a fun and social time while living in a pandemic. The module also helped me further my knowledge on appropriate ways to be a good host and guest of a party,” one student wrote in feedback.
Another student said: “I have always thought about being a good neighbour while being a student, but reading through the Safer Socializing Module helped me understand other ways that I can contribute to the community and truly be a good neighbour.”
On the Respectful Communities module, one student said it gave them a stronger knowledge of the universities expectations of their students and helped them realize how many useful resources there are both on and off campus.
Another said their biggest takeaway from the module is that the university is making tremendous strides in reducing Sexual Violence and creating safe and respectful communities. “I think it is important to highlight that Sexual Violence is a pervasive issue and we must commit and dedicate ourselves to training and education.”
Safer Socializing During COVID-19 is a 30-minute, self-directed Moodle resource intended to help the StFX community redefine what it means to "party" in a pandemic; explore the idea of community, community-mindedness, and one's individual responsibility for community well-being in a pandemic; develop skills for safely hosting and planning a social gathering during a pandemic; identify behaviors of being a positive guest at a social gathering; and to use techniques for moderation and harm reduction when drinking or using substances.
The Safer Socializing resource is part of the education pillar of the StFX-Antigonish Good Neighbors Strategy. Created under the leadership of the VP Students Office, the resource is a collaborative effort of a working group including the Students’ Union, Residence Life, Student Life, Communications, Leigh Gillis (subject matter expert), and Ashley Sheppard (project manager).
Respectful Communities is a 60-minute, self-directed Moodle resource intended to introduce the ways students contribute to a safe, equitable, and respectful environment; identify how to practice respect and safety in our interactions with others; introduces the issue of sexualized violence, coercion and consent in sexual relationships; and explains where to go for more information, supports, and services on and off campus.
Developed by a provincial working group under the leadership of the Office of the VP Students, this module reflects the diversity of students studying on campuses across the province and uses a combination of text, video and audio scenarios to reinforce the core concepts.
