Dear Students,
Welcome (back) to McGill.
Fall always brings with it a feeling of excitement. The sight of students on our campuses at the start of the new term is so full of expectation and hope, as is the thought of all that can and will be accomplished over the course of the coming months. It is extraordinarily uplifting!
This year, some of you may be arriving with a hint of trepidation given the current global climate and the demonstrations that have transpired on university campuses all over North America, including at McGill. This has had a profound impact on our campus and our community. I recognize that beginning your 2024-25 academic journey amidst such turbulent times can be unsettling.
It is with this in mind that I want to assure you that our commitment to your academic and personal success remains unwavering; you are our priority.
To that end, following the removal in July of the encampment that had been situated on our lower campus, the University’s lower campus was closed. Since then, we have been working hard to return to an open campus in time for student orientation week. There will be an increased security presence on campus during orientation to help ensure the safety and security of staff, faculty, and students.
At McGill, we strive to balance creating an open and vibrant community connected to the city, the country, and the world while prioritizing our students’ security, regardless of the circumstances. It is through this balance that we foster intellectual and social flourishing and growth for each of you, McGill’s students. This is the hallmark of the campus experience, and it is especially so at McGill, where 40,000 students unite from more than 150 countries worldwide.
We are always thinking about ways to engage students in meaningful dialogue, and to sustain a campus climate that benefits and uplifts you. Such initiatives will be led by students for students and are crucial for fostering understanding and support across differences.
In these challenging times, finding your community is more important than ever. Whether you are experiencing your first moments on our campuses or are returning following the summer session, I encourage you to get involved and explore all that McGill has to offer.
In the meantime, we are here for you and will continue to support you every step of the way.
If you are experiencing feelings of anxiety or simply wish to speak to someone about your thoughts and feelings, please consult our list of student services and reach out for support.
Please accept my warmest wishes for happiness, success, fulfillment, adventure, and friendship in the academic year ahead.
Angela Campbell
Interim Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning)