The University of King’s College is committed to providing resources and supports to members of our community impacted by the Independent Review and Final Report. Some of the supports outlined reflect the university’s existing network of support staff and other roles with an element of care (“Campus supports”). Other supports are being proactively introduced to address the distinct community needs anticipated around the release of the Final Report. The University will continue to provide responsive supports as needs arise. A comprehensive outline of external supports and resources available in the community (including online and in-person supports) is also provided.
Any member of the King’s community seeking supports not reflected in these documents or with questions or feedback about the supports available is invited to contact:
Sexual Health and Safety Officer Jordan Roberts – jordan.roberts@ukings.ca
Vice President – Sarah Clift sarah.clift@ukings.ca
Dean of Students – Katie Merwin katie.merwin@ukings.ca
The Senior Common Room will host a dedicated space for students from 1-3:30 p.m. Student support staff, including Equity Officer Rhema Ferguson, Isaac Wright, Peer Supporters will be on hand as active listeners and there will be snacks and other resources.
Resident Nsukwi’ (Auntie in Residence) Emily Pictou-Roberts will conduct smudging on March 15 (and beyond) for individuals, or for any spaces where this would be welcome.
Rhema Ferguson, Equity Officer (she/they)
Rhema provides support and consultation to all members of the university community on issues concerning equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion, discrimination, and harassment. Rhema is also available to provide connections to on-campus and off-campus resources and supports.
Email rhema.ferguson@ukings.ca to make an appointment. Confidential call and text also available at 902-266-5103.
Father Ranall Ingalls, Chaplain (he/him)
Father Ingalls offers support to students of any faith or none. The Chapel offers space for students to explore their spirituality, hear beautiful music, or enjoy a place of solitude.
To meet with Father Ingalls, email ranall.ingalls@ukings.ca. For more information about the chapel, visit kingschapel.ca.
Michelle Mahoney, Accessibility Officer (she/her)
Michelle guides and supports the university’s implementation of King’s Accessibility Plan and works with faculty and staff to ensure that the university meets relevant standards to offer an accessible campus by 2030. Michelle also helps students to get the full benefit of King’s and Dalhousie’s shared Student Accessibility Centre.
Michelle can be reached at michelle.mahoney@ukings.ca.
Emily Pictou-Roberts, Resident Nsukwi’ (Auntie in Residence) (she/her)
Emily Pictou-Roberts is a member of Millbrook First Nation and a King’s alum (BA(Hons)’20) who is available to support Indigenous students at King’s.
Email auntie@ukings.ca to contact Emily.
Jordan Roberts, Sexual Health and Safety Officer (SHSO) (she/her)
Jordan is available to support students around sexualized violence, gender identity, sexual orientation, safer sex, and healthy relationships. Jordan can provide trauma-informed active listening and help individuals decide what avenues and supports are best for them.
Jordan can be reached by e-mail, phone call, or text. All communication is confidential. jordan.roberts@ukings.ca / 902-229-6123
Isaac Wright, Student Support Advisor (they/them)
Isaac is available to talk to students looking for support in resource navigation, life changes, mental health, goal setting, or problem-solving. If you’re not sure where to go or what you need, Isaac can help you figure that out.
Isaac also helps students access services at Dal Health and Wellness or in the community. Email isaac.wright@ukings.ca to make an appointment, or visit calendly.com/studentsupportadvisor
Academic Advising Team
Julia Town (she/her), Kirstin Mosher (she/her), and Jennifer O’Keefe (she/her) are available to meet with students to discuss course scheduling and registration, degree pathways, academic supports and processes, and other academic concerns. The Peer Advising Team also available to meet with first & second-year students about course selection, registration, program exploration, degree planning and other academic supports.
To make an appointment, book online through the Academic Advising page, email registrar@ukings.ca or drop into the Registrar’s Office.
Katie Merwin, Dean of Students (she/her)
Katie is the senior administrator responsible for many aspects of student life including residence, student-facing policies, and other services which assist students to be well and maximize their potential.
Katie is not typically the first stop for one-on-one student support, but oversees the network of student supports available at King’s.
Email katie.merwin@ukings.ca to get in touch.
Dr. Michelle Wilband, Associate Director of Student Support (Foundation Year Program) (she/her)
Michelle supports FYP students when they require academic accommodations, assignment extensions, academic advising, and referrals to both nonacademic and academic supports. If students have not already developed an accessibility plan through the Dalhousie Accessibility Centre, they can meet with Michelle to obtain interim assignment accommodations.
To make an appointment with Michelle, email michelle.wilband@ukings.ca.
The Peer Support Workers are King’s students available to support their fellow students. This includes active listening, problem solving, supportive discussions, or just hanging out in a quiet space. Peer Support drop-in hours, events and updates are posted on Instagram at @ukcpeersupport.
You can also email peersupport@ukings.ca to get in touch.
Gavin Baumbach, Housing Coordinator (he/him)
Gavin oversees room changes, inspections and other day-to-day housing operations.
Email gavin.baumbach@ukings.ca
Ashley Nixon, Assistant Dean of Residence Life (they/them)
Ashley oversees Residence Life, residence student support and programming.
Email ashley.nixon@ukings.ca.
Dons & Patrol
The Dons are upper-year or graduate students who live in residence. There is a Don on duty every night and each weekend.
Patrol staff are current students who are available each night from 8 p.m.–2 a.m. in the Manning Room.
Housing Administrator
The housing administrator can help with residence withdrawals, applications, and general questions.
Email residence@ukings.ca
Browse the profiles and, if you find someone you might want to talk to, it can be good to email them and ask for a free phone consult to ask questions and see if it’s a good fit before committing to a full session. The free phone consult is also a good time to ask if they “direct bill” to your insurance provider or if you will have to pay out of pocket and submit the cost for reimbursement.