January 8, 2026

Issue 22

Stay up-to-date with all the latest happenings in Residence and on campus.

We’re Hiring – Applications Close Tomorrow!

Would you make a great Residence Don? Want to build community as a Residence Program Assistant, or would you prefer to keep operations smooth as a Front Desk Representative? Take the quiz and find out!

Want to apply with confidence? Register Here for our Interview Strategies Workshop with Career Services on January 14 from 5–6 pm.

Applications close this Friday, January 9 at 11:59 pm.

Residence Conduct Corner: Smoking and Vaping

Now that it is colder, you may feel more reluctant to go outside to smoke or vape. We want to remind you that Queen's is a smoke-free campus, both inside all buildings and on campus grounds. Smoking cigarettes, cannabis, and vaping are prohibited in the Residence Contract (See clauses 4.10.4 and 4.10.6). Smoking indoors is a fire hazard and affects everyone's health and enjoyment of residence. Covering or tampering with your smoke detector is also prohibited under your contract (clause 4.10.15e).

If you are interested in quitting, we encourage you to make an appointment with Student Wellness Services to get help and check out this online resource.

Reminder: Mail Depot Operations

We’d like to share some important reminders about Mail Depot operations to ensure a smooth and efficient parcel pick-up process.

Hours of Operation

• Watts Hall (Main Campus): Monday to Friday, 11 am – 7 pm
• Jean Royce Hall (West Campus): Daily, 8 am – 10 pm

Parcel Pick Up

• After your parcel is delivered to campus, please allow up to 48 hours for processing by the front desk.
• Be sure to wait for a notification from the front desk before coming to pick it up.
• You will need your Queen’s parcel ID number and your student card to pick up your mail.

Addressing your parcels

To avoid delays, always use the formats below when addressing your mail.

Parcels with incorrect addresses may take longer to process or be returned to the sender.

Thank you for helping us keep operations running smoothly! If you have questions or concerns, contact resmaildepot@queensu.ca.

Upcoming Events in Residence

We’re back with plenty of opportunities to connect, strengthen your academic skills, and have fun with your residence community! Remember to check out the Residence OnQ Calendar for residence and campus-wide event details.

Keychain Creations

Monday, January 12

6:30–7:30 pm

Endaayaan – Tkanónsote Community Room

Make your keys or backpack stand out with a custom beaded keychain you design yourself! Bring your friends, enjoy some snacks, and get creative with colors and letter beads.

Ongoing program: Biweekly on Mondays, alternating between Main Campus (Endaayaan – Tkanónsote Community Room) and West Campus (Jean Royce Private Dining Room)

Time Management Workshop

Tuesday, January 13

7–8 pm

Mackintosh-Corry Hall D216

Join Student Academic Success Services (SASS) to learn smart strategies for managing your time, staying focused, and getting things done—without the stress.

Seeds of Success

Wednesday, January 14

2–4 pm

Endaayaan – Tkanónsote Community Room

Join us to plant real seeds and set meaningful goals—because success starts with small steps.

Juice and Paint Night

Wednesday, January 14

6:30–7:30 pm

Jean Royce Private Dining Room

Bring your friends and unwind by sipping tasty juice and getting creative with painting or coloring with a fun new theme every time!

Ongoing program: Biweekly on Wednesdays, alternating between Main Campus (Endaayaan – Tkanónsote Community Room) and West Campus (Jean Royce Private Dining Room)

Postcards of Positivity

Thursday, January 15

6:30–8pm

Jean Royce Hall (near the dining hall)

Start the winter semester with a boost of encouragement! Join us to create your own postcard filled with affirmations, kind words, and reminders of your strength. Write something uplifting for yourself—or for someone who might need a smile.

Navigating First Year Frenzy

Weekly on Thursdays

January 29 to March 26, 2026 (excluding Feb. 19)

2–3:30 pm

Come offload some pressure with snacks, low-key activities, and realistic tools for managing your time and expectations. Led by seasoned therapists, Navigating First Year Frenzy is your weekly, no-pressure pause button – and it's ready for you whenever you are.

Register on the TELUS CHR Connect app

January Dining Hall Events

Gaels, we hope you enjoyed the break and are ready for exciting new programming in the dining halls this term—we’ve got plenty planned!

Cheese Wheel Pasta Pop-Up

Wednesday, January 14

Dinner at Leonard dining hall

We are kicking off the year with a cheesy pop-up. Join us to try a creamy pasta dish served fresh out of our cheese wheel. It’s sure to be delicious – don’t miss it!

Increase Your Dining Hall Meals

Would you like more opportunities to eat in the dining halls this term? By topping up your Residence Meal Plan, you can turn your Weekly 19 into a Weekly 21 until the end of April. That's two more dining hall meals per week to help fuel your studies!

Apply this upgrade to your SOLUS account through the Student Residence & Dining portal, or visit the Hospitality Services office in Victoria Hall, room E022 to use your credit card.

Meet with the Registered Dietitian

Looking for food options that support your nutrition goals this year? Our Registered Dietitian is here to support all students on the Residence Meal Plan—whether you have specific dietary needs, want guidance on making the most of your plan, or are simply looking for tips to make healthier choices.

Book a meeting with the Registered Dietitian

Connect with Off-Campus Living Advisors

Have questions about living off-campus, finding housemates, or navigating the Kingston rental market? Drop by during weekly office hours every Wednesday, 1–4 pm (January–April) or book an appointment at your convenience. We’re here to support you!

Come and meet the Off-Campus Student Support Team from the Off-Campus Living Advisors Office for resources on how to navigate the Kingston rental market, and to answer many of your questions related to living off-campus.

Monday, January 12, 5:30–7 pm

Ban Righ East Foyer

Tuesday, January 13, 11 am–2 pm

Ban Righ East Foyer

Wednesday, January 14, 4:30–7 pm

Ban Righ East Foyer

Thursday, January 15, 1–3:30 pm

Victoria Hall Upper Commons

PEGaSUS Group for Survivors of Sexual Violence

This professionally facilitated group is a safe space for students who have experienced sexual violence. Through support and education, you will get an opportunity to gain skills and strengths that build resiliency and lead to a sense of self-empowerment—offered Tuesdays from 4–5:30 pm from January 27 to March 31 (excluding February 17). 

Email pegasus.group@queensu.ca to register.

Boost your academic English skills with SASS in partnership with QUIC

Whether it’s writing essays, giving presentations, or improving your vocabulary, SASS & QUIC have you covered with many programs and services! Explore a wide range of free resources designed to help you excel in your courses and build confidence in your communication.

Volunteer with Queen’s Peer Programs

Looking to make an impact on campus? Join one of over 10 peer programs offering roles in mentoring, health education, learning strategies, international experience, community building, and more! Build leadership skills while supporting your peers virtually or in person.

Applications close January 30.

Get Involved with Winter Intramurals

Intramurals are in full swing with leagues, tournaments, and playoffs all winter long! Represent your residence, stay active, and build community.

Participate in the IM Cup

The IM Cup tracks residence participation and performance across all intramural leagues. Key points to note:

• If you’re on a residence team, ensure your team has told us which residence you’re representing.
• Joining intramurals later in the semester? It’s not too late! Your games still count toward IM Cup points.
• Encourage teammates and friends from your residence to get involved and help rack up points.

The IM Cup celebrates more than wins – it’s about showing up, fair play, and building residence pride through sport. Questions? Email intramurals@queensu.ca.

See you on the courts, fields, and ice!

Tips for managing Flu Season

Cold and flu season is here. Most people can manage a cold, the flu or COVID-19 at home.

Here are some tips for managing mild symptoms:

• Get lots of rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use over-the-counter pain and fever medications as needed
• For cough: try throat lozenges, a saltwater rinse, or turn on a humidifier
• For mild discomfort with breathing: keep the room cool, crack open the window, try relaxation exercises or shifting your position

To prevent the spread of coughs, colds, flu and COVID-19, avoid going out while you are feeling sick. Take precautions like masking in crowded indoor spaces, and ensure you wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

If you are unable to attend classes or complete assignments due to illness, you may submit an academic consideration request by following your faculty or school's established protocol for students with extenuating circumstances. Find additional information about the Extenuating Circumstances procedure and policy.