Statement to Queen’s International Students
May 8th, 2021
KINGSTON, ON – The AMS is aware of recent discussion within the Ontario government regarding suspending entry of international students and we are closely following developments in this decision. International students are an integral and valuable part of the Queen’s community and Ontario as a whole. We recognize that many students may be currently experiencing a lack of clarity and effective communication from the university on these matters. The AMS wants to assure our students that we are committed to keeping ourselves and the community informed on this issue so that we may continue to provide adequate resources for all students affected during this time.
There is currently no tangible data that might demonstrate the international student population being specifically responsible for a spike in COVID-19 cases in Ontario, nor is there any appropriate justification for believing so.
International student communities across Ontario universities and institutions foster a diverse campus and enrich the province’s cultural perspectives. We hope that the decision made will be one in consideration of the best interests of all Ontario and international students.
The AMS remains dedicated to advocating for your place on campus, amplifying your voices, and facing these obstacles head-on. We will continue to work diligently to provide support and assistance to all international students at Queen’s University and supply ample resources to ensure that.
We encourage those students in need of guidance to access the Queen’s University International Centre webpage on information related to arrival to Canada and the university’s extensive COVID-19 Readiness Plan in place to ensure the safe arrival of international students.
Students in need of further support can access the following resources:
Vice President of University Affairs
Vice-President: Ryan Sieg
Commissioner of Campus Affairs: Anika Chowdhury
Commissioner of External Affairs: Jacob Marinelli
PSC x CARED:
Peer-Based Support for BIPOC Students
Available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2-4pm
Access cross cultural 1:1 and group counselling at Student Wellness Services. You can make an appointment by calling 613-533-2506.
Empower Me is a 24/7 phone service for crisis situations and scheduled sessions that allows students to connect with qualified counselors, consultants, and life coaches for a variety of issues. The password required to access the service is studentcare.
Good2Talk is a free confidential mental health helpline.
TALK is a confidential, anonymous and non-judgemental volunteer-based support service.
Asian Mental Health Collective (International and Crisis Hotlines)
The Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC)
QUIC offers virtual drop-in advising sessions every Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 11:00 am and 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Please direct all media inquiries to Maddie Zarb, AMS Director of Communications, at
BACKGROUNDER
Alma Mater Society (AMS) – //www.myams.org
The central undergraduate student government at Queen’s University, the AMS represents over 19,000 students and is the oldest student government in Canada. There are over 1,000 student volunteers and 700 paid staff.