1. health and fitness
2. addiction

How to
Frosh
McGill Orientation
Week 2013
Faculty
Contacts
Paul Laughlin
Jack Melkerson
Eric Kueper
(438) 823-8152
(514) 574-1765
(514) 318-1627
Christine Koppenaal
Chief of Staff
Lara Balantyne
Alex Gershanov
(514) 229-0977
(514) 944-4270
(514) 862-6895
VP Events
Executive Director
Chief of Staff
VP Internal
Head Coord
Diana Farnand
VP Internal
(514) 708-3824
Sahil Kumar
Raumina Rezai
(514) 705-9248
(514) 812-9678
Shannon Herrick
Nicholas Richard
Eliane
DaigneaultBourgeois
(514) 629-4011
(514) 691-4182
VP Internal
Inclusive Programming
(514) 706-0059
Head Coord
Chief of Staff
Frosh Director
Rez On-Duty Numbers
Emergency
Contacts
McConnell:
Molson:
Gardner:
RVC:
New Residence:
Carrefour:
Solin:
Citadelle:
Varcity515:
MORE Houses:
(514)
(514)
(514)
(514)
(514)
(514)
(514)
(514)
N/A
(514)
386-1294
386-1277
386-2639
869-6535
467-2382
232-2265
945-2309
347-0280
591-9057
Local Hospitals / ERs
McGill Security (Downtown)
(514) 398-3000
Montreal General Hospital
McGill Security (Macdonald)
(514) 398-7777
M-SERT (First Aid)
(514) 398-5216
1650, avenue Cedar
Montréal
H3G1A4
SACOMSS
(514) 398-8500
Telephone: (514) 934-1934
Walksafe
(514) 398-2498
Drivesafe
(514) 398-8040
McGill Nightline
(514) 398-6246
McGill Student Services
Open Monday-Friday
Counselling Service
(514) 398-3601
Mental Health Service
(514) 398-6019
Health Services
(514) 398-6017
Royal Victoria Hospital
687, avenue des Pins Ouest
Montréal
H3A1A1
Telephone: (514) 934-1934
myWeek Gateway
*Please remember that contacting
the police directly should be a LAST
resort. Always contact fellow leaders,
Coordinators, O-Staff or the numbers
above for help in a difficult situation
and they will assess if further aid is
necessary.
Multi-platform communications system for use
during Orientation Week.
Connect to resources, contact members of
your Frosh, and leave messages for the SSMU
Orientation Communications Team.
(514) 900-0125
Orientation
Week
Values
COMMUNITY-BUILDING
Orientation Week is a way to build communities across campus and
between various members of the McGill (students [new and returning],
faculty and staff) and Montreal communities. During Orientation Week,
we encourage you to think about how you are building a community
within your group and also remember that you are part of – and representing – the larger McGill and Montreal communities and McGill’s reputation.
INCLUSIVITY
Events, activities, and communication should be accessible to and inclusive of all students. Inclusive, here, refers to students’ decisions or
abilities to participate based on personal choices, cultural or religious
background, physical ability, financial ability, and safety and well-being.
We appreciate all that you do to create respectful relations and shape
a positive and energetic environment. No one should feel left out or
belittled during Orientation Week – or ever!
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability for Orientation Week primarily relates to our ability to
sustain momentum from year to year, building on successes, looking
for improvement and innovation, and addressing new and recurrent
challenges. We also strive to be environmentally and economically sustainable. One of the biggest ways we achieve all that we do each new
year during Orientation Week is because of the energy and amazing
work of all our student Leaders and staff.
Downtime
Chants!
1
2
3
“Here’s To … / Drink If
You Want”
build
camaraderie and frosh
spirit. What you say isn’t
what is important.
Chants are to
Whether in a venue, on
campus, or in a public place,
be aware and respectful
of those around you
Alcohol is NEVER
the focus
*
Here's to [name], Here's to [name],
Here's to [name],
S/he's really neat, we like her/him very
much
S/he's lots of good to all her/his friends,
s/he's quite considerate
Soooooo.....
Drink if you want! Drink if you want!
Drink if you want!
(slowly) Take your time, take your time
“No Friend Of Mine”
You can drink if you want to;
But don't leave your friends behind;
Because your friends don't drink and if
they don't drink then they're still friends
of mine.
Please remember that the chanting of chants
such as “Bumble Bee” and “Three Cheers” is
no longer tolerated under any circumstances
in public, on or off-campus. It is therefore
important that you focus on how to fill
downtime and transit time with other activities
or distractions.
Icebreakers
“Count to 20”
When deciding on icebreakers for downtime or before
events, try to avoid...
1. Games that require drinking
2. Rewards for those that drink more
3. Groups or teams that seperate based on gender,
ethnicity, or religion.
4. Games that require explicit language or initimate/
sexual contact.
5. Games that require everyone to participate, if anyone
wants to sit out, make sure they know it’s okay.
“
First impressions mean the world.
Everything you do or don’t do either adds
to or takes away from your credibility and
your capability to influence someone
Form a single file line. Instruct each person to place
their left hand between
their legs and their right
hand in front of them.
Have the group join hands
(grabbing the right hand of
the person in front of them
and the left hand of the
person in back of them.)
Instruct the last person in
line to lie down and the
rest of the group to step
backwards over him/her
(keeping hands linked).
“
"Skin the Snake"
"Human Pretzel”
Have your group sit
in a circle. The goal of
the game is to count
to twenty with nobody
saying a number at
the same time. If two
individuals talk at the
same time, start from
zero.
“Group Interviews”
Divide the group up into
partners. Have them interview each other asking
their name, where they’re
from, their favorite colour,
and if they could be an
animal what they would
be and why. Have players
recite answers to group.
An optional addition is to
have the partner change
one answer and have the
group guess which one.
"Four Up"
Begin this activity by havBegin this activity by
ing your group form one
breaking your group up
or two circles (depending
into groups of 10. Have
upon size). Have everyone your group sit on the floor
take two hands of the oth- or ground in a circle. The
er people standing in the
object of this game is to
circle (without grabbing
have 4 people standing
both hands of the same
in the group at all times
person). After the group
and for no more than five
has all joined hands, they
seconds at a time. It may
will now be in a giant knot. be a little difficult at first,
The object of this activity
but your group will pick
is to become untangled
this up quickly!
and form a circle again
without letting go of anyone’s hands
Spend the week teaching the
new students about
and
Montreal. Introduce them to
new students. Don’t spend it
drunk. Remember: it’s about
the froshies.
To do this you have to...
Be Inclusive
Be Engaged
Be Open
Be Respectful
u
o
n
r
d
G
Rules
Your Team
Who Is in Your Group This Week
McGill is a university with an incredibly diverse student population. Any of the following students can be in your group and your actions, behavior, communication, and
choices should make sure that NO student at Orientation Week feels ostracized, insulted, marginalized, isolated, ignored, or oppressed.
• Students aged above and below the province’s legal drinking age (18)
• Students who can legally consume alcohol, but choose not to (for religious, medical and/or personal reasons)
• Students who have or come from environments that had a history of addiction
• Students who are long-time residents of Montreal
• Students who are new to the city, but not the country
• Students who are new to the city and country (and maybe continent/hemisphere)
• Students who prefer events that require they be extroverted
• Students who are shy and prefer to meet new people in facilitated situations
• Students who are new to a college/university setting
• Transfer or exchange students who are already familiar with a university setting
• Students who do not identify as heterosexual
• Students who speak only English
• Students who speak English as a foreign or second language
• Students who will live within walking or easily commutable distance to the downtown area
• Students who live on the outskirts of or off the island of Montreal
• Students with physical impairments (e.g., hearing, visual, motor, etc.)
• Students with mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc.)
• Students who have or come from environments that had a history of sexual assault
• Students who are on fixed and/or limited budgets
• Students with dietary restrictions and (severe) allergies
Remember that English is not everyone’s first language. Speak slowly and clearly.
Pause and ask if people have questions. Be conscious of the fact that students may
also be reluctant to ask their questions in public.
Be careful of using colloquial terms and expressions that not all students may understand. Try to remember to offer definitions for these terms so students don’t feel left
out of the conversation, joke, etc.
Be aware of group members’ personal needs (e.g., not consuming alcohol, taking
medication, requiring time to pray, etc.) and respect them.
Your Role
What is Your Role This Week
Orientation Week would not be the continued and improving success it is without the
incredible work and support from the students Leaders and staff.
Your role this week is to help make sure that every student in your group has an incredible Orientation Week. The only way this will happen is if you make them all feel
welcomed, included, respected, and excited. Make sure the students are having a
great time; don’t focus on just your own enjoyment.
During Orientation Week, you will be expected to FACILITATE and LEAD.
FACILITATE…
• by ensuring that everyone has a chance to have their ideas and feelings expressed.
• with discussions and activities moving in a direction which produce a positive
product and environment.
• by maintaining a safe and respectful group environment where the group has taken ownership of what safety and respect mean to them.
LEAD…
•
•
•
•
•
by
by
by
by
by
knowing where to be and when, and how to get there.
keeping track of all your group members.
making sure they know how to reach you.
making sure everyone is included and engaged.
example.
Remember, you’re a Role Model.
Top
Tips
5
1
2
3
Lead by example. The way
you act and what you say will
tell these new students how
we act and talk at McGill. You
can make a big, lasting impact
by showing new students
how McGill students can be
inclusive, respectful, and
safe and that they are now
becoming responsible for
enriching McGill’s reputation.
Work as a team. Never leave
anyone behind, and include
every single person in all
conversations and activities.
Be aware of each member
in your group and ensure
that everybody is enjoying
themselves regardless of the
activity at hand.
Use your energy and
creativity to add to
the new students’
experience, but respect
and defer to the plans
and schedule for the
Week’s events and
activities
4
Notice when it seems
that a student is not
enjoying themselves. Use
your judgment about
how to engage them in
conversation about what
can be done to improve
their experience.
5
When alcohol is available,
that’s all it should be:
available. Never make
alcohol consumption the
goal or requirement of
any events, activities, or
communication. Emphasize
that people can “pass” on
an activity. No activity is
mandatory.
“
“
Sexual Assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature
What can you do as a Leader?
DIRECT
Suggest a change in behaviour. Get a person out of a potentially dangerous
situation.
DELEGATE
Get someone to take care of a person who is at risk of violence. Find help.
DISTRACT
Create a distraction that will interrupt the flow of the potential violence.
Support a Survivor
•
•
•
•
Never blame the survivor
Believe the survivor
Actively listen (Validate, use non-verbal cues, be present, don’t judge)
Be honest about what you’re comfortable handling and let them know if
you’re uncomfortable or unequipped to support and then…
• Provide resources, such as SACOMSS: (514) 398-8500
Be Responsible
Be Healthy
Often the biggest divide in Frosh groups is between drinkers
and non-drinkers. As a Frosh Leader, you will be welcoming
youth who hail from a variety of different backgrounds and
some will not be used to, or may not approve of, the open
attitude that Quebec has regarding alcohol. And that’s fine.
They’ll negotiate those feelings on their own time. On your end,
though, you need to be sensitive to the comfort levels among
your group members as well as be a role model by encouraging
everyone to take care of themselves and respect one another.
What Does Alcohol Do?
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it depresses (or slows down)
communication in your nervous system.
Low levels make people feel:
• Happier
• Sociable
• More relaxed
In high doses, alcohol slows down and eventually stops brain
cells from communicating, meaning the body gradually
becomes unable to function. This includes life-sustaining skills
such as breathing and blood circulation.
If you are concerned someone has had a large amount of
alcohol and they are unconscious or are unresponsive to noises
or tactile pressure, or their skin is cold, pale or has a bluish
tinge, contact MSERT (or 911 if MSERT is not present) for help.
Approximately 1,000 students
in each incoming class are
under 18 years old. That
means that approximately
1 out of 5 Froshies will be
underage.
Be Healthy
Being a Leader
In your role as an Orientation Leader, keep the following in mind:
• Everyone has different motivations for drinking. Ask yourself the following
questions and reflect on how a new student’s answers might differ from
yours.
• What are your reasons for drinking?
• What are your reasons for not drinking?
• What do you like about drinking that does not have to do with alcohol
as a beverage? (e.g., hanging out with friends, dancing, having the
confidence to talk to people, numbing psychological pain, etc.)
• Create an environment where students are empowered to make decisions
they are comfortable with
• Create a group dynamic where both drinkers and non-drinkers are part of
the action and fun
• Enable non-drinking: Provide beverage alternatives and place them within
arm’s reach
• Have activities for the group to do that don’t require drinking.
• Don’t glorify the drunk: Try not to draw positive attention to the drunkest
person in the room as this validates, encourages, and promotes such
behaviour.
• Divert to a sober mind: Problem-solving requires a sober mind. If a problem,
such as someone negatively reacting to drugs or alcohol, arises, refer the
situation to a sober and responsible individual.
“
“
In a 2012 National College Health Assessment survey, 78%
of McGill students reported having consumed alcohol at
least once in the last 30 days; however, their perception
was that 98% of McGill students had consumed alcohol at
least once in the last 30 days.
Be Safe
Keep these tips in mind for yourself and your Froshies
• Know whom to call. Program the McGill Security Services number (514-398-3000) into
your cell phone so you have it at your fingertips in the event of an emergency on campus.
• Use the Buddy System. When going out into Montreal, divide your Froshies up into groups
of four to five people. Make sure that they keep an eye out for each other and text each
other at the end of the evening to ensure that they have arrived home safely.
• Walk in Pairs. Take advantage of a Security Services safety escort, SSMU Walksafe or
Drivesafe, or have your Froshies walk with friends. Avoid shortcuts such as alleys and
parks.
• Protect your property. Never leave items like a bag, laptop or cell phone unattended even if it’s just for a minute. Make it a habit to keep these valuables with their owner at all
times.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation, street, area, person or group makes you or your Froshie
feel uncomfortable, listen to your instincts. There’s nothing wrong with erring on the side
of caution. Cross the street or avoid the area. It’s not being paranoid; it’s being safe.
• On public transit., stay awake and keep your personal belongings close to you. Sit near
the door or the driver and stay awake. If someone’s harassing you, don’t hesitate; ask the
driver to let you off at a populated bus stop or a well-lit area like a gas station.
• Get to know your laws. You cannot feign ignorance. It is your civic duty to learn the local
laws. Respect them, abide by them and trust them. They are there for your safety. Some
examples of bylaws that can incur heft fines include nighttime noise or uproar, fighting,
drinking on public property, urinating on public property, obstructing traffic, and loitering
while drunk.
• Keep personal information private. Avoid becoming a victim of identity theft by carrying
only the necessary items on you. Don’t give your or your Froshies’ personal information,
such as residence address, to strangers.
1. Take the time to appreciate each member of
your group as an individual. Try to find a way to
personally connect with each member of your
group.
2. Be aware of group dynamics and work actively
to undermine unequal power relationships.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Do use open-ended language and ask
questions.
5. Give special attention to those that seem less
engaged or less included.
Be Inclusive
Be Smart
M-SERT RESPONDERS
M-SERT members are trained first responders and carry advanced emergency equipment,
such as EpiPens, oxygen, and automated external defibrillators. M-SERT is the designated first
aid authority during Orientation Week and Frosh and should be present in any first aid-related
situation. Identify responders by their large red equipment packs or red shirts with FIRST AID
/ PREMIER SOINS written acros the back.
LOCATING M-SERT
McGill Downtown Residences
• 6pm – 6am every night
• Molson hall room 100
• La Citadelle room 204
• Orientation & Frosh Events
You will find M-SERT by the Chill Zone, around campus, and at many Frosh events
CONTACTING M-SERT
For emergencies taking place on campus or in residences, dispatch M-SERT through McGill
Security by calling (514) 398-3000.
During Orientation and Frosh events, ask the event coordinator where M-SERT is stationed.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
In
•
•
•
•
an emergency situation, you can also contact:
Security
Event coordinators
O-Staff
911
If ever in doubt, or if you cannot find M-SERT, contact a faculty coord and they will decide
what is necessary to do next!
M
S E R T
Leaders...
YOUR ROLE
As an Orientation Leader, it is your responsibility to ensure the health and safety of students
involved in Orientation and Frosh events. Measures that can be taken include:
• Ask if students have allergies or take medication
• Ensure students stay hydrated and eat regularly
• Stay aware and informed; keep track of your environment and the people in it
ASSESSMENT
In an emergency, do not attempt to provide any type of first aid treatment to a student. Assess the need for first aid, then call M-SERT. Whether it is for a minor injury or a major incident, an M-SERT responder will be able to determine how to best treat the student.
UNTIL HELP ARRIVES…
The person: Do not attempt any first aid assistance; rather, keep the student comfortable until
M-SERT or 911 arrives.
The scene: Remain at the scene and control the crowd! Make space around the student for
M-SERT or paramedics and to ensure the student’s privacy.
Additional: Once you have called for assistance, notify ADDITIONAL RESOURCES. Call
M-SERT, security, or inform an event coordinator.
REMEMBER!
1.
2.
3.
4.
Assess
See if first aid is required
Call M-SERT or 911
Keep the student safe
Conflict
Recognition
&
Resolution
Conflict
Source
3 Steps to
Recognizing Conflict
1. Recognize the Conflict Focus.
2. Recognize the Conflict Source.
3. Recognize how you tend to deal
with conflict by considering Conflict
Strategies.
Conflict Focus
Determining what the conflict focus is will
help you manage it better as well.
It might either be:
• People
• Is this a dispute-like conflict stemming
from what has transpired between two
or more people?
• Issues
• Is this is a negotiation-like conflict over
competing ideas, proposals, interests,
or resources?
• Usually an issue conflict is easier to
deal with rationally; a people focus
tends to be more destructive.
Is the source stemming from:
•
•
•
•
Individual differences
Information deficiencies
Role incompatibility
Environmental Stress
8
Tips for Effective
Conflict
Management
1. Work with more, rather than less,
information
2. Focus on facts, not opinions
3. Consider and coordinate different
perspectives
4. Develop multiple alternatives to
enrich the level of debate
5. Share commonly agreed-upon goals
6. Maintain a balanced power structure
7. Resolve issues without forcing
consensus
8. Inject humour into the decisionmaking process where appropriate
Conflict Strategies
Conflict is not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, conflict can often lead to increased effectiveness. However, what can be ineffective is how you might deal with conflict. Here are 5 ways to
strategically react to conflict.
Competing – “My way or the highway”
• High assertiveness
• Low cooperativeness
• Best for: taking quick action, making unpopular decisions, and discussing issues of critical
importance when you know for certain that your position is correct.
• You might COMPETE during Orientation Week when handling students doing anything illegal or dangerous.
•
•
•
•
Collaborating – “Two heads are better than one”
High assertiveness
High cooperativeness
Best for: finding a win-win solution, gaining commitment, and improving relationships.
You might COLLABORATE during Orientation Week when choosing a downtime activity to
do with your group or deciding on next steps with your fellow Leaders.
Compromising – “Let’s make a deal”
• Moderate assertiveness
• Moderate cooperativeness
• Best for: negotiating, finding middle ground, dealing with issues of moderate importance,
developing temporary solutions, or when under time constraints.
• You might COMPROMISE during Orientation Week when you have less time left to complete an activity than anticipated.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Avoiding – “I’ll think about it tomorrow”
Low assertiveness
Low cooperativeness
Best for: delaying, dealing with issues of little importance, reducing tensions.
You might AVOID during Orientation Week if someone is asking questions about a topic
you are not familiar with and need more time to research.
Accommodating – “It would be my pleasure”
Low assertiveness
High cooperativeness
Best for: yielding, showing reasonableness, or creating good will.
You might ACCOMMODATE during Orientation Week if someone requires special attention
because of personal needs, such as abstaining from alcohol or needing prayer time.
What to do
when...
A student is pressuring another student to drink
This is a good time as a Leader to use the ground rule of being respectful and inclusive, and
remind everyone that it is okay if you want or don’t want beer. Fun will be had regardless! You
can also model respectful behavior by joining the student in a non-alcoholic drink. Also, dangerous situations where people can and do get hurt often are due in part to peer pressure.
Two Leaders are not getting along
Keep the goal and focus of Orientation Week in mind, try to work together respectfully, be
accountable and check in with each other privately to deal with any problems and/or prevent
conflict. Finally, refer to your Frosh Coordinator if you need to – sometimes it will help put
everything in perspective.
A shy student is reacting negatively to an overly extroverted Leader
This difference in personality type is fine, but it should be approached with care. Recognize
the student, and treat them in a way so they're not frightened by the Leader's extreme openness, and also feel as included as everyone else is. Invite people to take part, encourage those
who are more reserved but don’t force them. Trying to get to know them when you can on a
one-to-one basis will be helpful.
“
“
These are just three of the many possible
situations you could encounter during Frosh. No
matter what, just remember to stay calm and
think back to what you were taught in training.
There’s also nothing wrong with asking another
Leader or a Coordinator for advice.
Why You’re Here
Orientation Week and Frosh are for everyone and you
don't have to sacrifice fun for equity and integration.
Focus on the froshies, not alcohol, and use our tips to
ensure that every student gets involved. YOU are the
people who will create a safe, energetic environment.
We can't make Orientation Week happen without your
commitment to this culture change, so help us give these
froshies an amazing first impression of McGill University.
Have a great Week, everyone - it's up to you to make it
happen!
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your phone by using the
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ORIENTATION
WEEK 2013