Page 45 - 2024 June report

MOUNT ALLISON UNIVERSITY REPORT (2)
Torre Mordillo Field School in Archeology (CLAS 3501 and CLAS 3511)
• Five-week course where students receive two course credits. In 2024, the course is June 3 to July 5.
• Students gain a holistic view of methodologies and techniques of modern archaeological research while
exploring interactions between Greek and Indigenous populations of Southern Italy from the 6th centruy BCE to the Roman Age. The school includes fieldwork (excavation) and analysis and emergency restoration of ancient artifacts.
• In 2024, three of the 14 students participating are registered with the Meighen Centre.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival Field School (DRAM)
• Two-week course held in August 2023 and August 2024.
• Students attend the world’s largest arts and media festival.
• In 2024, five of the nine students participating are registered with the Meighen Centre.
“For many students, this is their first time travelling out of the country and often the first time on an airplane. Many students never thought this kind of experience would ever be possible for them. I’m proud our University has committed to helping students with the challenges and anxieties that may come with taking part, so that the students can focus on the incredible academic and life experiences that take place on these field schools.”
– Matt Maston, director of accessibility and student wellness, staff support on 2022 and 2023 Utrecht Field Schools
“It was incredible. We went to alter shops,
saw pagodas, learned about the historic
temples of Japan, engaged with a lot of
different community members, and I think
learning in this way is far superior to the
traditional classroom setting. It gives you
the opportunity and flexibility to explore
your interests and various curiosities. It was
just a real eye-opening experience for me.”
- Ryan Friars, student, participated in 2023 Kyoto Field School
| How Are Students Supported?
The JSF’s support means that students with disabilities have access to the physical, learning, and social supports they need while travelling abroad. Support staff travel with students and help with everything from notetaking and audio and visual learning supports to mentoring students who are adapting to the social and cultural challenges of what may be their first experience with international travel. This support person is a non-academic staff member that works alongside the faculty member who is teaching the course.
We also offer a comprehensive pre-departure orientation session where students ask questions and get to know one another and have a chance to feel well-prepared for their international field school experience. There are also one-on-one meetings between participating Meighen Centre students and the support staff.
The JSF’s support has a positive impact on all students participating in the field schools. This is because the support staff member provides more than just targeted support to students that are registered with the Meighen Centre — they support the emotional, intellectual, physical, and social well-being of all participants. They work with the faculty member to facilitate a healthy group dynamic and help students in acclimating to their international experience and navigating any difficulties or challenges that may arise.
Many participants are low-income, first-generation students that are also having an international experience for the first time. In addition to the 18 Meighen Centre students participating in the 2024 field trips, there are also more than 24 low-income, first-generation students, which means 42 of the 57 students travelling this spring/summer are from traditionally underrepresented and disadvantaged groups.
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Education / A Powerful force for change Page 43