Shad Laurentian
2022 INFORMATION GUIDE
Students here can study in a bilingual environment while benefiting from Indigenous thought and culture and engaging with peers and faculty from around the world! Our location in northern Ontario, at the heart of the Canadian Shield in the Great Lakes Basin, contributes to our unique attributes and conspires to create a one-of-a-kind learning environment. Academic success and overall well-being are intertwined in the student experience here. You will find numerous opportunities to integrate your newly acquired knowledge into experiential application all the while being moments away from an outstanding outdoor adventure. With the province’s best record in post-graduation employment over the last decade, it is clear that the interdisciplinary skills acquired by Laurentian graduates and their proven resourcefulness are sought-after attributes by employers and industry. Laurentian is committed to preparing leaders who will apply innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues.
Students here can study in a bilingual environment while benefiting from Indigenous thought and culture and engaging with peers and faculty from around the world! Our location in northern Ontario, at the heart of the Canadian Shield in the Great Lakes Basin, contributes to our unique attributes and conspires to create a one-of-a-kind learning environment. Academic success and overall well-being are intertwined in the student experience here. You will find numerous opportunities to integrate your newly acquired knowledge into experiential application all the while being moments away from an outstanding outdoor adventure. With the province’s best record in post-graduation employment over the last decade, it is clear that the interdisciplinary skills acquired by Laurentian graduates and their proven resourcefulness are sought-after attributes by employers and industry. Laurentian is committed to preparing leaders who will apply innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues.
- Arriving at Shad
- Your New Home
- Arriving at Shad
- Your Shad Campus
Arriving at Shad
Shad2022 runs from July 3 – 29. Participants should arrive on Sunday, July 3 between 12:00 p.m. and no later than 6:00 p.m.
For those arriving by air to Sudbury, a Shad team member will be at the airport to provide you with assistance. After picking up your luggage, find the Shad team member, they will have a sign. A shuttle service will be available for transportation from the airport to the Laurentian University campus between the hours of 12 pm and 6 pm. Please note, the cost for the shuttle service is $15.00. Payment for the shuttle service must be made in advance.
For those being dropped off, please be dropped off at West Residence, there will be Shad signs posted around the area.
Your Shad Campus
Shads and the campus team will be living in West Residence. An air-conditioned building with furnished self-contained apartments. Each apartment consists of four single furnished bedrooms, living room, kitchen and two bathrooms and is equipped with high-speed internet access. Each room will have a bed, desk and chair, closet, dresser with drawers, mirror and a window that opens. Bedding will be supplied by the residence (pillow, pillowcase, blanket and two sheets) and if you prefer a second pillow, you should bring one from home.
Rooms will be assigned before your arrival at residence. One floor will be designated for male participants, with another for female participants.
Shad shares the building with other guests and Shads should conduct themselves accordingly.
- FOOD
- RESIDENCE KEY
- BANKING
- COMPUTERS
- LAUNDRY
- food
- residence key
- banking
- computers
- laundry
Food
Most of our meals will be eaten on campus. Keep in mind that it is a university, so the food may not be like your home-cooked meals. There will be a variety of food that accommodates most tastes.
Please ensure you let us know of any dietary requirements or allergies if you have not done so already.
Residence Key
You will be given residence keys for which you will be responsible. More information will be shared by your program director.
Banking
We recommend that you bring some pocket money with you for transportation to and from the airport, laundry, and purchasing souvenirs. There are no additional mandatory expenses.
There are bank ATMs available on campus should you need to withdraw additional funds.
Computers
You have an option to bring a laptop, tablet, or another personal computing device for research, word processing, and other tasks related to the program. Wi-Fi access is available in residence and elsewhere on campus. Shad team members will assist you with Wi-Fi setup upon arrival. The University and Shad Canada do not take any responsibility for lost/damaged/stolen valuables or property.
Laundry
There will be pay-per-use washers and dryers available. Laundry detergent is available on campus. If you have any allergies to certain types of detergent, please bring your own.
While there are no irons in the rooms, if needed, an iron can be borrowed for use.
- CHRISTIAN LAFORGE
- THOMAS MERRITT
- CHRISTIAN LAFORGE
- THOMAS MERRITT
Christian LaForge
Program Co-Director
Having delivered Shad2020 Online and the virtual program in 2021, Christian is looking forward to in-person Shad2022 program. Christian completed his undergraduate degree in psychologie (2014) at Université de Moncton, New Brunswick, and his master’s degree in experimental psychology (2018) at Laurentian University, Ontario. Christian currently works as a high school teacher and sessional lecturer in the Psychology and Psychologie programs at Laurentian University. Christian’s time in the classroom as a teacher and lecturer has confirmed his passion for teaching and has inspired him to pursue further studies in education. In the past, Christian has worked as a liaison coordinator and as an academic advisor for Laurentian. When Christian is not devoting his time to secondary and postsecondary education, he enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Thomas Merritt
Program Co-Director
Thomas’ research explores the connection between genetic diversity and biological complexity. Research in his group focuses on metabolism, stress, and genetic networks often using the fruit fly model system, but some projects involve microbes, vertebrates, or a variety of invertebrates and locations range as far as regional lakes to deep underground in an active nickel mine. Thomas’ contributions also extend beyond the academic setting and into the non-scientific community. As a committed science communicator and partner with Science North, Canada’s second largest science centre, Thomas has shared the importance of genetics research as a TEDx speaker, educator, and writer. For the last eight years, he has curated a science art show, most recently in partnership with Science North. His pop-sci article on trapping flies – and the science of model species – has almost 550,000 hits on TheConversation.ca, an on-line academic news source.
Christian LaForge
Thomas Merritt
CLOTHING - ACCESSORIES
- Jacket/Raincoat with hood
- Baseball-type hat (sun/rain)
- Hoodie or sweater
- Long pants and shorts (long pants may be required in labs)
- Long and short sleeve t-shirts
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Socks
- Swimwear
- Comfortable clothing for daily fitness activities
- 1 business formal outfit and shoes
FOOTWEAR
- 2 pairs of athletic shoes (for indoor and outdoor use; closed toe shoes required in athletic facilities and labs)
- Sandals or flip / flops (for shower use)
- Water safe shoes / water shoes
PERSONAL ITEMS
- Towel, face cloth
- Beach towel for water activities
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush/paste, etc.)
- A supply of face masks (just in case)
- Other personal hygiene items (hand sanitizer, tissues, deodorant, etc.)
Documents and Medication
- Health card
- Medical insurance card (if available)
- Bank card (if you choose to bring one)
- Medication (if needed)
- Extra pair of glasses/contacts (if you wear them)
- Prescription refill note (if taking medication)
Outdoor Gear
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater)
- Sunglasses
- Hiking hat or baseball cap
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
- Umbrella
- Small backpack (for hiking/day trips)
- Flashlight (NOT your phone)
- Sleeping bag
- Camping mug, bowl, plate and utensils (optional)
- Air mattress / foam (for under your sleeping bag – optional)
- Hiking shoes / boots
Other
(Highly recommended, but not mandatory)
- Personal notebook or paper
- Writing tools
- Laptop, tablet, or smartphone
- Memory stick
- Alarm clock
- Watch
- Calculator
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Reading material
- Basic sports equipment (baseball glove and ball, football, etc.)
- Musical instruments (along with sheet music)
- Music
- Pocket Money (a small amount for things like laundry, taxi to / from airport, and souvenirs)
- Extra pillow (for more of an “at home” feeling)
- Extra hangers
- Small fan
DO NOT BRING
- Game system / TV
- Pets (service animals exempted; please inform your program director for accommodations)
- Any dangerous goods or weapons
- Perfumes, colognes, or other strong scents
- Expensive jewelry or other valuables
- AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
- SUPERVISED COMMUNITY
- THE SCHEDULE
- TECH-ETIQUETTE: APPROPRIATE USAGE
- RECREATION AT SHAD
- ENERGY MANAGEMENT
- DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
- SUPERVISED COMMUNITY
- THE SCHEDULE
- TECH-ETIQUETTE: APPROPRIATE USAGE
- RECREATION AT SHAD
- ENERGY MANAGEMENT
DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
A diverse and inclusive community is an important value of the Shad program. You will meet students from across Canada, with different lived experiences and backgrounds. Some of you have experience with complex, high responsibility activities such as traveling or being away from home, while for others, this may be your first time being apart from family. Respect for all individuals is a requirement for a successful community.
Community must be preserved and protected in the Shad program. There are no exclusive relationships at Shad, whether for the purposes of romance, clique, gender, ethnicity, or any other reason. Relationships that exclude (or attempt to exclude) others will not be accepted. Intentionally excluding others is a form of bullying and could result in dismissal from the program. The month at Shad provides you the opportunity to make connections with a community of other exceptional students. We hope that this tight-knit community that forms at Shad will continue for many years after the program.
SUPERVISED COMMUNITY
Shad is a supervised community. Every member of the program team is charged with the responsibility of ensuring your safety and protection. We take this responsibility seriously! This means that we will need to know approximately where you are and what you are doing at all times. This level of awareness ensures that in case of an emergency, we can account for your whereabouts quickly.
You are also a partner in ensuring your own safety and the safety of the Shad community. You are expected to ensure that your behaviour is always aligned with the Shad values.
Just because the community is supervised does not mean that you won’t have freedom to engage in a range of activities across the university campus. We take advantage of many of the various programs, departments, recreational facilities and spaces on campus to ensure that you enjoy an exciting university experience.
SCHEDULE
You can expect life at Shad to be busy, but don’t worry, we have downtime and recreational activities built into the program as well. Each day, you can expect a different combination of lectures, workshops, recreational and cultural activities, as well as unscheduled time that you can use to connect with your peers, work on your design project, and reflect on what you’ve learned and accomplished so far.
TECH-ETIQUETTE: APPROPRIATE USAGE
The ability to rapidly access relevant information can be key to innovation. There is no question that effective use of technology can be a useful tool. That said, the appropriate use of technology is essential for an effective learning/teaching/cooperative environment. There is etiquette for the use of technology. Rather than provide a long list of rules that will define acceptable use of technology, our technology policy is governed by the same core values as Shad.
All use of technology — including cell phones, notebooks, tablets, translators and the like — must uphold the principles of excellence, responsibility and creativity. While you might be an exceptional multitasker, maintaining devoted attention to a task at hand is a hallmark of responsibility and maturity. When it comes to the use of technology, know what’s right, do what’s right and be respectful!
RECREATION AT SHAD
We have time set aside for recreational activities. These include cultural events, field trips and many opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery of the area.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Shad is most enriching when we have sufficient energy to be fully engaged in all program activities. After a long and busy day, everyone needs adequate rest. We also need to respect others and allow them to re-energize themselves by getting the rest they need. Please manage your energy levels appropriately and allow others to do the same by going to bed at the appropriate time.
- Living with Respect
- Creativity
- EXCELLENCE
- COMMUNITY
- DIVERSITY
- RESPONSIBILITY
- Living with Respect
- Creativity
- EXCELLENCE
- COMMUNITY
- DIVERSITY
- RESPONSIBILITY
LIVING WITH RESPECT
Our values are what make Shad the incredible program that it is. At our Shad campus these values are vigorously embraced – just like they are at each of the other campuses across Canada. Being a Shad means accepting these values fully into everything you do! Adherence to these values determines how successful your Shad experience will be. They are sacred trusts.
EXCELLENCE
We aspire to excellence in all we do.
DIVERSITY
We value diversity and open discussion.
CREATIVITY
We cherish the freedom to explore, create, and innovate.
COMMUNITY
We are committed to the respect, cooperation, and shared fun that builds a powerful, supportive community, while remaining mindful of the safety and well-being of that community.
RESPONSIBILITY
Our behaviour is always governed by respect for others and the highest standards of ethical conduct.
What happens when a diverse group of high school students from across Canada come together in the spirit of science, technology and entrepreneurship? Shad Open Day is a day to put your campus and your accomplishments on display for the community.
On Thursday, July 28th, family, friends and community members are invited to join us for a day of demonstrations and exhibits. You will get the chance to showcase your team’s innovation and your own special talents for the extended community.
We understand that some of you will be traveling far from home to attend Shad and therefore it will be more difficult for your family members to make it for Open Day. Do not worry – there will be many of your fellow Shads in the same position and you will still enjoy the magic of Open Day!
The program ends on the morning of Friday, July 29, and some may need to leave very early to catch a flight or bus. Rooms are required to be vacated by 11:00 a.m. that day.
If you have a bus/train/plane to catch, you will need to make arrangements to get from the campus with plenty of time before your scheduled departure time. If your parents/guardians are picking you up by car, they should plan to do this before 11:00 a.m.
Please note that the Shad program concludes at 11:00 a.m. on July 29 and Shad will no longer be responsible for you after this time.
- SHAD SPEAKS
- BIO-TILE
- SHAD SPEAKS
- BIO-TILE
SHAD SPEAKS
Shad Laurentian is not only interested in getting you to listen, it is also very interested in what you have to say.
During the course of the program, you will be asked to give a 7-minute presentation – which we call a Shad Speak – on a topic of your choice. Select something you are passionate about so that you will be comfortable sharing it with others. You should also consider a topic that you are confident will be of interest to others. Be authentic and be genuine!
Shad Speaks will be strictly timed to 7-minutes and the focus will be on you and your ideas. As such, presentations will be technology-free (i.e. no PowerPoint or access to a projector).
BIO-TILE
At the very beginning of the program, we will be running an introduction activity that will require you to have a completed bio-tile. A bio-tile provides some insight as to who you are and demonstrates features that represent you. There are only three requirements for the bio-tile:
- Max size: 15 cm X 15 cm X 2 cm
- It must be creative!
- It must be unique to you.
After that, it’s up to you. The more creative the better! Make sure that you have your bio-tile ready for day 1.
- SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS
- VISITORS
- CONTACT DURING THE PROGRAM
- SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS
- VISITORS
- CONTACT DURING THE PROGRAM
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS
Q: I have a special accommodation request. How do I submit my request and will you be able to help me?
A: You will need to inform us of the special accommodations that you require ahead of time. We will let you know what we can do to support you as best as possible. We want to help make sure your experience here is exceptional.
VISITORS
Q: Can I have visitors during Shad? Can my parents take me off campus for a non-emergency reason?
A: No. Visitors are only welcome to come to Shad on Open Day on Thursday, July 28.
CONTACT DURING THE PROGRAM
Q: How can my parents contact me during Shad?
A: Your parents can contact you on your cell phone (although you may not be able to answer due to program activities).