Diverse & Inclusive Community
A diverse and inclusive community is an important value of the Shad program. You will be joining students from across Canada, each with unique experiences, circumstances, and challenges—they may be balancing family responsibilities, navigating limited resources, or overcoming other obstacles. ShadAnywhere was designed to break down barriers, making the program accessible to a wider range of participants and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Whether you’re experienced with online programs or this is your first time in a virtual community like ShadAnywhere, one thing is certain: treating everyone with respect is the foundation of creating a supportive and successful community.

Community is at the heart of the Shad program, and it’s important that we all contribute to creating an inclusive, supportive environment. At Shad, we believe in welcoming everyone, regardless of differences in background, identity, or interests. There’s no room for exclusive relationships, whether for the purposes of romance, cliques, gender, ethnicity, or any other reason. Excluding others in any way can harm the community and goes against our core values. The month at Shad is a unique chance to connect with other exceptional students, and we hope the friendships and bonds formed here will last well beyond the program.

Supportive Team
The Shad team is here to support you. Your program team is made up of leaders who are committed to working with students to meet their needs.

Supervised Community
Shad is a supervised community. Every member of the program team is charged with the responsibility of ensuring your safety and protection while participating in our online environment. This is a responsibility which we take seriously, and you are a key partner in our efforts. All members of our ShadAnywhere community have agreed to demonstrate behaviour consistent with our Shad Values when they accepted placement in the program. Any behaviour which deviates from these values will be addressed. If at any point you find yourself in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, disrespected, or unsafe, please don’t hesitate to connect with a member of the program team.

Schedule
A typical day will begin at 11:00 am and end at 5:00 pm, Eastern Time. Participants will be signing into the program from several different time zones and represent provinces and territories from across the country. Hours will be filled with lectures, workshops, personal challenges, community development activities, and project design initiatives. A Shad tradition is never giving the schedule away in advance as the element of surprise enhances the magic of the program. That magic continues in 2025!

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.

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, maturity, and shows respect for your fellow Shads. When it comes to the use of technology, know what’s right, do what’s right and be respectful!

Tech Etiquette: Community Guidelines

1. Be Kind and Courteous
   We’re all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let’s treat everyone with respect.
2. No Hate Speech or Bullying
   Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn’t allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated.
3. Respect Everyone’s Privacy
   Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What’s shared in the group should stay in the group.
4. Comments are Monitored
   All comments will be monitored, and we reserve the right to delete any if they use foul, vulgar, defamatory, or any other negative language.

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 disconnecting from the screen at the end of the day, during designated break times, and whenever helpful for your mental health. We ask that you notify a team member if you are stepping away for a brief break. 

Mental Well-Being in an Online Environment

Spending several hours online each day can be challenging, so it’s important to take care of your mental well-being. Throughout the program, we will have short breaks and a dedicated nutrition break each day to help you recharge. Use these moments to step away from the screen, hydrate, eat well, stretch, or get some fresh air. Taking care of yourself will help you stay focused, energized, and make the most of your Shad experience!