About Us
The Student Success Centre is here to help all Saint Mary’s University students thrive academically, personally, and socially during their time at SMU. Whether you're a new student transitioning into university life, a second-year student navigating new challenges, or anyone seeking to develop their skills and achieve their goals, our team is here to help you succeed.
The Student Success Centre
O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre, Third Floor, Room 301
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS
B3H 3C3
Phone: 902-420-5761
Email: studentsuccess@smu.ca
Hours of Operation:
Sept-May 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
June-August 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Program Contacts
New To SMU, Student Life and Leadership: welcome@smu.ca
Peer Success Coaching: peercoaching@smu.ca
Learning Support, Year 2 @ SMU: studentsuccess@smu.ca
Community Food Room: food.room@smu.ca
Early Assist: earlyassist@smu.ca
Meet Our Team
Amy McEvoy
Manager, Student Success Center
Amy has worked in various areas of student success, including new student programs, leadership development, career education, and academic advising. Most of her experience focuses on supporting new students as they transition to university life. She holds a Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Calgary, with research in student retention and success.
Like many students, Amy was unsure of her academic path when she started university. She explored both the arts and sciences before finding her fit. Now, she enjoys helping students navigate their journeys, especially those facing academic challenges. Drawing from her own experience of overcoming academic probation, she is passionate about helping students succeed.
As an advisor, she is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals through resources, guidance, and actionable plans.
Outside of work, Amy is a mother, first-generation graduate, and sports fan.
Emma Rota
Student Transitions Specialist
Emma completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University in 2020. Now serving as a Student Transition Specialist, she plans and implements the New to SMU program to ease the transition into university life for new students. She also oversees the SMU Community Food Room, administers the Keep It Social program at Saint Mary’s, and designs initiatives to enhance student life and leadership programs. Emma is passionate about student success, focusing on guiding students with empathy and inclusivity while fostering resilience and community connections. Outside of work, Emma has two cats that she loves and enjoys hiking and camping outdoors.
Mikala Gallant-Snively
Student Success Specialist
Mikala completed a Bachelor of Arts in Great Books at St. Thomas University and a Master of Arts in Literature at Dalhousie University. She is currently a Student Success Specialist at Saint Mary’s University, where she supports students through Peer Coaching, Early Assist, and Learning Skills programming.
With over a decade of experience in student services, Mikala is passionate about empowering students to thrive academically and personally. Outside of work, she is a mother of two small children and enjoys reading and watching reality television.
Student Staff
