The Buddle Huddle

The University community is not immune to death, and coping with grief and loss is common among students and staff. Why is this a topic seldom discussed on campus? How can we support those who have lost someone close to them? In this episode of the Buddle Huddle, McGill's Dean of Student Chris Buddle talks about end-of-life issues with a grief counsellor and two students who started a Death Cafe on campus. Despite the heaviness of the topic, the conversations are uplifting, helpful and result in some very concrete ways to find support, or be supportive.

Being busy has become a status symbol, and a competition. But the Busy Olympics is no conducive to a healthy lifestyle - how do we break the cycle, especially in a University context? In this episode of the Buddle Huddle, Dean of Students Chris Buddle discusses being busy with three students at McGill, and together they explore ways to rethink the busy-ness of life and learning - they offer very insightful views on the topic, and some terrific advice, including how empathy can help us get off the busy treadmill.

In this episode Dean of Students Chris Buddle gets on a spin bike and explores the topic of connections, as part of a new series out of McGill University's Student Wellness Hub called "Spin Doctors". Gasping for breath, and in discussion with the Healthy Living Annex's peer health ambassador Bob, Chris explores the topic of wellness, and the many reasons why developing a community is important (yet challenging!) for students. This engaging and fun conversation also includes great tips and tricks around how to develop social connections. Chris also calls his sister (again): it's a true Buddle Huddle.

Starting school is fun, but can also be terrifying. In this first episode of Season 2 of the Buddle Huddle, Dean of Students Chris Buddle explores the feeling of excitement and nervousness that go along with the start of any academic year. Join Chris as he unpacks these emotions, speaking to McGill students, staff, and parents, and getting all their great advice. And, the fan-favourite "Phone A McGillian" is back. Welcome to Fall 2019! Don't be nervous, tune in and get pumped for this exciting time of year.

Hard to believe, but the first season of the Buddle Huddle podcast is done! In the 10th and final episode of the season, Dean of Students Chris Buddle takes the opportunity to review the season. Chris and Ashley discuss their highlights and favourite moments, and provide a few hints around what Season 2 will bring! Although it's a wrap for now, the Buddle Huddle will return in September.

The word student means different things to different people. In a University context, it often refers to an undergraduate or graduate student working full-time on a set of degree requirements over a 3-5 year period. In this episode of the Buddle Huddle, Dean of Students Chris Buddle speaks to students who have different ideas on what it means to study at McGill University, whether caring for dependents while studying, returning to school after retirement, or balancing a full time job with part time studies. Tune in to the penultimate episode of the first season of the podcast and hear insightful discussion about different kinds of journeys at the University. And, the ever-popular 'Phone a McGillian' is back!

Feelings of self-doubt, and worrying you are a 'fraud' in the Academy is more common than you might think! In this episode of the Buddle Huddle, Dean of Students Chris Buddle explores the topic of Imposter Syndrome in a University setting. Through engaging discussions with students, Professors and Administrators, learn about how people come to terms with their own feelings of imposter syndrome, and the strategies they use to help overcome (or embrace!) the phenomenon. One common message is the importance of discussing this topic in an open and frank manner. So, tune in!

At many Universities, living in a Residence Hall is part of a first year experience: home is therefore on campus, and in many cases, a local community and support group is provided by staff and students living in proximity. There are challenges and opportunities when it comes to living together on campus, and this episode of the Buddle Huddle Dean of Students Chris Buddle explores this topic, focusing on some of the programming and workshops offered to students living in Residence Halls at McGill University. Through engaging conversations with staff and students, we delve into what it means to live and learn as a community. And, a very special guest makes another appearance.

Every season Chris will take on the challenge to have all your questions and concerns answered and so far, the Buddle Huddle podcast is going great. ODOS has received some feedback and some important questions have been raised. So, in this episode the Dean of Students, Chris Buddle, chats to Ashley Karekaho from ODOS and responds to some the most pressing questions regarding failing grades, the role of the Provost at McGill, construction on campus and many more. Join the conversation and submit your feedback to the Buddle Huddle.

From loneliness to impacts of academic distress, the wellbeing and mental health of students is top of mind on campus. In this extended episode of the Buddle Huddle, Dean of Students Chris Buddle talks to staff and students about mental health, focusing on understanding the struggle and hearing perspectives from the community. The conversation includes discussion about how we define mental health, the causes of increased demands on mental health resources (including in Student Services, but also resources such as the student-run Peer Support Centre), perspectives on whether awareness campaigns are serving an important purpose, and ways the University can improve its approach to student wellbeing. We hope you can listen in and join the conversation on this important topic. It affects us all.