DOTSS Commitees
Below is a list and short description of all the different committees that fall under DOTSS. We encourage you all to join at least one of them. While the list might seem overwhelming, most committees don't have a large time commitment so it's possible to be a part of many of them. During orientation, there will be an opportunity to learn more about these committees and sign up for any you are interested in joining.
Adsum House
This committee also doesn't fall under DOTSS but is a way for all 1st and 2nd year girls that like to cook to give back! Adsum House is a women's shelter in downtown Halifax that provides shelter for women and children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.(Sorry boys! But fear not, there is always an opportunity for you to give back to the community as well!) Every Sunday, two or three 1st and 2nd year female students volunteer a couple hours of their afternoon to cook a hot meal for the 15-20 residents of the shelter. We try to pair 1st and 2nd year students together so that 1st years have a chance to ask 2nd years all their burning questions. It's a great way to give back to the community and a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
For the Health of It (FTHOI) Committee
OT students who like to act, dance or just have fun will enjoy participating in this event and there is no experience necessary! Annually, nears the end of November, all of the health professions at Dal come together to put on a show to raise funds for one community charity while simultaneously competing for bragging rights and to be crowned as FTHOI Champions! Each program writes and performs a 12-minute skit, explaining their profession in a creative way. In the past, OT has held the titles of "Most Creative" and "Most Inter-professional" and “ Crowd Favourite!” Not to mention that along with the school of Physiotherapy, we are some of the most competitive and talented out there. We're hoping to recruit as many people as possible for this year's show making it bigger and better. You can have as little or as much involvement as you want in the show - whether you want to help building props, take on an acting role, join the big final dance, or help with tech support - the more the merrier. There really is a job for everyone!
Global Health Committee
This committee is new, running as its own for only the second year. Its purpose is to bring to light global health issues and participate in global health initiatives in order to increase awareness and provide support. The goal for 2014 and 2015 is to bring resources to partner occupational therapy programs internationally.
Intramural/ Sports Reps
Dal has a great intramural program that includes sports such as ultimate frisbee, soccer, volleyball, basketball, handball, flag football, hockey, rock climbing and inner-tube water polo. Intramural sports reps work together to find out the class' sporting interests, register teams, collect registration fees, email team captains regarding schedules and game changes, and provide liaison between students and the campus recreation coordinator.
Kids’ Day
Kid’s day is an annual event where the School of OT invites kids from the community to the school for an inclusive day of fun activities! This year will be the 26th annual Kid’s Day, held in September. Co-chairs for this committee are responsible for coming up with a theme, decorations, inclusive activities and costumes for the big event! This day is one of many great opportunities to give back to the community as a school. In history, this is one of the events to which many students provide their support and it has been one of the schools greatest and most enjoyable successes! This only happens once a year so be sure not to miss your chance!
Orientation Committee
This committee only forms itself in the spring, but its goal is to organize fun orientation activities for the incoming class and help make them feel welcomed and prepared for the year ahead. Members of the committee work closely with a few professors, administrators, as well as the students to plan a portion of the academic orientation as well as the social functions for the first week of formal orientation.
Professional Development
Professional Development is a major part of your career. Starting early puts you ahead of the game and also prepares you for the adventures of placement ahead. This committee is responsible for helping to increase our professional development by inviting guest speakers to talk to first and second year students on topics that are very relevant in many practice settings. The committee also takes a role in promoting our profession during Occupational Therapy month (October). In the past we have had excellent presentations on seating and positioning, assisted therapy (Therapeutic Paws), non-profit organizations (Alzheimer's Society), and CAOT certification. Possible speakers for the following year include community occupational therapists and former OT clients. It’s a great and very different way to learn about the scope of our practice and the effect that we might one day have on the community and on the lives of our clients.
Social Committee
This committee focuses on fundraising and planning social events throughout the year. Co-chairs and members of this committee are responsible for fundraising and organizing for the OT Ball, which happens in the fall, as well as planning many more class activities! This committee serves as a great opportunity to plan events that awill bring both classes together.
School Commitees
Below is a list and short description of all the different school committees. During orientation, there will be an opportunity to learn more about these committees and sign up for any you are interested in joining.
Equity Committee
This committee does not fall under the umbrella of DOTSS as it is run through faculty; however it is a great opportunity for student involvement in discussion on affirmative action and equity issues at the university. Students work on numerous projects such as an interactive message board that spurs discussion on a selected topic in relation to healthcare. In the past students have teamed up with the Dalhousie Aboriginal Health Interest Group to host a career fair in Eskasoni with other Dalhousie health professions. The Affirmative Action & Equity Committee is a standing committee of the School of Occupational Therapy. Decisions requiring ratification will be brought to the Committee of the Whole.