October at the AMS: What We’ve Worked on for Students

Written by Communications on October 30, 2026. Posted in My AMS.

October was a busy month across the AMS.

From expanding student supports and financial resources to strengthening harm reduction efforts, improving event resources, and advocating on issues affecting student life, a lot of work has been happening behind the scenes and across campus.

Here’s a look back at what the AMS worked on this month and how that work supported students.

Making Student Life More Affordable

One of the biggest focuses this month was helping students access more financial support and savings opportunities.

The first round of AMS grants and bursaries opened for applications this fall, and those submissions are now being reviewed, with funding expected to be distributed over the next few weeks. The next round of applications will open throughout November, so keep an eye on the AMS Grants & Bursaries page for upcoming opportunities and deadlines.

The AMS also launched the Student Savings Dashboard, creating one central place for students to explore discounts, deals, and savings opportunities available to them.

For students, this means less time searching across different websites, social media pages, and individual businesses to figure out where student discounts are available. Instead, the dashboard makes it easier to quickly see what savings you can access and take advantage of offers that might otherwise be easy to miss.

With the cost of everyday student life adding up quickly, even small savings on food, services, entertainment, and other expenses can make a meaningful difference over the course of the semester.

On the services side, at CoGro and The Brew, students are now able to order ahead through their new mobile ordering platform ChowNow, making it easier to get your favourite food, drinks and treats faster.

Together, these initiatives are part of a broader effort to make student life more affordable and easier to navigate.

Expanding Resources for Events

The Campus Affairs Commission has expanded the resources available to students and clubs this month.

The new Equipment Borrowing Program allows students and student groups to borrow items such as card readers and cash boxes, wagons/dollys, water coolers, cutlery, sign stands, trolleys, chalkboards, and other event equipment.

The goal is simple: reduce the need for students and clubs to purchase equipment they may only use once while making event planning more accessible and sustainable.

Supporting Safer Celebrations

October is one of the most live months at Queen’s, bringing students together through celebrations, traditions, and events that create a strong sense of community both on and off campus. These weekends are an exciting part of the student experience, and the AMS is here to ensure students can celebrate safely, responsibly, and with the support they need.

Throughout the month, the AMS worked closely with Queen’s University, the City of Kingston, Kingston Police, Bylaw Enforcement, and the Police Liaison Team (PLT) to promote harm reduction, student safety, and awareness of students’ rights and responsibilities. These partnerships help ensure students can enjoy celebrations while making informed decisions, looking out for one another, and respecting the broader Kingston community.

As part of these efforts, the Campus Affairs Commission hosted a Harm Reduction Kit-Making Event on October 21, where students came together to prepare kits containing bandages, electrolytes, granola bars, drink covers, and first-aid supplies.

Additionally, on October 24, The Queen’s Pub provided free pancakes and harm reduction supplies, offering students practical resources throughout the weekend.

At the heart of all of this is the AMS’s commitment to creating a campus environment where students feel supported, informed, and empowered to enjoy university life. Celebrating and staying safe should go hand in hand, and the AMS remains committed to advocating for students’ rights, promoting responsible celebrations, and ensuring students have access to the resources they need to make the most of their university experience.

Bringing Students Together in the JDUC

The first-ever JDUC Haunted Mansion transformed the building for a day of Halloween programming, including pumpkin carving, a movie marathon, a haunted house, an escape room, games, treats, prizes, and Halloween-themed activities.

After years of planning, construction, and anticipation surrounding the JDUC revitalization, events like this represent exactly what we dreamed of. Our goal has always been to make the JDUC more than just a building. It is the hub of student life, where you can connect with others, discover new experiences, and feel a sense of belonging at Queen’s.

Strengthening Equity and Student Advocacy

The AMS also continued its advocacy work throughout October.

The Social Issues Commission recruited students for the Queer Advocacy Advisory Council and Black Student Advisory Council, creating more opportunities for students to directly shape equity-related advocacy and priorities.

These councils are designed to give students space to share their experiences, represent their communities, and contribute to conversations about inclusion and student support at Queen’s.

The AMS also continued preparing for Queen’s to host the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) General Assembly later in November, which brings student leaders from all over the province together to discuss issues affecting undergraduate students across Ontario.

Continuing to Improve the Student Experience

The AMS is here to make student life at Queen’s better. That means listening to students, responding to the challenges they face, and continuing to build a campus experience that is more accessible, supportive, connected, and reflective of what students need.

The AMS is here to represent students and help make their university experience the best it can be. As we move into November, the AMS will continue building on this work and looking for ways to better support students across campus.