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With uncertainty looming over the University of Manitoba as a potential faculty strike approaches, Segue mentor Tammy Junghans is no stranger to navigating these challenges.
"Students are uncertain about what things are going to look like," she said. "How long could this strike last? Is there going to be a strike? Can I cross a picket line? Are my teachers still going to be teaching even if there is a strike?"
Segue, a Christian student club, is dedicated to supporting students through transitions. "Segue means a smooth transition from one thing to the next," Junghans explained. "We want to see students transition smoothly. We care about justice, helping students, and deepening their walk with God."
The potential faculty strike, set to begin March 10, involves more than 1,300 professors, instructors, and librarians. Manitobans will find out whether the strike will proceed after the U of M Faculty Association’s bargaining deadline of March 6 at 11:59 p.m.
During this period of uncertainty, Junghans emphasizes the importance of being present for students. "We're planning on helping students through a lot of listening, a lot of empathizing, letting them share how they're feeling, and walking them through it."
Beyond offering emotional support, Segue provides students with practical resources. "We have a church across the street, Converge Community Church, that we partner with," she said. "They allow us to use the building as a staging ground, so students can come to study, have lunch or breakfast with us, and take some time and space. It’s not on campus, but it’s close enough."
Junghans, who helped start Segue 15 years ago, credits a strong leadership team for keeping the club running. "We have great student leaders. Some of them went through the longer strike in 2021, so they can share their experiences—the fears that were realized, the ones that weren’t, and what helped them get through it."
For more information about Segue at the University of Manitoba, visit them on Instagram.