Message from Jim Dunsdon, AVP Student Affairs
Dear students,
If you choose to celebrate over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, please do so safely and responsibly. Keep in mind the following information and university guidelines to help you and our community stay safe.
Emergency Support or Safety Concerns
Emergencies & First Aid
- Call 9-1-1 first, then contact Campus Security at 250-721-7599. View a list of emergency contacts.
Campus Security
- Campus Security provides trauma-informed support. Download the UVic Safety App for easy access to all campus security services, including calling 9-1-1 and Campus Security, the Friend Walk app, and maps of campus.
- You can also reach out to Campus Security if you feel unsafe. The Safe Haven, Safe Walk, and Campus Alone programs are available 24/7.
AED & opioid emergency kits
- In addition to the naloxone kits installed throughout residence, the university has installed Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and opioid emergency kits across campus. The kits are intended for emergency use and contain easy-to-follow instructions. Find an AED or naloxone kit on campus.
- You can help first responders and safety partners find you more easily by noting the building number signage on the exterior of buildings and near AED boxes.
Substance consumption
- If you use drugs, please test them to make sure they’re as safe as possible and don’t use alone. There are many resources and supports on campus to support safer substance use, including the Student Wellness Harm Reduction webpage and the UVSS Safer Use webpage.
- Island Health issued a Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory on March 11 noting that drug poisonings are increasing in Greater Victoria and community members who use unregulated substances face increased risk.
- If you use cannabis, consider safer cannabis use practices. Remember that smoking and vaping on campus is restricted to specific areas.
- If you drink, pace yourself, alternate drinks with water, designate a sober driver, and always prioritize your well-being. Learn about steps you can take to protect yourself and others from drink spiking.
- A reminder that both on and off campus, open liquor is not permitted in public places without license in British Columbia. Learn how you can make safer choices around alcohol consumption.
- Remember that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and call 9-1-1 or their local emergency number for help.
Student Residences
- Our regular guest policy is in place and non-residents must be accompanied by a resident host. Non-residents who are in the residence complex without a host will be asked to leave.
- Good Night Out will be back on campus this weekend in their peach-coloured “Here2Help” hoodies alongside our Community Leaders, Campus Security, and local police. These teams work together to nurture a supportive, safe, and fun night out.
Culture of Consent
- Everyone has a role to play in preventing sexualized violence. Prevention begins with respecting one another, especially their boundaries, and practicing consent in all interactions.
- The Sexualized Violence Resource Office in Equity and Human Rights is your campus hub for education, advice, support, and options when it comes to preventing and responding to sexualized violence on campus. Read UVic’s Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Policy.
Celebrating Off Campus
- If you plan to spend time out with friends in our local communities, please be considerate of our neighbours. Respect municipal bylaws related to noise levels, leave public spaces as you found them, and ensure that you are wearing reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight as you navigate your way to and from events.
As a member of the UVic community, please take good care and look out for others. We appreciate your cooperation and wish you a safe and fun few days ahead.
Best regards,
Jim Dunsdon
Associate Vice-President Student Affairs
University of Victoria
