A message from Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Dr. Robina Thomas, Acting President & Vice-Chancellor
Dear students and colleagues,
We’re just over a month into 2026 and yet so much has happened, both close to home and abroad. With the terrible headlines and images shared in the media, with approaching midterms, and with challenging things going on in our lives, we are each managing in our own ways. I have heard from people across campus and know this is a difficult and uncertain time for many people in our community.
I want you to know that whatever you’re feeling or grappling with, resources and supports are available on campus and in our community for students and faculty/staff. I’ve highlighted a few key resources below.
In times of uncertainty, I lean on the teachings in our Indigenous Plan, Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENEṈISTEL | Helping to move each other forward, which helps ensure an inclusive, diverse and accountable environment for all members of our community.
We have a diverse campus community, and at a time when it would be easy for us to feel divided, it’s more important than ever to bring in our good hearts and minds by standing together, supporting each other, giving each other grace, and seeking to understand our differences to find common ground. Your unique experiences, backgrounds and world views help make UVic an incredibly rich place to learn, teach, work and visit.
This seems like a fitting opportunity to highlight one example of the work being done on campus to foster inclusive and supportive communities. This week, Equity and Human Rights, Student Affairs, Campus Cousins and the Anti-Violence Project are hosting Cultures of Care Week, which is exploring what care and consent look like for us, in our relationships, across cultures and in our campus community. There are events throughout the week, and I encourage you to attend in-person or follow along on Instagram @uvic_equity and @uvicyearone.
I hold my hands up to each and every one of you and thank you for your contributions to our campus community. Please take some time to care for yourselves and each other.
Huy tseep q’u Siem,
Qwul’sih’yah’maht
Dr. Robina Thomas
Acting President and Vice-Chancellor
Safety & inclusion supports on campus
Equity and Human Rights
Creating an inclusive, welcoming environment at UVic is a shared responsibility among us all. Hate, discrimination and harassment cannot, and will not, be tolerated at UVic.
If you have experienced discrimination or harassment, Equity and Human Rights is here to support you and has ensured that, over the coming days, team members will be available if you have concerns, questions, or require help in accessing other support services.
Campus Safety
Campus Security Services (CSEC) is here when you need help. CSEC is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They’re available for urgent support, and also provide a range of personal safety programs like SafeWalk, CampusAlone and more.
Supports for students
There are a range of support options & 24-hour supports for students on campus and in community.
International Centre for Students (ICS)
The International Centre for Students has a team who can help with the transition to Canada, travel information, peer connections, community building, immigration and settlement.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1-250-721-6361
Student Wellness Centre (SWC)
The Student Wellness Centre provides holistic care for your emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Contact Student Wellness for appointments with counsellors, doctors, nurses, spiritual care providers, and more.
Book an appointment
Phone: +1-250-721-8563
SupportConnect
SupportConnect offers free, confidential mental-health support for UVic students. Get connected with qualified, multilingual counsellors, consultants and life coaches. Contact SupportConnect from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.
Phone: +1-844-773-1427
Academic Advising
Contact your academic-advising office for help understanding and fulfilling your academic program requirements.
Undergraduate | Graduate
Supports for faculty & staff
There are a range of support options & 24-hour supports for faculty and staff on campus and in community.
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Through our EFAP program, staff, faculty and their dependents can access free mental-wellness supports.
Community supports
Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR)
VICCIR provides mental-health support and counselling services to immigrants and refugees on Vancouver Island. They offer specialized services to those who have experienced trauma and displacement, with a focus on cultural sensitivity and interpreter support.
310 Mental Health Support: 310-6789
310 Mental Health Support is a toll-free number connecting callers to a 24/7 BC crisis line without a wait or busy signal. Offers emotional support, information on appropriate referral options, and a wide range of support relating to crisis support concerns.
Crisis Support 9-8-8
Call or text 9-8-8 to access crisis support. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, you can get support with mental-health struggles, emotional distress and crisis concerns.
