Message to students from Jim Dunsdon, AVP Student Affairs
Dear students,
Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed a relaxing winter break and are feeling ready for the start of term.
As we all ease into the new year and settle back into routines, I encourage you to prioritize your well-being in ways that feel right to you. Explore the various services, activities, and resources at UVic that support your health and wellness.
Take care of yourself this winter
The start of term provides a wonderful opportunity to explore campus and take advantage of upcoming programming. A few things to consider:
- If staying active is something you enjoy, CARSA offers memberships, intramurals and a variety of recreational programs.
- If you’re looking for additional help with your course load this term, there are many academic supports on campus.
- If you want to engage more with your campus community, try watching a Vikes game, attending a concert or performance or visiting the UVic Events Calendar to find something that interests you.
- The University of Victoria Students’ Society (UVSS) and the Graduate Students’ Society (GSS) have a lot coming up. Don’t miss out on events like UVSS Clubs & Course Union Days, UVSS Hot Lunch, GSS Pancake Breakfast and GSS Ice Skating.
- From February 9 to 13, UVic is hosting a Cultures of Care Week to explore what care looks like in our relationships, cultures, campus community and within ourselves. The focus of the week is on wellness, consent, community and support.
I hope you can make some new connections and take advantage of all this campus has to offer.
Mental health and harm reduction supports on campus
For mental health support on campus, you can make same day or pre-booked appointments with a counsellor at the Student Wellness Centre. SupportConnect is also available 24/7 to provide free, confidential mental health support.
For harm reduction resources, including safer substance use, visit the Student Wellness Harm Reduction webpage and the UVSS Safer Use webpage. Be sure to check out the upcoming dates and times for free naloxone training sessions scheduled over the next few months.
The Student Wellness team is also offering a harm reduction workshop on January 13, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Student Wellness Centre. The workshop will introduce harm reduction supplies, substance use health basics, sexual health essentials and more.
First aid & emergency response
In an emergency, always call 9-1-1 first, then contact Campus Security at 250-721-7599.
Campus Security is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can connect you with resources and supports. Download the UVic Safety App for quick access to Campus Security services and alerts.
The Campus Security building has harm reduction supplies, naloxone, and an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) in SafeHaven. Other offerings include SafeWalk and Campus Alone.
Please note, you can find AED and opioid emergency kits installed in various buildings across campus.
Wishing you all a healthy, safe and enjoyable term ahead.
Warm regards,
Jim Dunsdon (he/him/his)
Associate Vice-President Student Affairs
University of Victoria
