Late last week, an international student was assaulted near Tuscany Village. Saanich Police (SPD) are actively investigating.
This is a horrific incident and our hearts are with the victim, who is currently recovering from their injuries. The university is in contact with them and offering supports.
SPD has stated that there is no indication that this attack was racially motivated. Nevertheless, I want to state clearly that hatred, racism and intolerance have no place in our community. The university remains committed to working to support a diverse, safe and thriving campus and broader community.
We encourage you to be aware of your surroundings and take care. If you have concerns for your personal safety, there are many resources available to students and faculty/staff.
It is terrible to hear of incidents like this, particularly when they victimize someone from our community. If you are feeling impacted, there are many health, wellness, and community supports on- and off-campus (some listed below). Please take care of one another.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Dunsdon
AVP Student Affairs
If you have any information that might help the investigation, please contact SPD at 250-475-4321 and reference file #26-1447.
Supports for students
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
Emergency financial support
Student Awards and Financial Aid have financial bursaries available to assist students with emergent needs. Contact Student Awards and Financial Aid to see if you are eligible for emergency funding.
Academic Advising
Contact your academic-advising office for help understanding and fulfilling your academic program requirements.
Undergraduate | Graduate
Supports for faculty & staff
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Through our EFAP program, staff, faculty and their dependents can access free mental-wellness supports.
Campus resources & supports
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. Campus Security 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 Safehaven, SafeWalk, CampusAlone and more.
If you have any information related to the investigation of this incident, Campus Security can help connect you to the Saanich police investigators.
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.
