Ontario Tech University
PA-11: Wellness Program

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has received the Healthy Workplace Award (Gold category) from the Regional Municipality of Durham’s Health Department for its efforts to promote the health topics of Physical Activity and Healthy Eating. The 2014 Gold Award was presented on February 24 to Murray Lapp, UOIT Vice-President, Human Resources and Services, who accepted the recognition on behalf of the university’s Healthy Workplace Committee (HWC). “On behalf of the Durham Region Health Department, I would like to congratulate the University of Ontario Institute of Technology on achieving the Healthy Workplace Award," said Stacey Papanicolaou, Public Health Nurse, Region of Durham. “The Health Department acknowledges the university's efforts towards creating a healthy workplace.” “UOIT is committed to ensuring that the university is a healthy, safe and supportive place to work,” said Lapp. “The university offers a variety of resources and programs that strive to support a positive work environment, foster healthy and engaged employees, and promote physical and emotional wellness.” In 2013, UOIT Human Resources created the HWC – a team of faculty and staff representatives from various departments, offices and faculties across the university. In addition to driving awareness of various wellness resources, the HWC has championed a number of initiatives to engage UOIT employees, such as: UOIT Healthy Workplace Committee logo Carnations for Kindness Healthy Workplace Fair Just for the Health of It photo contest Promoting health and safety Promoting work, health and life balance Random Acts of Kindness Day Workshops and seminar on mental health awareness Yoga in the Park Dental and health plan for students -> also a walk in clinic for all faculty and students https://studentlife.uoit.ca/mentalhealth/ Student Mental Health Services helps students learn how to better manage the pressures of student life. You can: • Attend a drop-in session. • Participate in events and activities that promote positive health and well-being. • Access tools and resources online to learn about mental health and how to maintain good health and wellness. • Work with a mental health professional to address your concerns. • Contact the Student Lifeline for immediate help and assistance. • Get answers to frequently asked questions about mental health. Student Mental Health Services offers short-term counselling and therapy services to students. Students in distress will also be provided support and counselling as needed. There is no cost and services are confidential. For students who need long-term counselling support or specialized mental health services, UOIT will provide referrals to assist the student in accessing resources in the local community or in the student’s home community. Students with ongoing mental health concerns should contact studentlifeline@uoit.ca to discuss referral options. - Depression Support Group Student Mental Health Services is offering a weekly drop-in group to help manage mood through discussion and support in a safe environment. -Mindfulness Breaks Take a Mindfulness Break! Student volunteers are leading mindfulness sessions every day in the North Location. - Campus Connected Promoting a sense of belonging and openness within the UOIT community. What is it? UOIT values the mental health and well-being of each individual. The Campus Connected initiative aims to create an inclusive university where its members are able to care for each other to build a flourishing community. Who is Campus Connected for? It is for the entire university community: students, faculty, staff and stakeholders. How can the UOIT community get involved with Campus Connected? Attend a two-hour orientation session and display the Campus Connected symbol. Upcoming training schedule (please sign up by emailing studentlifeline@uoit.ca): • Tuesday, September 29 – north Oshawa location • Thursday, October 1 – downtown Oshawa location More sessions to follow. What does displaying a symbol of Campus Connected mean? The individual with a Campus Connected symbol has a readiness to display an attitude of caring, non-judgment, empathy and compassion. The unique Campus Connected symbol is available on stickers you can display on your laptop or your door. What is it not? It is not professional counselling support for distressing and crisis situations. In these situations, please refer to uoit.ca/reach to make appropriate referrals as needed. Why is Campus Connected important? Lack of social connection is a common theme that contributes to challenges experienced by university students. Students in need of connection feel profound loneliness, isolation, shame and fear of being judged negatively. Similarly, lack of connection also contributes to staff and faculty’s compromised well-being. How would I benefit from becoming involved with Campus Connected? Supporting others benefits the helper. Voluntarily giving help to others protects our overall physiological health and emotional well-being. • Wellness and Inclusivity • All Gender Washrooms • Discrimination and Harassment • Prayer rooms • Sexual Violence Prevention -NCHA (National College Health Assessment) UOIT is interested in assessing student health behaviours in order to provide better services and support for UOIT students. You may benefit by knowing that you have assisted in providing accurate information regarding health and wellness behaviours on our campus. The information will be used to develop and enhance wellness programs and services for students at UOIT. All students who participate will be entered into a draw to win $1000 towards their tuition. A recent spotlightt regarding student mental health/wellbeing and the new advisory committee formed around that. http://blog.uoit.ca/spotlight-uoit-mental-health-student-advisory-committee