Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 71.89
Liaison Isabel Savransky
Submission Date Nov. 14, 2023

STARS v2.2

Ontario Tech University
PA-14: Wellness Program

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Isabel Savransky
Sustainability & Asset Planner
Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and wellbeing services available to all students?:
Yes

Does the institution have a wellness and/or employee assistance program that makes counseling, referral, and wellbeing services available to all academic staff?:
Yes

Does the institution have a wellness and/or employee assistance program that makes counseling, referral, and wellbeing services available to all non-academic staff?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s wellness and/or employee assistance program(s):
The Healthy Workplace Committee is 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 campus employees, and refers employees to counselling and wellbeing services provided by the Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is facilitated by LifeWorks (formerly Morneau Shepell).
https://hr.ontariotechu.ca/healthy-workplace/Employee_Assistance_Program/index.php
The HWC also shares resources and workshops for staff/faculty relating to health, nutrition, well-being (https://hr.ontariotechu.ca/healthy-workplace/Wellness_Resources/mental-health-resources.php)

Students have access to the Health and Dental plan, and also have access to a variety of counsellors with the Student Mental Health Services and Campus Health and Wellness Centre. Visit https://studentlife.ontariotechu.ca/services/health-and-wellness/index.php for more info
Student Mental Health Services helps students learn how to better manage the pressures of student life. Students 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, Ontario Tech U 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@ontariotechu.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 community.
What is it?
Ontario Tech U 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 campus community get involved with Campus Connected?
Attend a two-hour orientation session and display the Campus Connected symbol.
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
https://studentlife.ontariotechu.ca/services/health-and-wellness/mental-health-services/groups-and-initiatives/index.php

Does the institution prohibit smoking within all occupied buildings owned or leased by the institution?:
Yes

Does the institution restrict outdoor smoking?:
Yes

Does the institution prohibit smoking and tobacco use across the entire campus?:
Yes

A copy of the institution's smoke-free policy:
The institution’s smoke-free policy:
Purpose of Policy: The University is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all University Members. The purpose of this Policy is to address the risks of exposure to (second-hand) smoke by prohibiting Smoking on campus.
Full Policy is attached and can also be found at https://usgc.ontariotechu.ca/policy/policy-library/policies/administrative/campus-smoking-policy.php

Website URL where information about the institution’s wellness programs is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Faculty and staff: https://hr.ontariotechu.ca/healthy-workplace/Employee_Assistance_Program/index.php

Students: https://studentlife.ontariotechu.ca/services/health-and-wellness/mental-health-services/groups-and-initiatives/index.php

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.