New series aims to strengthen HSD students' mental wellness

Natalie Frandsen

Strengthening students' mental health will be the focus of three upcoming online sessions organized by the Faculty of Human and Social Development (HSD). 

  • On Jan 18, from noon to 1 pm, Natalie Frandsen (pictured), an assistant teaching professor in the School of Public Health and Social Policy, will present on the topic "Resourcing student mental health and wellness in the online learning environment." This 20-minute presentation will be followed by a facilitated discussion. Join the conversation about how to acknowledge and take action toward addressing the mental health and wellness of our online student community.

  • On Feb 15, from noon to 1 pm, Dawn Schell from Student Wellness will present on the current resources available to students and faculty at UVic. Please join us for a conversation that acknowledges university resources with a view to aligning HSD resources and developing new ones.

  • On March 15, from noon to 1 pm, Frandsen will facilitate a student panel to provide an opportunity for students to share their experiences with current mental health and wellness supports. Please join us in a conversation about how to engage students in continued conversations about student mental health and wellness, including potentially starting a peer support project.

These sessions are the result of a working group established by Associate Dean Academic Maureen Ryan to improve student mental health. In September, the working group received funding from BC Campus to strengthen mental health resources for HSD students, which Ryan says aligns with the HSD Strategic Plan's goal to foster a healthy and inclusive culture. 

Email hsdadadmin@uvic.ca to register.