Space offered for quiet reflection
- University of Victoria
Throughout the weekend, university staff worked closely with the students involved with Friday’s tragic bus crash to get them the immediate and ongoing supports that they may need.
We recognize that campus community members will be affected other than those personally involved or who have already accessed university resources or who intend to seek counselling.
A place to gather for quiet reflection Monday is being provided by MultiFaith Services, also known as the Interfaith Chapel. A space will be available Monday, Sept. 16, for any faculty, staff and students from 7:30 am to 3 pm. Everyone is welcome.
For the remainder of the week while existing multi-faith programs continue, there will still be time and space put aside for this purpose. Also, the chaplains—who represent diverse faith communities—are adding additional office hours for individuals or small groups of students. Information will be posted on the MultiFaith Services website.
University support and outreach staff met the students upon their return to campus Saturday and on Sunday in a space where they could be with their family members and together receive information about counselling and other supports for their wellness and academic needs.
The Office of Student Life continued to provide supports on Sunday as well as developing customized care plans for students for the weeks and months ahead.
Counselling services continues to provide prioritized access for the affected students.
Information for all students is available at Counselling Services. Faculty and staff can contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program, at 844-880-9142.
The RCMP is continuing its investigation of the Sept. 13 crash in which a bus carrying 47 UVic students to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre on Vancouver Island’s west coast went over an embankment, killing two students and injuring several others. One person remains in hospital. The students were going to the centre for two days of research activities.