Accessibility

UVic Orientation is committed to making our events as accessible and barrier-free as possible. If you have any accessibility needs in order to participate in our events, please provide details when you register and/or contact us at orientation@uvic.ca.

Our accessibility practices

In-person events

  • Wheelchair accessible: All buildings used in orientation programming are wheelchair accessible.
  • Microphones: All speakers during all orientation events are expected to use a microphone when speaking. 
  • Respite spaces:  Respite spaces are available at all central orientation events. These are quiet spaces that you can visit if you need a break from the crowds and noise of orientation. 
  • Child-friendly: All orientation events are child-friendly; if you are unable to find child care, you are more than welcome to bring your child with you. While we appreciate advance notice if a child will be attending, it is not required.  

Virtual events

Most events hosted virtually will be using Zoom. This platform offers a number of accessibility features, including captioning. 

  • Closed captioning: All of our virtual events will include closed captioning
  • Screen-reader compatible platforms: All live workshops and info sessions will be delivered in screen-reader compatible platforms. 
  • Recorded sessions: Many workshops and info sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing on our website. When the recordings are posted, they will either contain captions, or be accompanied by a transcript, when possible.
  • Presentation materials: In many cases, copies of the presentation slides can be shared, upon request. 

Other ways we can help

  • Print materials: Electronic copies of workshop presentations are available in formatted or plain-text versions. Please indicate if you would like to receive copies in your registration form.

Something else we're missing? Please do not hesitate to reach out with any other accommodations you may require to participate!

New Student Welcome accessibility considerations

  • Kick-Off on the Quad: The Kick-Off on the Quad will take place on the quad (a large grassy area in the middle of campus). Most students will likely sit on the grass for the duration of this event. A small seating area with chairs will be available for those who cannot sit on the grass for accessibility reasons. Standing room will also be made available. We encourage you to reach out and/or indicate in your registration form if you plan to make use of the seating area with chairs.
  • Campus tour: Campus tours are walking tours that cover most areas of campus, and typically take between 1 - 1.5 hours. All campus tour routes have been planned to be wheelchair accessible. If you are unable to participate in a walking tour of campus, please connect with us and we can explore alternate options. 
  • Welcome to your faculty: All the Welcome to your faculty events will be held in campus lecture halls or theatres. All are wheelchair accessible, and microphones will be used. 
  • Lunch: Vegan and gluten-free options will be available during lunch. Please ensure that you indicate your dietary requirements when you register so that we can ensure we are prepared. During lunch, most students will choose to sit on the grass on the quad, or on a concrete staircase. Some chairs will be available for those who need them. 
  • Campus Challenge: The campus challenge is a timed, scavenger hunt type activity, where you will navigate around campus in small group to complete tasks. You will be given choice in which tasks you choose to complete, and tasks have been developed to accommodate a variety of accessibility needs. 
  • Information fair: The information fair will take place on a portion of the quad, and require travelling over grass and dirt. 

Graduate Student Orientation accessibility considerations

  • Workshops and panel presentations: All workshops and panels will be held in campus lecture halls or theatres. All are wheelchair accessible, and microphones will be used. 
  • Lunch: Vegan and gluten-free options will be available during lunch. Please ensure that you indicate your dietary requirements when you register so that we can ensure we are prepared. During lunch, most students will choose to sit on the grass on the quad. Some chairs will be available for those who need them. 
  • Campus tour: Campus tours are walking tours that cover most areas of campus, and typically take between 1 - 1.5 hours. All campus tour routes have been planned to be wheelchair accessible. If you are unable to participate in a walking tour of campus, please connect with us and we can explore alternate options.
  • Information fair: The information fair will take place on a portion of the quad, and require travelling over grass and dirt.