Non-UVRA Events
UVRA also aims to involve its membership through different valuable resources and educational programs offered by other organizations (i.e., AROHE, CURAC, and many more) that might interest some of its valued members. There are also invitations from various departments at UVic, and from students looking for 55+ participants for their research studies, received by UVRA for distribution to its membership. These items are first made known to UVRA members via emails, when appropriate, and then placed on the UVRA website under the Non-UVRA Events navigation bar.
Upcoming Events:
UVIC EVENTS
Request for Nominations for Honorary Degrees
Please read the following email from Marion Buller, Chancellor and Chair, Senate Committee on Honorary Degrees and Other Forms of Recognition.
February 2, 2026
Members of the University Community,
We invite you to consider nominating an individual you believe to be a worthy recipient of an honorary degree from the University of Victoria. These degrees offer the university an opportunity to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made remarkable contributions to society and reflect the values we uphold as a scholarly community.
Recent honourees include Robert Amos (DFA, November 2025), Maureen Maloney (LLD, November 2025), the Honorable Janet Austin (LLD, June 2025), Christopher Richard Barnes (DSc, June 2025), Simon Keith (LLD, June 2025), whose accomplishments span a wide range of fields and reflect excellence in leadership, service, scholarship, and impact.
The Senate Committee on Honorary Degrees and Other Forms of Recognition warmly welcomes your suggestions of candidates who embody exceptional achievement. While nominations are welcome from all geographic regions and nationalities, we especially encourage consideration of individuals with a meaningful connection to British Columbia or to the University of Victoria. The committee is committed to ensuring a diversity of voices and backgrounds among honorees, and we strongly encourage nominations that reflect this commitment. The deadline for submission of nominations for consideration at the next meeting of the Senate Committee on Honorary Degrees and Other Forms of Recognition is March 20, 2026.
Full details, including the committee’s terms of reference, nomination procedures, and the Honorary Degree Nomination Form, can be found online at: http://www.uvic.ca/universitysecretary/senate/honorary/index.php.
Each nomination package should include:
- A letter outlining the nominee’s achievements and why they merit recognition by the University of Victoria.
- Information, as relevant, on the nominee’s professional accomplishments, scholarly or creative work, community engagement, leadership, and recognitions.
- A current biography and curriculum vitae.
Please note that all deliberations of the Committee are confidential. Nominee must not be informed of their nomination to avoid disappointment should the nomination not be successful.
Nomination packages may be submitted to:
Associate University Secretary
Office of the University Secretary
Room A138, Michael Williams Building
For further information, please contact Ada Saab, Associate University Secretary at 721-8104 or asaab@uvic.ca.
On behalf of the Committee, thank-you in advance for your thoughtful nominations. We look forward to reviewing your submissions.
INVITATION TO ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE OF VICTORIA’S SPRING 2026 CONFERENCES
All talks are free and open to the public without registration. Everybody is welcome.
In English or French with both languages always welcome for questions and comments.
TITLE: Geopolitics in the World (in French)
Marc LORTIE, former Canadian Ambassador in France
DATE: Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 2:30pm
LOCATION: University of Victoria, Clearihue A127
TITLE: The Larynx—or the Dark Side of the Tongue (in French and English)
Dr. John ESLING, FRSC, Professor Emeritus, Department of Linguistics, University of
Victoria, and Allison BENNER, co-author.
DATE: Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 2:30pm
LOCATION: Maison de la Francophonie, 1218 Langley Street, Victoria, BC
TITLE: Politics in French Songs (in French and English)
Réjean BUSSIÈRES, singer and songwriter
DATE: Saturday, March 21st 2026 at 2:30pm
LOCATION: University of Victoria, Clearihue A127
MORE DETAILS: https://www.afvictoria.ca
CURAC EVENTS
Youtube Video Recording of “Ear Essentials: Facts, Fun, & How to Keep Hearing Healthy”
LINK TO VIEW: https://ucalgary.zoom.us/rec/share/XiXYwVlafejLbuVh8SD6qCIVkIcX8lBU82SAbYszg8vamcdyLH-4wKXMjQEar56D.hnFct_j64EAtH4qM
PASSCODE: 9&$Qz^h8
Video Recording for CURAC's Retiree Association Zoom Conversation
belairdirect - car and home insurance
LINK TO VIEW THE VIDEO: https://ucalgary.zoom.us/rec/share/dwLED3BNcO8fP32_y6yuwy860CaRbnnK7iP2ahhYFXHC_JBVv6UbFG7ehlQmrsZj.AGBBsuavwoHxBiTk
Passcode: 7ID=9!a5
Video Post From Macmaster University Aging Portal
A BETTER SLEEP WITHOUT PILLS: SAFER STRATEGIES FOR OLDER ADULTS
ABOUT THE VIDEO: Nearly one-third of older Canadians take sleeping pills, also called sedative-hypnotics or tranquilizers, to manage insomnia or anxiety. But these medications — frequently benzodiazepines or “Z” drugs — often provide limited benefit and carry serious risks. Watch this short video to learn why sleeping pills may not be the best solution for older adults and discover safer, more effective ways to improve sleep.
CURAC Newsletter December 2025
WELCOME TO ISSUE NUMBER THREE OF THE RELAUNCHED CURAC NEWS
This issue features a longer list of stories from CURAC members across Canada. This issue also includes several opportunities for college and university retirees to become involved with CURAC, from participating in the Later Life Learning committee to joining the CURAC board or a committee.
MORE DETAILS: https://curac.ca/en/blog/december-2025-newsletter
CommonAge Annual Newsletter, January 2026
PRIORITISING WELLNESS FOR SUCCESS
MORE DETAILS: https://mailchi.mp/4d47b0c58ee9/commonage-welcome-newsletter-19881593?e=e64bbb6b5e
Invitation to UBC’s Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Centre for Healthy Aging Webinar
VISION CHANGES AFTER 55: WHAT’S NORMAL, WHAT’S NOT, AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
DATE: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 1:00 - 2:30 pm, Pacific time
ABOUT THE EVENT: Changes in vision are common after age 55, but not all changes should be accepted as “just aging.” This talk explains what eye and vision changes are considered a normal part of getting older, such as difficulty with small print or needing more light, and which changes may signal an eye condition that requires attention. We will discuss how vision changes can affect everyday activities like reading, driving, mobility, and recognizing faces. Most importantly, the presentation will outline practical steps you can take—through eye care, lifestyle choices, and available supports—to maintain visual function and independence as you age.
Please note: The event will be recorded, and the video recording will be viewable online after the event.
REGISTRATION: https://ubc.zoom.us/meeting/register/4uwwzMdzRbmagye_TT2O-g#/registration
Invitation to University of Calgary Retirees Association (UCRA) Winter 2026 Sessions
FIRES: RISK AND PREVENTION IN ALBERTA
WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:00-3.30 pm MT)
WHERE: Engineering G, G207
REGISTRATION: https://events.ucalgary.ca/event/497333-fires-risk-and-prevention-in-alberta
DINOSAUR PALEONTOLOGY
WHEN: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 (2:00-3.30 pm MT)
WHERE: Engineering G, G207
REGISTRATION: https://events.ucalgary.ca/event/497336-dinosaur-paleontology
ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY AND FINANCE
WHEN: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (2:00-3.30 pm MT)
WHERE: Engineering G, G207
REGISTRATION: https://events.ucalgary.ca/event/497337-role-of-technology-and-finance-including
Invitation to Wilfred Laurier University Free Online monthly Lecture Series
In 2026, the Faculty of Social Work proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary, a milestone that reflects six decades of leadership, learning and unwavering commitment to social justice. To honor this legacy, they invite you to join the Professional Development Office for a free monthly lecture series throughout the year.
All lectures will be held remotely through Zoom. There will be a maximum of 300 spots for each lecture.
LECTURES:
March 27: The New Clinician: Confidence Without Certainty in a Trauma-Shaped World
May 19: Joy on the Journey: Lessons from Positive Psychology to Increase Balance, Well-Being and Happiness -- and Project Against Burnout
July 16: The Embodied Self: How Presence Becomes the Somatic and Relational Foundation of Competence
REGISTRATION: https://continuingeducation.wlu.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=8043767
Trip Contest with Trip Merchant: Vietnam & Cambodia!
Want to win a 12 Day/11 Night package in Vietnam & Cambodia? This trip prize includes 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City (with an included city tour), an incredible first class 7 night Mekong River Cruise with Viet Princess Cruises between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap and finishing with 2 nights in Siem Reap with an included tour of the Angkor Temples. Transfers will be included throughout. Also, Trip Merchant will be providing a $1500 CAD Airfare Credit to use towards flights.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Members must enter before March 31st, 2026
To register and access your travel site, follow these instructions:
- Register for the CURAC/Trip Merchant Travel Site: https://tripmerchant.com/register
- Fill in your details
- Use One-time Organization Code: 4fff
- Ensure the “Subscribe to Newsletter” box is clicked so that you receive the time-sensitive offers/deals, trips and more (sent two times a week)
- Click the Register Now button: You will then have access to the website
If you have already registered on the travel site, all you need to do is log in to https://tripmerchant.com/login using your email address and the unique password that you created.
For any other questions or requests regarding trips, please contact Trip Merchant by email info@tripmerchant.com or by calling 1-800-481-9739, Extension 0.
AROHE EVENTS
AROHE Matters: January 2026 Academic Retiree News
EDITOR'S NOTE: This issue of AROHE Matters highlights retirement planning programs that address more than the financial aspects of life after full-time employment.
LINK TO VIEW: https://www.arohe.org/resources/EmailTemplates/AROHE%20Matters%202026-1%20Website/index_preview.html
Invitation to AROHE’s Six-session Webinar Series 2026
CHARTING THE JOURNEY TO A FULFILLING RETIREMENT
Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE), in partnership with Fidelity Investments invite you to participate in “Charting the Journey to a Fulfilling Retirement,” an exclusive six-session webinar series designed for you thrive in life’s next chapter.
- February 25 (12:00 pm - 1:15 pm, EST): Moving from Strength to Strength in Work, Life & Happiness
- March 11 (12:00 pm - 1:15 pm, EDT): Building a Financial Foundation for Your Ideal Retirement
- March 18 (12:30 pm - 1:45 pm, EDT): Retiring Well - Creating a Personal Action Plan
- April 08 (3:00 pm - 4:15 pm, EDT): Discovering Your Purpose in Retirement
- April 22 (3:00 pm - 4:15 pm, EDT): Time Well Spent: Shaping Your Days with Intention
- May 06 (3:00 pm - 4:15 pm, EDT): Cultivating Social Connections and Support Systems in Retirement
REGISTRATION AND EVENT DETAILS: https://www.arohe.org/page-1827074
OTHER EVENTS
UBC Emeritus College | Winter 2026 Newsletter
The Winter 2026 issue of the UBC Emeritus College Newsletter is available online with:
- An Order of BC recipient's groundbreaking research on infant pain.
- An emeritus' research to examine preparedness for a magnitude-9 earthquake in BC.
- How an art- and imagination-based counselling method developed by an emeritus is bringing healing to children in war-torn Ukraine.
- Special interest groups and how they drive adventure in retirement.
- Important transitions to retirement information.
- Updates to health and travel insurance plans.
- How College subsidies support research passions in retirement.
- Exciting, upcoming events and more!
LINK TO READ: https://emerituscollege.ubc.ca/newsletter
Self-Management Programs
Self-Management BC offers a variety of online and telephone-based workshops and programs which provide support and tips on how to self-manage frailty, pain, and/or other chronic conditions.
- Virtual Self-Management Workshops - available for Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Diabetes, and Cancer: These 6-week workshops are conducted virtually, via Zoom. Groups of up to 8 participants meet virtually, once per week, for 2.5 hours per session.
- Self-Management Health Coach Program: This is a one-on-one telephone-based coaching program to support people living with chronic conditions to become better self-managers. Each individual is paired with a coach and receives a weekly, 30-minute phone call for a period of 3 months. Coaches are volunteers who may be living with chronic health conditions, and are passionate to help others to achieve wellness.
- New! Frailty Coaching Program: This is a one-on-one telephone-based program that supports adults in BC who wish to prevent and/or slow down the progression of frailty. A trained peer frailty coach connects with each participant by telephone once a week for approximately 30-45 minutes for 3 months. Participants will learn self-management strategies.
- Better Choices, Better Health® Online Program: Interactive group workshop sessions are posted online each week for a period of 6 weeks, and participants may log on at their convenience to complete weekly activities and interact with their group via internal messaging and discussion boards. Participants can remain anonymous.
- Tool Kit for Active Living Program - available for Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Diabetes, and Cancer: This is a self-study program in which participants receive the “Living a Healthy Life” resource book and self-assessment booklet. For those who enjoy independent self-paced learning.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SELF-MANAGEMENT BC: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=0&delivery=0
Open Doors Travel
CULTURAL TOUR TO PORTUGAL WITH ROSA STEWART & FRIENDS!
ABOUT THE TOUR: For over 30 years, Rosa Stewart taught in Hispanic and Italian Studies, but she also led or assisted with tours organized by Continuing Studies. These tours were usually guided by UVic faculty and there was an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with the people that traveled with them. Sadly, the tours ended with COVID. Last year, Rosa was approached to lead a tour for the spring of 2026 by a company that organized tours for Continuing Studies in the past. She decided that this tour should be to Portugal, one of her favourite countries. This is a 12-day adventure in May of 2026 and her co-leader, Mané, is from Setúbal, outside of Lisbon. With Mané and Rosa you will see parts of Portugal often missed by big groups.
If you would like more information please check out this link: https://tours.opendoorstravel.ca/t/open-doors-travel/timeless-portugal-a-journey-through-history-culture-and-flavour Or, feel free to contact Rosa directly at rls@uvic.ca.
Cyber Seniors - Free Tech Help Webinar (February 23-27, 2026): Cybersecurity Made Simple
REGISTRATION AND EVENT DETAILS:
CALL FOR PAPERS: CANADIAN JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY QUALITATIVE RESEARCH (CJMQR)
CJMQR welcomes high-quality qualitative research, critical commentaries, and scholarly debates from a variety of fields, including medical, psychosocial, arts, humanities, and health and caring disciplines.
Please see the website for more information: https://cjmqr.ca/index.php/cjmqr/index
Invitation to Island Health Research Dispatch
INTRODUCING… LIVE FROM RESEARCH
Check out the spring lineup below and register to save your seat today!
- , Feb. 25 (12 - 12:30 pm): Dr. Michael Chen, "A Rapid Screen-and-Treat Solution for Urinary Tract Infections"
- , Mar. 25 (12 – 12:30 pm): Dr. Caroline Variath, “Building Community Capacity to Support Patients and Families Considering and Receiving Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)”
- , Apr. 22 (12 – 12:30 pm): Dr. Colette Smart, “Complex Trauma: Building a Life Worth Living”
RESEARCH STUDIES
PARTICIPATE IN A RESEARCH STUDY AT UVIC
THE COGNITION AND OLDER ADULT STRESS (COAST) STUDY
IALH Research Fellow Dr. Theone Paterson and PhD Student Affiliate Cian Dabrowski, are conducting an online and in-person study to determine the impacts of stress experienced across the lifespan on cognition, aging, and brain health. The aim of this study is to investigate whether stress influences physical, psychological, and cognitive health outcomes in older adults. Individuals who are 65 or older and live in the greater Victoria area are eligible. Participants will be asked to complete an online confidential survey (~30 minutes) and an in-person cognitive assessment and fNIRS monitoring session (~1.5 hours). Participants will also receive a gift card for their involvement.
To participate, email COAST_study@uvic.ca.