Nourish + Flourish

Nourish+Flourish logo

A space to be, explore and evolve in community

The Office of Student Life offers you a different take on what student leadership can look and feel like through the Nourish + Flourish program!

Nourish + Flourish offers a space for students to come together, experience authentic connections with one another, pause, reflect, and discuss topics that connect us. An important part of building community is breaking bread together, so the discussion happens while enjoying a locally prepared meal.

You have a lot to offer! All you will need to participate is openness, your existing knowledge, wisdom, and lived experiences.

Through this program, we hope to de-centre the individual in leadership and instead focus on cultivating leadership through the values of care, curiosity, and respect that bring us together as a strong interdependent community.

Each event has a unique theme centred around the self in relationship to the world around us to foster connection, ideas, and empowerment.

Our values:
  • Accessibility
  • Authenticity 
  • Collaboration
  • Collectivity
  • Community impact
  • Connection
  • Decolonisation
  • Diverse population
  • Empathy
  • Honouring lived experience
  • Inspiration-driven
  • Making space for all voices
  • Power with
  • Process-driven
  • Relationality

Dinner events

Events are free and open to all students. You don't have to bring anything but yourself and a willingness to be open and connect with others. All lived experiences are welcome.

These events are conversation-based, requiring a level of connection and vulnerability that we hope to cultivate from the beginning of each evening. To ensure that you and your table have the best experience, we ask you to let us know if you cannot attend the event in its entirety. We will prioritize attendance for people who can participate fully.

Upcoming Nourish+Flourish dinners

No events scheduled at this time. Stay tuned for events over the summer by signing up for our mailing list.

Previous events

  • Relationship to SELF
    • Topics discussed: Influences, self-expression, belonging, feeling seen, self-compassion, collective compassion
    • Catered by Roast Sandwich Shop
  • Relationship to LAND, WATER, AND AIR
    • Topics discussed: The natural world, co-existence, appreciation, ancestral rituals and practices, environmental impacts, settler colonialism
    • Catered by Songhees Events and Catering
  • Relationship to TECHNOLOGY
    • Topics discussed: Impact on self, community, culture, and environment, artificial intelligence
    • Catered by La Pasta La Pizza
  • Relationship to SELF (Redux)
  • Relationship to COMMUNITY
  • Relationship to PRODUCTIVITY AND REST
    • Topics discussed: Shame, capitalism, student life, recovery, stress, expectations
    • Catered by Estia Gourmet
  • Relationship to LIFE TRANSITIONS
    • Topics discussed: Adulthood, responsibilities, identity exploration, instability, possibility, expectations
    • Catered by: Little Piggy Catering
  •  Relationship to ACADEMIA
    • Topics discussed: Pursuit of research and education, exploration, inclusion, institutions, ethics, learning outside the classroom
    • Catered by: Chunky Kitchen Catering
  • Relationship to CREATIVITY AND ART
  • Relationship to OTHERS
    • Topics discussed: Healthy relationships, break-ups, hook-up culture, familial and romantic relationships, friendships, supervisors/professor relationships 
    • Catered by: Songhees Events and Catering
  • Relationship to FOOD and CULTURE
    • Topics discussed: Family recipes, traditional food, social experiences, food security
    • Catered by: Degrees Catering
  •  Relationship to EMBODIMENT
    • Topics discussed: Senses, sensory experiences, mind-body connection, awareness
    • Catered by: Degrees Catering
  • Relationship to LEADERSHIP
    • Topics discussed: role models, personal values, relationship building, leadership approaches
    • Catered by: Grad House
    • Dessert by: Wah Lai Yuen Bakery + Restaurant 
  • Relationship to OCCUPATION
    • Topics discussed: career uncertainty, success, values and goals, influences, societal expectations
    • Catered by: Grad House
    • Dessert by: Saltchuck Pie Company
  • Relationship to SELF-COMPASSION
    • Topics discussed:self-acceptance, validation, common humanity, mindfulness, self-kindness.
    • Catered by: Grad House
    • SELF-COMPASSION Dessert by: Kattia’s Kitchen
  • Relationship to GRATITUDE
    • Topics discussed:appreciation, daily practice, personal wellbeing, values.
    • Catered by: Grad House
  • Relationship to BEING ALONE
  • Relationship to MUSIC
    • Topics discussed:Melodies and lyrics, soundtracks, hobbies and musical skills, mood and feelings, historical storytelling
    • Catered by: Grad House
    • Dessert by: Yonni’s Doughnuts

Coffee Catch-Ups

Drop by the Welcome Centre every Tuesday from morning for drinks, pastries, and great conversation with Student Life Mentors (SLMs) and the N + F team. It's a relaxed, come-and-go space so join us whenever you're free!

Upcoming Coffee Catch-Up dates

No events scheduled at this time, Coffee Catch-Ups will return in Fall 2025. Stay tuned for events over the summer by signing up for our mailing list.

Other initiatives

In collaboration with University Food Services, the N + F team distributed 250 vouchers for free soup during the fall exam period and the start of the winter term, providing support to students when time is limited, and capacity is stretched.

Contact

Sign up to get emailed about Nourish + Flourish event updates, including registration opening and coffee catch ups. 

Sign up for Nourish+Flourish updates

For registration questions, please email the team at . For any other questions or further information, please email our Student Leadership Coordinator at .