Learning and development for faculty and librarians
Training and development opportunities available for UVic faculty, librarians and academic leaders are noted below. Training is an important component of becoming and staying competent, working within the legal frameworks relevant to universities, and enhancing your skills. While many of these training opportunities are optional (but encouraged), some must be undertaken as part of academic responsibilities (as outlined in s. 12.5 h of the Collective Agreement) or to support administrative responsibilities. As such, development opportunities below are marked as “recommended” or “mandatory.” We have also noted those opportunities that are particularly important for faculty and librarians who are new to UVic.
Equity for ARPT and search committees
Following the requirements in the Collective Agreement for training for all ARPT committee members, we have developed a 4-Stage Model for offering this support with the aim of advancing equity, diversity and inclusion at UVic.
The online course "Increasing Equity in Decision Processes" is required for all members of ARPT committees prior to starting their work, and needs to be retaken every two (2) years. While not required for searches for sessional faculty or senior academic positions, the course is recommended as the content will support equitable searches and cover much of the policy-related content requirements for those serving on these committees.
The course was developed collaboratively by Equity and Human Rights, the Faculty Association, and the Vice-President Academic and Provost’s Office.

Mandatory equity training for ARPT and search committees
This immersive, interactive online course prepares committees with the skills and tools needed to remove systemic barriers in faculty appointment (hiring), review, promotion and tenure (ARPT) and senior search practices.

Recommended learning to support CES
In this online course you will be guided by Dr. Crystal Tremblay, former Academic Specialist in Community-engaged Research, and colleagues from across campus on how we can support a culture of engaged scholarship and considerations for evaluation of CES.
Learning Central and employee learning
Learning Central supports the professional development of all UVic Faculty, Librarians and Staff by offering a catalogue of free of cost learning sessions. Courses listed in Learning Central reflect a broad range of competencies applicable to academic work.
Along with registration and synchronous course participation, Learning Central will also track online course completion records (from VPAC courses). Use your individual learning record in Learning Central to demonstrate your commitment to learning, and completion of mandatory training.
Human Resources also offers robust learning programs to shift perceptions, transform relationships and align contributions of employees across campus.
Academic Leadership
The Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost (VPAC), with partners across the university, offer workshops, seminars, asynchronous online courses and guides, as well as retreats and networking opportunities, all focused on key strands of UVic leadership development.
All these training opportunities are conveniently housed in the comprehensive Academic Leadership Initiative (ALI) catalogue (below).

Academic Leaders Initiative (ALI)
The Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost (VPAC), with partners across the university, offer workshops, seminars, asynchronous online courses and guides, as well as retreats and networking opportunities, all focused on key strands of UVic leadership development.
All these training opportunities are conveniently housed in the comprehensive Academic Leadership Initiative (ALI) catalogue.
ALI Learning Pathways
We are inviting academic unit administrators and emerging leaders to benefit from ALI learning opportunities and have identified optimal development paths for new leaders and more experienced leaders. To that end, we have provided suggested Learning Pathways to meet learners where they are. Pathways include; Administrative Support, Emerging Leaders, New Academic Leaders and Extending Academic Leadership.
Equity and Human Rights (EQHR)
The Equity and Human Rights (EQHR) office provides leadership in the development and coordination of plans, policies and procedures which support the university's organizational and legislative commitments to provide equitable access to and participation in employment and educational opportunities. This office offers educational sessions on a variety of topics (e.g., human rights, Discrimination and Harassment Policy, inclusivity, intersectionality). Most of these sessions can be modified to fit time schedules from one hour to full-day workshops.
EQHR hosts 5 Days of Action annually which includes a week-long schedule of events and learning opportunities.
Mental Health Literacy Program
The UVic Student Mental Health Literacy Program (SMHLP) offers training for faculty, sessional instructors, teaching assistants and staff. The program provides dedicated training on key areas in support of student mental health. Through this program, you'll learn to:
- recognize early warning signs for students experiencing difficulties
- recognize when a student may be in distress
- support and refer students who are at-risk or in distress
- refer students in distress or in crisis to campus resources
Mental health literacy training is provided in three levels:
If you are interested in scheduling a Level One, Two, or Three training session for your unit, please contact Dawn Schell.
For more information, visit Student Wellness Information for Faculty and Staff
Technology and systems
The University Systems Computer Help Desk is your primary point of contact for technology service and support at the University of Victoria. You can email them directly at helpdesk@uvic.ca or through one of the methods specified on their contact page: UVic Systems
Taming Your Email Inbox is a one hour recorded session that provides a step-by-step method of cleaning up and preventing overwhelming email collection by organizing your Outlook.
Additionally, if you want to have a group discussion on a specific topic such as “Organizing your Shared Drive” or need advice on any matter relating to records management we will be happy to arrange a visit. Send us a note at rmhelp@uvic.ca.
University Systems offers multiple learning opportunities, recordings, and resources to support faculty and academic leaders in effective navigation and use of fundamental technology platforms.
Microsoft Teams and OneDrive: Getting Started Resource Documents
Zoom: Zoom Training Recordings
University Systems Service Catalog
Required training
Access the following links to enrol in these required online courses:
Th!nk Privacy: 2022 training This online training provides information about privacy, information security, and records management at UVic. The following tip sheets will help you complete the training and can be used for future reference.
- Privacy Impact Assessment Procedures tip sheet
- Keeping Your Account Secure tip sheet
- Records Management Responsibilities tip sheet
Phishing awareness training is available for self-registration by all Faculty and Librarians (offered by University Systems).
Access the following links to enrol in these required online courses:
- UVic Health and Safety Orientation is a first step to help prepare all staff and faculty for the job before you start working.
- Employees - Awareness and Prevention of Workplace Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination is a requirement for all UVic employees (staff, faculty, leaders) under WorkSafeBC legislation. The goals are to educate the campus community about our roles and responsibilities under UVic Policy GV0205 and WorkSafeBC Policies, and how to help to prevent and address bullying, harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
- Supervisors - Addressing Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination is for supervisors to learn how to address bullying and harassment complaints in the workplace and effectively navigate UVic's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (GV0205).