Be Well at USask
By Be Well at Usask
Be Well at USaskMay 23, 2020
Episode 25: A Conversation about Grief and Loss
In the final episode of Season 1 of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Lisa Greig who is a social worker and works as an outreach coordinator in the Student Affairs and Outreach team at the University. They have a frank conversation about bereavement, grief and loss. They explore the five stages of grief; why death remains so taboo; how the nature of a person’s death plays a significant role in our grief response; and an exploration of our search for meaning following a death-loss. They also discuss practical supports available on campus, including the Grief 101 group which Lisa leads.
Students can connect with the Student Affairs and Outreach team at:
Tel: 306-966-5757
Mental health intake: intake@usask.ca
Outreach and crisis support: student.outreach@usask.ca
URL: https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/student-affairs-and-outreach.php
Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm. For after-hours support, contact Saskatoon Mobile Crisis at 306-933-6200 or Crisis Services Canada at 1-833-456-4566
Instructors and staff can access supports through the Employee and Family Assistance Program:
https://wellness.usask.ca/documents/efap.pdf
External resources mentioned in the episode:
Podcast Episode: Grief and Finding Meaning - Brené Brown and David Kessler: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/david-kessler-and-brene-on-grief-and-finding-meaning/
Website: Refuge in Grief - Megan Devine: https://refugeingrief.com/
TED Talk: Nora McInerny: We Don’t Move on From Grief We Move Forward With It. https://www.ted.com/talks/nora_mcinerny_we_don_t_move_on_from_grief_we_move_forward_with_it?language=en
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Special Episode - We're all part of the solution: Sexual Violence Prevention and Response
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, guest host Tracy Spencer talks to Tasnim Jaisee, the coordinator of the USSU Women’s Centre, and Brittany Thiessen, a graduate student researching sexual violence prevention and interventions. They discuss #metoo movement and its impact, the prevalence of sexual violence, how intersectionality relates to sexualized violence, and efforts at the University to increase awareness and prevent sexualized violence including online learning modules and the events being offered through the USSU for Sexual Violence Awareness week.
For those who are victims survivors of sexual violence, you can contact the Student Affairs and Outreach team by calling (306) 966-5757 or emailing us at student.outreach@usask.ca. You can also reach out the to the Student Wellness Centre (306) 966-5768, the Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre (306) 244-2224, USSU Pride Centre (306) 966-6615, and / or the USSU Women’s Centre (306) 966-6980. Please reach out.
More information can be found at: https:// usask.ca/consent
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 24: Global Sustainability versus Human Nature
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Matt Wolsfeld, the Community Engagement Coordinator in the Office of Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan. They discuss our responsibility for safeguarding the planet, and why human nature makes this so challenging. They also explore why the human race doesn’t panic about and respond to the climate crisis like it has done with COVID-19.
The Office of Sustainability's mission is to build a model sustainable campus through community engagement and collaborative action. We strive to foster growth of a culture of sustainability throughout all areas of campus life—education, research, operations, governance and community engagement. More information can be found at:https://sustainability.usask.ca/ Students, staff, and faculty can contact the team at:sustainability@usask.ca Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 23: Gratitude is the best medicine
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Pam Komonoski who is the Nurse Practitioner at the Student Wellness Centre and has been serving students at the University for over 30 years. They discuss the changing health needs of students in the post-secondary environment and the way this has changed the work of health professionals who support them. Pam also shares some strategies for improved health outcomes related to coping with stress and isolation, changing work and life patterns, diet, physical activity and rest.
The Student Wellness Centre is a primary healthcare unit based on the main USASK campus in Saskatoon. The multi-disciplinary team offers urgent and non-urgent physical and mental health care to University of Saskatchewan students, their spouses and children.
Students can contact the team by phone or e-mail as follows:
Tel: +1-306-966-5768
E-mail: student.wellness@usask.ca
URL: https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/wellness-centre.php
Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 22: Making the most of the Employee and Family Assistance Program
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Jonathan Winston, the Vice-President of ComPsych, which is the University of Saskatchewan partner organization delivering the GuidanceResources Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). They talk about the EFAP provided by ComPsych in partnership with the University, and outline key supports to ensure staff and faculty understand what services are available through the program, especially those supports that people may not be aware they have access to.
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 21: Nature and Wellness
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Ken MacLeod who is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist providing care at the Student Wellness Centre. They explore the value of re-connecting with nature for greater health and well-being.
The Student Wellness Centre is a primary healthcare unit based on the main USASK campus in Saskatoon. The multi-disciplinary team offers urgent and non-urgent physical and mental health care to University of Saskatchewan students, their spouses and children.
Students can contact the team by phone or e-mail as follows:
Tel: +1-306-966-5768
E-mail: student.wellness@usask.ca
URL: https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/wellness-centre.php
Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Sit Spots Articles:
Why and how you should start a sit-spot routine
Complete Guide to Using a Sit Spot in Nature
Related Videos:
How to Receive Revelations from Nature with Stephan Harding
RE(CONNECT)
Sampling of Research Articles on the Value of Nature Connection
Why 30 Minutes of Nature a Day Is So Good for Your Health
Beyond Nature Contact to Connection: A Missing Link in a Sustainable and Worthwhile Life.
https://findingnature.org.uk/2020/02/13/a-missing-link-in-a-sustainable-and-worthwhile-life/
Minimum Time Dose in Nature to Positively Impact the Mental Health of College-Aged Students, and How to Measure It: A Scoping Review
Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective
https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/7/eaax0903
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 20: 'Conversations towards Anti-Racism'
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Heaven Berhe, the President of the African Students Association at the University. They discuss racism and how we can have uncomfortable and important conversations in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.
USASK African Students Association:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uofsasa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asausask/?hl=en
USASK Discrimination and Harassment Prevention:
https://wellness.usask.ca/safety/discrimination-harassment.php
USASK Student Affairs and Outreach:
https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/student-affairs-and-outreach.php
USSU: https://ussu.ca/
Episode 19: ‘Gaming FTW: Not all screen time is created equal’
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Dr. Regan Mandryk who is a professor in Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Mandryk’s work is at the international forefront of research studying human-computer interaction. Within the context of video games, she explores the novel ways of understanding players and their experiences. She also develops and evaluates games for preventing, assessing, and treating mental health and games that foster interpersonal relationships. They discuss the ways in which video games can contribute to social connection and positive mental health.
Dr. Mandryk on social play (2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmLMSUiARco
Dr. Mandryk’s papers can all be found at: https://goo.gl/PPifWA
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 18: ‘Reaching out with Music’
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Garry Gable who has been an Associate Professor in the Department of Music for over 25 years. They explore how the COVID-19 situation has affected the creative industries and those that work within them. They also discuss mental health and the healing and transformative power of music in our lives, both individually and as a shared experience. Garry also shares his talent for music with us.
USASK Department of Music: https://artsandscience.usask.ca/music/
Mysterious Barricades Concert Society: https://www.mysteriousbarricades.org/
Episode 17: ‘Keeping ourselves and one another safe and healthy’
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Dr. John Matic, the Senior Physician at the USASK Student Wellness Centre. They discuss the medical response to COVID-19, the potential for a second wave as the province begins to re-open, and ways in which we can continue to be mindful about keeping ourselves and one another safe and healthy. We also talk about some of the ways in which family physicians can support student mental health.
The Student Wellness Centre is a primary healthcare unit based on the main USASK campus in Saskatoon. The multi-disciplinary team offers urgent and non-urgent physical and mental health care to University of Saskatchewan students, their spouses and children.
Students can contact the team by phone or e-mail as follows:
Tel: +1-306-966-5768
E-mail: student.wellness@usask.ca
URL: https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/wellness-centre.php
Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Pride Month Special Episode: ‘From Stonewall to Pride: Queer Visibility, Diversity and Community’
In this special episode, Jocelyn talks to Dr. Simonne Horwitz, Associate Professor of African and Medical History in the Department of History. Simonne is also the Co-Chair of the Provost’s Committee on Gender and Sexuality. They discuss the significance of Pride, what it means to Simonne and the challenges that persist for LGBTQ2S+ staff, faculty and students. They also explore the educational battles that still need to be fought and won for the Queer community to overcome discrimination and mistreatment both locally and globally. Simonne also shares her hopes for students and the resources on campus available to support them, including the Queer Housing Project and health supports at the Student Wellness Centre.
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Pride Month Special Episode: A supportive and inclusive workplace
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Jocelyn Orb talks to Cheryl Carver, Associate Vice-President, People and Resources at the University of Saskatchewan. They discuss the significance of pride and what it means to Cheryl. They also explore challenges that still exist for LGBTQ2S+ members of our USask community.
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Visit the Student Wellness Centre at:
https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/wellness-centre.php
Contact the Pride Centre at:
Pride Month Special Episode: Passion for Pride
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Jocelyn Orb talks to Jory McKay, VP of Student Affairs at the USSU. Jory is also a past Pride Centre coordinator.
They discuss challenges for LGBTQ2S+ students face, the supports available and how awareness has been increased in recent years. They also discuss Pride Month 2020 and the plans for a very different, virtual Pride parade.
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Visit the Student Wellness Centre at:
https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/wellness-centre.php
Find out about Positive Space at:
https://wellness.usask.ca/safety/positive-space.php
Contact the Pride Centre at:
Episode 16: Career planning in a crisis
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Kim Matheson and Brock Egeto from the USASK Student Employment and Career Centre (SECC). They explore career options for students graduating this summer as well as employment options for students whose summer plans may have changed significantly as a result of the COVID situation. They also discuss the ways in which the team at SECC may be able to help.
The Student Employment and Career Centre (SECC) helps students and alumni to navigate their career exploration and job search. We help you in planning your education and career path, teach strategies to make you stand out in your job search, and help prepare you for a successful transition into the workplace.
You can book appointments with us through https://careerlink.usask.ca/home.htm, or email them with your questions at secc@usask.ca.
Students still hoping to find summer job opportunities should use a variety of sources to look for jobs, including:
- Indeed https://ca.indeed.com
- Saskjobs.ca: https://www.saskjobs.ca
- Careerlink.usask.ca: https://careerlink.usask.ca/home.htm
- Federal, provincial, and local government job search sites
- Company careers pages (many organizations may not post their opportunities on job search sites)
Other Links discussed in the episode:
https://training.usask.ca/linkedin-learning/LIL.php
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 15: Transitioning to remote learning
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Liv Marken and Jill McMillan who are Learning specialists at Student Learning Services. They discuss how students can succeed academically, especially during the transition to remote learning, and the ways in which Student Learning Services can support them.
Student Learning Services and the University Library are here to support all USask students. Our range of programming includes research, study, math, and writing help.
While the physical locations may be closed, the team is offering many of its services and programs online. To stay up-to-date, visit University Library Online, submit questions through Ask Us, or contact Student Learning Services directly at studentlearning@usask.ca.
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 14: Academic Support during a Pandemic
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Renée Penney (Director of Student Advising and Academic Services) and Blair Pisio (Manager of Undergraduate Services) from the College of Arts and Science Undergraduate Student Office. They discuss the academic and life challenges that many students are facing at this time and the academic supports that their team can provide to students within the College.
The Undergraduate Student Office and Trish Monture Centre for Student Success is a place for all undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Science to seek advice and guidance throughout their studies. Staff and Advisors in the office provide support for students with course selection, help finding resources for academic success, assist students facing academic difficulty, provide referrals to other campus resources, and much more.
Students can call 306-966-4231 (toll-free 1-844-966-4231) to book an appointment with an Academic Advisor or to speak with an Undergraduate Services staff member.
They can also email student-advice@artsandscience.usask.ca.
Website - https://artsandscience.usask.ca/undergraduate/advising/
Email – student-advice@artsandscience.usask.ca
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Special Episode: Challenging Times and the Way Ahead: A Conversation with Dr. Patti McDougall
In this special episode, Peter talks to Dr. Patti McDougall, the University’s Vice-Provost of Teaching, Learning and Student Experience. Patti is an associate professor of psychology with a specialism in developmental and educational psychology.
They discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on the University environment, the changes that have been made to adapt to the new context and the ways in which the University has been working to support students during this difficult time for all. They also look ahead to the Fall term and talk about what new and returning students can expect in the Fall term of 2020.
Special Episode: U-Start: How to Thrive at University
In this special episode as part of U-Start, Dr. Nancy Turner (USASK Director of Teaching and Learning Enhancement) joins Peter Hedley (Director of Student Affairs and Services) for a conversation about ‘How to Thrive at University’
They explore all areas of the university experience, from the transitioning to post-secondary environment, the first few days and weeks of change and adjustment, and working towards program success. They consider the ways in which online living and learning will affect both the study and wider experience of being a university student as well as the way students think about their studies and its effect on the likelihood of personal and academic success.
Special Episode: A Convocation like no other: A Conversation with Dr. Patti McDougall
This week marks Convocation for thousands of graduating students at the University of Saskatchewan. This is always such a joyful time of celebration for our students and their loved ones. But the experience for the Class of 2020 will obviously be very different.
In this special episode, Peter talks to Dr. Patti McDougall, the University’s Vice-Provost of Teaching, Learning and Student Experience about what Convocation looks like for the Class of 2020 and her message to graduates and their supporters.
Episode 13: Radical self-care
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, as part of our series focusing on mental health during Mental Health Week, Peter talks to Terri Peterson, a counsellor and practice leader for the counselling team of the USASK Student Wellness Centre. They explore self-compassion, healthy relationships, and supporting ourselves during transitions.
The Student Wellness Centre is a primary healthcare unit based on the main USASK campus in Saskatoon. The multi-disciplinary team offers urgent and non-urgent physical and mental health care to University of Saskatchewan students, their spouses and children.
Students can contact the team by phone or e-mail as follows:
Tel: +1-306-966-5768
E-mail: student.wellness@usask.ca
URL: https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/wellness-centre.php
Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 12c: A self-compassion meditation
Dr. Anita Chakravarti shares three short guided meditations
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 12b: A breathing exercise
Dr. Anita Chakravarti shares three short guided meditations
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 12a: A body scan
Dr. Anita Chakravarti shares three short guided meditations
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 12: Mindfulness in a storm
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, as part of our series focusing on mental health during Mental Health Week, Peter talks to Dr. Anita Chakravarti, Professor of Anesthesiology for over 30 years at the USASK College of Medicine, about mindfulness and resiliency during this period of uncertainty.
In four related episodes (12 a-d) Anita shares four short guided meditations.
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 11: "Hey all you cool dogs and puppies"
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, as part of our series focusing on mental health during Mental Health Week, Peter talks to Alexandria Pavelich and Holly McKenzie about the USASK PAWS Your Stress Therapy Dog Program. They discuss how mental health and well-being is supported through their program, the role that the Student Wellness Centre and other community partners have in supporting USask community wellness, and evidence-based facts regarding the benefit of human-animal interaction.
Useful links:
www.therapydogs.ca
St. John Ambulance Test: https://youtu.be/H551LN6Zzbo
Paws Your Stress Promo Video: https://youtu.be/BlDP5FkuudY
SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: PAWSYourStress
Youtube: PAWSYourStress
Twitter: PAWSStress
Facebook: PAWS Your Stress
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 10: Ramadan together apart
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Fatima Coovadia, the Sunni Muslim Faith Leader at the University. They discuss how the COVID-19 situation has changed the lives of Muslims especially during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and the importance of students staying connected to their faith during their studies.
The University of Saskatchewan has a longstanding history of collaboration with faith representatives who have contributed to a campus culture of respect, inclusion, and pluralism.
The growing diversity of religious and spiritual backgrounds and beliefs of the University community presents an opportunity to build robust connections with communities of faith, interfaith understanding, and co-operation. Faith Leaders are advocates for such conversations, provide spiritual guidance, support to the University community, advice regarding religious issues, and educational and cultural events.
Some Faith Leaders provide one-on-one spiritual counsel and all represent links to their wider faith communities.
Contact information for the Faith Leaders and details of programming can be found at:
https://wellness.usask.ca/faithleaders/
For more information about the work and supports provided by the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) (IAS):
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 9: Mindful substance use
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, as part of our series focusing on mental health during Mental Health Week, Peter talks to Evan King, a registered social worker providing mental health support at the USASK Student Wellness Centre. They explore concerns about how substance use seems to have become a key coping strategy for many during this period of social isolation, as well as what mindful strategies around substance look like.
The Student Wellness Centre is a primary healthcare unit based on the main USASK campus in Saskatoon. The multi-disciplinary team offers urgent and non-urgent physical and mental health care to University of Saskatchewan students, their spouses and children.
Students can contact the team by phone or e-mail as follows:
Tel: +1-306-966-5768
E-mail: student.wellness@usask.ca
URL: https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/wellness-centre.php
Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 8: Students helping students
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, as part of our series focusing on mental health during Mental Health Week, Peter talks to Elizabeth Waslen and Evan Seebach who are student coordinators for the USASK Peer Health program, which is part of the Student Wellness Centre. They discuss what the Peer Health program involves, how it supports USASK students’ health and well-being, and how students can get involved.
Peer Health student outreach is a student volunteer program through the Student Wellness Centre. It is based at the USASK Community Centre in Marquis Hall on the main campus.
Virtually program outreach and information can be found on the Peer Health Usask Instagram and FaceBook pages as well as https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/peer-health.php
To volunteer or for more information please visit the website or email peer.health@usask.ca
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 7: Connecting with kindness and compassion
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, as part of our series focusing on mental health during Mental Health Week, Peter talks to Dr. Alana Holt, the lead psychiatrist for the USASK Student Wellness Centre. They discuss how the current COVID situation is affecting mental health in broad terms, and the potential for an ‘echo’ pandemic of mental health issues. Dr. Holt also shares tips and strategies for managing your mental health now and in the future as well as some opportunities that the current situation presents to improve your mental health.
The Student Wellness Centre is a primary healthcare unit based on the main USASK campus in Saskatoon. The multi-disciplinary team offers urgent and non-urgent physical and mental health care to University of Saskatchewan students, their spouses and children.
Students can contact the team by phone or e-mail as follows:
Tel: +1-306-966-5768
E-mail: student.wellness@usask.ca
URL: https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/wellness-centre.php
Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Share your thoughts and ideas with the ‘Be Well at USASK’ podcast team at: bewell.podcast@usask.ca
Episode 6: Living and Learning
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Sarah Sotvedt, USASK Manager of Student Life. The discuss how the Student Life team on campus has responded to the current situation and the ways in which they are keeping students living in residence safe and supported at this time.
Residence at the University of Saskatchewan is home to many students, who benefit from the Student Life program. Student Life sees in-house peer (student) and professional support 24/7, to ensure students always have someone to help them out from the comfort of their home.
Managing student conflict, conduct, and matters of distress, the Student Life Team also offers a wide variety of student programming – both educational and social – and houses the Faculty-in-Residence (FIR) and Counsellor-in-Residence (CIR). Key contacts for students can be found below:
- Summer RA (7 pm-7 am): 306-291-5007
- Coordinator (summer: all areas): andrew.harris@usask.ca
- Counsellor-in-Residence: intake@usask.ca
- Faculty-in-Residence: faculty.residence@usask.ca
Episode 1: Lean in to those you love and care about
In the first episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Tracy Spencer (USASK Manager of Student Affairs and Outreach) about the challenges students may be facing at this time as a result of COVID-19, and the ways in which her team can support. She also offers practical tips and strategies for taking care of yourself and one another.
Student Affairs and Outreach (SAO) is a team of Social Workers responsible for drop-in counselling, mental health intake, early alerts, student outreach, crisis response, psycho-educational groups, and consultation to faculty, staff, and students who are concerned about a student.
Students, faculty and staff can connect with the SAO team as follows:
Tel: 306-966-5757
E-mail:
Mental health intake: intake@usask.ca
Outreach and crisis support: student.outreach@usask.ca
Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm. For after-hours support, contact Saskatoon Mobile Crisis at 306-933-6200 or Crisis Services Canada at 1-833-456-4566
URL: https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/student-affairs-and-outreach.php
Episode 4: Taking things moment by moment
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Jennifer Drennan (Director of Programs and Operations at the College of Graduate and Post-doctoral Studies (CGPS)) at the University of Saskatchewan. They discuss how the COVID-19 situation is affecting graduate students, the challenges they may be facing, and the supports available to them from the CGPS team and academic units. Jennifer also shares advice to graduate students who are not in a position to move forward with their studies at this time due to family, financial or personal circumstances, and an employment opportunity through the University that she wants to ensure graduate students are aware of at the moment.
The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies provides administrative and strategic oversight for all graduate programs on campus, as well as the oversight of membership in graduate faculty, and for postdoctoral fellows. Students can contact the team by phone or e-mail as follows:
Tel: +1-306-966-5751
E-mail: grad.studies@usask.ca
Other useful links:
Reach out to CGPS: https://jira.usask.ca/servicedesk/customer/portal/7/create/207
Information about managing your program, and what to do if you can’t make progress: https://updates.usask.ca/info/current/graduate-students.php#ManagingyourgraduateprogramduringCOVID19disruption
Remote Student Teaching Assistant Fund – Graduate Student Employment Opportunity: https://teaching.usask.ca/remote-teaching/sasupportfund.php
Financial Aid and COVID-19 relief benefits information: https://updates.usask.ca/info/current/money.php
Episode 3: Virtual Reality
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Jocelyn Orb (Manager of the USASK Student Wellness Centre). They discuss how the COVID-19 situation has changed the way in which services at the Student Wellness Centre are delivered for students (now all virtual); and what observations the team is making about how students are coping, especially in terms of their mental health.
Jocelyn also answers the most commonly posed questions she receives from students relating to making appointments, getting prescriptions and when in-person service will resume.
The Student Wellness Centre is a primary healthcare unit based on the main USASK campus in Saskatoon. The multi-disciplinary team offers urgent and non-urgent physical and mental health care to University of Saskatchewan students, their spouses and children.
Students can contact the team by phone or e-mail as follows:
Tel: +1-306-966-5768
E-mail: student.wellness@usask.ca
URL: https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/wellness-centre.php
Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Episode 2: Growing sense of community
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Pirita Mattola (Manager of the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC)) and Jordan Hartshorn (International Education Officer) at ISSAC. They discuss how COVID-19 is affecting international students, the unique challenges they are facing at this time, and the ways in which the ISSAC team can support. Jordan also offers advice to students who may be concerned about on how this situation may affect their study permit and immigration status in Canada.
The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) is a central support unit and a campus partner for all students, staff, and faculty. ISSAC is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, globally aware and inclusive campus community.
Students can contact the team by phone or e-mail as follows:
tel:+1-306-966-4925
international.students@usask.ca
Other useful links:
International Student Guide: https://students.usask.ca/international/index.php
USask Covid-19 Updates for International Students: https://updates.usask.ca/info/current/international-students.php
ISSAC Remote Advising: https://students.usask.ca/international/issac.php#Dropinadvising
Episode 5: We’re all in this together
In this episode of ‘Be Well at USASK’, Peter talks to Chloe Corcoran, Student Advisor in Assistive Technology with Access and Equity Services at the University. They discuss the supports available to students registered with AES as well as questions of accessibility and equity in post-secondary education; potential barriers to students registering for support; what accommodations look like in a virtual learning environment; and how technology can assist learning and connection at this time.
Access and Equity Services (AES) is guided by Saskatchewan's Human Rights legislation and the duty to accommodate individuals requiring accommodations based on disability, religion, family status, and gender identity.
Students, faculty and staff can connect with the AES team as follows:
Tel: +1-306-966-7273
E-mail: aes@usask.ca
URL: https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/access-equity-services.php
Other useful links:
USASK Assistive Technology:
https://students.usask.ca/health/aes/assistive-technology.php
FREE “Read and Write” software (a.,k.a. “Text to Voice” software)
https://students.usask.ca/health/aes/assistive-technology.php#ReadWriteSoftware
AES Assistive Technology Advisors, Chloe Corcoran and Joel Heitmar:
Free Software available to students, staff and faculty: