Orientation and Awareness Campaigns Forum – Notes
8 Well-Being Program – Capilano University
Program History
- Target audience: students
- When looking to create the program: did a scan of existing programs at larger institutions, attended conferences, and investigated ways to get into classroom
- At Capilano, it is difficult to keep students on campus – most leave right after class due to job, children, and family obligations
- Students adopted and received training on Let’s Get Consensual campaign:
- 50 students signed up for first workshop, but no students showed up – had to re-think format of program to make it work at Capilano U
- As a small institution, can use flexibility as our strength.
- Met with faculty to figure out how to work with their needs and fit in Let’s Get Consensual program:
- Got faculty buy-in to present consent workshops in 15 or 20 minute sessions in the classroom.
Workshops
- Invited to class of 105 students to deliver entire 2-hour workshop during gender diversity class in Acting for Screen program – 80% international students
- For international students, cultural knowledge gaps and language barriers on consent, rape culture, and gender identity:
- Developed a 1-hour workshop on consent, laws in Canada, and definitions.
- Offered at every orientation for international students.
- Students have expressed interest in multi-hour workshops.
Other Initiatives
- “Take the Pledge” to get thoughts going around consent and emphasize it is everyone’s responsibility.
- Peers Helping Peers program to train selected students for in-class facilitation and outreach activities.
- Hired 3 students as Well Being Ambassadors.
- Connect to students in different modes.
- Strong relationship with student union.