University of Calgary’s UFlourish fall event spotlight returned on Oct. 26 with two weeks of wellness programming, bringing workshops, activities and mental health resources to campus for students.
Running until Nov. 6, this year's programming is part of UFlourish’s expansion into a year-round initiative, with events encouraging students, faculty and staff to take time for their well-being.
UFlourish is part of the Office of Institutional Commitments' broader efforts to promote mental health, sustainability and inclusion across campus. Dr. Jennifer Thannhauser, the Academic Director of Mental Health and Well-Being, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for connection within the university community.
"Flourishing grows through the relationships, experiences and environments that shape our everyday lives," said Thannhauser in a university news release.
On Oct. 27, the UFlourish Fair brought 35 campus and community organizations to MacEwan Student Centre, where attendees could participate in games and hands-on activities while learning about services offered both on and off campus.Among the participating organizations was Student Wellness Services, whose Health and Campus Wellbeing Clinic offers medical appointments, walk-in care, counselling, massage and chiropractic services.
Clinic Manager Jayme Middleton said the fair provided an opportunity for students to discover resources they might not otherwise know are available.
“There’s so many services on the campus that I find students aren’t aware of,” said Middleton, adding that knowing where to access support can help students manage stress.
The Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) was also present at the fair, introducing students to its peer support services, volunteering opportunities and spaces for discussion and relaxation.Divine Ivhamawu, a representative of the WRC, spoke about the difficulty of making time for oneself while managing academic responsibilities and explained that academic obligations can make students reluctant to take a break.
“I find that my biggest struggle is letting myself have the time to actually rest,” said Ivhamawu.Student Success Centre representatives Gabriela Cordova Rivera and Tasneem Zaman introduced visitors to academic support services and workshops available on campus.
Zaman, who works with the First-Generation Student Program, said the initiative encourages students to consider their well-being beyond academics, while learning about the university's mentorship, advising and wellness resources.
"You're not alone in all of this," said Zaman.Keirstyn Secord, from the Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary, said the organization offers free mental health education programming, including stress management and coping strategies which can be especially useful during midterm season.
"It seems like we're looking for some extra coping skills," said Secord.
Secord also hopes students leave the fair knowing that mental health resources are available throughout the city.
Among others, the fair hosted organizations like Alberta Blue Cross, the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and U of C’s Faith and Spirituality Centre.
The fair is one of several events scheduled throughout UFlourish. Mental Health Research Day on Oct. 28 explored the effects of stress through presentations and research, while upcoming activities include the Unwind and UFlourish Campfire at the TFDL Quad on Nov. 3 and the Great Play Date at Foothills campus on Nov. 4.
The full schedule and registration details are available on the UFlourish website.
Beyond the scheduled events, the UFlourish website offers self-guided mental health learning modules, an activity notebook and a resource guide listing support services available on and off campus. Faculty and staff will be given free all-access Active Living memberships during the fall spotlight from Oct. 26 to Nov. 6, while additional pop-up events are planned for January and February as part of the initiative's year-round programming.
