Events, Initiatives and Training

Are you wondering what to make for dinner? Would you like to try a new recipe?

Feedback from the Introduction to Mindfulness session last November, indicated a desire for more opportunities to explore mindfulness practices, so we are excited to introduce Mindful Mondays in March!  If you would like to connect with the instructors, Joan or Karen, individually, they will be available 15 minutes prior to and 15 minutes after each session.

Instructors

Joan Hunt MSW RSW is a retired social worker and psychotherapist specializing in the Mental Health and Addictions field. She is also a Certified Teacher (2014) of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She has extensive experience teaching mindfulness to a number of different populations including Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery, Mindfulness Based Wellness and Resiliency and more recently Mindfulness and Self Compassion.

Karen Lewis MSW RSW RMFT-SQ is a social worker, psychotherapist, and couple & relational therapist in private practice. Her interest in the benefits of mindfulness and compassion to promote wellbeing and personal growth, led her to pursue training through the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, a global leader in self-compassion training and practice, and the MiCBT Institute, an established research and training organization based in Australia providing professional training in mindfulness for regulated health professionals. Karen has significant experience facilitating groups.

Session

Mindful Eating
Date: Monday, March 31
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: In-person, Campus Corners, Room 2222
Directions to this room: Enter Campus corners via the double doors beside Copper Branch restaurant.  Take the elevators to the second floor.  Turn left off of the elevators, and then turn left to walk down the hall.  Room 2222 will be on your left.
Register for Mindful Eating

Each session will follow the same format as follows:

• settling practice
• brief review of the practice intention
• the main practice
• post-practice reflection
• Question and Answer time

The FLEX Fitness Centre is presenting several educational and interactive nutrition seminars throughout the month of March.

Seminars:

• The Power of Protein - Thursday, March 27
• Stress Eating - Monday, March 31

Each free seminar is 60 minutes; start times vary.

Register for the interactive nutrition seminars using the FLEX Spring into Wellness webform.

National Pet Day is an unofficial holiday that takes place each year and is a day to appreciate the role that pets play in our lives.

You and your pet(s) are invited to join members of your Healthy Workplace Committee for this virtual event! Join in the fun, share a story, and learn more about pets loved and adored by your colleagues! 

Participants will be entered into a random draw for a “pet prize”!

Date:   Friday, April 11, 2025
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Mode of delivery: Virtual
Target audience: All faculty and staff

REGISTER by Monday, April 7th

Gain knowledge to identify shifts in mental health and well-being in yourself and others while learning coping skills to manage stress.  Increasing our awareness about mental health will help reduce stigma associated with mental illness.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Mental Health Commission of Canada. 

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual, via Google Meet
Target Audience: Employees (Faculty and Staff without direct reports) 

Register for The Working Mind

 A minimum of 8 participants to run a session. Participants will be notified if the session is cancelled due to low enrollment.

The Every Day in May Health Challenge returns, May 1-31, 2025! This challenge combines various healthy habits, such as physical activity, nutrition, water consumption, and self-care practices, into a fun, friendly competition between colleagues.  Sign-up today for your chance to win prizes, while reaping the benefits of healthy habits and connecting with your team!

Visit the Every Day in May Health Challenge web page for full details!

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day in-person workshop featuring powerful audio-visuals, discussions, and simulations. You'll learn how to recognize when someone might be thinking about suicide, and how to provide a skilled intervention and develop a safety plan with the person to connect them to further support. This workshop will increase your willingness, confidence, and capacity to provide suicide first aid.

This training requires a minimum of 8 participants to occur.

Date: Tuesday, July 22 and Wednesday, July 23, 2025*
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: In-person, North Campus, Room To Be Confirmed
Audience: All faculty and staff
* Please note: Participants must attend both days to be certified.

REGISTER FOR ASIST

Free fitness classes offered by Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre for Staff and Faculty.

Visit the Group Fitness web page to book your spot.

Come out to the Campus Recreation Wellness Centre (CRWC) and participate in the Athletics department’s Staff and Faculty Pickleball Days. There is no need to register or purchase a membership; just drop in! Equipment is provided.

Schedule:

• Friday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Friday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Whether you are new to Ontario Tech or wanting to refresh your knowledge of the supports and services available through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Program, please select the orientation format that works best for you.

1. 1-Minute Mini Orientation for Employees - Video Recording
2. 25-Minute Full Orientation for Employees - Video Recording
3. Virtual Orientations: Employee and Manager* sessions held live. Select the date within the Orientation Flyer that you would like to attend to register.

*Orientation for Manager video recordings are available on the Leader Supports webpage.