Events, Initiatives and Training

We’ve heard that puzzles bring teams together, to socially connect and work toward a common, fun goal, so we are launching Ontario Tech Puzzles, a puzzle lending program!  Images that represent Ontario Tech have been turned into puzzles and are now available for you/your colleagues to borrow and complete.

Please visit the Puzzle Lending Program web page to view the available puzzles and request a puzzle today!

Help us better understand eating habits, nutrition, and the campus food experiences by completing our short, voluntary (optional) and anonymous online survey (approximately 20 minutes).

Your feedback will guide future Ontario Tech campus health and nutrition initiatives and you’ll have a chance to win one of 50 $20 Amazon gift cards!

This study is led by Dr. JoAnne Arcand (FHSc) and her research team. Complete the survey before March 27, 2026.

Questions? Email Nutrition.research@ontariotechu.ca or visit https://www.arcandlab.com/ 

Good things grow in Ontario! Foodland Ontario helps you choose fresh food from close to home, while supporting local farmers and businesses.

Access the 2026 digital Recipe Calendar or email wellnessatwork@ontariotechu.ca to request a hardcopy.

Hummus is a nutrient-dense, plant-based dip rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats (olive oil, tahini), supporting heart health, digestion, and weight management. Its low glycemic index helps stabilize blood sugar, while anti-inflammatory ingredients like chickpeas, garlic, and lemon provide essential nutrients, including iron, folate, and phosphorus.  

Join Dr. Sylvie Bardin and members of your Healthy Workplace Committee in making and enjoying a hummus dip and in support of March being Nutrition Month! Wholesome crackers and veggies will also be served. Bring your favorite mug and enjoy a cup of herbal tea! 

Participants will have a chance to win a prize! 

• Date: March 23, 2026
• Time: 11:30 - 12:30 p.m.
• Target Audience: All faculty & staff
• Location: BIT 1055 (UB) - The RBC Lounge
• Facilitator: Dr. Sylvie Baridin, Associate Teaching Professor, Faculty of Science and Certified Nutritionist 

Register Here! 

Virtual Pet Show and Tell! 

Each year, National Pet Day is celebrated. This year, the day will be recognized on Saturday, April 11th but we want to ensure that we show extra love to our pets while at work! 

Join your Healthy Workplace Committee on Thursday, April 9th along with your favorite pet or pets! Foster conversation and connection and come prepared to introduce your pet(s) and/or share a lighthearted story!

Participants will have a chance to win a prize!
Date: April 9, 2026
Time: 12 noon - 12:45 pm
Target Audience: All faculty & staff
Location: Virtual 

Register Here!

This evidence-based course, with newly released updated content, is designed to initiate a shift in the way you think, feel and act with respect to mental health by increasing your awareness, reducing stigma and other barriers to care in the workplace, encouraging mental health conversations, and strengthening your resilience. By accomplishing these goals, TWM aims to help you maintain your wellness and support others living with a mental health condition in a psychologically healthy and safe work setting.

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

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Target Audience: Managers and Directors

Register Here!

When it comes to the health of relationships, teams, and organizations, one thing affects everything: communication. Backed by 30 years of social science, Crucial Conversation skills represent the standard in effective communication. Improve your skills and get better outcomes by attending a training course.

The communication skills taught in this training focus on a specific kind of interaction: those when stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong. This is not a course on winning friends or winning people to your way of thinking; it’s about strengthening relationships and securing results in the moments that matter most.

This course teaches nine powerful skills for working through disagreement to achieve better resources: Get unstuck, Master my stories, Start with heart, State my path, Make it safe, Learn to look, Seek mutual purpose, Explore others’ paths, and Move to action.

Crucial Conversations: Employees

• • Date: Monday, April 27, 2026 to Friday, May 1, 2026 (2.5 hours x 5 days)
  • Time: 9:30 a.m. to Noon
  • Location: Virtual
  • Target Audience: Employees

REGISTER

We heard you say connecting with your colleagues is important and fosters a Sticky Campus, so back by popular demand - our LEGO Workshop!  Connect with colleagues while activating those creative juices!

From feedback received, this year’s theme is Retro Rewind.  Let’s bring back those way back, play back favourites we enjoyed years ago! 

Every participant will receive a LEGO set to keep. Each LEGO set is a ‘3 in 1’ design to provide more options to participants. 

Available LEGO sets include 

• Camera/Video Camera/TV Set

• Gaming Console/Mini Arcade Game/Mini Computer

• Roller Skate/Boom Box Radio/Mini Skateboard

• Rotary Phone/Wireless Phone/Flip Phones

• Typewriter/Flowerpot/Keytar

These workshops are open to all faculty/staff.  Space is limited, so register today!

North Campus Session
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Noon to 1 p.m.
In-Person, SCI-1350

Downtown Campus Session
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Noon to 1 p.m.
In-Person, CHA-217

Register and select your preferred LEGO Set.

This evidence-based course, with newly released updated content, is designed to initiate a shift in the way you think, feel and act with respect to mental health by increasing your awareness, reducing stigma and other barriers to care in the workplace, encouraging mental health conversations, and strengthening your resilience. By accomplishing these goals, TWM aims to help you maintain your wellness and support others living with a mental health condition in a psychologically healthy and safe work setting.

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

Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Target Audience: Faculty and Staff without direct reports

Register Here! 

When it comes to the health of relationships, teams, and organizations, one thing affects everything: communication. Backed by 30 years of social science, Crucial Conversation skills represent the standard in effective communication. Improve your skills and get better outcomes by attending a training course.

The communication skills taught in this training focus on a specific kind of interaction: those when stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong. This is not a course on winning friends or winning people to your way of thinking; it’s about strengthening relationships and securing results in the moments that matter most.

This course teaches nine powerful skills for working through disagreement to achieve better resources: Get unstuck, Master my stories, Start with heart, State my path, Make it safe, Learn to look, Seek mutual purpose, Explore others’ paths, and Move to action.

Crucial Conversations: Managers/Directors

• • Date: Monday, June 15, 2026 to Friday, June 19, 2026 (2.5 hours x 5 days)
  • Time: 9:30 a.m. to Noon
  • Location: Virtual
  • Target Audience: Managers/Directors

REGISTER

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.

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

Visit the Group Fitness web page to book your spot.

Whether you’re preparing for a specific event or looking to get moving, join the Ridgeback Run Club (RRC)!  The RRC is open to all levels and runs rain or shine. 

Upcoming Dates:

• Resuming Spring 2026

Time: 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. (Start running at 12:16 p.m.)

Location: Meet at the front doors of Shawenjigewining Hall (east side of the building)

Get Active Questionnaire:
We want you to have a safe and enjoyable run experience, so please complete the Get Active Questionnaire and email your completed copy to wellnessatwork@ontariotechu.ca prior to attending your first run.  If you answer ‘yes’ to any questions within the Questionnaire, please review the Reference Document. 

Come out to the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre and participate in our Durham College/Ontario Tech Staff and Faculty Pickleball Days.

Drop in as you wish - no sign-up or membership required, equipment is provided.

Schedule subject to change throughout the semester. Download the DCOT Campus Rec App for the up-to-date gym schedules.

Lunch Break Pickleball

• January 14,  11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
• January 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. 
• January 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• February 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. 
• February 11, 18,  25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• March 4,  11, 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
• March 24, 31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m.
• April 8,  11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

• January 13, 27, 4 to 5 p.m. 
• February 10, 17, 24, to 5 p.m. 
• March 10, 17, 4 to 5 p.m. 
• April 7, 4 to 5 p.m. 

Contact information:

Have questions about this post? Feel free to reach out to the contact listed above — they’ll be happy to help!