Skip to main content

Events, Initiatives and Training

Healthy us. Healthy campus. Rise and thrive at Ontario Tech.

Your Human Resources health and wellness supports and services, including the Healthy Workplace Committee are committed to providing the university community with opportunities to engage in activities that promote employee optimal health and well-being. Check out this web page often for updates on offerings that support a holistic approach to building a healthier workplace. 

Do you have an idea for an event, speaker or initiative? The Healthy Workplace Committee welcomes your input, email wellnessatwork@ontariotechu.ca.

Current and Upcoming

  • Neurodiversity in the Workforce, May 28th

    Neurodiversity is the concept that there is natural variation in how individual's brains work, with no single “correct” way, and that a wide range of perceptions and responses to the world should be accepted and encouraged.

    As part of National Accessibility Awareness Week, join Dr. Meghann Lloyd, Professor, Faculty of Health Science, to discuss how we can normalize differences, how leaders can model vulnerability, communicate clearly, and engage in safe feedback. During this workshop, we will also consider how to integrate these concepts and strategies into hiring practices and discuss how to celebrate the unique contributions of all.

    Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
    Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
    Location: Virtual
    Target Audience: All faculty and staff
    Facilitator: Dr. Meghann Lloyd

    REGISTER

  • The Working Mind: Employee Cohort: Tuesday June 9

    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! 

  • Crucial Conversations for Managers/Directors: June 15-19

    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

  • The Working Mind: Manager/Director Cohort: Monday, June 22

    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: Monday, June 22, 2026

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

    Location: Virtual

    Target Audience: Managers and Directors

    Register Here!

  • Just For the Health of it Photo Contest : June 22 - September 11

    Our annual just for the health of it photo contest will be returning! Get ready to snap photos of your favorite people, places pets and pastimes!

    Stay tuned for further details!

  • Karma Paddle Supporting Ontario Tech University's Chancellor's Challenge: Friday, July 24

    Come as you are, pay what you can!

    The Scugog Dragon Boat Club is proud to present Karma Nights! We'll head out for a 60-minute leisure paddle, in support of local causes. Participants pay by donation, and all proceeds go to groups doing awesome things in our community.

    On July 24th we paddle in support of the Ontario Tech University Chancellor's Challenge, which provides funds to support students.

    This excursion is suitable for all levels. We'll take plenty of breaks for water, snacks, and pictures. You'll also have the option of switching sides halfway through.

    No experience is required. We provide all the equipment (life jackets and paddles).

    We'll provide you with a positive space, an experienced coach/steersperson. All you have to do is show up, ready to rock!

    Here at the Scugog Dragon Boat Club we love all humans, and welcome people of all skills and abilities on our boat.

    **New Launch Location! The Scugog Dragon Boat Club's new location is near the Port Perry boat launch, just up the street from our old location at the Marina. There is plenty of parking at the boat launch, and we will meet behind the Durham Rowing Club building.

    Looking forward to seeing you on the water!

    Things to know:

    • 1 Hour
    • Ages 12+
    • In-person
    • Free parking

    Reserve your spot today!

Reoccurring

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Orientation: Watch a recording or attend a live session

    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 CRWC

    Step into spring with the return of free group fitness classes. Returning on Monday, May 4, the FLEX Fitness Centre will offer an 8-week spring session with 15 group fitness classes for all levels of fitness. We welcome you to visit our athletics and recreation website to learn how to reserve a spot in our classes.

    Registration opens 3-days before the class, with a limited numbers of participants and on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your space in our free group fitness, visit the DC-OT Campus Recreation website.

    Spring Fitness Class Schedule

    Not able to sign up or have a question? Please connect with fitnessservices@dc-ot.ca.

  • Puzzle Lending Program

    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!

  • Ridgeback Run Club

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

    Email List:
    To have your name added to the Ridgeback Run Club email distribution list, to receive calendar invites and notifications of session changes due to weather, please complete this Registration Form.

    Upcoming Dates:

    • Thursday, May 28
    • Monday, June 15
    • Wednesday, June 24

    Time: Start running at 12:10 p.m. for ~30 minutes

    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. 

Learning and Development

Sustainability Events

Please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist, with questions or if you should require an accommodation in order to participate in any of the events.