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

  • Puzzle Lending Program Available as of November 1st

    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!

  • Push-Up Challenge: Feb. 5-27
    In February, our campus community is taking part in The Push-Up Challenge. We are challenging ourselves to complete 2,000 push-ups between February 5-27, 2026 to push for better mental health in Canada.  Let's Get Fit, Have Fun, and Push for Better!


    You can help us push for better mental health in Canada by joining the FLEX Fitness Centre's team and helping spread awareness.  All fitness levels are welcomed - you don't have to be a push-up pro.  Try sit-ups, squats - anything goes!

  • Women's Wellness - A Nutrition Guide to Optimal Health: Wednesday, February 11

    Dive into the dynamic landscape of women’s health and explore evolving nutritional needs throughout various life stages.

    This empowering session aims to equip participants with knowledge to nourish their bodies, addressing unique requirements from pregnancy to menopause. Uncover the crucial role of food in hormonal balance, addressing issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menstrual cycles. Learn nutrition strategies for managing digestive health, menopausal symptoms, and reducing the risk of long-term health problems such as heart disease and osteoporosis. Additionally, discover practical tools for cultivating sustainable and healthy eating habits, along with time-saving tips for busy women juggling work and family life.

    This one hour virtual workshop will be delivered by a subject matter expert from TELUS Health One, our Employee Assistance Program Provider.

    Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
    Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
    Location: Virtual
    Target Audience: All faculty and staff
    Facilitator: Judy Chodirker, MHSc, RD

    Judy Chodirker is a graduate of the Master of Health Sciences (Community Nutrition) program at the University of Toronto. She received her Bachelor degree in Food and Nutrition from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) and then completed a dietetic internship at North York General Hospital. She has over 20 years of experience in clinical and community nutrition, as well as health related marketing and project management. Her areas of expertise include eating disorders, chronic disease and preventative health, women’s health and maternal, infant and child nutrition. 

    Register by Monday, February 9, 2026

  • What is All the Buzzz About Cholesterol?: February 23

    Join Dr. Sylvie Bardin, Associate Teaching Professor, Faculty of Science and Certified Nutritionist, to learn about how to maintain a healthy level of cholesterol.

    Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
    Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
    Location: Virtual
    Target Audience: All faculty and staff
    Facilitator: Dr. Sylvie Bardin

    For decades, cholesterol has been portrayed as the primary culprit behind heart disease. However, we now know that heart disease is far more complex, influenced by a wide range of factors, and that cholesterol itself may not be the villain it has long been made out to be.

    In this workshop, I will explore the essential role cholesterol plays in the body, explain the different types of cholesterol, and clarify which type we should be worried about. We will examine the relationship between cholesterol and heart disease, along with other key factors that contribute to cardiovascular risk. Participants will also learn how lifestyle choices, including diet, physical activity, sleep, and emotional well-being, directly impact long-term heart health.

    Register Here! 

  • Crucial Conversations for Managers/Directors: March 2-6

    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, March 2, 2026 to Friday, March 6, 2026 (2.5 hours x 5 days)
      • Time: 9:30 a.m. to Noon
      • Location: Virtual
      • Target Audience: Managers/Directors

    REGISTER

  • Make Delicious Hummus! Celebrate Nutrition Month: March 23

    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 Auidence: All faculty & staff
    • Location: RIT 1055 (UB)
    • Facilitator: Dr. Sylvie Baridin, Associate Teaching Professor, Faculty of Science and Certified Nutritionist 

    Register Here! 

  • Crucial Conversations for Employees: April 27 - May 1

    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

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

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

    Visit the Group Fitness web page to book your spot.

  • Ridgeback Run Club - Resuming Spring 2026

    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. 

  • Staff Pickleball Days

    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. 
    Pickleball Unwind Hour
    • 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:

    Amy Lance
    amy.lance@ontariotechu.ca

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

Learning and Development

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.