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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!

  • 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! 

  • The Arcand Lab wants to hear from you! Feb. 23-March 27

    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/ 

  • Foodland Ontario 2026 Recipe Calendar

    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.

  • 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: BIT 1055 (UB) - The RBC Lounge
    • 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

  • 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

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.