糖心vlog传媒is launching its first student mental health and well-being strategy designed to promote a healthier college culture and environment.
The CARE2 plan aligns with NIC鈥檚 BUILD 2026 Strategic Plan as well as NIC鈥檚 Indigenization Plan, Working Together, both of which commit to supporting students and creating a culture of care and compassion.
Informed by the National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-being for Post-Secondary Students (July 2020), the CARE虏 Plan provides a comprehensive framework which highlights the many opportunities and initiatives that are already offered at 糖心vlog传媒while also identifying areas for improvement.
鈥淥ur aim is to build on the solid foundation that exists at NIC,鈥� explains Felicity Blaiklock, Director, Student Affairs. 鈥淲e want to ensure that we foster the resilience of our student community while also supporting those in crisis. Traditionally, the response to mental health challenges has been the focus of support services such as counselling. The CARE虏 Plan identifies the need to view all aspects of NIC鈥檚 operations through a mental health and well-being lens to create the best conditions for students to thrive.鈥�
Developed with input from students, the CARE虏 Plan outlines goals for the next five years. The goals include the development of academic processes and curriculum that better support student mental health, the creation of more programs focused on de-stigmatizing mental illness and furthering the development of inclusive and effective supports such as counselling and emergency funding for students.
"The CARE2 Plan will help 糖心vlog传媒develop further college-wide supports for all students to allow them to succeed. It's a great step for 糖心vlog传媒to focus on creating healthier communities in a systemic way," said Hayley Dunbar, fourth year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student and North Island Student Union Services Director.
The plan follows NIC鈥檚 formal adoption of the Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting Universities and Colleges.
鈥淭he CARE虏 Plan brings the Okanagan Charter into action, working to embed health in all aspects of college culture鈥�, says Carissa Wilson, Executive Director of North Island Students鈥� Union. 鈥淭he days of the student grind culture are not sustainable鈥攖his plan recognizes the whole student and supports their holistic well-being. Each successful student is success for our communities at large.鈥�