York University’s commitment to supporting mental health and wellness continues on Oct. 29 when renowned speaker Drew Dudley will address faculty, staff and students.
Dudley, a public speaker and former coordinator of one of the largest university leadership development programs in Canada, will present a talk from 9 to 10:15am in Lecture Hall 109 of the Accolade West Building.
An acclaimed speaker on topics of leadership and mental health, Dudley will share insights on how individuals can “more effectively fight the silent battles in our own lives,” respond to adversity and improve mental health well-being.
Following his presentation, York community members will be invited to the World Café, where they can share their points of view and have their voices heard regarding mental health and well-being at the University.
The open forum portion of the event takes place from 10:30am to noon in the Harry Crowe Room, 109 Atkinson Building.
To RSVP to attend the event, fill out the registration form.
York University’s Mental Health Steering Committee recently completed a Mental Health Strategy Framework for the University. The World Café gives the committee an opportunity to hear feedback on the recommendations they proposed.
The initiative is being launched in an effort to improve awareness around mental health, to gather feedback from key campus community groups and to further develop the University’s mental health strategy.
The steering committee has adapted a strategy framework to guide and support the development and implementation of effective strategies around:
- increasing mental health awareness;
- improving community members’ capacity to respond to early indicators of mental health concerns;
- providing tools to support the development of self-management competencies and coping skills;
- developing and implementing institutional policies and structures that support positive mental health; and
- making the campus more inclusive and supportive.
Students, staff and faculty members are encouraged to attend this consultation session to share their priorities and ideas for how to help champion campus mental health initiatives. Those who can’t attend in person but would like to provide feedback can do so by emailing mhinfo@yorku.ca or visiting mhw.info.yorku.ca/contact-us.
Executive sponsors Rhonda Lenton, vice-president academic and provost, Gary Brewer, vice-president finance and administration, and Janet Morrison, vice-provost students, are among the key players supporting this initiative.
“By prioritizing the development of a healthy campus, our aim is to create and maintain conditions that allow our students, faculty and staff to thrive,” says Morrison. “Promoting a healthy campus means taking ownership of the fact that everything we do, from the services we offer to the processes we follow and the environment we construct, has an impact on the ability of our community members to flourish.”
For more on this initiative, read this Sept. 14 YFile story.