Lindsey Kovacevic, Academic Governance Officer, recently presented at the Western Association of Registrars of Universities and Colleges of Canada (WARUCC) on the UBC Vancouver Senate’s integrated approach to enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of students in the academic environment.
Q. What role does Enrolment Services have in examining and enhancing student mental health and wellbeing?
A. In May of 2014, the Senate of UBC Vancouver established the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Student Mental Health and Wellbeing on the recommendation of the student senate caucus. This committee is an advisory body with the following goals:
- Identify issues with current academic policies and practices
- Make recommendations with the aim of creating a more supportive campus; and to set goals and define undertakings for the advancement of student mental health and wellbeing
- Set goals for the advancement of student mental health and wellbeing
- Report annually to the Vancouver Senate on the progress made
Q. Who is involved?
A. Committee membership includes:
- 13 Senators (including 4 student members and 2 convocation members)
- Ombudsperson for Students
- Managing Director, Student Development & Services
- A representative from the Senate Teaching and Learning Committee
- A representative from the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS)
- Registrar
- Chancellor
- President
Registrar and Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services Kate Ross has been an active member of the committee, and student senator Ms. Mona Maleki served as Chair of the Committee for the first year.
Q. What has happened so far?
A. The committee has developed a framework for Senate consideration of student mental health and wellbeing, listened to stakeholders from across the campus, and developed three guiding principles for standing Senate Committees to consider in their policy and decision-making processes (inclusivity, flexibility, and accessibility).
Q. What will happen next?
A. The committee will continue to hear presentations and support Senate Committees, and will conclude its work with a final report in May of 2017.
Q. Who should I speak with if I want to learn more?
A. Academic Governance Officer Lindsey Kovacevic is working directly with the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Student Mental Health and Wellbeing, and would be able to answer questions (lindsey.kovacevic@ubc.ca, office 2003B in Brock Hall). The Framework document is also available under “Other Documents on the Vancouver Senate Policy Abstracts page.