Our pillars
In implementing new programs for the mental health and wellness of our students and employees, our pillars keep our intentions clear. Much of the work we’re doing touches on all three. Together, they form a lens through which we examine and design our activities: are we building understanding, capacity and connection in everything we do?
Building understanding
When students and employees are given understanding, they enjoy greater belonging and focus.
Building capacity
When students and employees are encouraged to expand their capacity, their potential grows.
Building connection
When students and employees are connected with mutual respect, opportunities open up.
Phenomenal work has happened in the past year. Many people are highly engaged and many more are reaping the benefits. It’s proven what we already felt: that NSCC is a unique environment, and that we have reason to be proud of what makes us different from other post-secondary institutions. Having taken the time to understand the varied, dynamic and complex needs of students and employees for a holistic approach to their wellness, we transform the potential of our region and province one learner at a time.
With this mental wellness strategy and the programs, events and activities attached to it, we set the stage for each member of the community to make the most of their time at NSCC and the life chapters to follow.
There are many ways in which campuses build understanding, capacity, and connection. This report couldn’t possibly cover all initiatives and activities. Some of the creative ways in which campuses’ support and promote student and employee mental health and wellbeing are highlighted throughout. Many mental wellness frameworks and strategies informed our approach, as did direct input from students and employees on mental health literacy, available resources and services, and our policies and practices.
Let’s explore together.
NSCC’s strategy working group called on students, employees and leaders to discuss mental wellness opportunities and key initiatives, guided by the mental wellness steering committee. Across a variety of roles and with extensive subject matter expertise and personal experience, working group and committee members were united in their drive to design, implement and evaluate results against our three pillars of fostering understanding, capacity and connection among instructors and students.