Our students’ mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing are fundamental to their success.
Our starting point
The Student Wellbeing Action Plan was developed to renew and expand upon the Student Wellbeing and Resilience Framework released in October 2020.
Building on this foundation, the Action Plan addresses evolving student needs. It is also a shift in focus to embedding community wellbeing into the Institute’s ethos, culture, polices, and processes–emphasizing a whole-campus approach where student health and wellbeing are a shared responsibility among all community members.
This Action Plan supports the commitment to comprehensive student engagement and support as outlined in the BCIT Strategic Plan. It also aligns with three core Institute values: engaging with respect, pursuing collaboration, and championing diversity and inclusion.
Territorial acknowledgement
The BCIT Student Wellbeing Action Plan was created on the unceded and traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam). As this Action Plan embeds Indigenous perspectives of wholistic wellbeing, we must responsibly consider how we can foster decolonization, anti-racism, cultural safety, and humility across BCIT.
Our purpose
The Action Plan aims to foster a thriving community and wellbeing by:
- Adopting a systemic, wholistic, and equitable approach; creating healthier environments and reducing stress.
- Building a shared understanding of wellbeing initiatives and fostering collaboration for greater impact.
- Offering practical “early wins” to promote health and wellbeing in your context.
Our vision
Embedding student wellbeing and healthy equity across our culture, operations, and academic pursuits.
Guiding principles
The Action Plan adopts a proactive and comprehensive approach with four guiding principles for individual and systemic actions to improve student wellbeing. Each principle is supported by strategic initiatives and early wins for immediate impact.
- Establish a commitment to creating a culture that promotes wellbeing.
- Equip BCIT employees and students to create and maintain supportive environments for wellbeing.
- Enhance literacy, competencies, and understanding to support ourselves and others.
- Increase awareness and equitable access to services and supports.
Jennifer Figner, Provost and Vice President, AcademicSupporting and advancing student wellbeing requires a collaborative effort across the Institute. The Student Wellbeing Action Plan offers practical takeaways and actionable steps for everyone.
Looking forward
Achieving our vision involves reimagining existing programs, services, and partnerships, or creating new opportunities. Some actions can be implemented immediately while others will require a phased approach. The Action Plan is a living document that will adapt in response to shifting student needs and context.
We will support this process with a robust communications plan, tools, and continued engagement. We will evaluate and report on our impact, identify barriers that impede progress, and celebrate our successes.