An initiative designed to support the wellbeing of emerging creatives is being rolled out at Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) this fall.
Led by Ontario-based OCAD University in partnership with the Centre for Mindfulness Studies, Mindful Campus aims to help students develop skills and techniques to flourish and adapt in a post-pandemic world.
“Wilson School of Design is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this important initiative. Mental wellbeing is essential for students to succeed. By equipping our students with the right tools and skills to thrive, we can help them reach their creative potential,” says Andhra Goundrey, dean of Wilson School of Design at KPU.
Mindful Campus will be activated at four post-secondary institutions across Canada, including KPU, where students in design and art, and beyond, will be supported in developing coping and resilience skills.
The program includes mindfulness videos offering students self-directed learning opportunities, a 13-session resilience program for students, daily recorded meditations, and a weekly 30-minute peer-led session.
Training for peer support students and university faculty and staff is also a part of the program, which aims to promote mental health wellbeing among post-secondary students.
Beginning Sept. 18, the first Mindful Campus course at KPU is an introduction to mindfulness. Registration is now open, and will close a few days before the course start date. Weekly drop-in mindful gathering sessions begin Sept. 22. More information, including registration details, is available online.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is providing nearly $4 million in funding for the initiative.