The University of Waterloo is aware of the distressing events in Bangladesh, where peaceful student-led protests against the recently reinstated government job quotas have escalated into violence resulting in casualties, government-sanctioned curfews and disruptions to internet and cellular services.
To our Bangladeshi students, we are thinking of you and your friends/family during this difficult time and sympathize with the pain and uncertainty you may be experiencing. Please know that you are not alone as you navigate these events—our University community is here to provide you with the support you may need.
Resources available
There will be group counselling sessions scheduled in the coming weeks. The dates and times will be updated here once announced.
If you need help identifying or navigating areas of support, please book a 1:1 appointment with Cyntia Brătan, International Student Supports Specialist.
Campus Wellness resources
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Pre-recorded seminars and workshops, including coping skills and stress management
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Counselling Services can provide support in processing this negative news and its impacts. Confidential one-on-one appointments are available. Those out of the province, please contact EmpowerME.
Academic accommodations
Connect with AccessAbility Services if you are experiencing impacts from trauma or if you have a known or unknown disability/condition/illness.
Program support
If this situation has impacted your academic responsibilities and requires support navigating program policies, please contact your graduate program coordinator.
Financial support
The University of Waterloo Emergency Loan Program offers financial support to students experiencing short-term financial difficulty.
Community via student associations
If you are looking to be in community with other Bangladeshi students, we encourage you to connect with the following student clubs:
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Graduate students: Bangladeshi Graduate Students' Association - University of Waterloo
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Graduates and postdocs: Bangladeshi Graduate Students' Association (BGSA) - University of Waterloo
Additional supports
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Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247 (available for immediate support)
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Grand River Hospital - 519-749-4300
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St. Mary's Hospital - 519-744-3311
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Good2Talk - 1-866-925-5454 (available to all Ontario post-secondary students)
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Talk Suicide Canada – 1-833-456-4566 or by text 45645
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Empower Me: To access, create an account on the Dialogue mobile app or on the web at www.studentcare.ca/dialogue
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Review a list of third-party mental health and wellness apps on the International Student Guide