Future undergraduate students

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Understanding and Managing Change

Change is an inevitable part of life, and how we handle change can significantly impact our well-being and success. While there are people who seem to sail through significant upheaval unscathed, most of us find it more challenging to adapt to change.

Researchers have been exploring the power of expressive writing as a tool to support well-being and recovery since the mid 1980’s (Pennebaker & Evans, 2014). Expressive writing (writing that focuses more on thoughts and feelings than on events) has been shown to reduce anxiety, increase emotional regulation, manage depression, help individuals process trauma and negative experiences, improve student grades, lower stress, boost the immune system and lower blood pressure (Sutton, 2018).

The peak season for cherries usually runs from late June through early August. July is often considered the height of cherry season, particularly for sweet varieties like Bing and Rainier cherries. In season, cherries cost approximately $5/kg (that is a lot of cherries!)

This month, start your breakfast with a cherry yogurt parfait. Although technically you could simply add cherries to your yogurt, the recipe below creates a delicious cherry syrup that has both depth and

In celebration of International Hummus Day (May 13, 2024) we are honouring the amazing chickpea (also called garbanzo beans).  

Chickpeas are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are also high in protein, making them an excellent option for vegan and vegetarian dishes. One can of ready-to-use chickpeas usually costs under $2.00, and a bag of dried chickpeas (enough for several meals) is around $3.00.

A joint research project between Aalto University School of Business, in Finland and

Center for the Studies of Information Resources, in China explored the impact of smartphone use on a number of indicators: academic performance, sleep, nomophobia (fear of being unavailable to mobile phones), and behaviour.

It’s March and the sounds of Spring are in the air. By sounds of Spring, we mean the excessive honking of geese as they return from their winter vacays. Watch your step. 

As we head into the weekend and one of the most celebrated holidays around the world (St Patrick’s Day), it is a great time to talk about substance use health. 

Whether it’s green beer, regular beer, tobacco, caffeine, cannabis, or illicit drugs, substances are a fact of life.  In Canada, it is estimated that 78% of people over the age of 15 regularly use substances of some kind. With substances playing a consistent role in our lives, it’s important that we develop healthy relationships with them.

Concerns about the impacts of imposter phenomenon on students and employees in higher education has been the focus of concern (and research) for some time. In recent years, the narrative around imposter phenomenon has begun to change. In this month’s newsletter, we will explore historical perspectives as well as the changing narrative around imposter phenomenon.

As of Nov 30, 2023, people across Canada can  call and text 9-8-8, a new three-digit service, for help when they need it most. The service offers trauma-informed and culturally affirming support to anyone who is thinking of suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. While the focus is on suicide prevention, the service can be accessed for any mental health concern.

It’s Valentine's Day -- the perfect time to talk about sexual health! No this isn’t your cringe high school health class; however, most of us feel somewhat bashful about discussing sexual health. Because of the embarrassment and stigma about sexual health, many people delay seeking treatment resulting in larger and more impactful problems. 

The transition from summer sunshine to the chilly months of Fall and Winter can sometimes bring a cloud of gloom. Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of mild depression or reduction in energy, is caused by a reduction of exposure to sunlight. That's why we're thrilled to announce that the Faculty of Engineering now has Light Therapy (SAD) lamps available for sign-out!