Throughout the 2023 Spring and Fall terms, the FoE is hosting a series of Wellness Conversation Circles to gather perspectives and insights from FoE students around wellbeing within Engineering including what enhances/contributes to wellbeing and what diminishes/creates barriers to wellbeing. We are also looking for your ideas and suggestions for future programs and initiatives.
Your voice matters! Feedback received during these conversations will directly inform the FoE Community Wellness Framework and the wellness initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan.
The health and wellbeing of our students matters to us as much as their academic and professional success. Wellness and wellbeing are dynamic states that fluctuate and can be enhanced. Approximately 70% of first-time mental health conditions onset between the ages of 16 and 24. This age range also marks a period of significant transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Young people leave behind high school and move into post-secondary education or transition to work. In addition, research shows that the unique demands of STEM education increase the risks of stress related health concerns.
The strain of engineering education, together with this impactful period of transition, makes it critically important for post-secondary institutions to support student mental health. As part of our commitment to the wellbeing of our entire community, the Faculty of Engineering (FoE) is creating a Wellness Framework to guide 
the implementation and evaluation of our wellness initiatives.
A Framework is a set of guiding principles, priorities, and values that inform the implementation of programs and initiatives. Frameworks are most effective when they have been developed with input from across the community, and from other key stakeholders.
We know you are busy and that your time is valuable. As a thank you, those who participate in the Wellness Conversation Circles will receive a $10 voucher that can be used in the Engineering C & D. Snacks will be provided.
Please note: participation in the Wellness Conversation Circles is voluntary. Data will be anonymized and aggregated. All identifying markers will be removed, and every effort will be made to protect confidentiality of the participants within the constraints of a group event.
Eligibility:
Any currently enrolled University of Waterloo, Faculty of Engineering graduate or undergraduate student is welcome to participate.