The Community Wellness Team received the Mindful Campuses grant for third year in a row.
The University of Waterloo is making a significant change by retiring the WatSAFE emergency notification app and replacing it with a new Emergency Notification System (ENS) platform provided by the company Regroup Mobile.
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.
Amid a worsening housing situation, students are increasingly targeted by rental scams. The Community Wellness Team and the Engineering Community Roundtable, using data from the University of Waterloo Special Constables Service, warn of two prevalent scams: Fraudulent Property Rentals, where scammers advertise non-existent or misleading properties and may request personal details, and Fraudulent Renters, where scammers pose as potential tenants, overpay, and ask for a refund. To safeguard against these, students are advised to physically visit properties, thoroughly review contracts, verify renter details, and be wary of overpayment refunds. If affected, students should report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center and local police, and utilize resources like the University of Waterloo Special Constable Services. Emotional support is available through Counselling Services or EmpowerMe Student Care. Students are urged to remain vigilant and consult department student advisors or Wellness contacts for guidance.