Dear Renison,
We are all feeling the impact from the horrific attack that happened in Hagey Hall yesterday. We understand and share your additional distress in learning that this was a hate-motivated, gender-based crime.
Perhaps, the cord is struck particularly hard in our Renison Community because so much of the work that we do as staff, faculty and students is in service of gender equity, intersectionality, cultural awareness and other related subjects. We focus on these topics because we believe strongly in the principles of equity and freedom of expression. When these tenets are attacked, as they were yesterday, it serves to reinforce the importance of this work. Far from being deterred by yesterday’s events, Renison holds firm in its commitment to advancing the rights of our entire community.
The University of Waterloo community will come together to support one another in the Arts Quad beginning at 3:15 this afternoon. In addition to enhanced security, counselling service professionals will be on-hand. Remarks will happen at 3:30, and a moment of silence at 3:37. We encourage you to please pause all activity between 3 and 4:30 pm today to join the community gathering. Elder Myeengun Henry will begin with a smudging ceremony, which will be followed by remarks from UW’s President, Dr. Vivek Goel, and a minute of silence at 3:37 pm – the time of yesterday’s attack. If you plan to attend, consider wearing Renison or University of Waterloo branded clothing to show solidarity and community support.
The event will also be available by livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PME6MH6UK4
Warmly,
Wendy
L.
Fletcher
President
and
Vice-Chancellor
Renison
University
College
Student Resources:
Our Student Experience and Housing team and our Student Wellness committee are available to provide support. These individuals can listen and can also help seek more in-depth supports through wellness services or other avenues should you be interested. Renison’s chaplain, Scott McLeod, will be away from July 4-21, but in his absence you can reach out to any of the following people either in person or by email to set up a virtual meeting:
- Ryan Connell (REN 1108A – in the Ministry Centre)
- Stefany Kraft (REN 0209A)
- Alison McLaren (REN 1904)
- Bianca Bitsikakis (REN 1412; available Tuesday-Friday)
- Bethany Dixon (REN 1906, but with drop-in hours in the Ministry Centre 1108B as well)
If you have any questions about these supports, feel free to reach out to our student wellness committee co-chair, Bethany Dixon, at Bethany.dixon@uwaterloo.ca, or any of the individuals listed above.
Additional Available Resources:
Students: If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact University of Waterloo’s Counselling Services at Campus Wellness: 519-888-4096.
Employees: Our Employee and Family Assistance Program is available 24/7 for counselling, coaching and support. Call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca.
These community supports are available as well:
Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247 (available for immediate support)
Grand River Hospital - 519-749-4300
St. Mary's Hospital - 519-744-3311
Good2Talk - 1-866-925-5454
Crisis Services Canada - 1-833-456-4566 or by text 45645
Empower Me (1-844-741-6389)
IMPACT (Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team) is a partnership between the UW Special Constable Service, Counselling Services, and the Canadian Mental Health Association. IMPACT workers provide Mental Health care in after-hours settings when counselling is unavailable. IMPACT workers are available by contacting the UWSCS at 519-888-4911. IMPACT Hours are 3 pm to 12 am Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.