Michelle has a very inclusive approach to her teaching. She makes adaptations and accommodations when necessary and is very understanding overall. 

-Nominating Student

He cares about his students actually understanding the material and marks accordingly to the effort put into the course. Very charismatic and empathetic with due dates.

- Nominating Student

Karlie is always willing to provide students with time, support, and a friendly attitude. She consistently goes out of her way to ensure students get the help they are looking for and feel welcome in the SSC. She remembers students names, stories, and faces in a way that truly makes you feel heard and understood. She is truly such a positive influence in the Lakehead community!

-Nominating Student

What mental health means to me:
Mental health is something that impacts us all in different ways. Just because it can be deemed 'invisible' does not mean it holds less importance than other aspects of our health. I'm proud of how society has grown to speak more openly about the topic and it's influence towards our human experience. Although mental health can seem complex to understand, it's important to acknowledge both the positive and challenging influences it can present in our lives. How your mental health fluctuates is nothing to be ashamed of, because celebrating the 'little victories' in a day are equally important as letting a friend know you're having a tough day. Although mental health can be such an individualized experience, you are never alone.

How I support student mental health:
As a community, we all have a role to play in supporting one another's mental health. How certain things impact someone may differ between people, but this does not invalidate anyone's experience over the other. I'm proud to support our community's mental health by creating a safe space that emphasizes equity and belonging. Whether that be having a relaxing space to unwind between classes, or a place to share your voice and feel heard. As a supporting leader for mental health, I also believe in the importance of empowering others and allowing them to feel like experts in their field.

Message to students:
If you're ever feeling lost or alone on campus, I'm happy to be there for you. Please come visit myself and/or our SSC lounge at SC0008 in the tunnels!

Always welcoming, patient, very positively supportive, determined to help me and keep me in control of the possibility of success. She has no limitations. 

-Nominating Student

Kyrin has helped me with all my accommodations questions. She is always positive and upbeat, and she goes out of her way to make sure all my questions and concerns are taken care of. When one is away from home, it is important to have someone that you can go to, like Kyrin, if you have any issues. Interactions with Kyrin make my day!

-Nominating Student

What mental health means to me:
I believe that mental health is a critical, and often under looked aspect of our health. Just like we can't expect our bodies to perform to the best of their abilities when injured or sick, we can't expect our brains to work at their best if we don't support our mental health. I firmly believe we as a society have an obligation to de-stigmatize conversations about mental health and advocate for ourselves and others to receive the care and support we all deserve.

How I support student mental health:
I support student mental health here at Lakehead University by assisting in the facilitation of a variety of events directly aimed at improving the mental health of our students - from Student Health and Wellness Take10 sessions, to large scale events like the annual ICTC Powwow. I believe that us Staff and Faculty have an obligation to advocate for and support efforts to improve student mental health across campus. It is the students that give Lakehead University its success, we have an obligation to ensure they are set up to succeed and have access to resources and supports.

Something I wish someone told me when I was an undergraduate student:
There is no shame in seeking mental health supports. You are not alone, more people then you know are struggling in silence as well. You deserve support and you are worthy of all the good things life has to offer!

Jennifer has been very helpful, steering me in the right direction when I have had questions about maintenance issues and helping me organize a space to "interview" in. I was very appreciative of her efforts to assist me this past fall.
-Nominating Student

What mental health means to me:
Positive mental health is experiencing life while honouring the full human experience of body and mind.

How I support student mental health:
Engaging students where they are at in the present moment, treating them as respected adults that have a place here on campus and in the world and that their existance matters.

Sarah was pivotal in organizing the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada visits to the faculty. Both took significant work and commitment. Bora Laskin Faculty of Law students benefited greatly from these visits. Nearer to Christmas, Sarah organized the Faculty's annual "Chuck a Duck" event. This event is a fundraiser for the Dew Drop Inn and encourages students to participate in an event that helps them blow off a bit of steam / pre-exam jitters. Sarah commitment to the students and the faculty is bar-none!

-Nominating Student

She is always in a positive and upbeat mood. She goes out of her way to help support the students at the Faculty of Law Library. Helping them find books and manage technology. She is very approachable and helps students find solutions or alternatives when they have problems accessing material.  She helps alleviate a lot of stress. Her assistance is invaluable to students at the Faculty of Law! 

-Nominating Student

What mental health means to me:
"To many, mental health is defined by what it isn’t—the absence of illness. But to me, mental health is a vital, living resource. It is the state of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being that dictates how we move through the world, how we process stress, and how we connect with one another.

As the World Health Organization suggests, true mental health allows us to study productively, realize our potential, and contribute to our community. However, in the halls of our law library, I see it as something even more personal: it is the practice of finding balance through small joys."

How I support student mental health:
"My mission is to foster a culture of empathy within the law library, ensuring it serves as a sanctuary for both academic excellence and mental health. I believe that wellness is built through intentional, positive interactions; by greeting every student with an honest smile, I aim to create a ripple effect of support that sustains our entire community."

Message to students:
"During my own post-graduate studies, I was deeply inspired by a staff member who showed me how much of a difference a single supportive person can make. Today, I strive to pay that forward. Remember that even the smallest positive interaction can make a profound difference in someone’s day."

Professor Whitehead is an incredibly animated and organized lecturer. She has put a lot of thought into organizing her course and arranging her course materials so that students can readily access the content, which reduces their stress. She marks her assignments in a timely manner and gives thorough and constructive feedback. She makes herself available to students for questions before and after class, during office hours, and via Zoom. If students have accommodations, she works with them to help support their learning.

-Nominating Student

What mental health means to me:
Mental health means feeling safe, supported, included, recognized, balanced, and capable of meeting life's challenges. It's a state we all aspire to and try to maintain. Mental health is impacted by how we make our way through the world, but also by physical, social, structural and political forces that shape our experiences.

How I support student mental health:
Law school is a very stressful experience for many students, and I try to ensure that my teaching doesn't unduly add to that stress. In my experience, professors have a role to play in making the university more conducive to learning by acknowledging the challenges students face and working to create a safe environment in which they can learn. In my teaching, I try to be approachable and ensure that if students are struggling in my courses, they understand that graded work is not a reflection of their value as a person but rather an opportunity to learn and improve. I also work to ensure that students' needs are accommodated in the design of my courses and content.

[She is]  continuing to provide the students and staff at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law with exceptional support during their exams and for helping to organize logistics for students involved in Moot competitions. Keri-Lynn goes above and beyond to ensure students are well cared for.

-Nominating Student

Each and every student who attends Bora Laskin has a special relationship with Anya. Anya is the one who calls you personally to tell you that you have been accepted to law school (to Bora Laskin). That is only the beginning, though. Once you become a student at Bora Laskin, Anya(in her quiet and unassuming manner) ensures that you are well taken care of. And, Anya will be the one at our graduation ceremony who will read our names as we cross the stage. During our time at the Faculty, her door is always open. Students often come to see her; they feel they can talk to her about any problem, big or small. She is there to listen and brainstorm issues and concerns with you. My experience (as well as all the rest of the students at the Faculty of Law) would not be the same without Anya. She and the other support staff at the Faculty of Law make it the truly wonderful place that it is.

-Nominating Student

Dean Birmingham is an amazingly approachable, caring and compassionate person. We are blessed to have her as our Dean. She has been instrumental in assuring that what could be a truly nerve-racking and gruelling academic experience is a supportive and nurturing one. She is committed to finding the best in all she works with, be it staff or students. She welcomes students and staff alike to drop in to share their concerns and their good news. Dean Birmingham has made it her quiet mission to ensure that we all succeed. For that, we are truly grateful!

-Nominating Student

Rachelle is there for all of her SAS students. She makes sure they get what they need. My experience at Lakehead would not be the same without her! 

-Nominating Student

What mental health means to me:
Resilience and the knowledge of oneself in the face of an ever changing and sometimes very toxic world.

How I support student mental health:
My role within SAS is to accommodate students with medical conditions and/or disabilities, on a health and wellness level I think it's to be personable and open, providing a safe space where students can ask for help when they are unsure. To listen to their concerns and needs, and to provide whatever support that I can even if it does fall under my purview. If I can be the person in between when a student is feeling lost and is looking for something specific, then I hope that I can answer the questions and put students in touch with those who are more capable of offering the support that they need.

David's support during the exam period (a time of off-the-charts anxiety) is invaluable. His steady and professional manner put me (as I am sure all the others who rely on the SAS services) at ease. David's demeanour puts people in this stressful situation at ease. Thank you, David, for all you do during exams. Students who use SAS services appreciate having the people they know and are familiar with, and can count on being available to them during exams. 

-Nominating Student

What mental health means to me:
Mental Health to me is a barrier that can impact people in all walks of life but with the right kind of supports put in place can help those who struggle with this condition to overcome the challenges they face.

How I support student mental health:
My primary role at Student Accessibility Services entails coordinating arrangements for accommodated testing for those students registered with our office. The process for educators is one of collaboration between the students, faculty and staff to foster a supportive atmosphere to develop strategies for student success in their academic endeavors and the full experience here at Lakehead

Additional reflection:
Working with students who have such barriers to overcome to help them achieve their goals is one of the most rewarding aspects of my experiences working here at Lakehead

Sarah manages a busy office. Sarah deals with people when they are at their most vulnerable. Sarah addresses issues calmly and promptly, ensuring each student's needs are met. This helps low students' stress levels. 

-Nominating Student

What mental health means to me:
Taking care of your well being and personal inner strength. Taking the time to pause and reflect on the good of each day

How I support student mental health:
As the first person contact for the SAS office (Thunder Bay and Orillia), I greet students and book their appointment(s) with an SAS Accessibility Advisor. I listen to students questions. I explain how SAS may assist students who are seeking Academic Accommodations for their courses. The first thing I always say is "Hi how are you? How can I help?"

Message to students:
Take care of yourself, you matter

What mental health means to me:

Mental health looks different for everyone. It’s a mix of our physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being that needs regular care to help us thrive. This is especially important for students, who deal with so much academic pressure every day.

How I support student mental health:
As the Manager of Student Accessibility Services (SAS), my team and I support student mental health by fostering a culture of respect and empowerment. We share resources to reduce stigma and provide students with a platform to be heard, honouring their agency and encouraging them to become strong self-advocates. Our primary goal is to remove academic barriers through tailored accommodations, ensuring that mental health struggles never hinder a student’s success. Throughout this process, we maintain strict privacy and confidentiality to build the trust necessary for students to seek help and thrive.

Understanding that there are many aspects to mental health and that seeking support is not a weakness but shows strength in understanding that there is something impacting their well-being and having the courage to fix it. Having support to build resilience in their life is a good thing.

How I support student mental health:
I am not directly involved with students as I do not work the front line. Having said that, when I do encounter a need, I encourage students to seek help when they are struggling with their mental health by: allowing them to share if they need to; asking what they need to support them; but mostly, encouraging them to contact their established healthcare provider or referring students to the excellent support that they can receive right on campus at SHW. Some other examples are advising students of the minimum course load that they need in order to remain on OSAP so that they are free to decide if a lower course load would work for them; or, explaining how a scholarship appeal would support a withdrawal from studies to make themselves a priority. I do believe that it is important that staff/faculty support our students when possible so that students can succeed in their studies.

Additional reflection:
I was unaware of how many students struggle with their mental health and while I am not very knowledgeable, I know how to listen and encourage/give options to WHO can help them.

How does the WellU Champion support student wellbeing and promote positive mental health at Lakehead?

Eric is the student affairs officer at Lakehead Orillia campus. Despite such an intimidating-sounding title, he has a friendly, approachable disposition. While he does exhibit professionalism in all he does, speaking with him puts students at ease as if they are speaking with an equal, not with someone who sees a student as a number in their quota. I have come to Eric for advice on a number of issues while navigating life at Lakehead. One such example, which I was fearful to reach out to him about as my boss, was an issue regarding my mental health. I feared mentioning anything to do with stress would cost me my work study position in student affairs. This was not at all the case. Eric not only gave me the time off I requested, but further asked if there was anything I needed, if there was something causing me stress at the job, and even referred me to a counselor. I have never felt more heard, seen, and supported by a Lakehead staff member. Eric also happened to be my tour guide when I first toured campus before starting my journey here. Eric was the face of Orillia campus, exemplifying the tight-knit, caring community the campus is known for. That learning environment is why I chose Lakehead, so I feel Eric is more than deserving of this nomination.

- Nominating Student

How does the WellU Champion support student wellbeing and promote positive mental health at Lakehead? 

Provides an open space to talk about any matter, school related or personal. Always listens to an issues and gives advice without judgement. Always makes students feel welcomed and heard. Help as much as possible even in courses she doesn’t teach. 

- Nominating Student

Always has her doors wide open, and welcomes everyone. Super supportive and always there when help is needed. Always motivating and has the best advice. 

- Nominating Student

Super welcoming, and has the best advice. Always there to help us out when we need it. 

- Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you?

Mental health means feeling supported and able to think clearly, even in stressful situations. It’s having enough clarity to recognize when things are overwhelming instead of spiraling. It’s being able to ask for help when you need it.

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and wellbeing? 

Stress and anxiety are relative: What may be stressful for me, may not be for you. I think if we are in tune with this idea, we can help students (and everyone, really) realize that their stress and emotions are valid, and that there is a healthy way to cope. I want to think that our role, beyond teaching our courses, is to form human beings who can empathize and cope with the everyday stress of life.  

- Dr. Thamara Laredo

How does the WellU Champion support student wellbeing and promote positive mental health at Lakehead? 

Dr. Murkar is always available for students and he makes sure everybody feels heard and seen within the classroom. Dr. Murkar is probably one of the most relatable and personable professor at the Orillia campus. Nobody has anything bad to say about him or his courses.

- Nominating Student

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and wellbeing? 

Professors and University staff play a pivotal role in supporting student mental health and wellbeing. As leadership figures on campus, it is up to us to set the tone in the classroom. A good instructor can make a warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere where students feel comfortable engaging and sharing - and not all campuses have the welcoming feeling as Lakehead. In my role, I just try to do my best to try and make sure that Lakehead maintains a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and that students feel supported in their studies!

- Dr. Anthony Murkar

How does the WellU Champion support student wellbeing and promote positive mental health at Lakehead? 

He is constantly checking in on students and making sure their prioritizing their mental health, he cares about his students, he's always available to help and support students. 

- Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you?

Mental health is a vital component of our lives, on equal footing with air, water, and nourishment.

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and wellbeing? 

Beyond facilitating learning and engaging learners to achieve academic excellence, I believe that educators and staff have a duty of care. To me this means helping learners feel supported and cherished as human beings. It also means helping them understand that wellbeing can be achieved and everyone has access to inner and outer resources to achieve and sustain wellbeing in themselves and their communities. Without a supportive environment that facilitates wellbeing in students every single day, learning cannot happen. 

- Dr. Florin Pendea

How does the WellU Champion support student wellbeing and promote positive mental health at Lakehead? 

Brian ensures all his students (Bachelor of Education students) are on the right track and regularly checks in with them and creates an extremely safe, comfortable and welcoming classroom environment in university courses. It’s important, especially with professors, when students notice how much a professor cares about their wellbeing. He often checks in with students to make sure assignment dates are well-timed and if anyone is struggling, they can take their time with it. In a degree like Education, the level of care Brian has for his students does not go unnoticed and is extremely appreciated by the students in this program. He also promotes mental health and wellness to us about our future students which has helped me in situations during my placement. Most of all, Brian makes sure we all prioritize our own mental health before anything else. 

- Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you?

Mental health is who we are. It is how we feel mentally, emotionally and socially, and we draw on our mental health to take on our experiences, including some that are demanding of our energies.

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and wellbeing? 

Supporting student mental health is about being present, flexible and accommodating. But it's also about building a classroom community where we can lean on each other to face the demands of the classroom and our programs alongside of life in general.

- Brian Weishar