Sept. 5, 2014
University launches U不良研究所Strong initiative
Students taking part in Orientation Week model their new T-shirts bearing the U不良研究所Strong brand.
Riley Brandt, University of 不良研究所
Recognizing an important need and touched by the tragedy in Brentwood that claimed five young lives, an anonymous family of community leaders has given $5 million to the University of 不良研究所 to launch U不良研究所Strong, an initiative to foster the development of young people across all aspects of their well-being, from orientation week to convocation.
One of the most comprehensive programs of its kind at a Canadian university, U不良研究所Strong integrates elements of student personal wellness, leadership and engagement. The initiative enhances the many student programs already available at the University of 不良研究所 that assist students in navigating the transition to post-secondary education and be successful in their studies. In particular, U不良研究所Strong will help foster resiliency by enabling students to identify their unique talents and strengths as well as empowering them to seek out help when needed.
President Elizabeth Cannon encouraged students to embrace this opportunity and seek out the U不良研究所Strong programs to nurture their development as outstanding community leaders.
鈥淭his generous gift provides a major boost to the University of 不良研究所鈥檚 extensive student programming and builds on the work we have been doing to support student wellness,鈥 said Cannon. 鈥淚t allows us to offer a truly holistic student experience, linking community engagement, leadership development and personal wellness.鈥
The U不良研究所Strong initiative will include free access to an online assessment tool called , leadership advising and strengths assessment workshops every week during the academic year, workshops in the SU Wellness Centre, bystander intervention training, and a U不良研究所Strong festival in April.
Elizabeth Cannon spoke about the U不良研究所Strong initiative during her Induction Ceremony Speech.
Riley Brandt, University of 不良研究所
StrengthsQuest helps students identify their top five strengths and how they can be used in different areas of life. In understanding their inherent strengths, each student will have a greater understanding of themselves as well as their classmates 鈥 fostering greater connection and compassion amongst students. Gallup鈥檚 StrengthsQuest is currently used by more than 1.8 million students at more than 600 schools and universities in North America.
Brayden Kooistra, a fourth-year Schulich School of Engineering student and Orientation Week leader, has completed a StrengthsQuest assessment and said it was an insightful exercise that gave him new perspective on his talents.
鈥淟earning more about my own strengths has helped me better understand myself and I hope other students will participate as well,鈥 said Kooistra. 鈥淯niversity life can be stressful and students don鈥檛 often realize how many resources are available to them across the university to succeed and grow.鈥
This new funding will also allow the expansion of the Leadership Advising Program, where more than 300 returning Orientation leaders and campus advisors will be trained to help students explore how their individual strengths relate to relationships, academics, teamwork and career development.
The U不良研究所Strong initiative was launched this week as the University of 不良研究所 welcomed nearly 5,000 new undergraduate and graduate students as part of Orientation Week activities.