Campus Well-being has several volunteer positions we are looking to fill. Are you interested in getting involved on campus? Are you passionate about wellness? Please join our Volunteer Information Session to learn more about some exciting opportunities!  

Info Session Details

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 21

Time: noon – 1pm

Location: Studio “A”, EMP Studios GM33, Notre Dame Campus, or register for the livestream.

Contact Breanna Sawatzky to request an invitation.

Benefits of Volunteering

Upon completion of service, all volunteers will be provided a letter of verification and a certificate of service, and will be invited to an appreciation event. Volunteers who display exceptional service may request letters of recommendation for awards. 

Volunteer Roles

Thrive Ambassador

The Thrive Ambassador will promote Thrive Week in the hallways, library, and cafeteria by distributing print materials and striking up conversations with students. The ideal candidate is friendly in conversation, can communicate clearly, and is conscientious. 
 
The volunteer will complete 10 hours of service, primarily during the month of November. All service is completed on campus with support from the Thrive planning group. Attending a one-hour orientation session is mandatory and is included in the 10 hours of service. 

Resource Promoter

The Resource Promoter will use and enhance their communication skills, increasing student awareness and use of various mental health supports. In this role, the volunteer will promote resources by tabling in hallways, distributing print materials, and striking up conversations with students.  

The volunteer will complete 10 hours of service, ideally one hour per month, October to April. All service is completed on campus with support from the Campus Mental Health Specialist. Attending a one-hour orientation session is mandatory and is included in the 10 hours of service. 

Advisory Group Member

The Advisory Group Member will use and enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, providing thoughtful critiques and formulating ideas for our Healthy Minds Healthy College Strategy. In this role, the volunteer will attend three two-hour meetings (November, January and March) where members share their perspectives, brainstorm ideas, and develop strategies to make RRC Polytech a health-promoting college.  

The volunteer will complete 10 hours of service. All service is on campus with support from the Campus Mental Health Specialist. A one-on-one orientation meeting is mandatory and included in the 10 hours of service. 

Student Intramural Coordinator

(Various Positions Available: Basketball, Volleyball, Futsal or Other) 

The Student Intramural Coordinator(s) will use and enhance their leadership and event-management skills, by facilitating monthly intramurals in their sport of interest. The volunteer(s) will promote events by distributing print materials and striking up conversations with students. They will also facilitate event registration, game play, event set-up and take-down.   

Each volunteer will complete up to 12 hours of service: approximately six hours in the fall term (Sept-Dec) and six hours in the winter term (Jan-Apr). A group orientation session is mandatory for all intramural coordinators, at which they will receive support and direction from the Sport and Fitness Supervisor.  

For many of us, moving into September means getting back into routines and preparing ourselves for the months ahead. Thankfully, MindWell is offering several programs to help you do just that while simultaneously improving your well-being. All workshops and classes are free to Red River College Polytechnic faculty, staff and students. Sign up for a Free MindWell Account to access and find a class that is right for you!

New for September:

• Learn to Meditate II: Mindfulness for Busy People

• Finding Motivation

• Exercise at Your Desk

4 Week Learn to Meditate Program

If you’re like most people, you think you don’t have time to meditate. Or, it simply falls off your ‘to-do’ list when things get busy. Makeda is back teaching you simple ways to integrate meditation into your life so you can experience less stress and more joy – no matter how busy you are.

Begins Thursday, Sept. 8 at noon Central

Register Here

Finding Motivation

Motivation comes and goes. Learn how to use mindfulness-based practices to cultivate motivation at any time so you can be more productive at work, getting into a workout routine, eating healthy or any other area of your life where you could use some extra motivation.   

Every Friday in September at 11am Central

Register Here

Exercise at Your Desk

Sitting for long hours each day pays a toll on our bodies. As we get back to school and work this September, join Lucia every Monday for simple and effective exercises that can be done at your desk to boost your energy and help keep your body in shape – no mat or special equipment required.  

Every Monday in September at noon Central

Register Here

Don’t yet have an account? Sign up here >>>

For any questions about MindWell please contact Breanna Sawatzky.

Recreation and Wellness

CFL Weekly Winning Teams Pick 

Every Monday, select the teams you think will win this week’s games and submit them to be entered for a prize. This contest will be running until the Grey Cup so you can submit for each week. Registration and team picks can be submitted by email to Mario De Negri  

Pop Up Ping Pong

Come drop by for a couple rounds of ping pong. All skill levels welcomed and all equipment is provided. No registration required, but you can email Mario De Negri to say you’d like to stop by. 

EDC (Elgin Plaza) Wednesday, September 7th,  noon-1:00pm

NDC (North Gym) Monday, September 12th,  noon-1:00pm

Board Game Night

Come for an afternoon of board games and meet some new friends. There will be a selection of games to choose from and good times had by all. Email Mario De Negri to register.

NDC (The Cave) Thursday, September 15th, 4:00-6:00pm

Paint Night

In this paint night activity you will be guided through the steps required to create a masterpiece. Supplies and materials will be provided but are limited. You must register early to secure your spot by emailing Mario De Negri.

NDC (The Cave) Tuesday, September 20th, 4:30pm-6:30pm

EDC (Dining Hall) Monday, September 26th,  4:30pm-6:30pm

In-Person Yoga

Come move, stretch, breathe and feel good. These drop-in classes are suitable for all levels. Mats are provided.

NDC (North Gym) Tuesday, September 6, 13, 20, and 27, 4:00- 4:30pm

EDC (P107) Thursday, September 22 & 29, 12:15-12:45

Special Immersive Experience

Yoga in the Immersion Room (GM32) – Wednesday, September 14, noon – 1pm (Register by emailing Mario De Negri)

Virtual Yoga

Join Holly for a lunch hour practice in your own space from 12:15-12:45pm.   Register for each class that works for you.

• Friday, Sept 9th 
• Friday, Sept 16th 
• Friday, Sept 23rd 

Fitness

Fitness Centre Orientation (15-20min)  

• Receive a detailed tour of the fitness centre 
• Learn how to use & adjust exercise equipment 
• Have your questions answered about the gym, membership access, etc.,  
• Email dchase2@rrc.ca to sign up  

NDC

EDC

• Thursdays at 11:15am & 12:15 pm with Davis  
• Sep 8, Sep 15, Sep 22, Sep 29 

Drop-In Sport

Come by the NDC North Gym to join a game.

Basketball – Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11am-1pm

Pickleball – Tuesday & Thursday 11am-1pm

Mental Well-Being

World Suicide Prevention Day: Promoting Life Through Building Connections

• EDC, Friday, September 9, 11:30-2:30
• Learn more here.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Information Session

Learn all about the different student volunteer roles that are available through Campus Well-Being. Attend in person, catch the live stream, or watch the recording.

NDC (GM32), Wednesday, Sept. 21, noon – 1pm in the eTV studio A. Catch the live stream at rrc.ca/streaming. Contact Breanna Sawatzky for more information.

A Note

Please note that for the month of September all Campus Well-Being programing is offered at no cost to RRC Polytech students, staff and faculty. We hope our programming can help support personal wellness and ease the transition back to busier hallways and more populated spaces. In future months, some programming may have a cost attached.

Each year over 4000 Canadians die by suicide. With each loss, families and communities are left to grieve and ask questions about what may have prevented the tragedy. World Suicide Prevention Day is observed each year as a chance to promote understanding of suicide, bring people together, and create hope through action.

All community members are invited to join the Winnipeg Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) and Campus Well-Being to observe World Suicide Prevention Day at RRC Polytech. Together we will explore how to promote life through building connections.

Keynote speakers Will Landon and Taylor Behn-Tsakoza of the Youth Action Group for Life Promotion will share with us their life promotion toolkit. Strengthening Our Connections to Promote Life: A Life Promotion Toolkit by Indigenous Youth was developed as a youth-focused and youth-led response to suicide, mental wellness, and substance use in Indigenous communities. We’re happy to welcome Taylor and Will to campus.

Event Details

Date: Friday, September 9, 2022

Time: 11:30am – 2:30pm

Location: Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae 319 Elgin Ave.

Hosted by Ace Burpee, the event will feature:

• Art making activities by Art Beat,
• Light refreshments, and
• ASL interpretation

Register here

Come in person or contact Breanna Sawatzky for information on how to catch the livestream. For accessibility needs please also contact Breanna.

Therapy Dogs are back at Red River College Polytechnic for the Fall Welcome! Come say hello to dogs from the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. They will be attending campuses in Winnipeg, Steinbach and Portage. 

Animal and human interactions can offer many positive health benefits. For example, animals can help decrease our cortisol levels (a stress hormone), lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness, and help boost our mood. They are also fun to have around and offer us to chance to form unique and intimate bonds.  

Join us for the Fall Welcome, and ease into the term with a visit from a furry friend.  

The Details 

Notre Dame Campus  

Date: Monday, August 29^th
Time: 11:30-1:00pm 
Location: STTC Lobby 

Exchange District Campus 

Date: Wednesday, August 31^st  
Time: 11:30-1:00pm  
Location: Roblin Centre and Manitou a bi Bii daziigae 

Steinbach Campus  

Date: Thursday, September 1^st  
Time: 11:30-1:00pm  
Location: The Fishbowl 

Portage Campus  
 
Date: Wednesday, August 31^st  
Time: 11:30-1:00pm  
Location: Student Lounge Area  

If you have any questions about the visit feel free to reach out to Pamela Villafranca.  

Drop-in Sports 

Enjoy the opportunity to play some of your favorite sports at our weekly drop! Our North Gym is open for lunch hour basketball and pickleball drop-ins! See below for more information:  

Basketball

Monday, Wednesday & Friday, NDC, 11:00am-1:00pm 

• August 3^rd 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 5th 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 8^th 11:00am-1:00pm
• August 10^th 11:00am-1:00pm
• August 12^th 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 15^th 11:00am-1:00pm 
• August 19^th  11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 22^nd 11:00am-1:00pm
• August 24^th 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 26^th 11:00am-1:00pm 
• August 29^th 11:00am-1:00pm
• August 31^st  11:00am-1:00pm  

Pickleball

Tuesday and Thursday, NDC, 11:00am-1:00pm  

• August 2^nd 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 4^th 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 9^th 11:00am-1:00pm 
• August 11^th  11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 16^th  11:00am-1:00pm 
• August 18^th  11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 23^rd 11:00am-1:00pm 
• August 25^th  11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 30^th  11:00am-1:00pm 

Check back later in the month to find out more information about the fun events we are planning for the fall!

Wellness Events 

July 6^th 12:00pm -1:00pm In-Person Immersive Yoga with Holly* 

July 13^th 12:00pm-1:00pm- In-Person Immersive Yoga with Holly* 

July 20^th th 12:00pm-1:00pm In-Person Immersive Meditation with Crystal Bowl Healing*   

*In-Person events require registration by emailing pvillafranca@rrc.ca    
All in-person events taking place in- The immersion room (GM32, NDC- Mall level just outside the North Gym at NDC)   

Drop-in Sports

Our North Gym is open for lunch hour basketball and pickleball drop-in! See below for more information: 

Basketball– Monday, Wednesday & Friday, NDC, 11:00am-1:00pm  

July 4^th, 6^th & 8th 11:00am-1:00pm 
July 11^th, 13^th & 15th 11:00am-1:00pm 
July 18^th, 20^th & 22^nd 11:00am-1:00pm 
July 25^th, 27^th & 29^th 11:00am-1:00pm 
 
Pickleball– Tuesday and Thursday, NDC, 11:00am-1:00pm  

July 5^th & 7th 11:00am-1:00pm 
July 12^th & 14^th 11:00am-1:00pm 
July 19^th & 21^st 11:00am-1:00pm 
July 26^th & 28th 11:00am-1:00pm 

Virtual Yoga with Holly

• Tuesdays 4-4:30pm   
• Fridays at noon-12:30pm   
• Yoga for all levels   

REGISTER FOR EACH CLASS THAT WORKS FOR YOU:   
 July 5^th 4:00-4:30pm Register Here 

July 8^th 2022  Noon-12:30pm Register Here 

July 12^th 4:00pm-4:30pm Register Here  

July 15^th Noon- 12:30pm Register Here  

July 22^nd Noon- 12:30pm Register Here 

July 26^th 4:00pm-4:30pm Register Here  

July 29^th noon-12:30pm Register Here  

  Virtual Power Pilates with Sheena

• Mondays 12:15pm-12:45pm  
• Mat based Core Strengthening for all levels   

REGISTER FOR EACH CLASS THAT WORKS FOR YOU:  

Monday, July 4^th  

Monday, July 18^th 

Monday, July 25^th  

Virtual Circuit Training with Sheena 

• Wednesdays 12:15pm-12:45pm  
• Full Body Circuit for all levels   

REGISTER FOR EACH CLASS THAT WORKS FOR YOU:  

Wednesday, July 6^th  

Wednesday, July 20^th  

Wednesday, July 27^th  

Join us on June 21st from noon-1:00 pm to participate in our Pride Virtual Film Viewing, with films curated by the mental health team at Campus Well-Being. The film viewing is a space to view short films about pride, gender identity and the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community while engaging in discussion and exploring ways to support mental health. 

Moving beyond simple notions of self-care, our discussion will explore the systems that often place expectations on people. When we talk about mental health and the queer community, we need to challenge stereotypes that support heteronormativity and often “other” folks who live outside mainstream ideals of gender and sexuality. These oppressive stereotypes and ideals can strain the mental health of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.  

During the virtual event, we will watch films that highlight the history of Pride, discuss the importance of community and talk about gender diversity. In addition to the films, we will review and practice different grounding techniques and discuss student resources available at the College. 

The Campus Well-Being team is passionate about inclusivity and is motivated by a vision there everyone feels safe, has access to affirming mental health care, and lives in a world where their gender expression and sexuality is honoured. 

Date: Tuesday, June 21^st 2022 

Time: noon – 1:00pm  

Register Here  

For any questions about the event or accessibility requests please contact Pamela Villafranca. 

Buddy Up is a suicide prevention campaign created for men by men, encouraging us to have conversations with our buddies and to find ways to support our friends if they are struggling with thoughts of suicide. Unfortunately, there are often barriers to individuals feeling comfortable discussing their mental health. These barriers like fear of judgment, expectations surrounding gender roles, or simply not knowing where to reach out can leave people feeling alone and isolated. So, for June, we are highlighting and encouraging a conscious effort to reach out and check in with friends in your circle. 

Men are often socialized to internalize their experiences of stress and emotional pain. This can contribute to learning to cope without a support system or using harmful behaviours to cope. Sometimes men turn to suicide instead of seeking support from others or receiving professional help.  

As a community, when we have conversations about our mental health and check in with our friends, we actively work to combat the stigma associated with mental health. 

All humans go through periods where they may need additional assistance. When we are balancing working, going to school, and navigating the world, we sometimes feel pressures that can impact our mental health. Being able to rely on our friends, family, and service providers when we are having feelings or thoughts of suicide helps to cope with these challenging and scary feelings. 

As part of the Buddy Up Campaign, we will be hosting a Therapy dog visit. Stop by for a chance to discuss the resources available at the College, pick up some Buddy Up swag, and support deconstructing the gender norms that stop individuals from accessing life-saving services.  

To learn more about the campaign, visit the Buddy Up website. The site includes helpful tips to initiate difficult conversations and identify warning signs, and provides a list of national suicide prevention and crisis resources.   Sign up for the “Buddy Up Challenge” for the month of June.

Stop by and say “Hi” to therapy dogs at NDC  

Date: June 23^rd 2022 

Time: 11:30-1:00pm  

Location: Dining Area of the STTC  

This month MindWell has some amazing workshops and classes organized to assist students, faculty and staff find ways to manage and support their mental health, using mindfulness based practices. All workshops and classes are free to Red River College Polytechnic faculty, staff and students. Sign up for a Free MindWell Account to access, and find a class that is right for you!

• Foundations of Self-Compassion   
• Using Breath to Decrease Stress
• Optimize Your Energy  

4 Week Program on Self-Compassion – June 9th

Starting June 9th, join Erin McCarthy, Ph.D. to build your self-compassion in multiple ways in this 4 week foundations class. Including finding way to quiet your inner critic, to find ways to manage our experience of stress and anxiety, while maintaining a compassionate and understand lens towards ourselves and our feelings.

Thursday, June 9th, 12:00pm CST

Register Here

Using Breath to Decrease Stress – Every Friday in June

Our own breath is one of the most effective tools we can use to decrease our stress levels and bring a sense of calm into our lives – particularly during or after stressful situations – so we can perform our best no matter what is going on around us. Join in each Friday to learn how to use your breath as a tool to decrease stress and improve your overall well-being.

Fridays starting June 3rd at 11:00am CST.

Register Here

Optimize Your Energy – Mondays in June!

If it’s true that lack of sleep and lack of movement can both make us feel tired, how do we choose between rest and exercise? As students we may be balancing many priorities at once, which can contribute to our energy levels feeling low, or experiencing a lack of motivation.

Join Lucia every Monday in June to learn how to optimize your energy by learning when to push and when to pull back as you explore the push and pull muscles of the body.

Mondays, at 12:00pm CST.

Register Here

For any questions about MindWell, please feel free to contact Pamela Villafranca, Mental Health Coordinator.