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Campus Well-Being

News and Events

Campus Well-Being January Programs

January 3, 2023

Mental Well-Being

Movement Classes

Recreational Activities

Creativity Workshops

Sport and Fitness

Mindfully Begin 2023 (with prizes too!)

January 3, 2023

As we begin a new year amid ever present challenges, it’s a good idea to take time to develop a healthy mindset, along with stress management skills. With this in mind, you’re invited to join dozens of other RRC Polytech students and staff in a 30 Day Mindfulness Challenge.

Can you receive difficult messages with openness? Can you reverse the stress response and calm your nervous system? Are you able to step back from your thoughts and watch them come and go? All of these skills are key to building good mental health and all are part of the Take 5 Daily curriculum.

Take 5 Daily takes just five minutes a day, anytime, anywhere and on any device, yet there is evidence that it lowers stress, increases resilience, improves teamwork, and strengthens leadership skills.

This opportunity teaches ‘mindfulness-in-action’ so people don’t need to stop what they are doing to become calm, present and focused.

Registration

All RRC Polytech students and staff can register for a Mindwell account and then sign up for Take 5 Daily. You can even register a buddy to keep you motivated.

Prize draw

Complete all 30 days of Take 5 Daily and you unlock a certificate that will get you entered into a draw for awesome prizes.

Prizes include:

Simply send your certificate to Kristi before February 28 and you will be entered to win.

Please contact Kristi Dorian with any questions.

Ongoing Intramural Sports in January: Student Intramural Coordinators Needed!  

November 29, 2022

Starting in January, Campus Well-Being will be expanding our intramural sport schedule to include more sports, more often. Intramural sports provide students an opportunity to participate in recreational sport activities on campus in a safe and supportive environment.  

Volunteer to Help Out

Students are encouraged to volunteer to become an Intramural Sport Coordinator to help plan and run intramural sport events. This is a great opportunity to meet other students, coordinate a sport of your choice, or help to make other sports a positive experience for everyone.  

Volunteer Coordinators will be responsible for creating teams and explaining the rules of the game while promoting inclusiveness, sportsmanship, and fair play. Intramural Sport Coordinators can participate in the sport they are facilitating. The ideal candidates have a passion for sport & recreation, can communicate effectively, and are eager to use and enhance their leadership abilities.  

Each volunteer will work with our Sport and Fitness Supervisor and complete up to 12 hours of service. Upon completion of service, all volunteers will be provided with a certificate of service and will be invited to an appreciation event. Volunteers who display exceptional service may request letters of recommendation for awards.   

Get in Touch

Please email Davis Chase if you’re interested in becoming an Intramural Sport Coordinator or if you have any questions about Intramural Sport.  

Campus Well-Being December Programs

November 27, 2022

Recreation and Wellness

During exam week, when you need a break from studying or marking, check out these events:

Pop-up Game Room

Photo by Angshu Purkait on Unsplash

Play some giant games like Jenga, Chess, Checkers or Connect 4, shoot some mini hoops or try table tennis*, join some peers in a friendly card game or do some colouring.

Details:

Monday, December 5, 2022:  In the NDC Library Hallway, 10am to 2pm

Tuesday, December 6, 2022:  At EDC in The Roblin Centre Dining Hall near Tim Hortons, 10am to 2pm

Wednesday, December 7, 2022:  In the NDC Library Hallway, 10am to 2pm

*Note: Table tennis and mini hoops only available at NDC.


Drop-in Zen Zone

Need something a little quieter? Visit the Zen Zone in the Immersion Room at NDC.

Photo by Jay Castor on Unsplash

Relax. Lie down or sit. Breathe. Listen to soothing nature sounds, bring your own guided meditation or watch the peaceful vistas projected all around you.  Yoga mats and cushions will be available. 

Details:

Tuesday, December 6, 2022: 11:45am to 1pm

Thursday, December 8, 2022:  11:30am to 1pm

Please note: There is a room capacity limit (14). Please enter the room quietly and remain silent to respect others’ quiet contemplations. No food is allowed in the room. Click here for more information about the Immersion Room (GM33).


Immersion Room Yoga

Holly Pluchinski guides participants for a full hour of yoga surrounded by soothing sounds and panoramas. Stretch and relax! Registration required.

Details:

Wednesday December 7, 2022: 12pm – 1pm – Register Here 


Sport and Fitness

Fitness and Yoga Classes

Come on out for our last days of free fitness classes for 2022. Classes are suitable for all fitness levels and take place at the Notre Dame Campus unless otherwise noted. Classes will resume in January.

Thursday December 1 

Friday December 2 

Tuesday December 6 

Thursday December 8 

  • Yoga (30min), 12:15pm – 12:45pm *EDC 

Friday December 9 

Class descriptions & more information can be found here.  

Please register at the links above. All classes are free of charge and open to students and staff who have a valid facility membership. More information about memberships can be found here.

The following requirements are in place: 

  • A valid Student or Staff I.D. card is required each visit. 
  • All members are required to complete the Informed Consent form in HUB prior to using the facility. 
  • All members must abide by the rules and etiquette

Drop-In Sport

Our North Gym is open for drop-in sports! Come choose from a variety of options. We have the following times available for the month of December: 

  • Monday-Friday, 6:30am – 5:00pm 

Notes:

  • The North Gym is closed for an event on December 12.
  • NDC North Gym and The Loft and EDC Fitness Centre is operating at reduced hours from December 19-23 (open from 6:30am – 2pm).
  • All facilities are closed from December 24 – January 2.

Intramural Sport

Intramural sport is taking a break in December, but will resume in January with more sports, more often. Read more here and email Davis if you’d like to volunteer to help coordinate and play a sport of your choice.  

Wellness Activities Coming Up

November 15, 2022

Painting for November 29 and 30, 2022

Practice Creativity – Paint With Us!

“Art is a powerful form of medicine – with the power to heal, to find insight, stillness and growth, to de-stress and feel in balance. Making art is a safe space to be wild and free.” Kisa MacIssac 

Join Campus Well-Being, the Student Association and instructor Kisa MacIsaac, for an evening of painting and creative discovery. Participants follow a step-by-step process to create a unique painted canvas. There is no cost for this event and light snacks are provided. All students and staff are welcome to register. 

Register online:  

Exchange District Campus on Tuesday, Nov 29, 2022 – 4:30 to 6:30 pm

Notre Dame Campus on Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022 – 4:30 to 6:30 pm. 

For questions or accessibility needs, please contact Kristi Dorian, Recreation and Wellness Coordinator, Campus Well-Being. 


Meditation and Quiet Contemplation Room

Relax. Lie down or sit. Breathe. Listen to soothing nature sounds, bring your own guided meditation or watch the peaceful vistas projected all around you.  

Campus Well-Being and EMP welcome you to take a break in the Immersion Room at the Notre Dame Campus. Yoga mats and cushions will be available.  

Drop-in Dates: November 16 and 30, 2022 – Wednesdays, 12 to 1pm 

Please note: There is a room capacity limit (14). Please enter the room quietly and remain silent to respect others’ quiet contemplations. No food is allowed in the room. 


Immersive Yoga

Holly Pluchinski guides participants for a full hour of yoga surrounded by soothing sounds and panoramas. Stretch and relax! Registration required.

Click here for more information about the Immersion Room (GM33).

Darker Days Getting You Down?

November 14, 2022

RRC Polytech Libraries offer light therapy stations and portable lamps for borrowing.

Due to our northern latitude, many Manitobans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), while others experience a milder form of winter blues. SAD is a form of depression that occurs mostly during the fall and winter months, when days shorten and sunlight decreases. 

Light Therapy

While regularly getting outside during daylight hours can help to ease this slump, many students and staff need to study or attend classes and meetings indoors when the sun is shining. In these cases, light therapy, sitting near a specialized light each day, is an alternative. Did you know that NDC and EDC campuses both have light therapy stations available for use in the Libraries? Additionally, our regional campuses also have these stations available for use.  

If you’ve been feeling changes to your mood, lower energy levels, or any of the symptoms listed below, you may want to give light therapy a try. Staff and students are invited to work or study at the station anytime the library is open. 

You may also loan a smaller, portable lamp from the circulation desk. That lamp may be used anywhere in the library that is near a power outlet. You’ll find instructions on proper use as well as important notes posted above the lamp. 

To be effective, light from the lamp must enter your eyes indirectly. While your eyes must be open, don’t look directly at the light. Keep your session to 30 minutes, unless otherwise directed by a physician. 

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) 

  • Feeling tired, depressed or sad 
  • Increased appetite 
  • Craving for carbohydrates and starchy foods 
  • Weight gain 
  • Sleeping more than usual 
  • Social withdrawal 
  • Lack of interest in usual activities 
  • Inability to concentrate or focus 
  • Loss of sexual desire 
  • Body aches and pains 

If you feel that you may be experiencing any form of depression, including SAD, please speak to your primary health care provider and/or book and appointment with Student Counselling Services

Sources: The Mayo Clinic Website – www.mayoclinic.org and Northern Light Technologies Product Instructions 

Movies for Mental Health: Register Today!

November 8, 2022

Red River College Polytechnic is hosting two Movies for Mental Health workshops that use the power of film to unite folks in community, connection, and conversation. These free events are delivered by a non-profit called Art With Impact, and will be hosted in person!  

The interactive experience will feature safe discussion on mental health, the stigma that frequently surrounds mental illness, and media portrayals of mental health issues. There will also be snacks. Following this will be a live screening of three award-winning short films and therapeutic activities to consciously connect minds and bodies. 

The event will culminate in a panel of lived-experience speakers and mental health resources, empowering participants to share our own stories and access support available at the College and in the community.  

Last year, students who attended found the workshop helped increase awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, and improve knowledge about where to go for help. 

Notre Dame Campus 

Date: Wednesday, November 16 2022 

Time:  11am-1pm

Location:  Black Lecture Theatre

Register here.

Exchange District Campus

Date: Friday, November 18

Time:  noon-2pm

Location:  P107 

Register here.  

For questions or accessibility needs, please contact Breanna

This event is sponsored by Campus Well-Being and the RRC Students’ Association. All students and staff are welcome. ASL-English interpretation will be provided.

Students, staff and community mental health supports participate in a panel discussion at a previous RRC Polytech Movies for Mental Health event.

Interested in sharing your story?

As part of this event, we are seeking students who are open to sharing their personal mental health story in a safe and supportive environment. If you’re interested in learning more about the opportunity to be a panelist, please contact Breanna.

Thrive Week – Nov 7 to 11, 2022

October 31, 2022

Thrive Week is a time to focus on the importance of balance and self-care in developing positive mental health that supports success in learning and working.

We invite you to take a moment to do something that gets you active, creative, connected or relaxed – whatever it is you need for balance. All events are free and open to students and staff.

For All Campuses, Students and Staff

Participate in one of our events offered virtually: Keynote Presentation: Nature as Self-Care, Crystal Bowl Meditation, Feel the Beat – Music for Wellness and Cooking Night.

Also many in-person events: Therapy Dogs, Japanese Drumming, Keynote Presentation: Nature as Self-Care, Crystal Bowl Meditation, The Zen Zone, Movie Marathon and Library Puzzles/Adult Colouring stations and a Birds Hill Provincial Park hike.

Door prizes as well for most of our events!

Hosted by Campus Well-Being and the Student Association. For questions or accessibility needs, please contact Kristi Dorian


Campus Well-Being November Programs

October 28, 2022

Weekly Fitness and Yoga Classes

Come try a fitness or yoga class to get you moving towards your goals or take your routine to the next level. Classes are suitable for all fitness levels and take place at the Notre Dame Campus unless otherwise noted. 

Class Schedule (Oct 3, 2022 – Dec 1, 2022)  

Class descriptions & more information can be found here  

Please register at the links above. All classes are open to students and staff who have a valid facility membership. More information about memberships can be found here.

The following requirements are in place: 

  • A valid Student or Staff I.D. card is required each visit. 
  • All members are required to complete the Informed Consent form in HUB prior to using the facility. 
  • All members must abide by the rules and etiquette

Drop-in & Intramural Sports 

Our North Gym is open for drop-in sports! Come choose from a variety of options. We have the following times available for the month of November: 

  • Monday-Friday, 6:30am – 5:00pm 

Check out our Intramural Sport Schedule to sign up and come play organized sports. 

Email Davis if you’d like to volunteer to help coordinate and play a sport of your choice.  


Recreation and Wellness Events

Meditation and Quiet Contemplation Room 

Relax. Lie down or sit. Breathe. Listen to soothing nature sounds, bring your own guided meditation or watch the peaceful vistas projected all around you.  

Campus Well-Being and EMP welcome you to take a break in the Immersion Room. Yoga mats and cushions will be available.  

Drop-in Dates: November 2, 16 and 30, 2022 – Wednesdays, 12 to 1pm 

Please note: There is a room capacity limit (14). Please enter the room quietly and remain silent to respect others’ quiet contemplations. No food is allowed in the room. 

Thrive Week

Thrive Week – November 7 to 11, 2022, is a time to focus on the importance of balance and self-care in developing positive mental health that supports success in learning and working. 

We invite you to take a moment to do something that gets you active, creative, connected or relaxed – whatever it is you need for balance. All events are free and open to students and staff. 

Participate in one of our events offered virtually: Keynote Presentation: Nature as Self-Care, Crystal Bowl Meditation, Feel the Beat – Music for Wellness and Cooking Night.

Also many in-person events: Therapy Dogs, Japanese Drumming, Keynote Presentation: Nature as Self-Care, Crystal Bowl Meditation, The Zen Zone, Movie Marathon and Library Puzzles/Adult Colouring stations and a Birds Hill Provincial Park hike.

Visit THRIVE WEEK for more info and to register.

Hosted by Campus Well-Being and the Student Association. For questions or accessibility needs, please contact Kristi Dorian

Practice Creativity – Paint With Us! 

“Art is a powerful form of medicine – with the power to heal, to find insight, stillness and growth, to de-stress and feel in balance. Making art is a safe space to be wild and free.” Kisa MacIssac 

Join Campus Well-Being, the Student Association and instructor Kisa MacIsaac, for an evening of painting and creative discovery. Participants follow a step-by-step process to create a unique painted canvas. There is no cost for this event and light snacks are provided. All students and staff are welcome to register. 

Register online:  Exchange District Campus (The Roblin Centre TRC) on November 29 and Notre Dame Campus on November 30, 2022 – both 4:30 to 6:30 pm. 

For questions or accessibility needs, please contact Kristi Dorian, Recreation and Wellness Coordinator, Campus Well-Being. 


Mental Health Awareness

Movies for Mental Health

Movies for Mental Health is an arts-based mental health workshop that focuses on empowering students to gain a better understanding of mental health within their environment.

Knowing that art speaks the language of our interior worlds, we harness film to engage with the vital topic of mental health and mental illness.

The event also connects students with mental health resources available to them, empowering them to seek support and heal as individuals and communities. Door prizes and light refreshments will be provided.

NDC: Wednesday, November 16, 11am-1pm, Black Lecture Theatre. Register here.

EDC: Friday, November 18, noon-2pm, P107. Register here.

Unleash Your Inner Artist

October 14, 2022

Painting Instructor, Kisa MacIsaac

“Art is a powerful form of medicine – with the power to heal, to find insight, stillness and growth, to de-stress and feel in balance. Making art is a safe space to be wild and free.” Kisa MacIssac

Join Campus Well-Being, the Students’ Association and instructor Kisa MacIsaac, for an evening of painting and creative discovery. Participants follow a step-by-step process to create a unique painted canvas. There is no cost for this event and light snacks will be supplied. All students and staff are welcome to register.

Kisa, a Métis mother of three, an artist and an educator, and an RRC grad, residing on Treaty 1 Territory, also has ties to the Métis community of manitou sahkahikan (Lac Ste Anne, Alberta), and also is part settler (Scottish, Irish, French).

This month’s painting is inspired by Otter Falls, MB. Kisa provides a variety of ideas and suggestions, encouraging each participant to be courageous, to play and to enjoy the painting process. Each painter leaves with something truly unique that they created!

NDC

Date: Wednesday, October 19

Time: 4:30-6:30pm

Location: The Cave

Register Here

EDC

Date: Thursday, October 20

Time: 4:30-6:30pm

Location: Dining Hall

Register Here

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.