Notice Board

As the world continues to follow the growing unrest in Iran in the wake of the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, we are acutely aware that many members of our University community may be personally impacted by the ongoing events – including the unacceptable force against civilians. For those who may have family, friends and colleagues in Iran, we share your grave concern for their safety and offer our support. I encourage all members of our University community to reach out to each other if you see someone struggling.

For those who would like to speak to a student adviser in our International centre, please book an appointment — even if it is simply to chat.

Counselling Services is also available free of charge if you need further support or are struggling with what is taking place in your homeland. You can reach them by calling 403-317-2845 or send an email to counselling.services@uleth.ca.

Please see the message below on gender-based violence.

Please take care,

Mike Mahon, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

Gender-based violence has no place in society

The tragic events in Iran are also a reminder of the existence of gender-based violence across the world, including in Canada. The University recognizes that gender-based violence is a significant, complex, and systemic social issue that can affect anyone. It violates the integrity and dignity of a person and it can have serious negative impacts on physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing – and may even lead to death.

Gender-based violence is prohibited conduct at the University and will not be tolerated.  

The University’s goal is to create a safe community for people of all gender identities and to ensure that people understand how to support each other to achieve this goal. I urge all of us to work together to eradicate gender-based violence from our communities.

Here are some ways the University is taking more steps to make change and opportunities for you to get involved:

• Participate in the upcoming consultations about the University’s draft revisions to its Sexual and Gender-based Violence policy.
• Complete the University’s Sexual and Gender-based Violence prevention training (required for all students)
• Honour and remember the many victims and survivors of gender-based violence, including during:
  • Sisters in Spirit Day, a day of remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) on October 4th (there will be vigils throughout Alberta, including in Lethbridge at Galt Gardens)
  • The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6th each year, which remembers the massacre of 14 women engineering students at École Polytechnique de Montréal.

If you are triggered by the tragic news stories of recent events or have experienced sexual or gender-based violence, there are supports available to you at the University and in the broader community.  Please reach out if you need support:

For Students:

Sexual Violence Prevention and Support:

• H153 (Anderson Hall)
• 403-317-2845
• sexualviolenceinfo@uleth.ca

Counselling Services:

https://www.ulethbridge.ca/counselling

Phone: 403-317-2845

Email: counselling.services@uleth.ca

For Staff and Faculty:

Employee Family Assistance Program