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Student-led team remains dedicated to providing volunteer emergency response services on Laurentian’s campus

Student-led team remains dedicated to providing volunteer emergency response services on Laurentian’s campus

LUCERT responders are passionate about helping members of the community.

(December 1, 2022) - When a medical emergency occurs on campus, the Laurentian University Campus Emergency Response Team (LUCERT) is ready to step into action. Whether it be a student, a member of the public, or a Laurentian staff or faculty member requiring emergency response services, LUCERT is available to assist. 

LUCERT is a volunteer-based, student-run team that consists of twenty-eight Laurentian students devoted to providing fast emergency response services throughout campus. Services are available 24/7 during the academic year. While LUCERT is not meant to substitute emergency response services provided by calling 9-1-1, LUCERT complements these services and other professional health and wellness services available on and off campus.

Individuals requiring LUCERT services are encouraged to contact LUCERT regardless of their location on campus as the team responds anywhere from the Ben Avery facility all the way to the Living with the Lakes Center. 

LUCERT trains their student volunteers to the first responder level through the Canadian Red Cross. This means that LUCERT first responders can help in many situations requiring medical assistance, from a serious medical emergency to a scraped knee. 

By providing pre-paramedic care within their scope of practice, student volunteers are often able to provide medical care faster than 9-1-1 services. In serious circumstances, a few seconds could mean life or death. LUCERT understands how critical time can be during a medical emergency and, as such, work around the clock to ensure response times are as fast as possible. They will also connect with 9-1-1 services if further assistance is required.

Jenna O’Neill, LUCERT’s Coordinator and third year Biomedical Biology student from Belleville, Ontario, is passionate about her role with LUCERT: “Being able to provide a service that is valuable to our students is important to me. Volunteering with LUCERT has offered a great opportunity to learn more about related careers in this field.”

LUCERT encourages those interested in emergency first response to reach out: “Joining the LUCERT team provides an excellent opportunity to learn about pre-hospital care if you are interested in medicine or other related fields. It also offers the opportunity to make friends, as well as be an active member of our community,” says Jenna. 

Those interested in getting involved with LUCERT should email lucert@laurentian.ca, follow them on Facebook or Instagram, or stop by their office located in Single Student Residence, Room G7.

If a medical or mental health emergency occurs on campus, LUCERT may be contacted by phone (705-562-5456). 

The health and safety of community members is equally important to the Campus Security team who may be reached by phone (705-673-6562). 

We also wish to remind our community members that many other campus resources and services are also dedicated to medical and mental health and wellness, such as Counselling, Health and Wellness Services, Accessibility Services, the Peer Wellness Program, the Indigenous Student Affairs office, and the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights office (EDHRO). 
 
Laurentian students can also access free, immediate, confidential mental health support 24/7/365 by calling 1 (844) 451-9700 or by visiting myssp.app/keepmesafe. 

Work Study program prepares students for career success

Work Study program prepares students for career success

Students develop workplace skills.

(September 6, 2022) - Laurentian University’s Work Study program, organized by the CareerHub within the Student Success Centre offers students a variety of part-time employment opportunities across campus. The program fosters a wide range of skills relevant to the workplace. 

Speaking about the impact of Work Study, Student Employment Advisor, Andrew Dale explains: “This program is here to service students and support the development of work experience in productive and meaningful ways.” While Work Study students contribute to the values and mission of the University, the program was developed keeping in mind first and foremost, the student experience.

Supervisors also play an important role in the success of Work Study because “great supervisors help students reflect on their experiences throughout the work term, and help them find fulfillment in these experiences,” said Dale. 

Program eligibility is based on financial need, course enrolment, domestic student status, and the submission of a Work Study application. 

Fourth-year Concurrent Education and English student, Mia Tucker, said that working as the Communications Intern this spring and summer, has been rewarding: “I have learned so many new skills and workplace values that will be beneficial in my career once I graduate. I am glad I am able to work for my university and, in turn, help this amazing community at Laurentian continue to grow. Being a part of something bigger is a really nice feeling to have in your workplace.”

When it comes to 2022-2023 fall and winter semesters, Work Study applications are well underway. There are over 100 student positions available, all designed with the idea that students have a range of talents and interests. Positions are offered in a variety of departments such as Liaison Services, Accessibility Services, Counseling and Wellness, Student Success, Campus Recreation and more. Research positions are also available across Laurentian faculties. 

To Ana Tremblay, fourth-year History student, Peer Advisor, and part-time employee who supports the Work Study program: “My employment through Work Study has given me the opportunity to explore my professional interests while also prioritizing my studies. I've also been able to better understand and advocate for student needs because of the work I support in my position.” Tremblay also serves as the Student General Associations’ Vice President of Education and President of Pride Laurentian. 

Other services offered by the CareerHub include job postings, internship opportunities, careers fairs, employment counselling, job search support, resume, cover letter and interview advising, and employment and career workshops.  

To learn more about the Work Study program, email: workstudy@laurentian.ca.
 

Laurentian launches Peer Wellness Program

Laurentian launches Peer Wellness Program

Health and wellness at forefront of University’s priorities

(April 8, 2022) - Mental health matters. It affects how we feel, think, and behave. It also impacts how we make decisions, how we handle stress, and how we manage relationships.

Students at Laurentian are making a positive impact toward the well-being of fellow students. While many resources and services are dedicated to support mental health and wellness, such as Counselling, Health and Wellness Services, Accessibility Services, the Indigenous Student Affairs office, and the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights office (EDHRO), the new Peer Wellness Program will contribute exponentially to student mental health and wellness. The program is in its early stages of implementation, and is already gaining traction on campus. 

Kayla Dibblee and Amalia Secenj are amongst the many dedicated students who have contributed to the development of this Program. Dibblee is a Master’s student in Social Work and a Physical and Health Education and Education alumna, whereas Secenj is completing her final semester of the Health Promotion program.

Describing the mission of the Peer Wellness Program, Secenj said: “It’s about providing guidance and creating goals to help support mental health and de-stigmatize mental health on campus. It’s about the development of peer support relationships amongst students.” The Program hopes to uplift the voices of student communities on campus in respectful and empathetic ways. It is designed to complement existing professional services on campus. To date, more than forty students have signed up to become peer supporters. Notably, not only will peer-to-peer relationships be fostered amongst students by the Program, but supportive resources are equally made available online. 

Added Dibblee: “There is great value in peer-to-peer support. Power and knowledge comes from lived experience, and students, especially those equipped with the right training, can often provide excellent support for fellow students. They understand the student experience, as they themselves live this experience.” 

Stephanie Harris, Intake Support and Community Outreach Coordinator of the EDHRO office added: “Students care about other students. They care about creating an environment where everybody feels welcomed and respected.” 

Isabelle Chaussé, Manager of Counselling and Accessibility Services also said: “My team and I are very excited to be working with students who are passionate about mental health. We've dedicated a space within the Counselling department for the Peer Wellness Program where student peers will play a crucial role in our service delivery model. The Peer Wellness Program will enhance the experience of students feeling seen, heard, and understood. 

Contact details for various student services: 

Counselling Services: 705-675-1151 ext. 6506 or peerwellness@laurentian.ca 
Accessibility Services: 705-675-1151 ext. 3324 or accessibilityservicesinfo@laurentian.ca 
Indigenous Student Affairs office: 705-675-1151 ext. 4052 or isa@laurentian.ca 
Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office: 705-675-1151 ext. 3427 or edhr@laurentian.ca 

Students are also encouraged to call the Crisis Intervention Services 24 hour hotline at 705-675-4760 or Good 2 Talk, at 1-866-925-5454.