UFlourish festivities return to campus starting Oct. 24

Heavier traffic, longer lineups, changing expectations. The start of the 2022/2023 school year has no doubt felt different for many community members after two years of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. 

And while, since the start of the pandemic, technology has allowed us to stay digitally connected, ensuring we feel connected is quite a different thing. 

Coming back this year from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4, UFlourish is here with a variety of events and activities for our community to feel more connected, supported and resourced to take on new and existing sets of challenges. 

Activities during the annual expo run the gamut from online to in-person. Online events feature discussions on authenticity and self-expression, helpful lifestyle tips around nutrition, a workshop series on how to deal with our inner critic and a session on money management to reduce financial stress. In-person events allow for even more connection, from a campfire on campus to DIY craft making.

Additional online panels and discussions will take place around culture and mental health, grief and loss, substance-use recovery, reconciliation, and compassion. Free racquet sports and yoga classes will also be on offer to all UCalgary community members, and free Active Living memberships will be available to all faculty and staff for the duration of the annual expo, too.

Dr. Penny Werthner, interim provost, wants the campus community to know it’s important to take moments like this to connect with each other, underlining the link between health and academic and professional success. 

“UFlourish is a great opportunity to learn something new and connect with one another on campus,” she says. “Taking breaks in our busy day to prioritize our health through things like physical activity, play, and conversation are crucial for our individual and collective success.”

"UCalgary faculties, units, and clubs have really contributed to a broad spectrum of events and activities for us all to connect, expand our skills and to prioritize our wellbeing, both physical and mental,” adds Dr. Andrew Szeto, PhD, director of UCalgary’s Campus Mental Health Strategy.

“As the academic year gets busier and the weather changes, we hope that the events at UFlourish can provide our community with the tools, resources and connections needed to support our ability to thrive.”

UFlourish is hosted by the Student Wellness Services and Staff Wellness and is supported by the Campus Mental Health Strategy. Explore events and resources on offer on the UFlourish website to help expand your wellness tool kit and connect with peers.