2019 NIRSA Workshop Descriptions

SafeTalk - If you are interested in participating in the SafeTalk workshop, pre-registration is required. Please email kaleal@uwaterloo.ca to secure your spot in this training.

safeTALK is a three-hour training program that prepares helpers to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources. Most people with thoughts of suicide, either directly or indirectly, invite help to stay safe. Alert helpers know how to identify and work with these opportunities to help protect life. Powerful videos illustrate both non-alert and alert responses. Discussion and practice stimulates learning.

Who can attend? Anyone who might want to help; minimum age 15 years.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the training, participants will be better able to:

Move beyond common tendencies to miss, dismiss or avoid suicide
Identify people who have thoughts of suicide
Apply the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe) to connect a person with thoughts of suicide to a suicide first aid intervention caregiver

Responding to Disclosure and Ally-ship in Post Secondary Information

Athletics has become a key partner in combatting gendered and sexual violence on campuses across the country. The staff in the Athletics department, and the student leaders/athletes in their programs (particularly those within varsity sports), are crucial allies in addressing the high rates of violence across campus and helping to create a culture of safety and care. Coaches and staff play an important role as character-educators in shaping culture, tough conversations, priorities, and community standards. We will explore the importance of Athletics’ understandings of, and relationships to, campus SV policies and procedures. We will discuss various education strategies, including consent, bystander/upstander intervention and male allies that aim to confront the special dynamics at play in athletic communities on campus

Sarah Scanlon has spent close to fifteen years involved in gender based violence struggles within Ontario. They have spoken nationally and internationally on gendered and sexual violence, focusing on strategies for prevention and alternative accountability practices.

As the Sexual Violence Response Coordinator at Wilfrid Laurier University, Sarah is the touch point on both campuses for all students who have been impacted by gendered and sexual violence. They provide support, advocacy, paths for accountability and reporting, systems navigation, trauma informed referrals and resources, and safety planning to students who have experienced harm. At Laurier, Sarah also consults with staff and faculty on gendered and sexual violence, oversees the education programming and training strategies, supports the creation of campus policy and procedures, and runs the Consent is Golden campaign.

Having worked across 9 organizations and campaigns focused on ending gendered based violence, they have extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced interpersonal, institutional, or state violence. Sarah uses direct support, art projects, education, advocacy and activism as a way to challenge sexual violence and create safer and more accountable communities

Amanda Cook is the Director, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response at the University of Waterloo. Amanda's primary role is to support students, staff and faculty on the main campus, satellite campuses and University Colleges, who have experienced or have been impacted by sexual violence. Using a trauma informed lens, this support can include identifying possible academic or workplace accommodations, safety planning, referrals to on and off campus resources, advocacy, and exploring formal and informal processes that could be pursued. Her work on campus also includes co-chairing the Sexual Violence Prevention Strategy working group and Consent Week activities, overseeing training and education in the areas of sexual violence/consent/healthy relationships/responding to disclosure, consulting with campus stakeholders on issues relating to sexual violence, and supporting the creation and implementation of campus policies and procedures. She is passionate about supporting survivors, and building capacity across the campus community to address sexual violence.

Amanda is a registered social worker who brings over 10 years of prior experience as a clinician in a child and youth mental health agency, both within the Child
Witness Program as well as the Sexual Abuse Treatment Program

Condition and Strengthen Your Program Through Health Promotion, Planning, and Evaluation

In this workshop, participants will learn the value of health promotion, planning and evaluation in developing campus recreation programs. Through purposeful planning, evaluation and partnership, athletics and recreation departments can leverage their work by demonstrating the impact of their programs on student wellness. Together, participants will work through the planning and evaluation process to ensure their program is achieving its goals and objectives and having the intended impact.

Speakers

Melissa Potwarka

With 10 years of experience working in public health at the municipal level, Melissa brings expertise in health analytics, chronic disease prevention and reproductive health. Melissa completed her MSc in Health Studies and Gerontology at University of Waterloo and is excited to be a part of the UWaterloo community as a Health Promotion and Evaluation Specialist in Campus Wellness.

Melissa is currently working with campus partners to mobilize the Okanagan Charter into action by integrating health into our campus culture, operations, business practices and academic mandates.

Kalpita Gaitonde

Kalpita feels optimal wellness is our shared responsibility. She is excited to be part of the Health Promotion team in Campus Wellness, and to collaborate with others to achieve this shared goal. Currently, Kalpita is co-leading a mental health literacy training project, and is involved in other mental wellness projects.

She completed her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Waterloo and has worked in health promotion in India.

Robbyn Hesch

Robbyn Hesch is passionate about student mental and physical health. She has worked in employee wellness at University of Calgary and as an Aquatics Director at YMCA Calgary. She completed her Master of Public Health degree at University of Guelph and her Biochemistry degree at University of Waterloo.

Robbyn is thrilled to be back at University of Waterloo as a Health Promotion and Evaluation Specialist shared between Athletics and Recreation, and Campus Wellness.

Session Descriptions (on mobile hold phone horizontally view optimal viewing)

Title	Description	Presenter	General Focus and Learning Outcomes	Target Audience
You've Got Mad Skills	During this presentation, discussions will be had surrounding the benefits and difficulties surrounding staff evaluations and mentorship opportunities. These conversations will be guided via a powerpoint presentation which will include a combination of anecdotal evidence from Mount Royal University Cougars Athletics and Recreation, but also supported with research and literature based on other competency models. Furthermore, this will be supplemented with research surrounding what employers are looking for from new graduates and ensuring staff are able to clear articulate these aptitudes after graduation. Understanding the importance of developing student and casual staff, Mount Royal University Cougars Athletics and Recreation recently developed the Knowledge, Skills and Attributes (KSA) competency framework which aids in staff hiring, evaluations, mentorship and much more. The ultimate goal of this KSA framework is that students and casual staff are able to effectively articulate the valuable skills they have developed while working within post-secondary athletics and recreation departments. At the start of the presentation, 'MRU Taboo' will be played where partners will be asked to participate in 'mock interview' scenarios where certain language cannot be used. At the end of the presentation, 'MRU Taboo' will be played again, only this time attendees will be required to use the words provided on the cards which will be more comprehensive. The goal of this game is to help attendees understand that with proper coaching and mentorship, staff members will be able to better articulate the skills they have learned while working in their respective departments.	Chad Van Dyk from Mount Royal University	Staff Development (hiring, onboarding, training, evaluation, management, etc) 1. Attendees will generate ideas to implement a more effective staff evaluation and assessment process in order to better develop their staff 2. Attendees will better understand the benefits, challenges, and opportunities made available when a comprehensive staff evaluation tool is established 3. Attendees will be better equipped to have more meaningful conversations with their staff and help them better articulate the skills and competencies they are developing while working within their department	Professional staff or students involving in supervising others and/or those in charge of completing staff evaluations
You Know The Game, Now Meet The Sport	You know the game, now meet the sport. Dodgeball has been around for generations and is often remembered as the school yard game students used to play. In 2004, Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn made it famous and comical, but similar to other alterative sports such as ultimate frisbee, dodgeball is growing at a rapid rate and advancing in competiveness and structure. Dodgeball is a program that already exists in most institutions, however, there is real opportunity to evolve that offering and not only make it more accessible and competitive, however, provide real foundational skills training to student athletes. With more than a decade of head coaching experience within the sport, Victor Gravili is Team Canada's head coach and the head coach at Humber College (Lakeshore). With his insight and direct experience working with athletes at all levels, including campus rec, Victor will walk through the evolvement of the sport and how to build a strong alternative campus recreation program that is inclusive, diverse, and has the potential to attract more student participation in campus rec.	Victor Gravili is one of the world's top dodgeball coaches. With a decade of head coaching experience in the sport, Gravili has had success at every level. He is credited for building one of the top National programs in the world. Over the past 10 years he has coached and developed the OCR program at Humber College (Lakeshore). In 2015, Gravili was named head coach of Canada Womens and added Canada Mens to his responsibilities in 2016, both roles he continues to hold. In international play, he's one of the all-time leaders in both matches coached and wins. Under his leadership, he has guided Team Canada to five medals including a gold, two silver and two bronze. Gravili has chaired the National Squad Selection Committee (NSSC) since it's inception in 2016 and is one of the founding members of Dodgeball Canada, currently serving a second term as Director of Player and Sport Development on the Board of Directors.	Programming (evaluation, creation, re-design, etc), Staff Development (hiring, onboarding, training, evaluation, management, etc) 1. How to strengthen or convert your intramural dodgeball program 2. Learn more about the evolution of the game 3. How to introduce new programs to your athletic offerings	Recreational staff and programmers
Engaging with the Active Aging Population	In partnership with Laurier's Association for Lifelong Learning, a conducted a course entitled "Active Aging through Exercise and Nutrition." Both basic nutrition concepts were taught, as well as basic exercise movements that could be done at any gym. During this presentation a break down of course structure, safety precautions, challenges and key learnings will be presented.	Stefanie Kubacki has worked in the Department of Athletics and Recreation for 6 years. She has an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education, a Bachelors of Education degree, and is currently pursuing her Masters of Education in the Student Affairs field, all at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a certified fitness professional and has a passion for health and fitness. In addition, her portfolio in the department includes oversight for dance, group exercise, personal training, wellness, the climbing wall, and the intramural program
Emergency Preparedness	A person has collapsed in your gym - Who is involved in the rescue? How do you train in advance? What is the best way to debrief? What if social media gets involved? Not only do facilities need to be prepared to prevent incidents, they also need to have a comprehensive, post-incident plan in place. This interactive session will have participants sharing their existing Safety Plans. You will walk away with ideas shared from others allowing you to create a more comprehensive plan for your facility.	Shelley Makepeace lives in Niagara Falls, ON, and works as a Water Safety Representative for the Canadian Red Cross. She has a BSc in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo. Shelley has worked in municipal recreation at both large and small aquatic facilities. Shelley is an avid Toronto Blue Jays and Green Bay Packer fan!	Staff Development (hiring, onboarding, training, evaluation, management, etc) Educate attendees about the need to be prepared prior to and after an emergency. Focus in on steps to take post incident.	Facility Supervisors/ Programmers
Multi-Sport Rec Fest	This presentation will help provide ideas and insight into hosting a multi-sport recreation festival at your institution. It can be hosted to include internal or external participants. We will review steps to help you plan a successful event on your campus.	Jordan Robinson works at Centennial College as a Campus Recreation Coordinator and Fitness Centre supervisor. He brings a wealth of knowledge with college recreation programs, as he also currently sits within the Ontario Collegiate Recreation Executive Team in the Recreation Development position. In 2018, Centennial College hosted the 2nd annual NIRSA Ontario Student Lead-On which was led by Jordan and his team. Most recently, Jordan and his team hosted the 1st annual OCR Multi-Sports Rec-Fest, incorporating both traditional & non-traditional sports.	Highlighting unique event/initiative/program at your home institution 1. Steps to planning and implementing a multi-sports recreation festival 2. Utilizing on-campus resources to maximize an event 3. Scheduling & Staffing the event	Professionals
Keeping Summer Campers Engaged All Year	Have you ever wondered how you can keep your camp community engaged all year round with your school? We've been able to successfully engage our parents and campers all year round through PD Day Programs, Birthday Parties, Learn To Activity Programs, and Winter Break Programs.Through partnerships with student clubs, and student programs, we have been able to offer year round activities that excite our clientele while keeping our staff connected with us all year round. By offering these School Year Programs, we have also seen that our summer camp registration has received a boost in enrolment, especially during the opening days of registration. Come learn about what has been successful for us, and how we started the programs to now having waiting list as long as 20 campers or more. We will talk marketing strategies, social media, building a camper/family community program opportunities, partnerships, and all the things we have learned along the way. This session will be a presentation followed by a brainstorming facilitation, to enable us to share our ideas and allow for conversations.	Kevin Lindner is the Active Kids Coordinator at the University of Guelph. He is a Recreation and Leisure Studies Graduate from the University of Waterloo. Kevin has 27 years working in a variety of camping and recreation settings that focus on programs and activities for children and youth. He has also taught in the Recreation and Leisure Services Program at Conestoga College along with being a presenter at the Ontario Camping Association and the Council of Outdoor Education of Ontario conferences. Kevin has a deep passion and imagination for purposeful programming and connecting with campers and families to form a community.	Programming (evaluation, creation, re-design, etc), Highlighting unique event/initiative/program at your home institution 1. How to utilize campus partners to create new and innovative kids and youth programs all year round. 2. Creating a camp community/family that can benefit your program by keeping them engaged all year round. 3. Maximizing the space and times for kids and youth programs so it doesn't take away from your student population's recreational activity time.	Camp Supervisors, Kids/Youth Programmers
Habit Trackers: An Experiment in Fostering Student Wellness	Is it possible that an incentives based program might work to engage students and build habits of a healthy, active lifestyle? After research, we concluded that if we focussed on a small segment of the student population and maintained regular contact with them, we may have achieved this goal. We developed an inclusive and accessible program designed to promote and create habits of health and wellness that would persist beyond the students' graduation. Inspired by bullet journaling, we created a fun and easy to use "Wellness Habit Tracker" booklet. With the right partners and an ongoing dialogue with the students, could we help to build that foundation of health and wellness? As of April 12, 2019 a survey we are conducting will be complete and we will have a better understanding as to whether we had a positive impact on students wellness practices. In this presentation I will walk you through: our process, what the program evolved into, how we leveraged cross-campus partners and corporate sponsors through qualitative and quantitative analysis.	Born and raised in Toronto, and with a degree in Kinesiology from Western University, Ryan Danziger has been blessed to be able to turn his passion for fitness, health and wellness into a career. Working in the Athletics and Recreation department at Ryerson University since 2012, he has had the joy to be part of a dynamic and fast moving team that is focused on serving it's community. With a broad portfolio of responsibilities over the years, he has developed expertise in a wide range of health & wellness niches, including facility operations, student & staff development, customer service, sales, strategic planning and building inter-departmental partnerships.	Programming (evaluation, creation, re-design, etc), Highlighting unique event/initiative/program at your home institution 1) Can we positively influence students' health and wellness outside of our traditional spaces? 2) Can an incentives-ish style program that is not too broad engage a significant number of students? 3) Can we effectively leverage cross-campus partnerships to build student engagement and wellness programming?	Anyone looking to engage students in wellness outside of Athletics and Recreation's traditional spaces/programs
Decolonizing Athletic Spaces in Higher Education - The Indigenous Student Swim Initiative	With the release of the TRC's final report in December 2015, decolonization of Canadian universities has become an increasingly discussed topic. Using the Indigenous Student Swim Initiative as a case study, this presentation breaks down why decolonizing and Indigenizing sport and recreation spaces at the University level is vital work, how to work in collaboration with the Indigenous community to create sport and rec programming that reduces barriers to Indigenous students' participation, and how to develop and deliver staff training on Indigenous issues to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment. U of T Sport & Rec's Indigenous Swim Initiative is a partnership with the First Nation's House to offer subsidized swimming lessons to U of T Indigenous Students with the goal of reducing barriers to participation and increasing water safety skills. Learn how this project was accomplished through a student driven approach to equity and diversity initiatives. Hear from UofT Sport and Rec programming staff, an Indigenous student participant and Indigenous Student Life Coordinator, and an Equity and Diversity Work Study student' on their challenges, learnings and successes in implementing the program. We will facilitate a group discussion after the presentation focusing on critical thinking towards offering Indigenous programming at other post-secondary institutions.	Robin Waley is the Assistant Manager, Co-curricular Diversity & Equity for the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. He oversees a group of undergraduate and graduate U of T students who plan, motivate and implement positive student-led initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusivity, physical health, and mental well-being. With his leadership, the team has developed and implemented events and programming including the annual Sport & Rec Diversity & Equity Conference, the Black Excellence Vogueing Ball, Move with Pride LGBTQ2S+ Positive Physical Activity Workshops, and the Soar Indigenous Youth Gathering, to name a few. With Shannon Giannitsopoulou - Assistant Facility Manager, Pools Francesca Griffin - Work Study Student Susan Blight - Indigenous Student Life Coordinator	Programming (evaluation, creation, re-design, etc), Staff Development (hiring, onboarding, training, evaluation, management, etc), Highlighting unique event/initiative/program at your home institution 1. To understand the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of programs that aim to decolonize and Indigenize sport and recreation spaces at the University level. 2. Learn how to build a student driven model of equity & diversity programs, events & initiatives. 3. Build a working knowledge of how to tailor physical activity programming to reduce participation barriers for Indigenous students to foster wellness.	Administrative Physical Activity Programmers
Creating a Unified Environment	Western University began their Unified program in the Fall of 2018. Through a partnership with Special Olympics, we designed a one day tournament that involved over 60 individuals: Special Olympic athletes, Western Unified participants, and volunteers. This tournament turned into a weekly league, which is now growing into additional sports and programs. Our goal is to get every Canadian university and college involved in this initiative in some way. This session will highlight the program, discuss the planning that went into the tournament and our intramural league, the wins, and the areas we need to continue to work on. Join us as we share our love for Special Olympics, experiential learning, and the goal of "unifying" our institutions.	As a Program Manager at Western University for the past 6.5 years, Jenna Smith has the ability to work in: Aquatics, Camps, Dance, Drop In, Membership Services, and Leadership! Working with many students and completing her Masters in Adult Education this June, she have reaffirmed my passion and belief in experiential learning and the benefits it offers. Proving students with learning opportunities in a variety of environments allows them to apply their knowledge in a real life situation resulting in skill development. This mind frame has been the focus for new programs and initiatives she has begun this year. With Chris Mehak, Special Olympics	Programming (evaluation, creation, re-design, etc), Highlighting unique event/initiative/program at your home institution To understand what Special Olympics is and highlight the benefits of Unified programming Recognized and identify the connections between academics and Unified programming Apply session information to design a tournament or intramural league	Program Staff
Vikes Nation & the Value of Volunteerism	Vikes Nation is an inclusive community that is committed to and passionate about the University of Victoria, its Vikes teams, and active healthy living. The department of Vikes Athletics and Recreation is pleased to offer the Vikes Nation Ambassador Program. Would you like to gain valuable leadership and time-management skills within a fun, inclusive environment? Do you enjoy active, healthy living and showing your school spirit? If so, then the Vikes Nation Ambassador program is for you! We are actively seeking students who are interested in being involved in a passionate, active community. For years this program has worked to engage students in school initiatives and promote the blue and gold love on our campus! As a Vikes Nation Ambassador, students are responsible for helping promote Vikes Nation and its multitude of benefits around the UVic campus. This means volunteering at Vikes Nation events, fostering a sense of campus community, and working to live active, be healthy and thrive together! This presentation will explain how the program started and how it continues to evolve. Participants will also engage in group discussion around volunteerism and how it is or could be used to support current department initiatives.	Jason Wright is responsible for our UVic Sport Club, martial arts, racquet sport programs & special events. Originally from Ottawa, this Ontario native arrived at UVic in 2008 after a decade spent working abroad. A kinesiology graduate from the University of Western Ontario, he has been involved in sports and recreation his entire life. Jason's keen interest in competition is matched only by his interest in travel.	Highlighting unique event/initiative/program at your home institution Understand and evaluate the value of volunteerism for support of department goals. Create and build a support structure for students to get involved with department led initiatives. Identify events on your campus where student volunteerism might be able to play a significant role.	Professionals, Directors
The Power of 1% Better	In this session you will learn the key steps to changing your habits. You will learn the power of 1% and how small changes can lead to big changes over time. These principles will help you overcome your lack of motivation and you will leave with ideas on how to implement positive change in any area of your life.	Stacey Majaury is the Conditioning Coordinator at the University of Waterloo. She graduated with a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from Laurentian University with a specialty in Health Promotion. Her work experiences are vast and include Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Waterloo, where she coached varsity athletes in a variety of sports. Health Promotion Director for the Canadian Forces where she facilitated courses on a variety of topics including those on social wellness, nutritional wellness, addiction free and active living. Most recently she acts as an assistant coach for Precision Nutrition. She has spent countless hours furthering her education and holds the following accreditation: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA) Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSEP) Precision Nutrition Coach - Level 2 Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion Post Graduate Certificate (Centennial College) She is a fairly new mom with two small girls under the age of 3. When she does have some spare time you can find her in the weight room, on the golf course or cooking!	Professional Development Learn the value of 1% better. Learn effective habit changing strategies that apply in all areas of your life. Learn how to overcome a lack of motivation.	Everyone!
From Student Staff to Young Professional		Graham Barnes
Ready to React	Discuss goals, theories, strategies for the purchasing of equipment and staff uniforms. Focus on inventory and distribution to help with quick timeline requirements in each area during peak times of a year.	Trevor Black is a University of Waterloo Recreation and Leisure graduate. Coordinator of Equipment Services at the University of Waterloo Athletics Department. Experience dealing with equipment and apparel purchasing, inventory, and distribution.	Facility and Administration (management, development, etc) Goals, strategies and theories behind, purchasing, distribution, and inventory of equipment and staff uniforms	Administrators, Coordinators hiring staff
Aquatics: Industry update and trends	Aquatics: Industry update and trends Over the last few years we have seen changes in legislation across the country; we will review where we are, where we are headed and what resources exist to ensure that your aquatics facilities are safe and meeting standards. We will then take a look at the emerging trends in aquatics: staffing shortages, increased revenue expectations, and diversity and demographic changes. Why are aquatic staff becoming harder to find, and what can you do to staff your facility. In this day of decentralization, downsizing and fiscal responsibilities how can you and your team create new revenue sources for aquatics and rejuvenate what you already offer. The WHO has declared drowning a worldwide crisis and has laid out what is needed to impact the statistics. What are the solutions that we can implement at a grass roots level; and how is our more diverse population impacting those solutions.	Kathleen Finn, Program Director for Dovercourt Recreation in Ottawa has spent the last thirty years working in recreation within the municipal and private sectors. Kathleen is recognized as an expert in aquatics and recreation programing, with her career spent supervising aquatics, fitness, camps and customer service. As the vice president of training programs for the Lifesaving Society, she oversees and teaches in the society's training programs from learn-to-swim through advanced lifesaving and aquatic leadership. Kathleen has been a presenter at the national and international level for the last ten years and her participants always comment on her concrete solutions.	Staff Development (hiring, onboarding, training, evaluation, management, etc), Highlighting unique event/initiative/program at your home institution, Facility and Administration (management, development, etc) 1. Understanding the implications of new legislation 2. Concrete solutions to the staffing shortage in aquatics 3. How the business of aquatics is changing	Recreation and Aquatic management

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