Building a Healthier Campus Together

^{Kelley Castle, dean of students, speaks to the importance of shared responsibility in fostering a culture of wellness at the Healthy Campus Town Hall, held Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Photos by Sally Szuster)}

By Sally Szuster

More than 70 students, staff and librarians gathered on a March afternoon not just to talk about wellness, but to imagine what it could truly feel like. The Healthy Campus Town Hall at Victoria University, organized by the Office of the Dean of Students and Human Resources, created a space where reflection, honesty and community took centre stage.

That sense of shared responsibility across all units began with Dean of Students Kelley Castle, who grounded the conversation in Victoria University’s participation in the Okanagan Charter. 

“Everything in a campus needs to be wellness-promoting … in the vibe, the actual fabric of the campus,” she said, calling for wellness to be embedded in both the larger campus community and the smaller, everyday spaces where people study, work and connect. 

President Rhonda McEwen built on that message, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue. 

“Speaking, talking and dialogue are foundational to a healthy campus community,” said President Rhonda McEwen, affirming the university’s commitment to listening and creating environments where people feel heard and supported.

^{Students, staff and faculty engage in open dialogue and reflection at the Healthy Campus Town Hall, highlighting the collective effort to shape a more supportive and connected campus community.}

Director of Human Resources Joanne Evans brought the focus to the workplace, underscoring care as a foundation for success. 

“When we are well, we are all stronger for it,” she said, highlighting how supportive, fair and inclusive environments allow people to grow and thrive. 

In breakout sessions, students, staff and librarians leaned into honest conversations about how to strengthen wellness across campus. Students highlighted the importance of inclusive, welcoming spaces and accessible supports such as tutoring, counselling interns and community programming. Staff and librarians emphasized the need for sustainable workloads, clear communication and more opportunities for collaboration, noting that a healthy workplace depends on feeling valued, connected and supported in their roles. 

As ideas were shared over healthy snacks, the atmosphere felt less like a formal event and more like a collective commitment. By the end of the afternoon, one message resonated clearly: a healthy campus is not built in isolation, but through care, connection and the courage to keep the conversation going.