Student Orientation

At The Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH), our mission is to support Ontario’s post-secondary institutions in enhancing their capacity to promote student mental health and wellbeing. We provide a wealth of resources to help both students and staff navigate the challenges of campus life, from free tools on mental health and wellness to expert-led webinars and engaging podcast episodes. Our goal is to create a space where everyone in the campus community can access the support they need to thrive.

At CICMH, we take a whole-campus approach, believing that every member of the community—whether faculty, administration, staff, or counselors—plays a vital role in supporting student mental health. We also recognize that everyone’s mental health contributes to creating a psychologically safe campus environment. Our work is guided by principles of EDIAA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Oppression) ensuring that our resources and initiatives are inclusive and address the diverse needs of all students. We actively work to eliminate systemic barriers and promote equity and inclusion on campus.

Learn all about CICMH:

We are proud to be a partnership project between the Council of Ontario Universities, Colleges Ontario, the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, the College Student Alliance, and the Canadian Mental Health Association—Ontario Division.

Yes! The package includes our Stress and Anxiety Infosheet which provides practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety, in an academic setting. It highlights the importance of self-care, creating a routine, positive self-talk, and more.

Yes, the New Student Orientation Package takes an inclusive approach to mental health by recognizing the diverse experiences of students. The package highlights resources and strategies tailored to different challenges, such as adjusting to a new cultural environment, facing discrimination, or finding safe and supportive spaces on campus. It also emphasizes the importance of EDIAA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Oppression) in mental health support, ensuring that all students can access the guidance and resources they need to feel welcome and supported.

Yes, the New Student Orientation Package includes guidance on recognizing when a friend may be struggling with their mental health and how to support them through the More Feet on the Ground Course. It provides key signs to look for, such as changes in behavior, withdrawal from social activities, or expressions of distress. The package also outlines how to have compassionate conversations, offer support without overstepping boundaries, and connect a friend to appropriate campus resources. While it doesn’t have all the answers, it serves as a starting point to help you feel more confident in supporting those around you while also recognizing your own limits.