Spring 2025 update from the University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre

17 April 2025

Welcome to spring!

As we enter a new season, we’re excited to share important updates and milestones from the University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre (UASAC). After almost a year of revitalization, forming, and norming, most of our staffing is now in place. With this stability, we are reaffirming our commitment to meaningful collaboration with community partners in our collective effort to cultivate a campus community free from sexual and gender-based violence.

What’s New at UASAC

Staffing Updates

We have fully onboarded our Drop-in Counsellors, Education and Volunteer Program Coordinators. We are also currently hiring a Manager to round out our team.

Education Program Highlights

Since November 2024:

  • Delivered 10 violence prevention workshops and trainings
  • Participated in 6 tabling events
  • Held 2 community events on anti-sexual violence and healthy relationships
  • Reached over 600 community members and collaborated with more than 25 student groups, community organizations and university units

Drop-In Program Growth

Appointments have increased by 54 per cent in the most recent quarter compared to the previous quarter. Our trauma-care trained counsellors continue to offer vital support to survivors.

Psychological Support Program (PSP)

The PSP team completed a full review of internal policies, procedures, and strategies in alignment with our mission and Judith Hermann’s Trauma Recovery Model. 162 individual counselling sessions were conducted in the last quarter—the highest number over the year.

Student Volunteer Program

Volunteer recruitment is now open! We are excited to grow our support network. Additionally, we are beyond pleased to share that the Volunteer Program Coordinator is currently leading efforts to translate updated UASAC resources into French, to support accessibility for French-speaking Campus St. Jean students. This is in collaboration with Campus St. Jean La Centrale and the communications teams.

Supporting Our Staff

We continue to invest in our staff wellness and professional development through training, workshops, and workplace well-being initiatives to strengthen team dynamics and wellbeing.

Student Practicum Program

We are launching a Student Practicum Program designed to prepare students for professional roles in the workforce, creating a hub of research, learning, and experience at the Centre.

Centre Name Change

Engagement efforts around the proposed name change will begin in May. This initiative is part of our goal to increase accessibility and align with peer Canadian centres.

Sexual Violence Awareness Weeks

Mark your calendars! We’re hosting two awareness weeks in September and January, focusing on:

    • Sexual and Gender-based violence prevention
    • Education, training, and awareness

Community Engagement

We continue to seek meaningful opportunities for collaboration across campus and the wider community to expand our partnerships and develop impactful and sustainable solutions.

Looking Ahead

Our work continues through partnership, accountability, and transparency among our staff, the campus community, the Steering Committee, the Advisory Group, and the wider community.

In alignment with national best practices and the 42 recommendations from the Possibility Seeds Report, we developed eight work streams to organize and implement the 42 recommendations from the Possibility Seeds report:

      • Education Program
      • Volunteer Program
      • Organizational Structure
      • Policies & Procedures
      • Student Practicum
      • Community Engagement & Systemic Advocacy
      • Communications

These work streams serve as a guiding framework for our growth and impact.

Final Thoughts

As we move forward, I want to emphasize the importance of fostering an environment of mutual support, respect, engagement, and collective learning, while recognizing the diverse backgrounds and lived experiences that enrich our community.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Dr. Dunsi Strohschein
Assistant Dean, Community Wellness Supports (UASAC and Community Wellness)