Camosun's CAL program helps students coordinate academic accommodations and provides helpful resources and support for students with documented physical or mental disabilities. 

Academic accommodations can range from extra time on tests/assignments, taking exams in a designated distraction-free area, note takers, and the use of electronics in class (i.e., laptops). 

The student's academic accommodations are shared with their instructors only at their discretion, so students can decide which instructor(s) they would like to notify of their accommodations. No information on disability will be shared with instructors. 

1:1 tutoring is available through Camosun Help Centers which offer academic support in a variety of subjects, including:

• English Upgrading

• English Language Development

• Nursing Theory Courses

• Math Lab

• Biology

• Pathophysiology

• Writing

Sometimes, the combination of school and other life factors can be stressful and take a toll on our mental health and overall well-being. Counsellors at Camosun are available to help talk about the issues you may be facing and provide you with tools to overcome them. 

Common concerns that can be addressed with an individual counselling session include:

• Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses

• Relationship difficulties

• Grief, loss, and bereavement

• Cultural transitions

• Self-esteem and identity

• Substance use and addiction

• Motivation, procrastination, and time management

The OSS works in collaboration with students, faculty members, and community partners to ensure that Camosun remains a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment. 

Student Rights and Responsibilities are supported by the OSS by addressing concerns a student may have about their learning, safety, and culture at Camosun. 

The OSS also provides support on Sexualized and Gender-Based Violence by connecting students with community resources and help them to go forward with any next steps they are wanting to take. 

If you're a parent, child care can often be a barrier when in nursing school. Camosun offers Child Care services at both the Lansdowne and Interurban campuses. Waitlists can be long, so if you are wanting to access child care while undergoing your nursing studies, apply as soon as possible. 

Child care programs available at both campuses:

• Infant (newborn to 18 months)

• Toddler (19-35 months)

• Preschool (3-5 years)

The Ombudsperson is an impartial, third-party member who ensures fairness for students. This is a safe space for students to freely voice any concerns they may have about Camosun and the Ombudsperson can help them figure out what next steps may be appropriate. 

Roles of the Ombudsperson:

• Listen and then discuss college-related questions, concerns, and complaints

• Help evaluate various options to address concerns

• Explain policies and procedures

• Advice on how to informally resolve problems, as well as formal and administrative options

• Mediates disputes for "win-win" resolutions

• Facilitate communication

• Refer to other Camosun student services when appropriate

• Investigate concerning trends and make recommendations to the College when appropriate

Here2Talk is available to all post-secondary students in BC. It is a 24/7 telephone or text-based service to connect with counsellors to discuss mental health or any other issues impacting a student's well-being. 

This is a free and confidential service and can be accessed via computer or phone. 

https://here2talk.ca/

If you have a clinical placement at either RJH or VGH on Wednesdays, you might like to join the Self-Care Cafe on one of your breaks. 

Every Wednesday afternoon, staff members from Island Health put on a Self-Care Cafe for other staff, students, and volunteers to come and engage in a variety of activities that promote self-care and well-being. Some events the Cafe has put on have included: pet therapy, music and massage, rock painting, and yoga.

For events, dates, locations, and times, check the team's instagram @teamselfcarecafe or email them at selfcarecafe@islandhealth.ca.