Best Practices Network

15th Annual Healthy Minds Network: College Mental Health Research Symposium
2025-03-31 - 2025-04-01 | Example News Post 8
Hosted by the Healthy Minds Network, this annual symposium aims to foster collaboration and strengthen the link between research and practice by attracting researchers, clinicians, practitioners, and other key stakeholders interested in research on post-secondary student mental health.
Some of the topics at the symposium include:

Latest insights from the Healthy Minds Study
Mental well-being of Black students at a group of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Policy and structural influences on college mental health
Healthy Minds Network’s collection of effective strategies for supporting student mental health

The symposium takes place prior to the Mental Health on College Campuses Conference at the University of Michigan.
Register for the symposium here

Healthy Campus Alberta Wellness Summit- Invitation to Present
2025-03-28 | Online
Healthy Campus Alberta (HCA) is inviting their community of practice members to present at their 2025 Wellness Summit, taking place on June 17 and 18, 2025.
The 2025 HCA Wellness Summit theme is “Reimaging Campus Culture,” and the summit is an opportunity for HCA community members to create connections, share knowledge, and reflect on the progress made to support inclusive campus environments within Alberta.
Submit your invitation to present here
Submissions are due on Friday, March 28th, 2025.

Engaging Communities in a Good Way
2025-03-27 13:00 - 16:30 (America/Toronto) | Online
Hosted by Community Campus Engage Canada, this half-day workshop provides a valuable opportunity to explore the significance of decolonizing community-campus partnerships. The session will highlight how wise practices and ethical engagement can shape and enhance our interactions with diverse communities.
Presenters include Dr. Shawna Cunningham, Director of ii’ taa’poh’to’p (Indigenous Strategy) at the University of Calgary, and Susan Mide Kiss, Vice-President of Community Engagement at the University of the Fraser Valley, alongside other Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars and community engagement practitioners from across Turtle Island. Participants will take part in storytelling and dialogue, exchanging uplifting examples of genuine and mutually beneficial community-campus partnerships. Practical advice and resources will also be provided to help attendees apply their insights outside of the workshop.
Register for the workshop here
Registration: Academic administrators, faculty, staff: Individual: $400; Group (5 or more): $1800
Community organizations: Individual: $200; Group (3 or more): $500
Students: Free

Implementing Peer Support Training on Campuses: Lessons Learned
2025-03-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Online
Join Healthy Minds|Healthy Campuses on March 27th for their upcoming HM|HC Talk entitled, “Implementing Peer Support Training on Campuses: Lessons Learned.” Presenter Katherine Warzecha from CMHA National will discuss how training for a peer support pilot initiative was rolled out across five Canadian post-secondary institutions. Key insights and reflections will be shared, along with access to the training materials and additional resources. Participants will also have the chance to exchange ideas about their own campus peer support strategies during breakout discussions, including achievements, obstacles, and challenges encountered.
Register for the webinar here

Campus Peer Support Mini Train-the-Trainer Session
2025-03-26 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Edmonton) | Online
Join Healthy Campus Alberta for an online mini train-the-trainer workshop on CMHA National’s Campus Peer Support Program. This session will explore various peer training formats and provide an overview of the resources and guides available. Attendees will examine peer support principles and methods to customize the program for Alberta’s post-secondary institutions.
Register for the workshop here

Beyond the Student Mental Health Crisis – A Collaborative Transatlantic Symposium
2025-03-25 08:00 - 14:20 (America/Toronto) | Online
For over twenty years, studies have underscored a concerning surge in psychological distress among university students, alongside growing apprehension about staff wellbeing. While discussions about a mental health crisis in higher education are widespread, many crucial questions persist:

What underlying factors are fueling this rise in mental health difficulties?
How does the language we use around mental health influence the experiences of students and staff?
Do existing strategies address the needs of university communities, or might they inadvertently exacerbate the issue?

This symposium will convene leading scholars, university administrators, and mental health experts to examine these urgent matters. It offers a chance to engage with the latest research, challenge dominant narratives, and explore how institutions can fulfill their responsibilities within the broader landscape of education, community, healthcare, and social services.
The symposium has been organized in collaboration with Advance HE, the University of Oxford, the Mental Wellbeing in Higher Education Group, the Association for University & College Counselling Center Directors (AUCCCD), and Togetherall.
Register for the symposium here

GlobalCAMPUS: Global Collaboration to Advance Wellbeing in Post-Secondary Summit
2025-03-21 - 2025-03-22 | Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada
Organized in partnership with the University of Toronto, King’s College London, and the University of British Columbia, this event focuses on advancing research in post-secondary student mental health. This in person gathering will be held in Vancouver immediately after IAYMH 2025, and post-secondary students, staff, and faculty who are passionate about student mental health research are encouraged to attend. Registration for this event is free.
Express your interest in attending here

Practical Theory of Change Creation Workshop/Atelier pratique de création de Théorie du Changement
2025-03-20 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | Online
The Société Québécoise d’évaluation de programme (SQEP) is hosting a workshop in French on practical theory of change for evaluation presented by Ludovic Décoret and Judith Gaudet. This workshop was created in response to a previous presentation in September 2025, where Ludovic and Judith defined a theory of Change (ToC). Building on the enthusiasm sparked by at this previous workshop, Judith and Ludovic are hosting an interactive workshop on developing a Theory of Change (ToC). Following a brief theoretical overview, participants will be divided into two groups, each working to draft a ToC based on a real-world example.
This session is open to everyone, and prior attendance at the September 19, 2024, training is not required to participate. To support the workshop, we are seeking two volunteers to provide real program cases currently under evaluation.

Register for the workshop here

Lors d’une présentation le 19 septembre 2024, Judith Gaudet et Ludovic Décoret ont défini une théorie du changement (TdC), sa conception impliquant les parties prenantes et son utilité tout au long de l’évaluation.
Pour donner suite à l’intérêt suscité par le contenu, Judith et Ludovic proposent un atelier pratique de création d’une TdC. Après un rapide retour théorique, deux sous-groupes seront créés. Chacun travaillera à amorcer une TdC, à partir d’un cas concret. Ce sera l’occasion pour les personnes participantes d’expérimenter les questionnements et l’animation d’une TdC.

Inscivez-vous ici

Formation à l’animation: Contribuer à une culture de bienveillance auprès de la clientèle des établissemenets collégiaux et universitaires
2025-03-19 13:30 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | Online
Cet atelier de 2 h est destiné à toutes les personnes enseignantes ou occupant un rôle d’encadrement auprès de personnes étudiante des cégeps et universités. Il vise à aider les personnes participantes à prendre conscience des enjeux reliés à la santé mentale en milieu collégial et universitaire, à démystifier le concept de bienveillance en tant que vecteur de santé mentale et de réussite, et à identifier des actions concrètes pour incarner la bienveillance avec les personnes étudiantes, les collègues et soi-même à travers différentes mises en situation concrètes.
Inscrivez-vous ici
This 2-hour workshop is intended for individuals who teach or have a supervisory role with students from CEGEPs and universities. It aims to help participants become aware of the issues related to mental health in college and university settings, to demystify the concept of kindness as a vector of mental health and success, and to identify concrete actions to embody kindness with students, colleagues and oneself through different concrete situations.
Register for the webinar here

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Techniques for Qualitative Data
2025-03-18 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Join the Canadian Evaluation Society and facilitators Simon Roy and Pascale Latulippe for an intermediate-level session that introduces methods for examining qualitative data, such as interview findings. By the conclusion of the workshop, attendees will be equipped to perform these analyses in a structured and transparent way. The session will cover fundamental techniques using MS Excel and provide a broad introduction to computer-assisted qualitative analysis tools. Core methods will be demonstrated step by step through a real-world case study. Participants will receive an Excel workbook, enabling them to apply the discussed techniques firsthand. Additionally, best practices for quantifying data using percentages and proportions will be explored, along with an assessment of the advantages and limitations of converting qualitative data into numerical form.
Register for the workshop here

International Association for Youth Mental Health Conference (IAYMH 2025)
2025-03-18 - 2025-03-21 | Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada
The 7th International Association for Youth Mental Health Conference will take place in Vancouver, British Columbia with the theme, “Turning the Tide: Creating a global blueprint for the prevention and integrated care in Youth Mental Health.” This conference is an opportunity to come together as a community to exchange knowledge about underlying causes, share insights into effective solutions, and discuss what has proven successful in youth mental health advocacy, research, and policy.
Express your interest here

The Importance of Healthy Platonic Relationships on Campus
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Join the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH) for a webinar with Emma Conner from the Durham Rape Crisis Center, exploring the importance of fostering and sustaining non-romantic friendships. Emma will discuss how strong platonic connections enhance overall well-being by providing encouragement, a sense of belonging, and emotional closeness. Attendees will also learn to identify warning signs of harmful relationships, establish healthy limits, and understand the necessity of fostering environments built on mutual respect and trust. Additionally, Emma will examine how the dynamics of platonic bonds can influence mental wellness and academic performance.
Register for the webinar here

Navigating Evaluation Challenges
2025-03-06 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Join the Canadian Evaluation Society for a workshop that will examine the challenges of carrying out meaningful evaluations in different contexts. Facilitated by Dr. Jane Whynot, this workshop uses a classification of common evaluation challenges faced by evaluators to structure the discussion. Participants will explore the methodological difficulties of data gathering, analysis, and ensuring validity, with an emphasis on developing tactics to improve accuracy and consistency. We will also investigate conceptual hurdles, such as defining and aligning evaluation objectives with organizational goals. Ethical issues will be a key focus, including conversations around transparency, consent, and cultural awareness. Moreover, we will address overarching topics like stakeholder involvement, resource limitations, and the need for flexible evaluation models. The workshop covers methodological, conceptual, ethical, and cross-cutting challenges. Real-world examples from academic research, personal experience, and professional practice will be used to encourage group reflection, identify areas for improvement, and share valuable insights. This session is perfect for professionals aiming to expand their knowledge of evaluation techniques and tackle common challenges in their work.
Register for the workshop here

Collaborative Session: Coffee Chat on the Dimensions of Wellness
2025-03-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Join the CACUSS Graduate Students Network CoP and Campus Mental Health CoP for a joint Coffee Chat on the Dimensions of Wellness. This conversation and exchange session will focus on the various facets of wellness for graduate students. Anyone pursuing graduate studies or involved in supporting graduate student well-being are invited to participate.
Register here

BC Safer Suicide Care Initiative
2025-03-04 08:30 - 12:30 (America/Vancouver) | Online
Join the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) British Columbia and the 5 Regional Health Authorities for a virtual knowledge exchange on suicide care best practice and quality improvement.
Register for the session here

Call for Psynopsis articles: Application of Psychological Research to Policy Making, Interventions, and/or Programming
2025-03-03
The implementation of psychological research can involve translating knowledge into policy decisions, applying research methodologies for interventions, and designing and assessing programs in real-world contexts.
The Canadian Psychological Association welcomes thought-provoking articles that explore cases where psychological research has informed—or has the potential to inform—policy, interventions, and/or program development. Additionally, they encourage submissions discussing the significance of incorporating psychology into these areas, as well as the obstacles in bridging the gap between research and practice.
To ensure a diverse range of topics, please reach out to Managing Editor Sherene Chen-See at psynopsis@cpa.ca to discuss your proposed submission ahead of the submission deadline on March 3rd
Learn more here

Gender, Race, Indigeneity, and Careers in Higher Education: What Counts as Progress?
2025-02-27 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Regarding equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity (EDII), we often hear many statements, but we rarely see concrete figures. Goals are articulated, yet specific benchmarks remain unspoken, and data collection efforts are sporadic at best. This is especially true for administrators, who occupy the upper levels of the Canadian post-secondary career hierarchy. Without clear objectives or measurable outcomes, progress is measured solely by effort—but is that truly enough?
Hosted by the Centre for the Study of Canadian & International Higher Education, Eric Lavigne, Assistant Professor in Higher Education Administration and Leadership at OISE, will delve into the strategies researchers have used to navigate the lack of data and analyzes the incomplete picture these scattered insights create.
Zoom links will be shared with registrants 1 day in advance of the session.
Register for the session webinar here

2025 Inlight Annual Research Symposium
2025-02-27 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | The University of Toronto
The Inlight student mental health research initiative is hosting their annual research symposium on February 27th, 2025. This in-person symposium will delve into cutting-edge research in post-secondary student mental health.

George Brown College’s 25th Annual Mental Health Conference
2025-02-27 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | 290 Adelaide Street East, 290 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1N1, Canada
Join George Brown College’s 25th annual Mental Health Conference on February 27th 2025. This year’s theme is Thriving Together in the Classroom: Creating the Conditions for Student Well-Being. The conference will feature a keynote by Carolyn Roberts, a member of the Squamish Nation. Carolyn is a speaker, author, and Indigenous scholar at the University of British Columbia, who leverages her voice to promote Indigenous resurgence through education.=. The conference will also include a panel discussion with student and teaching faculty sharing their experiences and insights on strategies that effectively promote student well-being.
Register for the conference here

Save the Date: Inlight Annual Research Symposium
2025-02-27
Save the date for the INLIGHT Student Mental Health Research group’s Annual Research Symposium on February 27th 2025.
Further details will be shared in the coming months To learn about the symposium, read the 2024 research symposium recap here.

Indigenous Land-Based Learning: Cultivating Wholistic Wellness by Connecting with Nature
2025-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Join the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH) for a webinar on Indigenous Land-Based Learning. Presenter Mary Laur, Director of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre at Laurentian University, to discuss a course available to students that incorporates land-based education. Mary will discuss the importance of land-based learning, how Indigenous students reconnect with their culture, and how it supports their wellness journey through traditional practices. Additionally, she will describe the course’s development, share insights into the student experience, and emphasize the significance of fostering well-being in a holistic manner.
Register for the webinar here

2025 Healthy Minds | Healthy Campuses Virtual Summit
2025-02-25 - 2025-02-27 | Online
Healthy Minds |Healthy Campuses (HM|HC) virtual Summit will take place on February 25-27, 2025. The theme of the 2025 Summit, “Achieving whole campus community engagement in mental health promotion in post-secondary settings,” underscores the importance of implementing a comprehensive, institution-wide approach to mental well-being. By embracing a shared, community-focused strategy, post-secondary institutions can actively involve all campus members in creating a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
The summit will take place over three days with engaging discussions, keynotes, panels and breakout sessions, including opportunities for shared learning and collaboration, fostering collective action to strengthen our campus communities.
Register for the summit here

2025 Canadian Evaluation Society Annual Learning Event
2025-02-25 | The Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1K 4S3, Canada
The Canadian Evaluation Society – National Capital Chapter, is hosting their 2025 Annual Learning Event (ALE) on Tuesday February 25th, 2025, in Ottawa. This year’s theme is Nurturing Growth for Sustainable Evaluation. This event aims to unite evaluators of all experience levels in a collective environment for learning, collaboration, and development. Drawing inspiration from the interconnected nature of a forest, where diverse elements work together to sustain a vibrant evaluation ecosystem, our goal is to foster a conference environment where our community can grow and thrive together.
Registration for CES Member is $385 + HST
Registration for CES non-member is $590 + HST
Register for the learning event here

Peer Support Train-the-Trainer Walk-Through
2025-02-24 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Join the Centre for Innovation in Student Mental Health (CICMH) for an online train-the-trainer workshop on CMHA National’s Campus Peer Support Program. This session will explore various peer training formats, provide an overview of the resources and guides available, and share key best practices. Designed to be interactive, the workshop will include plenty of opportunities for discussion and idea exchange. More details will be shared through CICMH’s website.
Please note: This is a train-the-trainer session intended for campuses looking to implement this peer training program. It is not a training session for peers.
Register for the training here

Supporting the Wellbeing of Student Caregivers
2025-02-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Join thee CACUSS Graduate Student Network and the Students with Family Responsibilities Community of Practice for a joint session on Enhancing the Well-being of Student Caregivers.
Three guest speakers who have diverse experiences and perspectives will discuss what it means to be a family caregiver. This session welcomes anyone interested in hearing firsthand perspectives from caregivers or learning more about their experiences and ways to support them.
Register for the session here

Chapter Contributors Wanted for Book on Loneliness Among College and University Students
2025-02-07 | Online
Dr. Masood Zangeneh from Humber College has shared a call for chapter contributors for an upcoming book with Springer Publishing, entitled: “Loneliness Among College and University Students.” This book seeks to investigate the complexities of loneliness among post-secondary students, exploring its impact on psychological well-being and social skills. Based on current scholarly research, it will offer a thorough examination and suggest practical solutions for educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals.
The Chapter Themes are:
The Prevalence of Loneliness in Higher Education:
Research indicates that loneliness is prevalent among college and university students. According to a study by Hysing et al. (2020), approximately one-third of students report feeling lonely, with this figure rising significantly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The abrupt shift to online learning and social distancing measures exacerbated feelings of isolation, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. The lingering effects of prolonged isolation continue to impact students’ social integration and overall mental health, regardless of whether they are now engaged in remote or in-person learning.
Psychological Impact of Loneliness:
Loneliness has profound psychological consequences. Studies by Cacioppo et al. (2015) and Lee et al. (2019) have demonstrated that chronic loneliness can lead to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. In the context of higher education, these psychological burdens can impair academic performance and reduce students’ motivation and engagement.
Social Skills and Loneliness:
The development of social skills is a crucial aspect of the higher education experience. However, loneliness can hinder this process. Research by Heinrich and Gullone (2006) suggests that lonely individuals often struggle with social interactions, leading to a vicious cycle where loneliness begets further isolation.
The Role of Technology:
While technology offers new avenues for connection, it also contributes to the complexity of loneliness. A study by Primack et al. (2017) found that excessive use of social media is associated with higher levels of perceived loneliness. This paradoxical relationship—wherein students are more connected yet feel more isolated—will be a focal point of this chapter.
Institutional Responses and Interventions:
Universities and colleges have a pivotal role in addressing student loneliness. This chapter will review various institutional strategies, such as peer mentoring programs, mental health services, and social engagement initiatives.
If you are interested, please email Dr. Masood Zangeneh at masood.zangeneh@humber.ca by February 7th, 2025 to confirm your intent to contribute. The first draft will be due August 31, 2025. Chapter Length: 4000 words (excluding references/illustrations)

The 2025 Mental Health and Climate Change Summit
2025-02-04 12:00 - 2025-02-06 16:40 (America/Toronto) | Online
The 2025 Mental Health and Climate Change Summit is a three-day event focused on examining the relationship between climate change and mental health. This global gathering unites researchers, mental health practitioners, environmental activists, policymakers, and community members to explore how climate change impacts mental well-being and how mental health strategies can strengthen resilience to its effects.
The Summit includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and community conversations. Topics span from eco-anxiety and climate grief to the mental health benefits of climate action and fostering community resilience. Through sharing research, art, personal experiences, and practical resources, the Summit seeks to inspire impactful change and empower attendees with the tools and knowledge to champion mental health within the climate movement.
Learn more here
Register for the summit here

Supporting Trades Students Mental Health Through Campus-Community Partnerships
2025-01-31 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Join the Centre for Innovation in Student Mental Health (CICMH) for a webinar on supporting mental health and wellness among trades students. The webinar will showcase the collaborative efforts between Cambrian College and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Speakers Seija Korpela (Cambrian College), Brian Lobban (Cambrian College), and Christophe Coloumbe (CMHA Sudbury/Manitoulin) will discuss how this partnership fosters an environment where trades students can build self-assurance, prioritize their mental well-being, and access tools to recognize mental health challenges. This emphasis on personal development promotes a positive self-concept, empowers students to take pride in their profession, and enriches their educational journey while cultivating a healthier peer community. Additionally, Selena Norman from CICMH will present our newly developed toolkit for Supporting Trades Students’ Mental Health. French closed captioning will be provided.
Register for the webinar here

CSSHE 2025 Webinar Series – Reframing International Higher Education in Canada
2025-01-29 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | Online
The Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education (CSSHE) is hosting a 2025 webinar series to celebrate its 55th anniversary. Aligning with the Congress 2025 theme, “Reframing Togetherness,” this series will unite scholars, students, policymakers, and professionals across four sessions to reexamine and reimagine key challenges impacting higher education in Canada. This webinar will discuss “Reframing International Higher Education in Canada.”
Register for the webinar here

The Art and Science of Creating Effective Infographics
2025-01-23 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Are you interested in learning how to make impactful infographics that translate knowledge to different audiences? Join facilitator Dr. Sid Ali with the Canadian Evaluation Society Ontario Chapter for a workshop on The Art and Science of Producing Effective Infographics. This interactive session will cover the science on why we use infographics, underlying design theory, and specific design elements that can be used to create an effective infographic.
Register for the workshop here
