Student support coordinator

The Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) has a Student Support Coordinator who provides non-academic support and resources related to being a student at Continuing Studies at UVic.

Emily Arvay (PhD) can provide mental health and wellness supports (for stress, culture-shock, anxiety, depression, grief and loss) and assistance with being a student in Victoria. Emily can also provide resources for childcare and housing, support students with documented accommodations (academic and physical), as well as assist with medical insurance questions and academic integrity concerns. Emily recently joined the DCS team in 2025 and has previous experience working with English-as-an-additional-language learners at UVic as an TESOL-certified EAL Specialist for the Academic Skills Centre (2019–2025). Emily also has  experience working with UVic students with documented disabilities requiring adaptive accommodations through her work with the Centre for Accessible Learning (2017–2022). In addition to booking an in-person, phone, or Zoom appointment, keep an eye out for the workshops that Emily facilitates throughout the year.

Emily Arvay
Emily Arvay,
Student Support Coordinator

Appointments

To make an in-person, online, or phone Student Support appointment:

  • Visit this booking portal: uvictoria.mywconline.net
  • Click on the blue 'Log in' button to create an account.
  • Select from the 'Schedules' drop-down menu the 'Student Support Coordinator' option.
  • Click on any white square to book a 30-minute appointment with Emily. 
  • You can also stop by the Continuing Studies Registration Office, room 245, for a drop-in appointment.

By email: Emailing sscoord@uvic.ca is another great way to connect with Emily. You can email Emily any questions or concerns that you might have without needing to make an appointment first. She can provide resources and feedback to your questions. 

Student support resources

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To ensure timely academic progress, it is important to care for your mind and body. Below are some self-care strategies for managing academic stress, workload, distractions, and making the most of available resources.

Stress

  • Breathe deeply to slow your heart rate + increase oxygen intake
  • Take a short break to be more productive when returning to work
  • Reduce worries by asking “Will the issue matter in a month?"  

Workload

Create a realistic time-management plan by identifying...

  • Deadlines for course assignments and assessments
  • Required materials connected to assignments and assessments
  • Steps needed to complete each assignment or assessment
  • Watch this video then add your plan to your calendar or planner

Tip: Build in one hour of catch-up time for every hour you plan to work

Distractions 

To reduce internal distraction (anxiety, boredom, fatigue, overwhelm)

  • Take a break or nap, exercise, or engage in encouraging self-talk

To reduce external distraction (social media, work space, peers)

  • Test App blockers, switch location, use a timer, incentivize work
  • Explore the academic skill development resources in this blog

Campus resources

Need additional support?

Please email Student Support Coordinator Emily Arvay  (sscoord@uvic.ca) for additional academic support information and resources.  

At Continuing Studies, we strive to ensure an inclusive and accessible educational experience for all students. Sometimes academic accommodations are arranged to reduce accessibility barriers. 

What is an academic accommodation?

An academic accommodation may require the provision of additional support, special equipment, or specific adjustments designed to help reduce barriers for students with documented medical, physical, or mental health conditions.

How are academic accommodations processed?

Students who require accommodations for medical, physical, or mental health conditions are encouraged to disclose as soon as possible by emailing sscoord@uvic.ca. A doctor's note translated in English may be required to clarify the student’s medical condition and/or academic accommodation requirements. 

How is student privacy protected?

Continuing Studies collects accommodation information in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and university policies. Medical documents, consent forms, and personal information are stored on secure university servers. A special accommodation disclosure is shared only when necessary and only with the student’s permission, following the university’s privacy policy.

What accommodations can Continuing Studies provide?

Course Assessments:

Course Assignments: 

Course Participation: 

Adaptive Technology: 

On-Campus and Off-Campus Peer Support:

Need more information?

Contact the Student Support Coordinator by email (sscoord@uvic.ca) or phone (250-721-8473) to arrange an appointment, or book an appointment through this online portal: uvictoria.mywconline.net

Child care at UVic

UVic offers child care services for children (up to age 5) of full-time students. You can add your child the waitlist; however, spaces are not guaranteed. Consult UVic Child Care for information about fees.

Before and after school care

Public school hours are typically 8:45am to 2:45pm, Monday to Friday. Many schools partner with community organizations to offer child care before or after school. Ask your child's school about programs offered.

Child care resources

Tip: Learn about tax credits and benefits for families with children.

School

If your study permit is valid for at least one year and you are enrolled at UVic, your minor children may be eligible to attend public school. 

  • Students can register for school any time during the school year
  • To enroll a child must be 5 years old by December 31 of that year
  • Grade placements are determined by the child’s birth year
  • To learn more about BC's educational system, visit LearnLiveBC

School districts

Before enrolling your child, you need to identify your school district, which is determined by the municipality of your residential address: 

  • Greater Victoria School District SD 61 includes Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, View Royal, and a portion of Saanich and Highlands. Most students living on campus or near UVic will reside within this school district. 

  • Sooke School District SD 62 includes Sooke, Port Renfrew, Metchosin, Highlands, Langford, and Colwood.

  • Saanich School District SD 63 includes a portion of Saanich, Sidney, and Cordova Bay

    Need additional support?

    Please email Student Support Coordinator Emily Arvay (sscoord@uvic.ca) for additional child care information, support, and resources.  

Building Community On Campus 

There are many ways to build community and forge new friendships.

ELC Students

Make sure not to miss out on these fun community building events:

Need additional support?

Please email Student Support Coordinator Emily Arvay (sscoord@uvic.ca) for additional community building information, support, or resources.  

Continuing Studies Bursary

Each term the Division of Continuing Studies offers bursaries totaling CAD $1,000 to assist learners in furthering their education. Bursaries are awarded to learners who display evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning and who demonstrate financial need. Obtain a bursary application by downloading a PDF application form. Once completed, email your application to uvcsreg@uvic.ca. The application deadlines are:

  • August 31 for September term
  • January 15 for January term

Bursaries cannot be granted before these dates since a selection committee must consider each application.

Program-specific bursary and scholarship options

The following programs offer scholarship and bursary options:

Funded training opportunities

StrongerBC Future Skills Grant helps eligible BC students with up to $3,500 to be put towards short-term skills training. Continuing Studies also offers funded programs in partnership with government initiatives and organizations. 

StudentAid BC

To be eligible for StudentAid BC, all requirements below must be met:

For more information: 
Phone: 1-800-561-1818 (Canada) / 1-778-309-4621 (International)
Email: StudentAidBC@gov.bc.ca.

Financial Fraud Resources

To report a fraud...
Call the Saanich Police non-emergency line (250-475-4321) or visit the Saanich Police Department (760 Vernon Avenue).

Also report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or phone:
 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free).

For legal guidance, visit UVic's The Law Centre: 
225-850 Burdett Avenue
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 3pm 
Phone 250-385-1221 or email: reception@thelawcentre.ca

Need additional support?

Please email Student Support Coordinator Emily Arvay (sscoord@uvic.ca) for additional financial aid information, support, or resources.  

Finding affordable housing 

Most students seeking affordable housing in Victoria visit UVic’s off-campus housing resource or search the websites listed below:

You can also search housing groups on Facebook:

Important: Off-campus housing is not verified by Continuing Studies UVic for legitimacy or quality. To prevent a potential rental scam... 

  • Ensure you (or someone you trust) views the rental unit in person before signing a written tenancy agreement.
  • Never pay deposits, first month’s rent, or fees before signing written tenancy agreement.
  • Do not provide personal information (such as your social insurance or credit card numbers) over email. Here's the information your landlord can request.

For more information, watch this "Housing Hunt" video and this "Ready to Rent" video.

Short-term housing 

If you need temporary housing upon arrival, consider these options:

Homestay and dormitories

If your program includes homestay or dormitories, more information can been seen on our accommodations page.

Emergency housing

For emergency shelters and transitional housing, reach out to...

Protecting your rights

Before committing to an apartment/suite/room and making any payments, we recommend that you:

Conflict-resolution supports

If you are experiencing an issue with your landlord or have questions about your rights, here are some useful services:

Self-guided resources

Emergencies

If you are experiencing a serious medical emergency, connect with emergency assistance as soon as possible. 

  • Call 9-1-1: If you require immediate urgent medical care for a serious injury, illness, and cannot drive to a hospital, call 9-1-1. An ambulance with paramedics will come to your location. Bring your BC MSP or GuardMe insurance policy number with you.

  • Visit a hospital: If you have a serious injury or illness, go to the emergency at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (10 minutes from UVic) or Victoria General Hospital. Both hospitals are open all day, every day. Be prepared to wait 7 to 10 hours. Bring your BC MSP or GuardMe insurance policy number with you.
    Note: Before undergoing a surgery, air evacuation, or major diagnostic test (i.e., MRI or CT scan), please inform GuardMe: 1-888-756-8427 

  • Call Campus Security: If you are on-campus and require emergency first aid, call 250-721-7599. A first responder will come to your location. This service is free and available 24/7. 

On-campus health services 

For non-urgent dental care, prescription refills, non-prescription medications, or services for minor injuries or illnesses, visit... 

Telehealth virtual consultations

Telehealth virtual clinics are the best option for quickly connecting with a healthcare provider to receive care for non-urgent medical needs. 

  • Healthlink BC: If you have BC MSP insurance, call 8-1-1 to speak with a pharmacist, physician, or registered nurse. This service is free, available 24/7, with multi-lingual support options.
  • Avee Telehealth: If you have BC MSP or GuardMe insurance and a Canadian telephone number, you can connect with a doctor virtually for a consultation, referral, or prescription refill. This service is free with BC MSP and $49 with GuardMe insurance.
    Note: GuardMe can reimburse students who submit a claim with their consultation receipt and visit summary so ask for both.  
  • MobileDoctor: If you have GuardMe insurance and a Canadian phone number, you can connect with a doctor for free, 24/7, with multi-lingual support. Note: MobileDoctor cannot issue pre-scription refills nor cross-referrals to medical specialists. 

Quick Tip: E-Sim cards can generate a Canadian phone number.  

Also, while you are waiting for your telehealth appointment, you can use this Symptom Checker tool for information on self-care options. 

Walk-in and primary care clinics

For non-emergency injuries or illnesses requiring in-person care, consider visiting a pharmacy, walk-in clinic, or primary care centre: 

  • Walk-in clinics can provide in-person consultations for non-emergency medical care. These clinics often have online booking systems that require the provision of a BC MSP insurance number.
    Note: To locate a walk-in clinic near you, visit Medimap or GuardMe's clinic map. 

  • Urgent and Primary Care Centres can provide in-person non-emergency medical care. Same-day appointments are arranged by phone in which clients are placed on a waitlist triaged by seriousness. To be waitlisted for an appointment at 8am call:
    1-833-688-8722. 

Tests and lab work

  • Tests such as blood, urine, or stool tests require a referral from a doctor and are done at private labs, such as LifeLabs
  • Tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds are done in hospitals with a referral from a doctor or specialist.
  • For more information on tests related to pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, please see "Sexual Health Supports."
  • For more information on tests related to safer drug supplies, please see "Physical Health Supports."   

Prior to your visit

Prior to visiting with a healthcare provider, ensure to bring...

  • Your health insurance policy number (BC MSP or GuardMe)
  • Photo identification (BC ID, passport, driver's license)
  • A copy of your study permit 

Note: If you do not have health insurance, you may need to pay for medical expenses out-of-pocket. 

During your visit

Navigating healthcare in Canada may be different than in your home country. Some things to expect while accessing medical services:

  • Medical records are confidential unless you authorize another person to access them on your behalf
  • Medical services are provided in private examination rooms
  • Guests must be approved by the patient (except for minors)
  • You have the right to be referred to by chosen name or pronoun
  • You may request a medical practitioner of a certain gender
  • Learn more about making the most of your appointment

After your visit 

To access test results or clinical notes online, the MyHealth portal provides 24/7 access to view Island Health lab results, medical imaging reports, and certain Island Health clinical documents.

Need additional support?

Please email Student Support Coordinator Emily Arvay (sscoord@uvic.ca) for medical information, support, or resources.  

Balancing the demands of academic study alongside other responsibilities requires ongoing self-care. Fortunately, there are services, on and off campus, that can support your mental health.

On campus

Off campus

Suicide prevention crisis phone lines

  • 9-1-1 (for urgent immediate support: 24 hours / 7 days / free)
  • 9-8-8 (24 hours / 7 days / free)

Vancouver Island Crisis Line

  • 1-888-494-3888 (24 hours / 7 days / free)
  • 250-800-3806 (6 to 10pm PDT)

Crisis Response Community Led: (trained counsellor and peer team)

  • 250-818-2454 (7:30 am to 12:30 am / 7 days / free) 

SupportConnect: free, confidential counselling for UVic students.

  • 1-844-773-1427 (toll free in North America; 24 hours / 7 days)
  • 1-250-999-7621 (International collect calls; 24 hours / 7 days)

Trans Lifeline: support for trans / gender-nonconforming people

  • 1-877-330-6366 (7am to 1am PDT / 7 days / free)
  • 1-800-588-8717 (24 hours / 7 days / free)

KUU-US: support for Indigenous people throughout British Columbia

National Eating Disorder Information Centre: free support

  • 1-866-633-4220 (6am to 2pm PDT)

Foundry (Victoria): free counselling support for residents of BC

Citizen’s Counselling: low-cost counselling  for residents of Victoria


Grief and loss support:

Victoria Hospice: offers phone and in-person grief counselling support.
Learning Through Loss: free grief support for students aged 13 to 24.

Self-paced resources

Sleep

Adequate sleep can improve mood, focus, and memory while also reducing stress and risk of injury. To create a healthy sleep routine, consider these self-care strategies:

  • Avoid caffeine or other stimulants
  • Avoid late night screen-use
  • Switch devices to night mode or silent setting
  • Explore low-cost sleep apps, such as Sleep

Nutrition

Nutrition is also essential to mood, retention, and stamina. Here are three resources to support your nutrition:

Exercise

Staying active decreases stress, reduces risk of disease, and can help with social isolation. Below are some great options for staying physically active during your academic studies:

  • Visit fitness facility CARSA with your student membership 
  • Get involved in VIKES athletics or intramural sports
  • Go for a beach walk, a hike in the woods, or explore Victoria’s beautiful bike trails

Alcohol consumption + drug use

UVic is committed to empowering students to make informed choices about alcohol consumption and drug use.

Sexual health

Self-care for your sexual health is not just practicing safer sex; it’s also about feeling safe in your relationships, which may include seeking out resources related to healthcare or support for sexualized violence.

  • Safer Sex Supplies (24 hrs / 7 days / free) outside GEM in the SUB.
  • Island Sexual Health Clinic (Quadra St): sexual health + medical clinic
  • Sex Sense: provides sexual health resources to residents of BC

Sexualized violence

Sexualized violence refers to unwanted sexual behavior, which can include actions, words, or online communication. All forms of sexualized violence are prohibited at the University of Victoria.

On-campus resources

Off-campus resources

Sexual Assault Response Team: for sexual assaults within past 7 days

  • 1-888-494-3888 (toll-free in Canada; 24 hours / 7 days / free)

Victoria Sexual Assault Centre: free support including safety planning

  • 1-250-383-3232 (24 hours / 7 days / free)

Self-paced resources