What does a typical day involve for you as UPEI's Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Officer? 

There's a lot of variety to my work on campus—one day I might be providing confidential services like referrals or accommodations to survivors in the University community. Another day I might be educating students, staff, and faculty about preventing sexual violence in the workplace. This past week I co-hosted some fun events with the UPEI Student Union for their Love and Sex Week Campaign. I try to weave my services into most things that the University has to offer to reflect the way sexual violence has been woven into our cultural fabric.

What brought you to UPEI? In other words, why did you choose to join the UPEI support team?

In 2018, I was working at the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre as a therapist, which I loved. At times, I wondered what it would be like to work “upstream” of the effects of sexual violence that I was seeing in front of me. When this role at UPEI was created, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to work with a resilient population that I loved, and also have some influence in creating cultural changes in sexual violence prevention.

What kinds of opportunities have you experienced because you're working at UPEI, or because of the Island location?

Working at UPEI has allowed me to create an office from the ground up using my previous knowledge and expertise supporting survivors of sexual violence. I’ve also been given the opportunity to collaborate on committees with passionate colleagues who are experts in their own fields in areas of prevention and supporting survivors both on campus and in the wider community. Lastly, as I am the only person in my role on PEI, I often get the opportunity to represent our University nationally in conversations regarding violence prevention, which is really neat. 

What's unique about UPEI, in your experience?

UPEI is unique in that students have easy accessibility to staff and faculty to meet their needs and individual ability to impact change. Our large international student population also brings a diversity of perspectives and experience to our campus. 

What would you tell a high school student considering a UPEI program, or starting at UPEI as a new student?

I would tell a prospective student that studying at UPEI will allow them the opportunity to work closely with staff and faculty who share similar values for community, learning, and growth. Getting to know the people who are providing you with learning opportunities as well as supporting your learning, can have a great impact on your university experience!

Also I love to host volunteers in my office. Come to UPEI and work with me!