U in the Ring CFUV

In this episode, Zia speaks to Professor Ian O'Connell about mental health in academic spaces, and how important it is to speak about mental wellness and reduce stigma. They discuss some of the barriers and challenges in getting support, and the importance of community and vulnerability in fostering deeper relationships.

In this episode, Zia talks to fellow CFUV volunteer Lindani. They speak to their experiences as international students from the Philippines and South Africa, obstacles they've had to face studying during COVID, and their experiences being racialized in Victoria. They speak to the differing and intersecting experiences among international students, the ignorance international students face, and the expectations versus reality of moving to Canada as immigrants.

In part two of exploring queer style and identity, Zia speaks to Noel, a former UVic student on his experience living in Victoria and working in the fashion industry as a queer person of colour. Continuing from the conversations in the previous episode, Zia explores the commodification of queer fashion and culture and offers some reflections on how we can foster safer and more accepting spaces for all.

In this episode, Zia explores the meaning and intention behind queer style, dress, and how it goes beyond just aesthetic purposes. She investigates how queer style is embedded in expression and identity, with help from fellow queer students at UVic (and a textbook or two). Listen to hear them examine safe spaces, and the privilege and choice some folks have in being able to enter and exit them.

In the final episode of this season of U in the Ring, Dominique looks at alternative teaching styles; imagine dungeons and dragons but instead of wizards and rogues, the characters are real historical figures Richard Nixon and Walter Cronkite. This form of pedagogy is called "reacting to the past" and it's revamping how students interact with history. Dominique talks to the professor pioneering it - Dr. Rachel Cleves, and her students about this newer way of engaging with historical studies!

In this episode of U in the Ring, special correspondent, Dylan Hall speaks to Dr. James Rowe about mindfulness, social movement, and divestment and how his research pushes for the need for addressing economic inequality, settler-colonialism, and ecological justice.