Camosun still coronavirus-free
Camosun College is continuing to monitor the coronavirus outbreak and is prepared for rapid response in cooperation with the Island Health Authority. As of February 14, no cases have been reported on campus; see camosun.ca for updates.
College opens massage clinic
Camosun opened a massage therapy clinic in January. The clinic is connected to Camosun’s new Massage Therapy diploma program, which launched in September 2019. The clinic is located at the Interurban campus and is run by students under the supervision of registered massage therapists. The first 75-minute booking is free, with subsequent sessions ranging from $10 to $20. Appointments are booked on a per-term basis. There are currently no openings for the rest of the winter 2020 term, but people can sign up for the waitlist. Visit camosun.ca/massageclinic or call 250-370-4747 for more information. The clinic is open to everyone.
Camosun Psych journal launches
In fall of 2019, the Camosun Psychology department debuted The Journal of Camosun Psychology Research. The academic journal will be released twice yearly and will feature research conducted by Camosun students. It was developed by Psychology instructor Michael Pollock, who encourages students to choose their own research topics and explore new ideas. Students retain full authorship of all published work. The online-only publication can be read for free at cc.arcabc.ca.
Camosun athletics on the move
On April 1, Camosun’s Athletics and Recreation department will relocate from the Centre of Sport and Exercise Education in the School of Business to the college’s Student Experience division.
College offers new sports degree
Camosun recently announced its new Sport Management degree, which replaces the former Bachelor of Sport and Fitness Leadership—Sport Management Specialization degree. The credential can be taken as a two-year diploma or a four-year bachelor’s degree and includes an internship. The starting dates of the program are September and January, and the program takes place at Interurban. For more information, visit camosun.ca/spma.
Saanich agrees to form amalgamation assembly
On January 28, Saanich Council entered into an agreement with the City of Victoria to create a Citizen’s Assembly to evaluate amalgamating Saanich and Victoria. The assembly will consist of randomly selected citizens from each municipality. The total cost of the assembly is $750,000, split equally between Victoria, Saanich, and the province of BC. The main goal of the Citizen’s Assembly is to generate a think tank where citizens of the two districts may discuss the issue without interference from politicians and lobbyist groups and focus on facts, not emotions. Following the discussion, recommendations will be served to the Saanich and Victoria councils, where the final decision about amalgamating will be made.
Saanich announces climate plan
On January 28, the District of Saanich announced a Climate Plan intended to reduce Saanich’s negative climate impact. The two-year plan explores which actions should be prioritized, and what resources are necessary to implement them. The plan is intended to improve living conditions for Saanich citizens by improving how Saanich interacts with its local ecosystems. For example, some of the proposed initiatives would reduce air and noise pollution, build safer streets, and focus on renewable-energy-based transportation options such as electric vehicles. Read more at saanich.ca/climateplan.
Writing competition on now
The Victoria Writer’s Society is launching its 19th annual writing competition, which is geared toward Vancouver Island writers of short fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry. The first-prize winner nets $300, with $200 going to second place. Publication in the Island Writer journal will be offered to first- and second-place winners, as well as two honourable mentions. Entries require a $25 fee and must be submitted by mail, postmarked by May 1. Visit victoriawriters.ca for more information.