Difficulty coordinating harm-reduction efforts at UVic

[VICTORIA] – A 2013 national survey on substance use by post-secondary students found the consumption levels of University of Victoria students ranked steadily higher than other Canadian universities. These results incited Changing the Culture of Substance Use in Residence (CCSUR) to launch through the university with the intention of encouraging moderation of substance use.

Concurrently, the advocacy group UVic Pride, which provides a space at UVic with clean tools for safer drug use, notes that many community members access their resources but express concerns for UVic administration’s lack of funding or involvement with immediate harm-reduction groups like itself.

With files from The Martlet

Sexual violence policy passed at Queen’s

[KINGSTON] – Queen’s Board of Trustees have approved a university-wide sexual violence policy. It is subject to future adjustments in order to align with anticipated new provincial legislation regarding sexual violence.

The draft was released in December to allow for a two-month feedback period. The policy has passed following a 2014 Toronto Star investigation stating that only nine of 78 Canadian universities had such a policy. Ryerson and York University have also since passed designated sexual assault policies.

With files from The Journal

Dalhousie students protest proposed tuition hike

[HALIFAX] – Dalhousie students are protesting proposed tuition increases from the university’s Budget Advisory Committee. The changes being considered include an increase of 15 percent for engineering and pharmacy programs and 18.9 percent for agriculture.

Students have raised concerns about the high tuition fees already in place, the affordability of their education, and the feeling of not being supported by their university’s administration. The university’s Board of Governors are to vote on the approval of these increases on April 19.

With files from The Dalhousie Gazette