Mount Royal University is pledging to grow and enhance programs that support the campus community through Recovery on Campus Alberta.
Funded by the Government of Alberta, Recovery on Campus (ROC) is designed to support students, faculty and staff who are in recovery from substance use. Launched by a number of post-secondary institutions in the province, the initiative aims to provide a supportive, understanding and stigma-free environment for those working on their personal recovery journeys.
From left: Phil Warsaba, vice-president of students; Jody Arndt, director of wellness services at Mount Royal University; Victoria Burns, director of Recovery on Campus Alberta; Chelsie Graham, manager of Recovery on Campus Alberta and the University of Calgary Recovery Community; Laura Simbirski, student speaker and Recovery on Campus ambassador and Ian Lyon, student speaker.
At an event on campus Jan. 28, MRU officials took what is called the Recovery Friendly Campus Pledge, a significant step towards achieving ROC's mission. The pledge signifies a commitment to making an institution one that is focused on addiction recovery.
"At the heart of campus wellness is meeting our community members where they are and helping them overcome barriers, while supporting them to become who they want to be through academic and personal growth," said Phil Warsaba, vice-president, Students at MRU. "We are proud to continue and build on this association with Recovery on Campus."
The initiative typically focuses on creating spaces and programs where those in recovery can connect with others who share similar experiences, reducing the isolation that can often accompany recovery. By offering a range of resources, the program encourages students and employees to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
Student ambassador Laura Simbirski explained why she chose to volunteer with Recovery on Campus.
"In 2023, we were approached by Dr. Victoria Burns at the University of Calgary with the opportunity to apply for a pilot grant from the Government of Alberta to support campus initiatives related to recovery and harm reduction. This opportunity marked the beginning of our involvement with the Recovery on Campus Alberta network," explained Jody Arndt, director of Student Wellness at MRU, adding that following the pilot, the grants were extended for a second year.
"This has enabled us to sustain and expand upon our initial initiatives. We are excited to further our commitment to supporting students in recovery by signing the pledge and enhancing our efforts through recovery meetings, as well as recovery-friendly programming and events."
ROC reflects a growing commitment in Alberta's post-secondary institutions to not only help students achieve academic success but also to support their overall health and personal growth. At MRU, a recent survey found four per cent of MRU students said they were in recovery from alcohol or other drugs.
"Our involvement with Recovery on Campus (ROC) Alberta network has brought numerous benefits," Arndt said. "It has allowed us to foster a culture of support and inclusion for students in recovery, providing them with the resources and connections needed to thrive both academically and personally.
Through ROC, MRU has built a stronger foundation for recovery-friendly initiatives, including regular recovery meetings, programming and events that reduce stigma and promote mental health and wellness. It has also connected with a broader network of campuses, enabling the sharing of best practices and collaborative approaches to recovery and harm reduction.
"By being part of ROC, we are contributing to a provincial movement that prioritizes student wellbeing and recovery support, ensuring our campus remains a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all students," Arndt said, adding that employees are also welcome to take part in the program.
ROC student ambassador and public relations student Laura Simbirski, explained why she chose to volunteer with the initiative.
MRU student Ian Lyon, who has eight years in recovery, shared his insights.
"It is important to me as someone with personal experience to be able to pass my knowledge, empathy and experience along to other people," she said. "With access to the proper resources, compassion and community, we can collectively heal. As a result of that we as individuals, and as a community, have the tools required to reach our goals and accomplish extraordinary things."
Ian Lyon, an MRU social work student with eight years in recovery, also shared his insights.
"From what we know about recovery, the best chances of success come from a holistic approach. Supports that assist an individual in their medical, mental, physical and social needs. This is where community support such as Recovery on Campus and SMART recovery can be an integral part of an individual's recovery; the social support that is found within the peer model."
Also at the MRU signing was ROC director Dr. Victoria Burns, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Calgary and director of the UCalgary Recovery Community, who congratulated MRU for being the third Alberta post-secondary to sign the pledge. As a registered social worker, educator, researcher, and engaged activist, Burns has worked in the homelessness and addiction-recovery sphere for more than 15 years. She combines her lived experience of addiction, recovery and disability with a passion for storytelling and the arts, including documentary film, to raise awareness and combat stigma for marginalized populations in scholarly and mainstream spaces.
Recovery on Campus is or plans to offer the following at MRU
Cookies and Conversation: A relaxed and welcoming space for students to connect, share experiences and foster community.
Movie Nights: Featuring recovery-focused films followed by meaningful group discussions, offering inspiration and deeper understanding.
Mocktails Socials: Fun, substance-free gatherings where students can enjoy creative non-alcoholic beverages and build connections in a supportive environment.
SMART Recovery Meetings: Hosted at the After Hours Peer Support Centre, in collaboration with Recovery on Campus, our SMART Recovery meetings are facilitated by an MRU student with lived experience and trained in the SMART Recovery model. These weekly meetings will begin on Feb. 5 and offer a supportive and empowering space for individuals on their recovery journey.
Educational Workshops: Offering sessions designed to educate the campus community about recovery, reduce stigma and equip individuals with tools to create supportive environments.
Campus engagement: Promoting recovery-friendly messages through events, social media outreach, and campus-wide communications to increase understanding and normalize conversations around recovery.
