Rationale

Issue

Students should feel safe, supported, and able to fully participate in campus life. Safety extends beyond physical security to include psychological safety, mental well-being, and the ability for students to exist in campus spaces without fear of harm, discrimination, or exclusion. Differences in identity, environment, and time of day significantly shape how students experience safety.

Our Research

  • Most students report feeling safe overall, with a strong majority indicating positive perceptions of campus safety during daytime hours
  • Safety is highly context-dependent, with significantly lower feelings of safety at night
  • Student safety is closely linked to mental health, belonging, and academic engagement
  • Safety concerns are not evenly distributed across the student population

 

 

 

 

  • Inequitable experiences of safety: Gender non-conforming students, students with disabilities, racialized students, international students, and cisgender women report lower perceptions of safety
  • Environmental risks: Bus stops, parking lots, walking paths, and tunnels are commonly identified as unsafe spaces
  • Limited trust and engagement with safety systems: Some students particularly those from equity-denied groups are less comfortable accessing campus safety mechanisms
  • Awareness gaps: Students report limited knowledge of available safety resources and supports

 

 

 

 

Student safety is a key component of broader mental health and wellness priorities, which are central to WUSA’s advocacy work and Annual Plan. Efforts such as the WalkSafe pilot and campus safety initiatives reflect a growing need for proactive, student-centred approaches.

 

 

 

 

Our Position

WUSA advocates for a comprehensive, proactive, and student-centred approach to safety that reflects the diverse needs and lived experiences of undergraduate students.

 

 

 

 

  • Equitable and Inclusive Safety Measures
    Ensure safety strategies address the disproportionate risks faced by marginalized and equity-denied students through ongoing consultation and inclusive design.
  • Infrastructure and Environmental Improvements
    Improve lighting, pathways, transit-adjacent areas, and other high-risk locations to enhance safety—particularly during evening and nighttime hours.
  • Accessible and Trusted Safety Resources
    Increase awareness, clarity, and accessibility of campus safety services, ensuring all students feel comfortable and supported when seeking help.
  • Non-Enforcement and Community-Based Approaches
    Expand alternatives to traditional policing models, including mental health responders, community safety programs, and partnerships with support services.
  • Proactive and Preventative Strategies
    Invest in education and early intervention initiatives such as consent education, bystander training, and community-building programs that reduce harm before it occurs.

Read the full Advocacy Position Statement here.

 

 

 

 

Student Resources

MATES (Mentor Assistance Through Education and Support)

Offers peer-to-peer support to help students navigate personal and academic challenges. This can be particularly useful for co-op students dealing with workplace stress or seeking guidance on balancing work and study.

Learn more about MATES

 

 

 

 

Campus Safety Office

Provides resources and support for students experiencing domestic violence. Available 24/7.

Learn more about the Campus Safety Office

 

 

 

 

Health and Dental Plans

Ensures that co-op students maintain continuous health and dental coverage during their work terms, which is crucial for their overall well-being.

Learn more about our Health and Dental Plans

 

 

 

 

Empower Me

Provides mental health support through counseling sessions available via phone, video, and in-person, supporting the emotional well-being of co-op students.

Learn more about Empower Me

 

 

 

 

Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO)

Provides support and resources to individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence.

Learn more about SVPRO

 

 

 

 

Legal Aid Clinic

Provides free legal advice for students needing help with issues related to domestic violence, such as obtaining restraining orders or navigating the court system

Learn more about the Legal Aid Clinic

 

 

 

 

Campaigns

  • Graphic with the text "F.R.I.E.S. for Fries" surrounded by colorful speech bubbles and waffle fries.
    Fries for F.R.I.E.S.: Free Poutine & A Side of Consent Awareness! 🍟✨

    On Tuesday, January 27, students lined up in the SLC for this

  • A group of people walk together at night outside a lit building with text reading “Don’t walk alone”.
    WalkSafe is Here! Your Safety, Your Community

    We’re excited to launch WalkSafe, a new initiative designed to help students feel safer

  • A group of students are engaged in a discussion around a table. A female student stands, explaining something to three seated students who are listening attentively. The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association logo is visible in the corner of the image.
    WUSA’s Safety Roundtable Recap

    On March 3, 2025, WUSA hosted a roundtable for students to talk

  • Three people are sitting on the grass in a park, engaged in lively conversation about campus safety, framed by trees and distant buildings.
    Why Campus Safety is a WUSA Advocacy Priority & How You Can Share Your Voice

    Campus safety is more than just physical security—it encompasses personal, emotional, and

  • Two illustrated people are talking on phones, one says "WUBA" with an air of urgency, while the other has an exclamation mark in a speech bubble, highlighting the importance of safety and well-being.
    WUSA Incident Reporting: Updated Resources to Support Your Safety and Well-Being

    The WUSA Incident Reporting Form has been updated to enhance clarity and

  • Illustration of lotus flowers, birds, and a butterfly with University of Waterloo Sexual Violence Prevention text, highlighting the Red Zone Campaign.
    Red Zone Campaign Recap 

    The Red Zone refers to the first six to eight weeks of

  • Banner for Consent Week at the University of Waterloo, September 16th to 20th, promoting consent culture and literacy with a floral design and a heron on the left side. Join us in our Sexual Violence Prevention efforts and explore campus services dedicated to fostering a safe community.
    Navigating Support: Campus Services for Sexual Violence Prevention and Response

    At the University of Waterloo, a range of dedicated offices provide essential

  • A graphic with a torn red background features the text "Reclaiming Red Zone." Below the text are simplified icons of six people, mostly grey with one in dark blue. Adjacent to the icons is a red and black duct tape X symbol.
    Reclaiming the Red Zone

    The start of every school year offers great promise, possibility, and potential

 

 

 

 

 

Education

Further Reading and Resources