5 Days of Action 2025 schedule

5 Days of Action 2022 Numbers Art Display
5 Days of Action art installation by Petch Fountain. Passerbys are invited to write their reflections on the giant colourful numbers (1 to 5) on the prompt for each day's theme.

This year, we are excited to share workshops and events organized by faculties, units and groups across campus. All students, employees and community members are invited to participate throughout the week. 

Join our upcoming events including our keynote event with Angela Sterritt on Thursday evening! Please register.

If you have any questions, please contact daysofaction@uvic.ca. 

 

How to register for events

Click on the links to learn more about each session and register.

Some sessions are noted as reserved for UVic employees or students. Sessions without the note are open to everyone.

 

Daily events: October 27-31

5 Days Hub

Drop by our hub to learn about the week's events while sipping on coffee and tea. Test your equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) knowledge and start conversations.

 

 

Monday, October 27: Listen

Panel on EDIA in Canadian Teaching Contexts

A panel discussion between members of the CUPE 4163 Equity Action Committee, assistant professors and a senior lab instructor from the departments of Mechanical Engineering and Biochemistry and Microbiology. The panel will discuss EDIA in Canadian teaching contexts and explore issues such as systemic oppression, discrimination, racial justice, 2SLGBTQIA+ while unpacking intersections of identity, power, and privilege. 

  • 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • Continuing Studies Building CST 274 (Registration is preferred)
  • For students, staff and faculty
  • Organized by CUPE, Local 4163

 

Foundations to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

This workshop provides participants with practical understanding of key concepts and tools associated with creating a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive professional environment. We will discuss some of the core considerations for EDI and explore different ways to connect with others in a mindful way. Participants will also examine their role to effectively address harmful behaviours and situations. This workshop is participatory and there will be small breakout room conversations where participants are invited to share thoughts and ideas or observe conversations to their comfort level. 

 

Clothing & Costume Swap

This free and sustainable event invites self-identified women, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students to exchange clothing while exploring gender expression and identity. The swap also features a small educational display on clothing, body image, and oppression.

  • 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (doors open for drop-off at 12:00 p.m.)
  • Student Union Building (SUB) – Michele Pujol Room
  • Focused on self-identified women, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students, but everyone welcomed
  • Organized by UVSP, GEM, Pride Collective, and the UVic Fashion Society

 

Let’s Talk About Consent

This workshop sets out UVic’s expectations regarding consent for students. Explore how to overcome some of the barriers associated with practicing consent, with a focus on how dis-inhibitors like alcohol impact this ability. We will discuss other difficult topics like power and rejection and the role they play in engaging in meaningful consent practices.

 

Celebrating Diversity in Science – with Friends!

Join us for a Faculty of Science community event co-hosted by Chemistry, Physics & Astronomy, Mathematics & Statistics, Biology, Biochemistry and Microbiology, and Earth & Ocean Sciences! This gathering is all about belonging, connection, and fun across departments. Enjoy snacks, soft drinks, and simple activities that spark conversation and celebrate the spirit of UVic’s 5 Days of Action. Whether you’re an undergrad, grad student, researcher, faculty, or staff member, come meet new people, build connections, and be part of a welcoming science community.

 

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Tuesday, October 28: Reflect

Leveraging the Learning Hub to Achieve your Equity-related Goals

Participate in a guided virtual tour of the recently enhanced Employee Learning Hub, the brand new UVic Employee Learning inventory, and the newly launched online "Setting Goals that Actually Work" course. Learn how to leverage all that UVic has to offer employees to help deepen your knowledge and achieve your equity related goals. Participants will leave equipped to create and follow through on personalized learning plans that support UVic's strategic goals.

  • 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
  • Online
  • For employees
  • Organized by Human Resources

 

Free Hot Lunch

Come for the food, stay for the community. Welcome to all students!

 

Equity in Action: Collaborate, Share, Grow

Connect with colleagues in different departments and units, share insights and experiences and explore ways to support and strengthen our collective efforts to dismantle barriers and make UVic somewhere everyone can feel a sense of belonging. Email equityaction@uvic.ca for more information.

  • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • In-person
  • For staff, faculty and others who are actively engaged in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion across our campus community
  • Organized by Equity and Human Rights

 

Transforming Justice through Collective Care

Canada’s current justice system perpetuates inequality and ultimately fails to achieve public safety. While Canada spends $20 billion dollars annually on incarceration, there are urgent calls to address housing affordability, the defunding of health care and social services, and the underfunding of education. This talk invites the audience to rethink justice and consider the transformative potential of working in partnership with people exiting prison to create a more just world built on collective care.

  • 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • In person
  • For staff, faculty, instructors and students
  • Organized by Continuing Studies

 

Disability & Neurodiversity Awareness Training

In this workshop, you'll learn about disability, neurodiversity, and how to be a better ally. We'll cover topics such as disability in the post-secondary environment, dealing with disability disclosures, how to write accessibility statements, and more!  This workshop is open to all members of the UVic community, we especially encourage staff and faculty to attend!

 

EdCamp for 5 Days of Action

EdCamp is an event that leverages the knowledge and experiences of attendees by collaboratively determining topics for discussion as part of the process. Participants facilitate sessions by using their experiences to drive conversations with peers. This EdCamp will be centred on our shared commitment to end discrimination, harassment, and sexualized violence through an education lens. Participants will be prompted to consider the role of education, teaching, and learning in promoting justice for Indigenous peoples as well as other oppressed groups.

 

Critical Encounters: Disability, Indigeneity, Ableism

Join us for a powerful conversation with Susan Burch and Rheanna Robinson who are two leading scholars on the intersections of disability, indigeneity, and the enduring impacts of ableism. This event will highlight Indigenous perspectives on disability and social justice to offer critical insights into how we can imagine access, care, and community beyond colonial frameworks.

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Wednesday, October 29: Dialogue

Seeds to Roots: Advancing Black Flourishing and Inclusion

Building on our previous information session, we'll explore National and UVic data from Black communities and the experiences of Black students, faculty, and staff. We'll discuss new initiatives and current goals; and tangible actions we can take individually and collectively. The workshop will also feature key research insights on Black identity and community, fostering a deeper understanding of racial dynamics and appreciation for the non-monolithic nature of Black communities.

 

Amplifying Voices

The UVic Music Student Association (MSA) presents an afternoon that amplifies voices often unheard in the world of music. In this annual recital, students from the School of Music perform and share personal insights about compositions by marginalized artists. This event shines a spotlight on the rich diversity within music, while addressing important challenges of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the musical landscape.

 

Transgender Archives Exhibit and “Everything is Special” Tour

Discover the world’s largest Transgender Archives, a joint project of the Chair in Transgender Studies and UVic Libraries, a free resource used by scholars from around the globe. This open house features a sampling of materials accessible to both academics and community members alike, including books, periodicals, photographs, artwork, memorabilia, the Legacy Gallery exhibit, "Everything is Special," and more. With archival experts on site, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, engage, and put your hands directly on LGBTQ+ history.

 

Active Bystander Intervention

This workshop helps students understand the importance of being an active bystander and explores common barriers to intervening. The workshop will cover different intervention strategies (direct, distract, delegate, delay and document) and practice deciding when to intervene and which intervention strategy to use.

 

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Thursday, October 30: Engage

Holy Cow Mini Donut Fundraiser

Come b(u)y some toasty and delicious mini donuts for a good cause! Proceeds will be donated to an on-campus support resource. More details coming soon.

  • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • By Petch Fountain

 

Story Weave: A Journey of Identities

This performance-based workshop offers participants a unique window into the experiences of international students. Attendees will watch a performance, engage in a Q&A with the student performers, and contribute to a collaborative mural that reflects their own lived experiences.

 

Advocacy 101: A Teachable Moment on Islamophobia

This workshop will be facilitated by Jannat Firdous, Manager, Education Programs at the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM). Co-hosted by the Faculty of Law, the event is part of our shared commitment to UVic’s 5 Days of Action. By exploring Islamophobia and related forms of racism, we’re engaging in deep listening, reflection, and dialogue - while also equipping ourselves to take meaningful action toward a more inclusive campus and society.

 

Understanding Microaggressions: Sharing Circle for BIPOC Students

Is “casual” really casual? Microaggressions are more common than they seem, and their impact runs deep. This sharing circle for BIPOC students offers space to connect, reflect, and speak openly about our experiences, while also exploring strategies for navigating them. For questions, please reach out to: gsslife@uvic.ca

 

5 Days of Action Keynote – Angela Sterritt

Angela Sterritt is an award-winning investigative journalist and national bestselling author from the Gitxsan Nation. Her work has shaped national conversations on Indigenous rights, systemic inequity, and reconciliation. She is the author of Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls—a powerful blend of memoir and investigative reporting that explores the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada.

 

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Friday, October 31: Take action

Introduction to "Increasing Equity in ARPT Processes Support Workbook"

Participate in an interactive virtual tour of the soon-to-be-released Increasing Equity Support workbook for ARPT Committees. This tool contains all the resources and steps for academic committees during their work on ARPT processes. We'll demonstrate how the tool works, walk you through a sample search process, and invite your questions and suggestions. 

 

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Outside of the week: 365 Days of Commitment

Navigate U (Ongoing)

Navigate U welcomes you to a self-paced, insightful journey to better understand UVic's values, culture, strategic priorities, history, governance, and community. You will be encouraged and inspired to reflect on how these insights connect with your role, and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates and responds thoughtfully to the different needs of people in our community.

 

Queer Halloween (October 23 - 24)

October 23

Join us to trade or pick a costume, make some spooky decorations, or get ready for Hexxed Up! At this event you can chill while you craft, mingle, and share materials to make costumes!

  • Clothing Swap and decoration making (details still being solidified)
  • 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • SUB Upper Lounge
  • For students
  • Organized by UVSS

October 24

Get ready to dance, sing, and engage in a spooky amount of Queer Joy for our headliner event: Hexxed Up! This 19+ event will be hosted at the campus pub, Felicita's, and can be described as a Queer Halloween night of drag, dancing, and debauchery!  Costumes are highly encouraged, see you then!

  • Drag performances
  • 8:00 p.m. – midnight
  • Felicita’s
  • For ages 19+
  • Organized by UVSS

 

UVic Pride Caucus Movie Night: "But I'm a Cheerleader" (November 4)

The event is free for the first 40 UVic staff and faculty who registers to join the UVic Pride Caucus’ movie night "But I'm a Cheerleader", a 1999 queer-themed comedy classic. RSVP by October 31, 2025. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Join us after the movie for drinks and snacks at the Grad House. 

  • 5:00 p.m. show
  • Cinecenta (UVic SUB)
  • For staff and faculty
  • Organized by the UVic Pride Caucus

 

Applying an Equity Lens to Your Work (November 6)

Developed to support UVic’s implementation of the Equity Action Plan (EAP), the Equity Lens ABCs is a simple yet effective tool that anyone can learn to use in their daily work. This tool is designed to support individuals, units and project teams in the intentional thinking and action required to apply equity considerations to the development of a policy, project, event, decision, etc. 

 

Representation matters: Using preferential and limited hiring effectively (November 13)

This session will support participants in understanding the purpose and effective use of UVic’s Preferential and Limited Hiring policy through review of the foundations and common questions about the policy and the process. Through interactive activities, you will leave with a clearer understanding of how to conduct a preferential or limited search, and with a deeper understanding of effective hiring.