Statement about encampment on the UVic campus

Message from President Hall: Looking forward post-encampment

Dear UVic community,

As we shared last Monday, the encampment that was established on May 1 has been vacated and work to restore the Quad and prepare it for the beginning of fall term has begun.

The university has always, and continues to, support free expression. We uphold our community’s right to protest and to criticize and challenge the institution. However, in exercising these rights there is a requirement to act in a responsible manner that respects the rights of other members of the university community.  

The university worked diligently, patiently and in good faith to find a mutually agreeable conclusion with members of the encampment. We sought a resolution that would uphold the university's commitment to academic freedom and move forward our longstanding commitments to transparent and responsible investment.

With no prospect of an agreement and after 83 days of significant disruption to campus life — including safety concerns, ongoing property damage, prevention of use of the Quad by all members of the university community, harassment of visitors, disruptions of events, and complaints about experiences of antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian hate — it was time for the encampment to end.

Universities are places where multiple perspectives and experiences are encouraged, and where robust intellectual exploration and respectful dialogue can, and should, take place. What UVic and other university communities have experienced over the past months and weeks reflects deep societal divisions and challenges in response to the severity, volatility and complexity of the current crisis in Palestine and Israel.

The end of the encampment does not mark the end of these important conversations. As a community, I ask that we continue to confront difficult issues with transparency, compassion and humility. We know that this deeply challenging time for the university will continue into the fall, and we are committed to engaging in thoughtful, respectful dialogue with the university community.

In our May 23 “Update on encampment demands”  and May 10 “Message from President Hall” statements we talked about our commitments, plans and practices related to the demands expressed by the People’s Park UVic. As we move forward as an institution and community, we are committed to continuing the important work that is underway. This work includes reviewing the Responsible Investment policy (FM5215), supporting community members affected by conflict and displacement, and upholding the free expression and academic freedom that is central to a scholarly community.

Creating an inclusive, welcoming environment at UVic is a shared responsibility among us all. We are deeply concerned by the reports of antisemitism and the recent acts of anti-Muslim hate that have occurred at the Multifaith Centre. Hate, discrimination and harassment cannot, and will not, be tolerated at UVic.

I appreciate the efforts that many are making to act with empathy and patience — and would like to once again acknowledge the impact that this has had on our community and the difficult work that has been done by people across campus. If you need support, please reach out to the services available to all members of the university community.

Sincerely,
Kevin

Kevin Hall, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

View previous updates

Concerns & frequently asked questions (FAQs)

We've heard many questions and concerns from our community since the encampment was established on May 1. We have developed a series of FAQs and will continue to add to these as necessary.

Please reach out to encampment@uvic.ca for:

• questions or concerns about how this encampment might impact you
• additional questions not listed in the FAQs

Supports for all

• If you feel you have experienced personal harassment or discrimination, please contact the Equity and Human Rights office.
• Campus Security: uvic.ca/security or 250-721-7599
• The Multifaith Centre is a space on campus open and available to all students, staff and faculty. Our team includes Anglican, Bahà'í, Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian Science, Jewish, Lutheran, Muslim, Presbyterian, Unitarian and United representatives.

Students 

Download a list of student resources and supports 

• SupportConnect is a confidential mental health support service available free of cost to UVic students. Through this resource, you can be connected with qualified counsellors, consultants and life coaches anytime, anywhere.
• Toll-free (calls from North America): 1-844-773-1427
• International collect calls: 1-250-999-7621
• Student Wellness Centre offers holistic wellness support for UVic students, including mental health and spiritual care
  • Students can connect one-on-one with a spiritual care provider. Please call us at 250-721-8338 or email us to book an appointment.  
• Find information on seeking an academic concession or speak with your instructor. 

Staff & faculty

• UVic’s Employee and Family Assistance Program offers confidential counselling and referral services.