ConnectU is a system that provides students a platform to express a concern for the well-being of themself or another student who could benefit from being connected with appropriate supports. 

ConnectU provides an opportunity for students to get support at an early stage of their academic journey or during times of heightened stress. The earlier a student gets connected with appropriate supports, the better chance they have to succeed holistically. 

ConnectU provides a clear, centralized place where UNBC students can share their concerns. 

Step 1: You observe a behaviour or change in yourself or another student that gives cause for concern. 

Step 2: You reach out to the student to express your concerns. 

Step 3: If your concerns for the student are greater in complexity than your relevant scope of support allows, consider completing a ConnectU form online. 

Step 4: The Restorative Relations and Student Supports (RR & SS) Department receives and assesses the referral. If action is needed, the RR & SS reaches out to the student for an intake to understand their situation. They will then collaborate on creating a plan of support if needed.  

We encourage you to connect with the student you are concerned about prior to submitting a ConnectU referral. This bridges a conversation between the student of concern and supports.

Access to information collected through ConnectU is tightly controlled. The Restorative Relations and Student Supports (RR & SS) Department are trained in supporting students and are the only people who have access to the information collected through a ConnectU referral. 

Maintaining student privacy is paramount. Any personal information communicated through ConnectU is collected under the authority of the Freedom of information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FOIPPA”). This information is kept confidential and stored separately from a student’s academic records and is used by the RR & SS team for the sole purpose of supporting the UNBC community. Personal information will be kept confidential unless the situation necessitates or as required by law.

In a caring community, members look out for each other and try to help when possible. If someone is concerned about you, they may submit a ConnectU form. Ideally, they will talk to you about their concern first; however, this is not always possible. 

ConnectU forms will go directly to the Restorative Relations and Student Supports (RR &SS) department. This team is trained to support students at UNBC. The RR & SS Department will assess the referral and decide whether it’s necessary to contact you. The office will contact you primarily by your UNBC email and/or telephone. 

If you receive an email or phone call, we encourage you to respond. The choice is yours to engage, unless their is a risk to self, to the UNBC community, or involvement in non-academic misconduct. There is no penalty for not responding, and you can still access supports at any time.