Support and Advocacy at SFU

There area few specific people who are dedicated to supporting students through challenging situations and navigating SFU’s policies and procedures.

  • The SFSS Student Advocate: works on behalf of undergraduates.
  • The GSS Advocate: works on behalf of graduate students.
  • The Ombuds Office: NEUTRAL party who serves both students AND the University.
  • Human Rights Office (HRO): The HRO handles complaints from students, staff, and faculty under  SFU’s human rights policy which prohibits discrimination and harassment.
  • SFU Bullying and Harassment Central Hub: Support and services are available to anyone impacted by bullying and harassment at SFU. Bullying and harassment includes any inappropriate conduct or comment by a person towards a member of the University Community (student, staff or faculty) that the person knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause the member of the University Community to be humiliated or intimidated.

Legal Assistance

  • SFSS Free Legal Clinic: Have a dilemma for which you need legal counsel? Need papers notarized? Our clinic provides those services free for graduate or undergraduate students at SFU.
  • Law Students’ Legal Advice Program: LSLAP is a non-profit run by law students at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. They provide free legal advice and representation to clients in the Lower Mainland who would otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance. They started a new “Animal Law Clinic” Program in October 2020 too!
  • Indigenous Community Law Clinic: The Indigenous Community Legal Clinic (ICLC) is an educational legal clinic of the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the UBC that provides legal services to the Indigenous community. They may be able to provide advice, assistance and representation to eligible clients who cannot afford a lawyer and who self-identify as Indigenous persons.
  • Legal Aid BC: Every year Legal Aid BC helps tens of thousands of British Columbians with serious family problems, child protection matters, immigration issues, and criminal law issues. They do this by providing a range of services that help people resolve their legal problems. Services are offered at legal aid locations throughout the province. Eligibility is tied to financial income.
  • Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS): CLAS is a non-profit law firm serving people in BC since 1971. We provide legal assistance and work to advance the law to address the critical needs of those who are disadvantaged or face discrimination. Through their program ‘Stand Informed’ CLAS directly supports those who have experienced sexual assault with free legal advice.

Accessibility

  • Centre For Accessible Learning: CAL provides disability related information and support to the SFU community and campus visitors, and act as liaison between students and faculty in the implementation of disability-related services and accommodations. We facilitate student growth and leadership skills. The Centre advocates on issues related to diversity, educational equity, and academic achievement.
  • SFU library: provides services specifically for students with disabilities.
  • Campus Community Shuttle: this free shuttle can help you get across campus more easily. (Continued Status for 2021/2022 confirmed!)
  • Disabled Parking: Some spaces have been designated as reserved spaces for those with physical limitations and are reserved 24 hours daily. If you have a long or short term mobility limitation (eg. a broken leg or ankle etc), you can apply for special parking.

Campus Life

Student Learning Commons (SLC)
– Burnaby/Vancouver:
learning-commons@sfu.ca
778.782.4648
– Surrey:
slc-surrey@sfu.ca
778.782.7614

The SLC offers expert and friendly help with academic writing,  learning, and study strategies in an environment of collaboration,  discussion, and peer learning.

Learn More About:

Mental and Physical Health

  • SFU Health and Counseling: provides multiple virtual programs such as drop-in supports, support groups, events, and workshops.
  • My SSP: My SSP (Student Support Program) is an app available for all SFU graduate and undergraduate students that provides students with free and immediate mental health support through call or chat. Counseling services are confidential (within the limits of the law) and available 24/7. Counseling and support services are available in multiple languages and provide options for culturally relevant counseling.
  • First Aid: For minor injuries, call Campus Security, or if an injured person can walk, proceed to the nearest first aid facility below:
    • SFU Burnaby: A first aid room is available for treatment of injured/ill persons in Health & Counselling Services – Maggie Benston Centre, 0100 level. Campus Security Level 2 FAAs have access to the first aid room after hours.
    • SFU Vancouver:
      • Harbour Centre and Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue:
        The first aid room is located in Health and Counselling Services on the lower concourse (100 level) of the Harbour Centre building.  This location is within the required 10 minute walking distance for occupants of the Centre for Dialogue.
      • Segal Graduate School of Business: The first aid room is located on the third floor in room 3645.
      • SFU Woodward’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts:
        A dressing room is available for treatment of injured persons located on the B2000 level, in room B2130
    • SFU Surrey: a first aid room available for treatment of injured/ill persons in Room 239, Mezzanine Level/Grand Hall. After regular working hours, the first aid room is available to Security level 2 FAAs.
  • Cardiac Arrest: learn where SFU Automatic Electronic Defibrillators are stored and how to treat cardiac arrest
  • Health and Dental Insurance Plan for Students: The Plan provides coverage for many important services not covered by provincial health care. Take the time to get to know these benefits in order to get the most out of your Plan.
  • SFSS Food Bank: Facing hunger or serious financial pressures? Apply for and redeem a $25 food certificate up to 3 times per semester. Intended for students in a state of need, this student-run service is funded primarily by donations and student fees.

Upass BC

Safety on Campus

  • Safe Walk
    Burnaby: 778.782.3100
    Surrey: 778.782.7070 Vancouver: 778.782.5029 http://www.sfu.ca/srs/safewalk
    The Safe Walk Program provides a security escort to support individual safe travel on campus 24/7.
  • Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office (SVSPO) 778.782.7233
    sv-support@sfu.ca
    The SVSPO is a trauma informed and survivor-centered service which  offers support to campus community members impacted by sexual violence  and misconduct, regardless of when or where the incident took place. It  offers confidential support, information and referrals at any SFU campus  or an alternate location. The SVSPO also provides educational  programming and initiatives.
  • Safety & Risk Services (SRS) Emergency: 778.782.4500 General Enquiries: 778.782.3100
    The SRS team responds to incidents involving safety and risk and  supports individuals impacted by incidents that affect their safety or  wellbeing.

Notable Off-Campus Resources

  • Crisis Centre Online Chat: Get support, information and resources for adults in B.C. and Yukon. Online chat is available from noon to 1am Pacific Time.
  • Deals and Discounts for students: a great blog that regularly updates deals and discounts available for students. This list includes the Student Price Card ($10/year for membership) which is required in many cases.
  • Foundry: province-wide network of integrated health and social service centres for young people ages 12-24. Foundry centres provide a one-stop-shop for young people to access mental health care, substance use services, primary care, social services and youth and family peer supports.
  • Mindshift: A free, mobile app designed to help teens and young adults learn how to relax, develop helpful ways of thinking, and identify active steps that will help them take charge. Created by AnxietyBC.
  • Rise Up + Recover: An app provided by the Recovery Warriors and recommended by Mindcheck.ca for youth struggling with food, dieting, exercise, and body image.
  • Student Aid BC: We help with the cost of post-secondary education through student loans, grants, and scholarships. We also have programs that help with loan repayment.
  • Voting: information on voting in BC for students and youth. You can vote in Burnaby!
  • YouthinBC Online Chat: Get support, information and resources for youth in B.C. and Yukon. Online chat is available from noon to 1am Pacific Time.

Student Advocacy Office Homepage