Outreach and Well-being Leaders Program
The Outreach and Well-being Leaders (OWLs) are dedicated student staff committed to enhancing student well-being at NAIT. The OWLs promote a healthy, inclusive and supportive campus culture by organizing and delivering educational and outreach events focused on 8 dimensions of well-being, such as physical, emotional and social well-being. Through both in-person and online initiatives, the OWLs connect students with valuable resources and support to foster overall well-being.
Meet the OWLs
In Winter 2024, the OWL team successfully organized 17 original events, engaging over 1,000 students and staff. Our initiatives ranged from mobile healthy snack trolleys across all four campuses to monthly book swaps in the Glass Box. Through diverse events like kind message sharing during Mental Health Awareness Month and self-love bracelet making during Healthy Relationship week, we aim to create a campus where every student feels supported and has access to the resources they need for their well-being.
Our Initiatives
In-Person Events
The OWL team has excelled in creating impactful in-person events that support various dimensions of student well-being. Highlights include:
- OWL Book Swap: A popular monthly event that encourages students to exchange books, fostering a love for reading and community engagement.
-
Empowering Your Financial Future Workshop: This workshop provides essential financial skills and knowledge to help students manage their finances effectively.
-
Self-Care Trolley: A mobile initiative bringing self-care resources and support directly to different campuses, promoting mental health awareness and stress relief.
-
Winter Wonderland Workshops: A series of creative workshops that add festive cheer and provide a space for students to engage in hands-on activities
Online Engagement
Our online efforts complement these in-person events, extending our reach and impact:
-
Social Media Post Engagement: Regular updates and interactive content that keep students informed about well-being resources and events.
-
Healthy Recipe Sharing: Posting nutritious recipes like Chickpea Salad Sandwich and Berry-Kefir Smoothie to support healthy eating habits.
-
International Women's Day Video Series: Highlighting inspiring stories of NAIT alumni who have found success in their industries.
-
Walk with Flynn Schedule: Sharing monthly “Walk with Flynn” schedules allowing students to meet Flynn, our therapy dog.
Get Involved
Join the OWL Team
We’re looking for enthusiastic NAIT students to join the OWL team every year! We typically recruit once a year, from March to April, though there may be additional opportunities depending on the team's needs. To apply, keep an eye on the NAIT careers portal and submit your resume and cover letter.
Qualifications
-
Must be a NAIT student enrolled for the following academic year.
-
Ability to work during busy academic periods, such as mid-terms and exams.
-
Maintain a good academic standing (a GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended).
-
Availability to support events before, between, and after classes.
Testimonials
“Working as an OWL has been a fantastic experience! I love contributing to the well-being at NAIT and learning to care for my well-being as a student. Knowing that my work makes a difference to those attending NAIT is a feeling I will never forget! Seeing others enjoy events we host brings a sense of fulfillment I would never experience elsewhere!”
McKayla - Chemical Technology
"I have been an OWL for almost 3 years now. During my time as an OWL, I have been able to not only have the chance to connect with other like-minded individuals, but with the broader NAIT community. It has been so fulfilling to connect with others and create meaningful interactions and experiences with fellow students. It has made my overall NAIT experience one I will cherish for a long time."
Sam - Hospitality Management
"In my brief time as an OWL, I found joy in connecting with fellow students. Witnessing their smiles during our events brings me fulfillment. I've found that sometimes, a simple "hi" or "hello," or even just a brief moment of participation in an event, can instantly create a positive shift in a student's mood, impacting their overall wellness. It's rewarding to know that I can contribute in ways that alleviate their stress, ease pressure, and make their everyday lives a little less mundane."
Kate - Human Resources Management
Volunteer Opportunities
Not ready for a full-year commitment but still want to contribute? Apply for the OWLET volunteer program!