Panel

In 2018, a diverse technical committee composed of students, post-secondary institution (PSI) leaders, policymakers, healthcare providers, and family representatives convened to develop Canada’s first National Standard for the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Post-Secondary Students (CSA-Z2003:20). This groundbreaking initiative marked the first standard that prioritizes post-secondary student mental health and create supportive learning environments. Moreover, it provided an essential platform for PSIs to engage meaningfully with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action related to education and healthcare.

Central to the standard’s development was a commitment to cultural safety, amplified through ongoing opportunities to learn about Indigenous cultures and knowledge systems, including hosting key meetings in the Yukon. Acknowledging the diverse, intersectional identities of post-secondary students, the standard included consultations with Indigenous communities to ensure their voices were represented throughout the process.

This presentation will explore the strategic leadership and change management approaches that shaped the creation of The Standard CSA-Z2003:20. It will delve into the ways Indigenous and other BIPOC voices were incorporated into the framework, examine the ongoing journey towards decolonization in post-secondary institutions, and discuss the broader impact of this pioneering standard on campuses across Canada.