RECREATION & HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM

Your Student ID number is a unique identifier beginning with a capital V (e.g., V01012345).

Including your Student ID in all university-related correspondence helps UVic staff to provide you with the most accurate information and to respond quickly to your inquiries.

The best way to provide your Student ID in an email is to create an email signature. Most email applications allow you to create multiple signatures that you can change depending on the intended recipient of your email.

Example email signature:
Lara Croft
V01012345
Recreation and Health Education program

A comprehensive list of terms used at UVic is available in the Academic Calendar. We’ve highlighted the most important terms below to help you get started with your studies.

Academic drop date
Last day to drop courses to receive a partial or full refund of fees, or to drop a course without penalty of failure.

Brightspace
Brightspace is an online platform (created by a company called D2L) that is used at UVic to manage course content and facilitate communication. Instructors use Brightspace to provide access to their course outline, course materials, assignments, quizzes, and grades in one central place. Brightspace also includes tools like discussion forums and videos to support your learning. A course instructor will advise you in your first class if their course has an associated Brightspace site.

Course Reference Number (CRN)
A unique, five-digit code that identifies a specific course section, used by students to quickly register for classes, add courses to their plan, or join waitlists in the online registration system (e.g., EPHE 141 lecture, A01, TWTh, 8:30-9:20: CRN: 11460). It is distinct from the general course subject and number (e.g., EPHE 141). CRNs for Sep-Dec courses begin with a one (1), and CRNs for Jan-Apr courses begin with a two (2). Specific course section CRNs change each year.

Discipline
A subject of study within a department. or school.

Full-time student
An undergraduate student registered in 12 or more units of study in the Winter Session (September to April) or 6 or more units in a single Winter Session term or in the Summer Session (May to August). Registration in a Coop work term also constitutes full-time attendance. The requirements for full-time studies used for scholarships, bursaries, student loans and external providers may differ from the minimum UVic requirements for a full-time student. You should confirm any unit requirements with the funding body before deciding to adopt a lighter course load.

Lower level courses
Courses numbered from 100 to 299.

Major program
A program that involves specialization in a discipline and requires 15 or more units in that discipline at the 300- or 400-level.

Minor program
An optional program that allows students to study in an area outside of their Honours, Major or General Program areas; requirements vary and are prescribed by each department.

NetLink-ID
A unique personal identifier which is used as your “username” for various services provided by UVic.

Part-time student
An undergraduate student undertaking fewer than 12 units of study in the Winter Session or fewer than 6 units in the Summer Session.

Section
A specific instance of a course (e.g., HSTR 101, Section A01). Multiple versions of the same lecture, laboratory, or tutorial may be offered. Students can choose the sections that best fit their personal schedules. Sections are categorized by the following designators:

• Lecture sections are identified by an “A” (e.g., A01).
• Laboratory sections are identified by a “B” (e.g., B01).
• Tutorial sections are identified by a “T” (e.g., T01).

Session
The designated period during which courses of study are offered (Winter Session, September to April; Summer Session, May to August).

Term
A period of time within an academic session. The Winter Session is divided into two terms: First Term or Fall, from September through December; Second Term or Spring, from January through April. The Summer Session is divided into seven terms: May – August; May; May – June; June; July; July – August; August.

Undergraduate student
A student registered in an undergraduate faculty or in a program leading to a bachelor’s degree or an undergraduate diploma.

Unit
Positive numerical value used in assigning the value of a course, such as ATWP 135 (1.5 units). The unit value of specific courses may vary (e.g., 0.5 units, 1.5 units, 3.0 units). Some colleges and universities use a different course weighting system. For example, 3.0 credits at Camosun College are equivalent to 1.5 units at UVic.

UVic
The official abbreviation of “University of Victoria.”

Upper level courses
Courses numbered from 300 to 499.

The number of courses taken in a term varies from student to student but is also influenced by the difficulty of the courses taken and whether they include things like laboratories (NB, laboratories can increase the workload associated with a course substantially). A term long course at UVic typically has a 1.5 unit weighting. To finish in the minimum recommended time a student normally needs to take five courses per term (i.e., 5 x 1.5 units – 7.5 units per term – across two terms = 15.0 units per session). Some students may reduce their course load to better manage their studies, being a student ahtlete, or to participate in part-time employment. If you are considering reducing your course load, you must first verify that it will not negatively impact your athlete status, student loan(s), or scholarship(s). A typical undergraduate degree at UVic requires completion of 60-units.

A course outline (or syllabus) acts as the official roadmap for a course. It clearly details the learning goals, topics, schedule, assignments, and grading in a course. A course outline serves as a formal agreement that guides both instructors and students. It sets the tone, explains what you will learn, why it’s important, how you will be assessed, and what is required for success, making it an essential reference throughout the term.

At the beginning of each course, the course instructor will provide you with a copy of their course outline or direct you to where you can download the course outline.

• Use a proper salutation: Begin your email politely. Use “Dear” or “Hello” followed by their appropriate title and last name (e.g., Dr. Smith, Professor Jones, Ms. Brown).
• Introduce yourself and your course: Clearly state your full name and the specific course name and number in which you are registered (e.g., “I am Luke Sywalker, a student in your EPHE 143: Multidisciplinary Foundations of Physical Activity class”).
• Be direct and clear: State your question or issue concisely and clearly in the body of the email.
• Maintain professionalism: Use correct grammar and spelling. Avoid slang, abbreviations, emojis, and excessive punctuation (like multiple exclamation marks).
• Use a formal closing: End your email professionally with a closing phrase like “Sincerely,” or “Thank you for your time,” followed by an email signature that includes your name, student ID number, and program.

Example email signature:
Leia Organa
V01054321
Recreation and Health Education program

Response Time expectations

Please be mindful of the time it may take to receive a reply to your email:

• Instructor response: Allow 7 to 10 business days for an instructor to respond to your email before sending a follow-up.
• Administrative staff response: Allow 3 to 5 business days for administrative staff to respond to your email before sending a follow-up.
• Availability: Do not expect a response during weekends, public holidays, or outside standard business hours.

Not Sure Who to Contact

To ensure your inquiry is handled efficiently, please avoid emailing multiple recipients about the same issue, as this can lead to a duplication of efforts. Instead, direct your message to the specific individual responsible for the matter. For inquiries regarding registration in specific courses, please contact the department offering the course. EPHE staff are only authorized to assist with registration issues associated with EPHE-coded courses. If you are unsure who to contact, please reach out to the EPHE Academic Adviser, Dr. Brad Temple, who should be able to direct you to the appropriate person.

Co-operative Education (Co-op) is a mandatory requirement of the Recreation and Health Education program.

Co-op involves spending terms (called work terms) in the paid workforce related to your degree and areas of interest. Co-op lets you try out career options, gain valuable paid work experience, and helps to expand your network of professional contacts and relationships..

You need to complete three work terms as part of the Recreation and Health Education program, and you’ll graduate with a Co-op designation on your degree certificate.

You can learn more about Co-op, including international co-op opportunities, on the UVic website.

Preparing for Your Work Terms

• You must take EPHE 100 – Introduction to Professional Practice prior to undertaking your first work term. EPHE 100 provides information about the requirements of co-op and work terms and can normally be managed in addition to a standard course load. EPHE 100 is only scheduled in the Fall term (Sep-Dec term).
• To maximize scheduling opportunities for completing your work terms you are strongly encouraged to register in EPHE 100 early in your program (i.e., in your second year in the program if you were admitted to the program directly from high school; or in your first year in the program if you transferred into the program from UVic or another college or university).
• If you are uncertain when you should register in EPHE 100, or want to learn more about the types of work-terms that are available, or EPHE 100, please contact the EPHE Co-op Coordinator, Natalie Haddow.

There are two types of electives that must be taken as part of the Recreation and Health Education program. These are:

• 100 or above electives (6.0 units—four courses)
• 300- or 400-level electives (6.0 units—four courses)

One hundred or above electives can be any course numbered between 100 and 499. Three hundred or 400-level electives can be any course at the 300- or 400-level (NB, for which there are no program restrictions, and for which you have any necessary prerequisites).

You should note that most senior electives have associated lower-level prerequisites. So, while you can take any course to meet a 100 or above elective requirement, it is more efficient to select your 100 or above electives with a view to meeting upper-level elective prerequisite requirements (i.e., you need to have a view of your future upper-level electives when selecting your lower-level electives). It is also more efficient to choose upper electives from the same general area (i.e., to avoid needing to meet many different lower-level prerequisite requirements).

There are several EPHE courses that can be used as 300- or 400-level electives, but some include lower-level prerequisites that you may not have automatically taken as part your recreation and health education program.

The UVic website provides a comprehensive list of courses without prerequisites that are suitable for first and second year students. This is an excellent resource for identifying potential lower-level elective options.

UVic provides a Plan Ahead tool that allows you to build and visualize your course schedule before registration officially opens.

• You can save up to five different plans per term.
• You can later register for courses directly from your saved plans (or register without a plan).

How to Build Your Course Plan

• Go to “Student Services in Online tools.
• Under the “Registration” section, select “Plan Ahead.”
• Select the desired academic term and click “Continue.”
• Click the “Create a New Plan button.
• Choose your desired course sections (lectures, labs, and tutorials) and add them to your plan.

You’re responsible for checking that you meet all the requirements before you register for a course. The Plan Ahead tool won’t check requirements for you.

If you don’t meet the course requirements, you’ll be dropped from it once the term has begun.

What is a Time Ticket?

Every student receives a registration email containing a “time ticket.” This indicates the specific date and time you are eligible to begin registering for courses.

• You may register any time after the date and time listed on your time ticket.
• Classes fill up quickly, so be ready to register on your allocated data and time!

Receiving Your Time Ticket Email

Registration emails are sent to the preferred email address listed in your personal profile.

Tip: Ensure you add @uvic.ca to your safe senders list to prevent missing important registration updates.

When are Time Tickets Assigned?

Time tickets to register in courses for the Winter Session (the Sep-Dec term and Jan-Apr term) are assigned in early June and registration opens in early/mid-June.

Time tickets to register in courses for the Summer Session (May-Aug terms) are assigned in early March and registration opens in early/mid-March.

How are Time Tickets Determined?

Time tickets are assigned to manage system load and are based on the following hierarchy. They are always assigned on weekdays and never on statutory holidays.

• Students with priority registration (e.g., student athletes)
• New Year 1 undergraduate students with scholarships
• Graduate students; Law students in Years 3 and 4; Law students with priority registration
• New Year 1 undergraduate students without scholarships; Year 2 law students
• Year 5 undergraduate students
• Year 4 undergraduate students
• Diploma and certificate students
• Year 3 undergraduate students
• Non-degree students
• Year 2 undergraduate students
• Returning Year 1 undergraduate students
• Undergraduate students with other classifications (e.g., Visiting, Discovery)

Students on academic probation usually register on the same dates as other students in their year.

How is Your Year Level Determined?

Your year level is determined by the number of units of course work you’ve completed based on the following hierarchy.

• Year 1 – Fewer than 12 units completed
• Year 2 – 12 to 26.5 units completed
• Year 3 – 27 to 41.5 units completed
• Year 4 in a 4-year program – 42 or more units completed
• Year 4 in a 5-year program – 42 to 56.5 units completed
• Year 5 in a 5-year program – 57 or above units completed

Most full courses offer a waitlist, allowing you to add yourself with the hope of a place becoming available in a course. Joining a waitlist does not register you in the course.

The waitlist system is automated. If a space opens, an email offer is automatically sent to the first person on the waitlist.

The school cannot grant an override to move a student ahead of another student on a course waitlist.

You have a limited time to accept an offer before it is automatically passed to the next person on the waitlist.

If you are on a waitlist, you must check your email regularly to avoid missing an offer.

For most courses, waitlist movement is common. We recommend you add yourself to and remain on any relevant waitlists and attend the first few classes of the course. The instructor can provide the best assessment of your chance of gaining a place in the course.

Be cautious about dropping a course to waitlist for another course.

We cannot guarantee you a place in any course.

You can find more information about waitlist management on the UVic website.

Courses that have a laboratory or tutorial require you to register in the lecture section (e.g., A01), a laboratory section (e.g. B01), or a tutorial section (e.g. T01). For example, EPHE 141 – Human Anatomy has one lecture section (A01) and 10 or more different laboratory sections to choose from (e.g., B01-B10). Meaning you first register in A01 and then choose a laboratory section that best fits your schedule. If your preferred laboratory section is full at the time of registration, you should choose a different section or add yourself to the waitlist if one is available (NB, some laboratory sections don’t have a waitlist, or the waitlists are very small).

In courses with laboratories or tutorials, your registration is considered incomplete if you are not registered in both the lecture section and a laboratory section.

As part of the UVic admission process, UVic will conduct a transfer credit evaluation of your previous academic studies. This evaluation identifies courses you have already completed that can be used for credit in your new program, including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

You will receive a formal statement detailing your specific transfer credits, which will clarify the remaining courses you need to take to complete your program. While most high school applicants do not receive transfer credits, they are common for transfer applicants.

Two types of transfer credit are normally granted. Course credit is where transfer credit is given for a specific course (e.g., CAMO CHEM 121 equivalent to UVIC CHEM 102). In this case, the content of one course is identical to the content of another course. Level credit is where transfer credit is given for a course level (e.g., CAMO BIOL for a UVIC BIOL 1XX level course—read as BIOL 100 level). In this case, the content of one course is broadly like the content of another course, however, there are also substantial gaps in content and/or hours of instruction and/or practical assessment.

An EPHE level transfer credit can be used against any non-core 100 level EPHE program requirement (i.e., electives). A MATH 100 level transfer credit can be used against any MATH 100 level EPHE program requirement. Level based transfer credits cannot be used against a specific program requirement. For example, an EPHE 100 level transfer credit cannot normally be used in lieu of a 100 level EPHE course like EPHE 143.

In general terms, transfer credits are the result of agreements between institutions (i.e., through the BC Transfer Credit System). They cannot be overridden or changed outside of formal review processes.

You can look-up how courses transfer between institutions in British Columbia using the BC Transfer Guide.

The 2026–2027 Winter Session course offerings and schedules are currently being finalized. Please revisit here closer to the registration period for detailed registration advice related to the Recreation and Health Education program.

Admission Directly from High School

If you’ve been admitted to your EPHE program from high school for September, you can ask to defer your admission.

If your request is granted, your admission will be deferred to the next September (one year) in the same program.

You can request a deferral for reasons such as:

• participation in an exchange or volunteer program
• financial need
• mandatory military service
• physical or mental health concerns
• gap year
• other extenuating circumstances

You cannot defer your admission in order to attend another post-secondary institution.

You can find information about deferring your admission on the UVic website.

Admission as a Transfer Applicant

If you have been admitted to your EPHE program as a transfer applicant, you maintain your place in the program indefinitely if you accept your offer and remain in good academic standing.

As a student in an EPHE program there is nothing that you specifically need to do to take a break from study. You should just not register in any courses for the period you wish to be absent.

If you don’t register in courses for two sessions (i.e., the winter and the summer sessions) your access to the UVic registration system will lapse and you will need to apply to have it reinstated when you want to return to study. This process is called re-registration.

You apply for re-registration via “My UVic application.” There is a modest fee associated with re-registration.

Note: If you are currently registered in courses during your planned absence you need to use the online registration system to drop those courses to ensure that you aren’t charged associated tuition fees.

The International Centre for Students (ICS) Exchange Program allows you to study at one of UVic’s partner universities, earn UVic units, and pay standard UVic tuition fees.

• Students can complete up to two exchange terms (Fall and/or Spring semesters) during their degree.
• It is recommended that students consider an exchange opportunity in their third year or later.
• More information about undertaking an outgoing exchange is available on the UVic website.

International Co-op Work Terms

If you add co-operative education to your degree, you have the option to complete one or more of your work terms overseas.

Interested in an international work term? Please contact the EPHE Co-op Coordinator, Natalie Haddow.

Advancing Health and Wellness at UVic

The School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education (EPHE) is a crucial contributor to UVic’s research mandate in health and wellness. Our academic and research expertise spans several dynamic areas, including:

• Exercise and Rehabilitation
• Occupational Physiology
• Coaching Science
• Physical Activity for Psychological and Physical Well-being
• Biomedical Research

Research Opportunities for Students

We strongly encourage students at all levels to engage in research. You can contribute by developing your own projects, participating in ongoing studies, or securing a paid work experience position as a research student.

Beyond the Classroom: Connect and Grow

We offer numerous avenues for learning and professional development outside of your coursework:

• Experiential Learning: Join the Co-operative Education (Co-op) program for paid work experience in your field, or volunteer on a research team.
• Academic Exploration: Investigate directed studies opportunities and honours programs.
• Global & Community Engagement: Explore international exchange opportunities, volunteer for a cause, or join a student club.
• Networking: Connect with faculty, instructors, teaching assistants, and advisers, and explore UVic’s research centres and library resources.

EPHE Research Laboratories

Our students benefit from working within cutting-edge facilities that focus on applied health sciences:

• Behavioural Medicine Lab: Research on the psychology of physical activity and health behaviors.
• Buckler Lab: Focuses on improving physical literacy and health-promoting physical activity in children.
• Cerebrovascular Health Exercise and Environmental Research Sciences lab (CHEERS)
• Digital Health Lab: Conducts research in digital health, health promotion, and physical activity.

• Krigolson Lab (Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience Laboratory): Improves understanding of neural processes guiding decision-making and learning.

• Neurological and Pain Rehabilitation Lab: Uses virtual reality and assistive technologies to improve quality of life.
• Motion and Mobility Lab: Studies human movement in clinical and sport populations to enhance performance.
• SMART Lab: Focuses on clinical neuropsychology, cognitive-affective neuroscience, and neurorehabilitation.

What is a Major?

• A major is the primary subject or field of study that forms the focus of your undergraduate degree.
• Example: Recreation and Health Education students complete a major in recreation and health education. Kinesiology students complete a major in kinesiology.

What is a Minor?

• A minor is a secondary group of courses in a specific subject or theme that is designed to complement your major.
• It allows you to develop expertise in an area outside of your main field.
• Students typically add a minor after completing 2–4 lower-level courses related to the minor. This “trial period” is a great way to ensure the subject truly interests you before committing. Most students officially declare their minor during their second year or later.
• Example: Many Recreation and Health Education students complete a minor in business.

Rules for Minors

• Eligibility: A minor can only be added to an undergraduate degree program; it cannot be completed on its own.
• Limit: You are limited to adding one minor to your degree.
• Requirements: The specific requirements and necessary courses for each minor vary. All minors are listed in the academic calendar.

Popular Minors for Recreation and Health Education Students

Recreation and Health Education students have historically pursued minors in a wide variety of subjects, including:

• American Sign Language (Certificate)
• Applications of Psychology and Leadership
• Anthropology
• Art Education
• Business
• Creative Writing
• Education
• English
• Environmental Studies
• French and Francophone Studies
• Gender Studies
• Geography
• History
• Indigenous Community Development and Governance
• Psychology
• Public Administration

The School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education offers a Minor in Physical Education. Students in the Recreation and Health Education program cannot add this minor to their degree program (i.e., because the respective program requirements are overlapping).

The Honours designation is an optional enhancement to the Recreation and Health Education program, designed for motivated, self-directed students who seek to engage in undergraduate research.

Students admitted to the Recreation and Health Education Honours program undertake a significant research project under the direct supervision of a faculty member.

Applying to the Program

Students typically apply for admission to the Recreation and Health Education Honours program during their third year of study.

To be eligible to apply, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• GPA: A minimum GPA of 6.5 in at least 9 units of all EPHE courses.
• Standing: 3rd-year standing in an EPHE degree program.
• Coursework: Completion of, or current registration in, EPHE 357.

Research Presentation Opportunities

If you are interested in the Honours program, we encourage you to attend the annual Honours student project poster presentation event.

• What: Poster presentations showcasing the current Honours students’ research.
• Where: Foyer of the McKinnon Building.
• When: During the January–April academic term.

The specific date for the Honours poster presentation event is usually advertised on the McKinnon digital display. You are welcome to explore the posters and ask the current Honours students questions about their experiences in the program.

Further information about the Recreation and Health Education Honours program is available on the EPHE website.

The Recreation and Health Education program is a common pathway to occupational therapy. Many UVic Recreation and Health Education graduates enter the Master of Occupational Therapy (OT) program at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

UVic’s Recreation and Health Education degree is typically the most direct pathway to graduate study in physical therapy because it includes most of the required prerequisite courses for OT admission.

UBC’s OT program does accept applicants with any bachelor’s degree. However, candidates from non-traditional undergraduate backgrounds may need to independently complete several prerequisite courses to meet the admission criteria.

It is essential to confirm the specific entrance requirements directly with UBC or any other institution you are considering. Requirements can change and must be verified for accuracy.

You can find the official and most up-to-date admission requirements for the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy program on the UBC website.

The Recreation and Health Education program is a potential pathway to graduate study in physical therapy (i.e., physiotherapy). Some UVic Recreation and Health Education graduates enter the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

UBC’s MPT program does accept applicants with any bachelor’s degree. However, candidates from non-kinesiology undergraduate backgrounds may need to independently complete several prerequisite courses to meet the admission criteria.

It is essential to confirm the specific entrance requirements directly with UBC or any other institution you are considering. Requirements can change and must be verified for accuracy.

You can find the official and most up-to-date admission requirements for the UBC Master of Physical Therapy program on the UBC website.

What can you do with a recreation and health education degree? Here are a few occupations that relate to the program:

• Personal trainer
• Fitness or wellness coordinator
• Outdoor programmer
• Camp leader or director
• Occupational therapist
• Aquatic program assistant
• Athletic coach
• Community support worker
• Recreation programmer for adults
• Community recreation coordinator
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Policy analyst
• Rehabilitation specialist
• Facilities supervisor
• Recreation therapist

Some of these roles may require post-graduate study, further training, and/or licencing.

For students in Recreation and Health Education, professional bodies provide the “credentialing” needed to work in clinical, municipal, or community settings. These bodies focus primarily on well-being, social programming, and public health policy.

General Recreation & Parks Advocacy

These organizations are the backbone of community recreation. They focus on management, facility operations, and large-scale community health initiatives.

• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) – USA
  The primary body for parks and recreation; manages the CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) designation.
• Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) – Canada
  National voice for park and recreation policy; offers a vast “Benchmarking” database for students.
• British Columbia Parks and Recreation Association (BCRPA): – Canada (BC)
  Not for profit organization that plays a central role in leading the enrichment and improvement of the quality of life of British Columbians and their communities.
• Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) – Canada (ON)
  Leading provincial body; manages the HIGH FIVE® quality standard for children’s programs.
• NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation – North America
  Specialized in campus recreation, intramurals, and student wellness programming.

Therapeutic Recreation (Clinical Focus)

If you want to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or long-term care, these bodies are essential. They govern the “Therapeutic Recreation” (TR) side of the degree.

• National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC): The international body that grants the CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) credential. This is the global gold standard for clinical practice.
• Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA): The national body for TR in Canada. They provide a unified code of ethics and standards of practice.
• Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO): Provides provincial designations (R/TRO) and is one of the most active advocacy groups for the regulation of TR as a health profession.

Health Education & Public Health

For those focusing on the “Health Education” side of their degree, these bodies focus on behavior change, health literacy, and disease prevention.

• Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE): The main body for health educators. They offer the CHES® (Certified Health Education Specialist) exam, which is a vital credential for health promotion roles.
• Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA): A member-driven organization that advocates for public health policy (e.g., social determinants of health, mental health support).
• International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE): A global network that focuses on the science and practice of health promotion.

Specialized Certification Boards

If your goal is to work in a specific niche (like high-performance coaching), these bodies provide the “gold standard” credentials.

• Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP): Known as the gold standard in Canada for exercise science. They offer two main paths:
  • CSEP-CPT: Certified Personal Trainer (focused on healthy populations).
  • CSEP-CEP: Clinical Exercise Physiologist (focused on chronic disease and clinical settings).
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA): The primary body for the CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), which is essential for working with professional athletes.
• British Columbia Parks and Recreation Association (BCRPA): The primary body for certification as a fitness leader in British Columbia.

Why Join as a Student?

Most students overlook these until senior year, but joining early offers specific competitive advantages:

• Scholarships & Grants: Many bodies (like NRPA and TRO) have exclusive student scholarships that go unclaimed every year.
• The “Job Mart”: Access to specialized job boards that aren’t on LinkedIn—many municipalities post “Recreation Coordinator” roles exclusively through their provincial bodies (like PRO or BCRPA).
• Portfolio Building: You can earn “Continuing Education Units” (CEUs) through their webinars, which looks excellent on a graduate school or job application.
• Mentorship: Most offer a “Student-Professional” pairing program to help you navigate your first internship.

Dr. Brad Temple
Academic Adviser: Provides guidance on all EPHE programs.
If you have a question about your registration, course planning, or degree evaluation, please speak with Dr. Temple.

Dr. Kirstin Lane
Kinesiology Program Leader: Oversees the Kinesiology curriculum.
Please note that the Override Request Form is submitted to Gracey. This form is used if you think you are eligible to register in an EPHE course but are blocked by a prerequisite, year level or program restriction.

Dr, Jenn Gruno
Physical & Health Education Program Leader: Oversees the Physical and Health Education (PHE) curriculum.
If you want to become a high school physical education teacher, talk to Dr. Gruno.

Natalie Haddow
EPHE Co-operative Education Coordinator: Oversees the EPHE Co-operative Education Programs.
If you have a question about co-operative education and work terms, please ask Natalie.

Dr. Nevin Harper
Recreation and Health Education Program Leader and Acting EPHE Director: Oversees the Recreation and Health Education curriculum and EPHE School governance and operations.

EPHE Academic Advising: We’re Here to Help

Need guidance on your academic journey in the School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education? The EPHE Academic Adviser is ready to assist with:

• Course Planning: Designing your schedule to ensure you meet graduation requirements.
• Transfer Credits: Verifying credits from other institutions.
• Program Changes and Taking Courses Elsewhere.

How to Connect

• Email is Best: For most questions about programs, prerequisites, or course planning, please email the academic adviser for the quickest response (Allow up to 48 hours for a reply)
• Drop-in Hours: Consultations are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
  • Location: Room 115, McKinnon Building (opposite the EPHE General Office
  • Scheduled Appointments: To book an individual appointment outside of drop-in times, simply email your preferred day and time to the academic adviser for confirmation.

Supporting Your Success as a Student Athlete

Your academic development is our main priority, but we are fully committed to supporting your role as a student athlete.

• Scheduling Conflicts: If you are having difficulty balancing your schedule due to training or competitive commitments, please consult with the academic adviser immediately.
• Course Conflicts: Should class activities conflict with your athletic commitments, please discuss potential accommodations directly with the course instructor. In some cases, it may be best to delay taking a specific class until you can dedicate your full attention to it.
• Managing Course Load: Many student athletes find it beneficial to reduce their course load (e.g., they reduce their course load to three or four courses per term) during competitive seasons. If you choose this path, you must first verify that reducing your course load will not negatively impact your athlete status, student loans, UVic residence eligability, or scholarships.

UVic and the School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education are deeply committed to fostering a truly supportive, community-based, and inclusive learning environment. This commitment is demonstrated by our dedication to actively honouring, upholding, and integrating Indigenous culture, knowledge, and traditions into the fabric of our academic and social life. We strive to create a space where all Indigenous students, faculty, and staff feel a strong sense of belonging.

Accessing Indigenous Student Supports:

For a comprehensive overview of the resources available across campus, including academic advising, cultural programming, and financial aid specifically for Indigenous students, please visit the Indigenous Student Support page on the UVic website. This central hub provides essential information on navigating your university journey as an Indigenous student.

UVic and the School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education are deeply committed to fostering a truly supportive, community-based, and inclusive learning environment. This commitment is demonstrated by our dedication to actively supporting the h2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and more) community. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive living, working and learning environment for all people in our community.

Accessing h2SLGBTQIA+ Student Supports:

For a comprehensive overview of the resources available to the h2SLGBTQIA+ community across campus, please visit the Information for 2SLGBTQIA+ community page on the UVic website.

If you are an international student and have been admitted to a program offered by School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education the UVic International Centre for Students can provide you with support before you arrive and help you get settled in Victoria.

The International Centre for Students team can help with:

• getting settled in Victoria
• immigration documents
• health insurance
• housing & finance
• working in Canada
• connecting with others on campus

Don’t forget to follow the Physical Education, Recreation, and Kinesiology Student Society (PERKS) on Instagram at @ephe.perks. As the student society for all EPHE programs, PERKS is a great resource. They host social events, foster community among students, and provide valuable career development opportunities throughout the academic year.

Academic Support: You’re Never Alone at UVic

UVic offers a wide range of supports, services, and staff dedicated to helping you navigate academic systems, develop new skills, and achieve your goals. Don’t wait until you’re struggling—reach out proactively to stay ahead!

Academic Skills Centre (ASC)

The Academic Skills Centre can help you to build and enhance your essential academic toolkit. The ACS provides coaching to help you:

• Time Management: Master scheduling, goal setting, and sustaining focus.
• Communication Skills: Craft polished papers and deliver captivating presentations.
• Study Strategies: Develop skills to effectively retain information for exams and assessments.

Access Support: Book a free appointment (in-person or Zoom) or utilize the user-friendly, self-paced online resources.

Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL)

The Centre for Accessible Learning encourages students with documented learning disabilities, ADHD, mental health issues, physical or sensory disabilities, or chronic health issues to register with CAL.

By registering, you can:

• Develop an Accommodation Plan: Meet with a CAL advisor to create an individualized academic accommodation plan.
• Ensure Equity: We collaborate with you and your instructors to create equitable, inclusive, and usable learning environments.

Note: Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and previous academic accommodations may require updated documentation for post-secondary transfer.

Need Tutoring or Strategy Coaching? The Learning Assistance Program (LAP) is based in CAL and offers:

• Fee-for-service tutors for specific course content.
• Learning Strategists to help you develop crucial academic skills.

You may be eligible for funding programs to cover LAP services.

Career Services

Build the career you love! Whether you have a specific dream job or are still exploring options, Career Services offers workshops, programs, and one-on-one support to help you:

• Identify interests and explore options.
• Develop successful job search strategies.
• Create strong résumés and cover letters.
• Practice interview and networking skills.

Find Work and Book Support: Access job postings, sign up for workshops, and schedule appointments with a career educator through the Co-op and Career portal.

University study can be challenging, but help is available.

• Need Support? If stress or feeling overwhelmed is impacting you, visit the Student Wellness Centre for emotional, physical, and spiritual care tailored to help you meet your goals.
• Need Accommodations? If your academic performance is affected by a long-term disability, including a learning ability, ADHD, or mental health issue, UVic offers academic concessions and accommodations.

The School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education has several networks that you can use to connect with others and share information (NB, some are more active than others). These include:

• EPHE Website: https://www.uvic.ca/health/exercise/
• EPHE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPHE.UVic/
• EPHE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/UVicEPHE/
• EPHE on X: @UVicEPHE
• EPHE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epheatuvic/
• PERKS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ephe.perks