Faced with contemporary challenges related to mental health and climate change, institutions of higher education are called upon to innovate. Université TÉLUQ is part of this movement by implementing initiatives that closely link sustainable development and well-being. This approach is based on a systemic vision in which mental health, quality of life, and the environment are interconnected, in line with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal related to health and well-being.
The link between mental health and well-being is explained to students in the TÉLUQ guide below on responsible distance learning.
With this in mind, Université TÉLUQ has implemented several concrete initiatives across its entire community:
- Workshop on Eco-Anxiety
Organization of an activity combining documentary screenings, discussions, and training to better understand and manage concerns related to environmental issues, while promoting psychological support. - Sustainable Mobility Challenge (e.g. “Défi auto solo”)
An initiative to reduce the use of private cars, encouraging responsible behaviors that contribute to both environmental health and the adoption of healthy lifestyles. - Bioblitz-style activities
Exploring local biodiversity around university campuses to raise environmental awareness, promote social interaction, and reduce stress through contact with nature. - Panel on Healthy Digital Habits
A discussion of the impacts of digital technology, including its effects on mental health and the carbon footprint of technology use, with the aim of promoting balanced and responsible practices. - Mental health training (e.g., intervening with people in distress)
Implementing internal training programs and promoting initiatives such as the sentinel network, thereby strengthening the community’s capacity to support psychological well-being. - Building internal partnerships and breaking down departmental silos
Collaboration among different teams to reduce siloed work, share expertise, and maximize the impact of initiatives on the university community.
By focusing on these initiatives, TÉLUQ University aims to combine its commitment to the environment with the promotion of well-being. This dual perspective made possible to broaden the discussion beyond individual well-being to include collective and global issues.
The content on this page is taken from a presentation by Dominique Houde-Côté, psychoéducator at Service à la communauté étudiante from Université TÉLUQ, given as part of the Journées SME 2026.
Note: As agreed with Journée SME participants, questions and interventions from the audience do not appear in this recording. These sequences were cut out of the video.
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