In this episode, I'm excited to sit down with Trefor Bazzett, a mathematics professor and YouTube content creator. We'll delve into Trefor's journey from the traditional classroom to the digital realm, discussing his passion for making math accessible through engaging online videos. Join us as we explore the dynamic intersection of academia and online education, and uncover the insights Trefor has gained from bridging these two worlds.

Trefor Bazett's Channel : https://www.youtube.com/c/drtreforbazett

In this episode, Zia speaks to Professor Ian O'Connell about mental health in academic spaces, and how important it is to speak about mental wellness and reduce stigma. They discuss some of the barriers and challenges in getting support, and the importance of community and vulnerability in fostering deeper relationships.

Guest featured in this episode:
Ian O'Connell (UVic Geography)

Resources:
ON CAMPUS:
- UVSS Peer Support Centre
- Student Wellness Centre
- Centre of Accessible Learning (CAL)

OFF CAMPUS:
- Wellness Together Canada
- Foundry Victoria
- Greater Victoria Citizens' Counselling Centre
- Vancouver Island Crisis Line: +1-888-494-3888
Text Services: 250-800-3806

In this episode, Zia talks to fellow CFUV volunteer Lindani. They speak to their experiences as international students from the Philippines and South Africa, obstacles they've had to face studying during COVID, and their experiences being racialized in Victoria. They speak to the differing and intersecting experiences among international students, the ignorance international students face, and the expectations versus reality of moving to Canada as immigrants. "

Guest featured in this episode:
Lindani Khoza (@danetheambitious)"

In part two of this series, Zia speaks to Noel, a former UVic student on his experience living in Victoria and working in the fashion industry as a queer person of colour. Continuing from the conversations in the previous episode, Zia explores the commodification of queer fashion and culture and offers some reflections on how we can foster safer and more accepting spaces for all.

Guests featured in this episode:
Lindsey Skelton (@glizzylizzy____)
Rachel Lee
Noel Kossman (@noelmole)

Resources:
University of Colorado Free Course: Queering Identities: LGBTQ+ Sexuality and Gender Identity
Video: What the +?: Understanding and Supporting Expansive LGBTQ+ Identities Recording & Training Toolkit

CFUV Taking Up Space Podcast:
- Gender Magic
- Gender Identity and Sexuality
- You Better Werk! (To End the Gender Binary) Part 1
- You Better Werk! (To End the Gender Binary) Part 2

Sources:
Shein Accused of Stealing From Small Designers — Again

In this episode, Zia explores the meaning and intention behind queer style and dress, and how it goes beyond just aesthetic purposes. She investigates the ways that queer style is embedded in expression and identity, with help from fellow queer students at UVic (and a textbook or two). Listen to hear them examine safe spaces, and the privilege and choice some folks have in being able to enter and exit them.

Guests featured in this episode:
Lindsey Skelton (@glizzylizzy____)
Rachel Lee

Sources:
- "Queer Style" Book by Adam Geczy and Vicki Karaminas
- What Is Queer Fashion, Anyway?

In the final episode of this season of U in the Ring, Dominique looks at alternative teaching styles; imagine dungeons and dragons but instead of wizards and rogues, the characters are real historical figures Richard Nixon and Walter Cronkite. This form of pedagogy is called "reacting to the past" and it's revamping how students interact with history. Dominique talks to the professor pioneering it - Dr Rachel Cleves, and her students about this newer way of engaging with historical studies!

In this episode of U in the Ring, special correspondent, Dylan Hall speaks to Dr. James Rowe about mindfulness, social movement, and divestment and how his research pushes for the need for addressing economic inequality, settler-colonialism, and ecological justice.

In this episode; Dominique continues her review into the whole-scale and continued impacts of COVID-19 on the student and campus experience. From the initial toilet paper hoarding, to the original "it'll blow over by the end of the year" join Dominique in diving into the what and how of UVic's adaptation to COVID-19. This episode features the adaptation from the perspective of UVic's administration.