Here when you need it most.
Emergencies come up—that’s normal and almost inevitable. But the real question is: who has a solution to them?
The answer: IGNITE.
As a student at Humber College or the University of Guelph-Humber, you have access to tons of resources through your student union. And, although you might not need them all, it’s important to know about them so you can use them when in need.
IGNITE is committed to helping students through their post-secondary journeys with various programs and initiatives to help get you through almost any situation. Here are six emergencies you might face as a student and the IGNITE solution designed to help:
Emergency: You have no time to make a lunch
Solution: IGNITE Soupbar
We’ve all been there: some days, you just don’t have enough time to prepare a meal to bring with you to campus. Of course, there are many restaurants and stores on and off-campus—but who has the money to buy lunch every day?
Enter: the IGNITE Soupbar, reopening on March 7!
At the Soupbar, you can take home a one-litre container of frozen homemade soup in a variety of flavours. The best part? You don’t need to pay a dime! Featured flavours include beef barley, tomato, butternut squash, Indian daal, french onion and Thai coconut curry.
You can grab your next lunch at the North campus IGNITE Student Centre, beside the Food Emporium, or near the Lakeshore campus on the second floor of the L building by the elevator.
Emergency: You get your period in class
Solution: IGNITE’s emergency menstrual products
When your period hits you out of the blue, the IGNITE emergency menstrual product initiative is here to help.
No need to scramble for change or stress about whether or not friends might be able to cover you. Students can grab 100% free tampons and pads in bathrooms across the Humber and UofGH campuses, outside the IGNITE offices, or at GH108.
Easy peasy.
Emergency: You need to see a dentist ASAP
Solution: IGNITE’s health and dental insurance
Perhaps you’ve broken a tooth, developed a toothache or spotted a cavity.
Well, you don’t have to put up with the pain—as long as you’ve paid the IGNITE Health and Dental Fee with your tuition, IGNITE’s health and dental insurance plan has you covered. No matter your needs, your plan will help cover the costs of basic healthcare—like dentists, eye care and prescription drugs—so you don’t have to worry about them and can focus on other things.
If you’ve opted out from the health and dental fee in the past, but want to benefit from the opportunity now, you can reapply at the beginning of a new academic year. If you have questions about your insurance, email Nicole Mitskopoulos, manager, student wellness, IGNITE.
And, if you’ve already paid the fee, download your benefits card, check your coverage details and status, submit claims, or change your plan at wespeakstudent.com.
Emergency: You get in a disagreement with a group member
Solution: IGNITE’s Dispute Resolution Clinic
Picture this: you’re working on a super important assignment with group members, and a huge disagreement comes up. It feels unsolvable, and you don’t know how your group will be able to move forward with finishing the assignment with this issue in the way. This is really an emergency.
IGNITE’s Dispute Resolution Clinic (DRC) to the rescue!
No matter the issue, the DRC can guide you through conflict resolution strategies to address hardships you may be facing on or off-campus. Plus, it’s 100% free and confidential.
The DRC is currently booking virtual 30-minute appointments—sign up through SimplyBook for a solution to your group work squabble.
Emergency: You encounter an unexpected financial crisis
Solution: IGNITE’s Financial Relief Program
If you find yourself in over your head with financial situations, IGNITE’s Financial Relief Program (FRP) is the solution. It provides short-term assistance to full-time students, and it’s all confidential.
Examples of emergency situations include, but are not limited to:
- Being kicked out of home/imminent homelessness
- Physical and/or health issues
- Child care issues
- Abuse
The FRP does not qualify for paying tuition fees and cannot be given for any OSAP-related issues. If you need help in these areas, check out alternate bursaries for which you might be eligible.
The FRP will re-open Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. So, if you’re in need, don’t hesitate to apply.
If you have questions about how IGNITE’s services, contact us anytime. You can reach out to @shareignite on Instagram and Twitter, call 1-416-675-5051 or speak directly to an IGNITE employee on campus at the IGNITE offices:
- North/UofGH campus: KX202
- Lakeshore campus: K building.
You’re never alone during tough times.
Become part of the solution to student emergencies by getting involved with IGNITE.
Follow IGNITE on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all things student life.
