Access and Belonging

The new Access and Belonging unit within Student Development and Services reflects Nipissing University's commitment to equity and inclusion. It offers a range of support services, including the Student Support Navigator and the Sexual Violence Prevention and Education team, to foster a campus where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected.

The unit also features the Care and Connect space which is an area where conversation is welcome and access to essentials like food and hygiene items is available, ensuring that students have what they need to thrive both personally and academically.

Connect with us

You can reach us at belonging@nipissingu.ca, or drop by B209.
We are always open to feedback about ways to ensure folks in the NU community feel a strong sense of belonging. 

Meet the Team

Lindsay “Linds” Sullivan

A woman taking a selfie in front of a nature background

Lindsay “Linds” Sullivan (she/her/hers)

MA, BA, BSW, RSW

Manager, Access and Belonging 

My name is Linds, and I’m a Registered Social Worker whose career has included a broad range of experiences such as work with folks in community support, advocacy and health care settings. Many of my professional endeavours have included creative approaches and initiatives that bridge art and advocacy. My way of being and working with folks is grounded in respect. I am committed to working towards and actioning spaces where folks feel heard, valued, and seen.

Informed by navigating my personal lived experience at the intersection of identity and mental health, I look forward to continuing to work together on what matters most to each student, and to support the development of a meaningful journey while at Nipissing University (NU). I’m someone who you can connect with if you have questions, concerns or ideas about equity, access, belonging or anything else that impacts your quality of experience at NU.  

When I’m not working at NU, you’ll usually find me writing music, rocking out in my band, camping whenever I can, or enjoying the comic relief my two dogs bring. I’m a big fan of Snoopy and I put hot sauce on just about everything! 

I look forward to working with you and am so excited and honoured to be part of the Access and Belonging team! 

Sarah Clermont

A woman taking a selfie

Sarah Clermont

Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator

Hi, I’m Sarah Clermont (she/her), the Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator (SVPEC) at Nipissing University. My role is all about supporting students—whether that’s through one-on-one conversations, connecting folks with resources, or running workshops that spark important conversations about consent and community care. When I’m not on campus, you can usually find me outside enjoying nature, teaching Zumba, or spending time with my super smart dog, who can use buttons to ask for treats, play, or go outside.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Education

Vicky Waithaka

A woman taking a selfie

Vicky Waithaka

Student Support Navigator

As your Student Support Navigator, I am here to help you figure out university life, whether you're thriving, struggling, or just trying to make sense of it all. I’m here to support you through academic stuff, personal challenges, and everything in between. I’ll celebrate your wins, navigate the tricky stuff like conduct processes and connect you with resources to help you succeed in your student experience. 

Outside of work, I’m all about music, food, travel, and outdoor adventures that push me out of my comfort zone. I jumped out of a plane this year and completed my third Spartan Race this past August. If you need someone who understands perseverance and how to climb over literal and metaphorical walls, I’ve got you. Elephants are my favorite animal. They are known for their incredible memory, empathy, and resilience, qualities I bring into my work every day.

Priscilla Bency

A woman selfie photo against a white background

Priscilla Bency

International Student Coordinator

As part of the Access and Belonging team, I support international students in their transition to life on campus and in Canada. In my role as International Student Support Coordinator, I help students navigate resources, answer questions or simply be a friendly face to talk to.

Students can reach out to me for support with UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan), settlement-related concerns, building community or navigating services available both on and off campus.

A little about me: I believe that a cup of tea and a good playlist can fix almost anything. Creating welcoming and inclusive environments is something I’m passionate about and I’m always happy to connect!

International Student Support

Gracie Liritzis

Gracie Liritzis

Frontline Support

Gracie helps keep things running smoothly for the Student Learning and Transitions and Access and Belonging teams. She’s often the first friendly point of contact for students and staff, handling bookings, organizing appointments, and supporting programs behind the scenes.

Luna

Hi, my name is Luna (She/Her), and I am the Sexual Violence Prevention & Education Operations Assistant (SVPEOA). I primarily assist in running things on the SVPE end of Access and Belonging, helping in running workshops, promotional materials, and acting as a friendly student face to guide folks toward resources. When not on campus, I typically run Dungeons and Dragons campaigns for my friends or get out in the town on my bike.

Vedha Sivasubramanian

A student in dull green hoodie

Hi, I'm Vedha Sivasubramanian, a Master's student at Nipissing University. I am passionate about fostering inclusive and welcoming spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. As a student, I understand the importance of connection, belonging, and community, and I enjoy contributing to initiatives that help create positive experiences for others.

Feel free to reach out to me if you have questions about student life, academics, campus resources, adjusting to a new culture, career development, or simply navigating life as an international student. I'm happy to share my experiences, provide guidance, and help connect you with the right resources. I am committed to supporting equity, accessibility, and student success while continuing to learn from the experiences of those around me.

Outside of my studies, I enjoy playing bowling, badminton and exploring new places. I am excited to be part of the Access and Belonging community and look forward to contributing to a campus environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to succeed.

Care and Connect Space:

Welcome to the Care and Connect space in B209! As part of Access and Belonging in SDS, it is hoped that this space offers you what you need to ensure quality of experience at NU. We have snacks, a microwave and fridge, hygiene supplies, a space to sit to work on homework or just take a break and more!

We want to know what you would like to see in the Care and Connect space. You're welcome to let us know by filling out this form or connecting with us belonging@nipissingu.ca

Care & Connect Space Form