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Tessa Verstappen

Hi everyone! My name is Tessa Verstappen, and I am the USSU Women’s Centre Coordinator. I hold a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with a major in Cellular, Physiological, and Pharmacological Sciences, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Kinesiology.

Before stepping into the coordinator role, I volunteered with the Women’s Centre for two years. During that time, I facilitated Women’s Wellness, where I was able to combine my passion for women’s health with the knowledge and skills I gained through my studies.

I joined the Women’s Centre at a time when I was struggling with my health and trying to better understand my identity. What I found was much more than a campus space. I found community, confidence, and a sense of belonging. The Women’s Centre helped me discover who I am and where I fit on campus, and now I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to help create that experience for others.

When I’m not on campus, you can usually find me working at one of my other two jobs, spending time with friends, trying new foods, or staying active through a variety of physical activities.

Feel free to stop by the Women’s Centre, say hello, and share your ideas for events or initiatives you’d like to see. I’m always happy to chat!

About

The Women’s Centre is a safe, dynamic, comfortable, positive space to organize around feminism and activism. It serves as a resource and information centre, with a large library of feminist titles. There’s a lounge to hang out in and meet like-minded people. It is a place of inspiration, enlightenment, and encouragement. We are a pro-choice organization and recognize the strengths of the diverse and vibrant community at the U of S and Saskatoon.

The USSU Women’s Centre takes a vibrant and proactive approach to educating and informing the campus community about issues affecting women. We strive to provide a safe and positive environment to promote equality while recognizing and celebrating differences within our diverse and dynamic community.

USSU Women’s Centre Policy

Contact

Women’s Centre Coordinator: Tessa Verstappen
Phone: 306-966-6980
Email: womens.centre@ussu.ca

Where To Find Us

The Women’s Centre is located in room 103, Memorial Union Building.

Mailing Address

Room 110 – Place Riel Student Centre
#1 Campus Drive
Saskatoon SK S7N 5A3


Programs & Services

Information and Resources:

The Centre has an active partnership with a number of women-centered groups both on and off campus. We provide information about services offered by these other community groups as well as partner with them for a number of events that are focused on women’s interests and issues. The Women’s Centre is a sex-positive space, we provide free condoms, lube, gloves, dental dams, pregnancy tests, and sex information. We also provide free menstrual products.

Events:

The Women’s Centre hosts/participates in four major events throughout the year: Sexual Violence Awareness Week, Take Back the Night, Who Needs Feminism Week, National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Pro-Choice Awareness Week, and International Women’s Day Market & Gala. Depending on volunteer interests, other events can be held and other days recognized. Some of these events are planned in collaboration with other USSU Centres and women’s groups.

Peer Support:

Women’s Centre volunteers are trained in women’s issues, including pregnancy and crisis intervention, and offer informed confidential support. When necessary, students may be referred to an appropriate organization, counselor, doctor or other professional.

Library:

The Women’s Centre has a collection of 400+ books with collections including Feminist Theory, Pregnancy and Childcare, Women’s History, Gender, Masculinity, and so much more. Stop by for a cozy read at the Centre or check out a book to take home. The full catalog is available here.

Resources & Referrals

Centre Resources:

The centres have created a digital resource for students to help them find the information they may need. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please email the coordinators.

University of Saskatchewan

Saskatoon Community

Campus Activism

Feminist Resources

Health

Pro-Choice Resources

Violence