Students at the University of Calgary are obligated to pay into benefit plans unless membership to another benefit plan can be proven. Students (both undergraduate and graduate) pay approximately $637/year for benefits, but in order to access physiotherapy or massage, benefits REQUIRES a doctor's note be presented.

School is stressful! Massage is a proven, non-invasive way to reduce stress, and help people feel connected. (Nazari, et. al, 2015). 

Most other benefits plans have removed the doctor's note requirement. We think that students have the ability to decide whether or not they would benefit from a massage.

We think it is stressful and unnecessary to require a doctor's note to use massage and physio benefits that YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR. Please sign this petition to request removal of the doctor's note requirement for massage and physiotherapy benefits under the student benefits plan at the University of Calgary. We hope this will reduce barriers to access to treatments that will improve mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. 

Master of Social Work Students, Class of 2024

Nazari, F., Mirzamohamadi, M., & Yousefi, H. (2015). The effect of massage therapy on occupational stress of Intensive Care Unit nurses. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 20(4), 508–515. https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-9066.161001