Campus security is adopting new uniforms that less closely resemble police vests; renaming is not currently in discussion
Photo courtesy of the University of Victoria.
This month, campus security, frequently shortened to CSEC, changed their uniforms to “be more approachable, recognizable, and distinctly its own.” The change comes after a year of criticism of the previous uniforms introduced last year.
CSEC will now wear bright blue jackets, with vertical white stripes and black zippers on the front. The front features the officer’s name, position, and “UVIC SECURITY” on the chest. CSEC’s new vests are navy blue with bright blue details, white horizontal stripes and a large, bright blue “UVIC SECURITY” emblem.
According to UVic’s announcement, the new uniforms were made after hearing “feedback from students and other emergency responders that their former uniforms too closely resemble those of other emergency responders.” The university also acknowledged that this left many students feeling uncomfortable approaching security, as well as presenting visibility issues.
CSEC also changed their uniforms last year, becoming similar in colour and appearance to those worn by police. The uniforms quickly received criticism from groups in the UVic community, such as People’s Park UVic — the pro-Palestine encampment pitched on the quad in 2024 — who said CSEC “adopted a new militaristic look for intimidation.”
CSEC’s uniforms have been a recurring topic in recent UVSS board of directors meetings, with students asking the UVSS what actions they’re taking to advocate for students who feel uncomfortable with CSEC’s look.
According to General Manager Dale Robertson, during the July 13 board of directors meeting, the UVSS has been hearing concerns regarding CSEC’s 2025 uniforms since they were first unveiled last year.
Tam Aljundi, director of campaigns and community relations, said during the July 13 meeting that CSEC would be changing their uniforms, and that the entity will be renamed. While CSEC’s uniforms are changing, a UVic spokesperson told the Martlet that CSEC has not begun the process of renaming, and that if they were to pursue this in the future, they would prepare a project plan that would include consultation. The Martlet reached out to Aljundi for comment, however, he was unavailable for an interview.
During the July 13 board meeting, Roven Brooks-Stephenson, board representative for the Students of Colour Collective (SOCC), also described the 2025 uniforms as “highly militarized,” and that many racialized students on campus may have issues with police. “Police in this country can be quite violent to marginalized groups,” she said.
The Martlet reached out to SOCC for comment on the new uniforms, but did not receive a response by publication time.
UVic’s article says the CSEC team engages with the campus community, including student societies, through meetings. The Martlet was told no UVSS lead directors were available to comment on if there was any formal consultation with the UVSS regarding the new uniforms.
A UVic spokesperson told the Martlet that criticisms of CSEC’s previous uniforms were discussed formally at a Students Assembly last year regarding the Substance Use Health Strategy, which was developed in 2025 after the tragic overdose of first-year student Sidney McIntyre-Starko in 2024.
“We’re grateful to everyone who takes the time to share their experiences, ideas, and feedback with us. Those conversations help guide our work and ensure we’re continuing to grow alongside the community we serve,” said Jessica Maclean, director of Campus Security, in UVic’s article.
UVic said the vehicles used by CSEC will also receive a visual update soon.
