October 8, 2021
Opiyo Oloya is Western's inaugural associate vice-president of equity, diversity and inclusion. Photo by Frank Neufeld, Special to Western Communications
Opiyo Oloya, the university’s new associate vice-president of EDI, led a webinar on Oct. 6 to share his vision for leading change and building a more inclusive culture for students, faculty, staff and graduates. Oloya sat down with Western News to discuss the equity census and the journey toward equity, diversity and inclusion.
Photo by Melissa Cheater, Western Communications
Terry McQuaid, director for wellness and well-being (student experience), and Nadine Wathen, professor and Canada Research Chair in Mobilizing Knowledge on Gender-based Violence, will co-chair the action committee tasked to dig deeper into issues of student safety in the context of gender-based and sexual violence, and make recommendations for action.
Photo by Jafar Ahmed via Unsplash
One in seven cancer patients around the world have missed out on surgery during COVID-19 lockdowns, a new study from COVIDSurg Collaborative has revealed.
The building at 450 Talbot St. recently purchased by Western University. (Supplied photo)
The new space at Greene-Swift Building at 450 Talbot Street will help the university realize a goal under its new strategic plan to establish a new presence in downtown London, providing services and enriching the city’s arts and culture offerings.
The newly named Western Alumni Stadium recently completed a $5-million upgrade and improvement.
Western’s athletics stadium has been renamed Western Alumni Stadium following a $1.4-million donation from the Alumni Association. In addition to the stadium’s name change, the former Labatt Lounge will also be renamed the Alumni Lounge.
Photo by Brandon Watson, Facilities Management Communications
Facilities management is retrofitting three more locations on campus with bird-friendly window films to enhance avian safety. Installation has begun with the initial application underway at International and Graduate Affairs Building and Elborn College, with plans to finish off with the bike shelter by the end of the year.
Working at Western
Equity Census
Your voice counts. Western has launched the first Western Equity Census, a comprehensive campus-wide survey for all staff, students and faculty. The voluntary and confidential survey will be sent to each member of the community via email to be completed on the Qualtrics platform.
COVID-19 Update
Western is introducing a procedure for events and visitors to keep the campus safe for students, employees and visitors. The university has also made some important updates to the Daily Return-to-Campus Questionnaire following feedback from the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
Mental health e-module
Feeling a sense of belonging where you work and learn is critically important to everyone’s mental health and wellness. Western launched a new Mental Health module for each of us to learn how to recognize and support our students, faculty and staff. Please take 15 minutes to review the module and promote it to others you work with. Perhaps now more than ever, supporting each other is needed as we continue to navigate the twists and turns of the pandemic. Sign-in to the Mental Health Employee Module on OWL.
On-campus COVID-19 vaccination and testing centre
The vaccination and testing centre is open in the Graphic Services Building for any registered student or current employee with an active Western username and password.
Photo of the Week
Photo by Douglas Keddy @theworldbeckons via Twitter
Coming Up
Photo by Amauri Mejía via Unsplash
Tuesday, Oct. 12 (12:10 p.m.)
Outdoor yoga at Western Alumni Stadium
Outdoor yoga is a great way to add balance to your life, while disconnecting from work and focusing on personal well-being. Registration is required and participants will need to bring their own yoga mat. Participants will also receive points towards the Internal Wellness Rewards Program.
Friday, Oct.15 (8:30 a.m.)
The 28th annual Murray L. Barr lecture
Guest speaker and 2020 Gairdner Award recipient, Dr. Masatoshi Takeichi will discuss how cadherin contributes to animal morphogenesis and ill behaviour of cells.
Wednesday, Oct.15 (12 p.m.)
Innovation Ambassadors: Commercialization of software
This month's speakers computer science professor Mike Katchabaw and Tyler Bryden, founder of Speak Ai, will discuss the commercialization of software applications.
Western in the News
Aerial view of Mistastin Lake crater. Photo by Gordon Osinski
Canadian Geographic
Why a Labrador crater is the perfect training ground for future moon explorers
Earth sciences professor Gordon Osinski says meteorite impact craters in Canada provide a superb training ground for Artemis astronauts.
CBC Afternoon Drive
Cancelled Surgeries
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry associate professor Janet Martin, discusses the findings from the CovidSurg Collaborative study that reveal how COVID-related lockdowns impacted cancelled surgeries around the globe.
London Free Press
Western University gives downtown big boost with building purchase
President Alan Shepard says the new building purchase offers a space for Western to deliver services and share research with the public.
Law Times
Erika Chamberlain reappointed to second term
Erika Chamberlain has been reappointed as Dean of Western Law for a second, five-year term beginning July 1.
Commentary
Photo by Emily Leighton, Schulich Medicine &Dentistry
Dean of Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Dr. John Yoo on how the MD+ program gives medical students the space and support to dive deeper into their personal interests, or discover new passions outside of medicine, while completing their medical degrees.
