September 1, 2023
University College (Photo source: Western Communications)
As more than 35,600 undergraduate and graduate students, including 6,600 first-year undergraduates, return to campus for a new academic year, the university is preparing the final touches to welcome them back.
Jibran Khokhar (Photo source: Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Communications)
New Canada Research Chair in Translational Neuropsychopharmacology (CIHR Tier 2) Jibran Khokhar is unravelling the mysterious relationship between substance use and serious mental illness. He is one of six new Canada Research Chairs at Western, bringing the total to 64.
White coat ceremony on Aug. 29 (Photo source: Steve Anderson/Western Communications)
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry welcomed 190 first-year medical students this week – the largest class in its history – including 16 new seats made possible by funding from the Ontario government.
(Photo source: Chris LeBoutillier/Pexels)
A new study led by Joshua Pearce, John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation, proposes the need for aggressive energy policies to accelerate the decarbonization of the global economy and minimize the deaths of roughly one billion mainly poorer humans by 2100.
Gordon “Oz” Osinski (Photo source: Frank Neufeld)
Earth sciences professor Gordon “Oz” Osinski will help develop the surface science plan for the first crewed lunar landing mission in more than 50 years as part of NASA’s Artemis III mission that will land astronauts near the lunar South Pole.
Godwin Arku (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Professor of geography and environment Godwin Arku is the recipient of a national award – one of just three in the country – as well as a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant for his projects aimed at supporting Black youth at school, at work and in the community.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Western Communications)
OWeek roadway and parking lot closures
To assist with student pedestrian safety during the busy return to campus, certain campus roadways and parking lots will be closed during Orientation Week. View maps and more information.
Protect your bike on campus
Bike theft is among the most common and preventable security concerns on campus. The Western Special Constable Service is asking community members to register their bike with 529 Garage and use a U-lock to secure their bike. Register your bike.
Secure bike area permits available now
Two secure, weather-protected bicycle parking areas are available at no cost at Alumni Thompson parking lot and Thames Hall. To get your free bike shelter permit, log into your Parking Account and select “ATBIKE” for the Alumni Thompson shelter or "THBIKE" for the Thames Hall bike room from the list of permits available for purchase.
Photo of the Week
Western is welcoming more than 1,400 new international undergraduate and graduate students, as well as 150 exchange students to campus this week. From international move-in to residence, to Western International’s welcome centre, to a range of orientation events, the newest Mustangs are making connections and settling in. (Photo source: Nyren Mo, Western International)
Coming Up
(Photo source: iStock)
September 5 (12 to 1 p.m.)
Outdoor yoga at Discovery Park
Join an outdoor yoga class at the green space north of Mogenson Centre at Western Discovery Park. Participants should bring their own yoga mat (contact livingwell@uwo.ca if you require a mat). No registration required.
September 8 (5 to 7 p.m.)
Closing reception: Confined by Darkness
Ring in the new school year at McIntosh Gallery. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and check out Visual Art MFA candidate Alyssa Sweeney's thesis exhibition Confined by Darkness. This event is free and open to the public.
Western in the News
Katreena Scott (Photo source: Western Communications)
The Globe and Mail
Domestic homicide often follows many warning signs, experts say
Domestic homicides are among the most predictable and the most preventable of all homicides if warning signs are identified and concerns are addressed, says Katreena Scott, education professor and academic director at the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children.
Times of India
Human-caused climate change may lead to one billion premature deaths over the next century: study
A new study co-authored by Ivey and engineering professor Joshua Pearce predicts climate change could lead to one billion premature deaths if global warming reaches two degrees Celsius by the year 2100.
CBC The National
Growing calls to build more fire-resistant homes
With many Canadian properties lost in 2023 to wildfire, Paul Kovacs, engineering professor and executive director of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, explains how homes can be built to be more wildfire-resistant.
CTV London
Schulich admits largest class of medical students in its history
During its annual white coat ceremony, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry welcomed 190 medical students to the profession of medicine this week, the largest incoming class in the School’s history.
Commentary
Nicole Redvers (Photo source: Nicole Redvers)
This summer of wildfires must be considered an SOS from Mother Nature: “a moment where we stop, re-evaluate our practices and plan how we will keep her – and each other – safer and healthier,” according to professor Nicole Redvers in this Globe and Mail opinion piece.
