September 2, 2022
Campus is abuzz with activity as students begin arriving from around the world. (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
There’s excitement in the air as we prepare to welcome students back to campus for the 2022-23 academic year. Most courses and campus activities will be back in-person, with COVID-19 health and safety measures in place to help ensure a consistent on-campus learning experience.
Brent Davison is one of six 2022 Schulich Leaders scholarship recipients. (Submitted photo)
National competitive swimmer Brent Davison is one of six incoming students to earn the prestigious Schulich Leaders scholarship. The award celebrates 100 of the country’s top achieving students, awarding scholarships in engineering, science, technology or math.
RAVEN team preparing for a day in the field. (Photo source: Gavin Tolometti)
Earth Sciences professor Catherine Neish led a team of students to Iceland this summer to collaborate with scientists and engineers on the RAVEN (Rover Aerial Vehicle Exploration Network) field study where they tested the benefits of deploying drones and rovers together to advance the study of planetary surfaces.
New professor in the Don Wright Faculty of Music, Denis Jiron. (Photo source: Ulf Bjorlin)
Denis Jiron formed his own Afro-Cuban salsa orchestra, played with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and has shared a stage with Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Kanye West and Sting. He joins the Don Wright Faculty of Music and is launching two new courses— Salsa Band and Pop Band — both open to music majors and non-music majors by audition.
PhD candidate Erin Pearson with the mascot of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK. (Submitted photo)
Kinesiology PhD candidate Erin Pearson shares her experience conducting fieldwork at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in July. Passionate about the social impact of sport and events, the Games’ inclusion of para-sport events poised a unique opportunity for Pearson to conduct hands-on research.
Jill Moffatt, BHSc'16, MHIS'19, and Karissa Riley, 5th year social science student, compete at the World Cup 3 in Lucerne, Switzerland in July. (Photo source: Mustangs Communications)
Mustang student-athletes were busy over the summer months representing Canada at international championships and marquee events, while others represented their home province at national championships.
Working at Western
Thames Hall secure bike room. (Photo source: Parking Services)
Secure bike areas permit 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.
LifeWorks EAP launches new, dedicated Western number
Employee Assistance Program (EAP), LifeWorks, has a new dedicated number for employees and families. This change will expedite wait times allowing faster access to short-term counselling, health and wellness coaching, financial and legal advice, and online supports.
Registration open for Campus Recreation memberships
Campus Recreation is excited to welcome you back to the Western Student Recreation Centre (WSRC). Beginning Sept. 3, you can purchase one of the revamped membership packages at the WSRC welcome desk. More information can be found at Campus Recreation.
Featured job opportunities
Do you know someone looking for a job? Search by the job posting ID to learn more and apply or share with your network.
Research Coordinator, CREVAWC (27858)
Coordinate data collection and research analysis on multiple projects at the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women and Children.
Technical Specialist (Project Manager), University Machine Services (27911)
Design, develop, modify and maintain equipment, tools or other parts required to support research, projects, laboratories, and various campus settings.
Director, Human Rights, Human Resources (27839)
Serve as a strategic subject matter internal expert on issues involving human rights, with a primary focus on harassment and discrimination.
Photo of the Week
Western Housing and Western International welcomed international and exchange students to campus for early move-in and orientation this week. Travellers were greeted at Ontario Hall by staff and volunteers, surrounded by flags from around the world. More than 1,000 students are participating in international orientation events, which started Aug. 31 and run until Sept. 3. (Photo source: Western Housing)
Coming Up
The late Jack Fairs was a Mustangs coach and health sciences professor for more than half a century. (Image source: Western Communications)
September 17 (1:00 to 4:00 p.m.)
Celebration of life for Jack Fairs
Family, friends and the Western community will celebrate and remember the life of former Mustangs coach and Health Sciences professor emeritus, Jack Fairs. The celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. in the Great Hall, Somerville House. Registration deadline is Sept. 13.
September 18 (3:00-4:30 p.m.)
Faculty Concert Series
Internationally renowned faculty from the Don Wright Faculty of Music are featured in the Faculty Concert Series. Join in person or online for the first show, Operantics!, featuring voice faculty Margie Bernal, Chad Louwerse and Bethany Hörst.
Western in the News
Graduate students Alicia Banwell (left) and Katarina Kukolj harvesting roots from nursery-grown tree seedlings. (Submitted photo)
VOCM Radio on Target with Linda Swain
Mushrooms of Newfoundland
Biology professor Greg Thorn and graduate students Alicia Banwell and Katarina Kukolj discuss the significance of mushrooms to an ecosystem.
CTV National News
Ageism and women going grey
The recent firing of Lisa Laflamme has sparked conversations and ad campaigns around aging in the workplace. Health Studies professor Marnie Wedlake shares her insight on the implications of double standards.
The Globe and Mail
How much death, illness and disruption from COVID-19 infections are we willing to live with
In an article about how much the public is willing to live with in regard to loosening COVID-19 restrictions, Health Studies professor Maxwell Smith warns against the consequences of giving into pandemic fatigue.
Global News
N.S. mass shooting probe told cultural shift needed to address gender-based violence
Katreena Scott, academic director of the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children addressed the inquiry into the Nova Scotia mass shooting and how a culture shift is needed to address gender-based violence.
Commentary
Swimmer training in a pool. (Photo source: Pexels)
To help inform safer high-performance sport culture, 28 athletes were asked about when they feel unsafe in their sport. According to Alison Doherty, professor of Sport Management, the athletes discussed coaches at length and provided examples of behaviours and practices that need to be changed.
