March 27, 2026
Western Road gates (Photo source: Western Communications)
Western rose more than 30 spots in three broad subject areas in this year's QS World University Rankings by Subject, with strong gains across arts, sciences and social sciences reflecting the university’s growing global reputation and research impact.
Western's AED Student Awareness Team (L to R) Dora Zhao, Jason Chu, Lily Lu and Danijela Jelich (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
After losing her father to sudden cardiac arrest, biology student Danijela Jelich turned grief into action, training hundreds in CPR and raising funds for the university’s first outdoor defibrillator, which will be unveiled March 31 outside the UCC.
(L to R) David Edgell and Brent Stead (Photo source: Chloë Ellingson/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor David Edgell and Brent Stead, PhD'12, are using AI-driven tools to design more precise gene-editing technology, aiming to expand treatment options for diseases such as ALS and Huntington’s disease.
Student volunteers in the Peer 2 Peer Wellness Leader Program (Photo source: Western Student Experience)
Launched in fall 2025, the Peer 2 Peer Wellness Leader Program empowers student leaders to deliver bite-sized wellness supports to thousands of students across campus.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Chris Guglielmo (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Chris Guglielmo: How migratory bird research is creating a better planet.
Coming Up
March 27 to 29
Brainhack Western
Collaborate on neuroscience and neuroimaging projects at this three-day, open science “hackathon” featuring workshops, tutorials and networking opportunities for all skill levels. Registration is $5. Western Interdisciplinary Research Building.
March 28 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Spring Open House
Know a student interested in studying at Western? Bring them to Spring Open House to discover programs, explore campus and visit the services fair. View the schedule of events and plan your visit.
March 30 and April 1
Town halls: Future of teaching and learning
Share your input on Western’s Future of Teaching and Learning at an in-person town hall on March 30 or a virtual town hall on April 1. Feedback will help shape educational experiences on campus.
March 31 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Western’s Spring Market
Shop more than 30 vendors and support Western-run businesses at the spring market. Enjoy food and drinks while connecting with student entrepreneurs. Schmeichel Building, Collaborator Space.
Working at Western
Nesting goose (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Sharing campus with geese
Now that spring has arrived, Canada geese are beginning to mate and nest on campus. If you spot a potential safety concern, such as a nesting goose close to a high-traffic area, please report it to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.
Changes to Alert WesternU – effective April 10
Western is making it faster and easier for you to learn about emergency situations on campus with changes to Alert WesternU. While alerts will continue to be sent to your Western email, you’ll need to download the new Alertable app to keep receiving mobile app notifications. This update will help ensure you get timely information during emergencies.
Western Clinical Trials Leadership Program
Turn your research question into an execution-ready trial protocol through Western’s Clinical Trials Leadership Program. Faculty from any discipline will gain hands-on learning and mentorship from experienced trialists. Apply by April 30.
Photo of the Week
President Alan Shepard (left) was the first to sign a T‑shirt for James Walker (right), a 20‑year Dellelce Family Bookstore staff member and Special Olympics athlete, during a visit with James and his father, Rick (centre), as James prepares to compete in powerlifting at the National Summer Games in Medicine Hat this August. (Photo source: LinkedIn)
Western in the News
Ileana Paul (Photo source: Western Communications)
Toronto Star
The ‘r-word’ is seeing a resurgence. What happened?
Arts and humanities acting dean Ileana Paul has taught a course on the “wonder of words” that includes a section on slurs. She explains the importance of calling them out when you hear them.
The Globe and Mail
Opinion: In Finland, the secret to finding happiness is to not try
Schulich professor Shehzad Ali explains why Finland’s enduring happiness doesn’t stem from chasing joy, but from a cultural ease with solitude, and a quiet acceptance of life as it is.
CBC London
Winners of Western's President's Challenge want to help build better habits
President's Challenge winners, Ivey and health sciences student Erica Diana and medical sciences student Ashna Chari, discuss the development of the BlueHabit project, designed to help municipalities integrate movement and healthy living into everyday systems.
