October 6, 2023
(From left) Western President Alan Shepard, professors Sarah Gallagher and Jan Cami (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
President Alan Shepard recently sat down with leading astrophysicists and professors Sarah Gallagher, director of the Institute of Space and Earth Exploration (Western Space), and Jan Cami, director of the Cronyn Observatory, as part of the Behind the Research video series to explore our place in the universe.
International students at a special orientation for incoming students in September (Photo source: Nyren Mo/Western International)
International students from around the world share their stories of moving to Canada, studying and living at Western, and the supports they access to make a major life change a little easier.
Footage recorded by automated behavioural response system documents the behaviour of mammals in response to human voices (Image source: Liana Zanette)
New findings by biology professor Liana Zanette and University of Minnesota's lion expert Craig Packer show that elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other wildlife dread people far more than lions, adding a new dimension to the impact of humans on the environment.
Madeline Hall (Photo source: Ty Zhang)
Madeline Hall, a fourth-year music student and 2023 inductee to CBC Music’s ‘hot 30 under 30’, plays everything from rock to jazz and is recognized among the rising stars "burning up Canada’s classical scene."
Black Walnut Café’s Lucas McHugh (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
From quiet garden solitude to finding the best jolt of caffeine, discover five of the most underrated places to visit across campus.
(Photo source: Syda Productions/Adobe Images)
A new study from Western researchers found elementary school teachers across Canada and the U.S. struggled to deliver their full curriculum through remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, with students from lower-income households more likely to experience learning losses.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Armin Farhang-pour)
Skip the line with the WesternEats app
Download the WesternEats app to order food and drinks ahead of time and skip the line at participating eateries on campus.
Call for volunteers: fall convocation
Fall convocation is Oct. 18 to 20 at Alumni Hall. If you are interested in volunteering for one of the many roles, please complete this form.
Helping students experience success
Learning Development & Success supports students in reaching their academic goals at any stage of their Western journey. Learn about the programs you can refer students to for support ahead of midterms.
Inclusive
Language Guide available
Download the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion's A Guide for Inclusive Language for information on using inclusive language in the workplace and promoting inclusivity and respect for diverse identities, cultures and experiences.
Photo of the Week
On Wednesday, members of the campus community celebrated the third annual “Bike to Campus” Day. Throughout the day, staff, faculty and students stopped by the Bike Fair booth to learn about cycling routes, safe commuting, bike theft prevention and participated in a lunchtime cycling or walking tour. (Photo source: Brandon Watson/Facilities Management)
Coming Up
Sheila Heti (Photo source: Angela Lewis)
October 10 (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
Game Lab
Hosted by Alice Munro Chair in Creativity, Sheila Heti, come together with staff, faculty and students to invent new board games, party games and card games. Held in University College, Room 3100.
October 11 (4 to 5 p.m.)
Installation ceremony of Western’s 24th Chancellor
Welcoming a new Chancellor is an important moment for our university community. Please join us as we celebrate the installation of Kelly Meighen, Western's 24th chancellor. Installation ceremony in Alumni Hall, followed by refreshments in the Great Hall. R.S.V.P. today.
October 17 (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Inaugural fall Pride Parade
Join your colleagues for Western’s inaugural fall Pride Parade. The parade route will take you around campus and conclude on Concrete Beach with music, dancing, drag performances and refreshments.
Western in the News
Catherine Ivy (Photo source: Steve Anderson/Western Communications)
Canadian Geographic
Wildlife Wednesday: Flying high
As part of its “Wildlife Wednesday” roundup, Canadian Geographic highlights research from postdoctoral researcher Catherine Ivy that demonstrates how songbirds adjust their breathing patterns during migration to bring more oxygen to their flight muscles allowing them to fly at much higher altitudes.
The New York Times
Watch how animals react to the scariest sound on the Savanna
New research from biology professor Liana Zanette that shows the sound of human voices evokes more fear in wildlife than the sounds of snarling and growling lions made international headlines this week.
Global News
Canadian university names first-of-its-kind chief AI officer
Mark Daley shares hopes and priorities for his new role as the country’s first university-based chief AI officer and says a major part of his role will be to work with the university community to ensure the AI-transformation is a positive one.
The Print (India)
Connection between food insecurity, rate of severe hypoglycemia in adults with diabetes: Study
A new study led by Schulich Medicine & Dentistry adjunct professor Alexandria Ratzki-Leewing found patients with diabetes who experience food insecurity are at higher risk of severe hypoglycemia.
Commentary
Dr. Taureef Mohammed (Photo source: Dr. Taureef Mohammed)
Published in Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry geriatric fellow Dr. Taureef Mohammed looks at how relationships with grandparents inspire some doctors to work in geriatric medicine.
