May 9, 2025
(L to R): Hospitality training and development manager Carrie Schnurr, academic coordinator Lisa Dubrick, training coordinator Svitlana Stoiko-Hota and Western President Alan Shepard. (Photo source: Rachel Lincoln)
Seven individuals and one team are being recognized with Western Awards of Excellence, the university’s highest honour for staff and administrative leaders.
University College (Photo source: Western Communications)
Western updated its Manual of Administrative Policies and Procedures (MAPP 1.1) to enhance safety during events and demonstrations, while continuing to support free expression. The changes follow broad community input and reflect the evolving use of campus spaces.
Zhe Zhang (Photo source: Ivey Communications)
Ivey professor Zhe Zhang's new research highlights how workplace nicknames can shift power dynamics and affect psychological safety, offering guidance for leaders on respectful use.
Also covered by: Newsweek
Digital reconstructions from tomography scans of a prehistoric fish similar to pike. (Photo source: Lisa Van Loon)
Adjunct research professor Lisa Van Loon, Earth sciences professor Neil Banerjee and their collaborators uncovered the world’s oldest salmon and carp relatives in Arctic Alaska, using 3D imaging to reveal a polar ecosystem that reshapes our understanding of fish evolution.
Also covered by: CBC Afternoon Drive and Phys.org
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Dr. Sonya Malone (Image source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Sonya Malone: How to make health care truly inclusive.
Coming Up
Month of May
Honouring Asian Heritage Month
Join the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for engaging events and learn how South Asian communities resist discrimination while mobilizing social justice in Canada.
May 12 (8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Collaborate for a Sustainable Future
Carbon Solutions @ Western teams will share research insights on carbon capture and clean technologies. Register online. Amit Chakma Engineering Building, Rm. 1450.
May 14 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Employee Health Fair
Tour dozens of health-related displays, discover ways to improve your overall wellness and enjoy giveaways and refreshments. Alumni Hall, Rm. 201. Self-guided tours available May 15 to 16 in SSB.
May 14 (noon to 12:30 p.m.)
Mindful Moments
Take a break and join colleagues for a weekly mindfulness meditation session. Each session offers a simple, guided practice to help strengthen your attention and awareness. UCC 38B.
Working at Western
University College (Photo source: Western Communications)
Join the Spring 2025 Academic Procession
Spring Convocation is June 9 to 13. Members of Western's Board of Governors and Senate, and current or retired faculty, librarians and archivists are invited to take part in the academic procession. Visit the University Secretariat website for more information.
AI Companion for Zoom
As of May 4, Zoom AI Companion is now available on Western’s Zoom platform. This tool enhances virtual meetings by providing real-time transcriptions and summaries. To support the responsible use of AI in meetings, Western Technology Services and the Privacy Office have developed guidelines for using the Zoom AI Companion.
Photo of the Week
Staff from the Student Experience team donated office supplies and artwork to Western’s Free Store following a recent office cleanup. (L to R): Leslie Gloor Duncan, associate director, leadership, transition and enrichment, and Cambrie Taylor, co-ordinator, student experience and engagement. (Photo source: Laura Mantz/Western Sustainability)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
Ravi Menon (Photo source: Schulich Communications)
Toronto Star
Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz may be concussed. But could the NHL have avoided it?
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Ravi Menon provides expert insight on the compounding effects of multiple hits to the head after Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz’s injury in Monday night’s game.
CBC London
Medieval sheet music with 'neumes' now on display for the public to see in London
Music professor Kate Helsen and special collections librarian Deborah Meert-Williston explain the significance of two medieval musical parchment fragments housed in Western’s Archives and Special Collections.
National Post
What are 'cortisol bellies' and 'cortisol faces'? Everything we know about the stress hormone
As influencers on social media continue to promote ‘cortisol detoxing,’ Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Stan Van Uum breaks down the science around this stress hormone, and why most people don't need to worry about producing too much.
