Inside Western – a news digest for staff and faculty

Dec. 6, 2024

 

Honouring lives lost at École Polytechnique

photo of statues in snow

Fifteen silhouettes stand outside the Spencer Engineering Building in honour of the 14 victims at École Polytechnique as well as Lynda Shaw, a Western engineering student who was murdered in 1990. (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)

Engineering professor Lauren Tribe has spearheaded a memorial to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique tragedy and promote efforts to combat gender-based violence.

New health sciences dean named

photo of  Shaun Boe, the new dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences

Shaun Boe, PhD'06, MPT'08 (Submitted photo)

With over a decade of experience in kinesiology, rehabilitation and brain injury research, Western grad Shaun Boe has been appointed dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, starting April 1, 2025. Currently Dalhousie’s associate dean (research) in the Faculty of Health, Boe is eager to foster innovation and entrepreneurship to take on some of health care's biggest challenges.

Fostering a more inclusive Western

photo of Opiyo Oloya, associate vice-president of EDI and Christy Bressette, vice-provost and associate vice-president of Indigenous Initiatives

Opiyo Oloya, associate vice-president of EDI, and Christy Bressette, vice-provost and associate vice-president of Indigenous Initiatives (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)

Western has launched Advancing Inclusive Excellence, its first comprehensive strategic plan dedicated to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization and accessibility across campus.

10 winter reads from the Western community

photo of books

(Image source: Julide Cakiroglu/Western Communications)

From history, hockey and current events to politics, poetry and picks for the kids, Western News offers these winter reads authored by faculty and alumni to take you through the holidays and into the new year.

The Impact Project 

It's officially been one year since starting The Impact Project – a multi-year, public exploration of how impact is being made in communities, cities and countries around the world. Here's a quick recap of what we've learned so far.

photo of Lauren Sano, Demo Kaltabanis, Dr. Sonya Malone and Sunil Gurmukh

(Clockwise from top left): Lauren Sano, Demo Kaltabanis, Dr. Sonya Malone and Sunil Gurmukh (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)

From students to artists, researchers to policy makers, thank you to everyone who has joined us in uncovering what it takes to make positive change in our world.

WATCH NOW
NOMINATE SOMEONE

Coming Up

December 11 (6 to 7 p.m.)
Pow Wow fitness

Join Lisa Hill from Moccasin Flow for her popular movement and fitness class. This full-body workout boosts heart rate with steps, Zumba moves and the rhythm of the Big Drum. Wampum Learning Lodge. Register now.

December 12 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
R&Art: Festive fun

Enjoy free hot cocoa and an afternoon of activities, including beeswax-candle making and crafting mini house-shaped lanterns with local artist Jen Hamilton. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. McIntosh Gallery.

December 12 (noon to midnight)
Water (Deshkan Ziibi)

This event is the fifth in a series of 12 exploring the phrase "you and I are water, Earth, fire, air of life and death." The focus is on the flow and movement of water, both in nature and our minds and features dozens of artists including Kate Armstrong, Dickson Bou and Penelope Cain. Visit in-person at John Labatt Visual Arts Centre, ArtLab Gallery or online.

December 13 (noon to 1:30 p.m.)
Health education from a justice lens

Join a Zoom session to learn how instructors’ course design choices impact students from groups facing additional challenges in education. UBC professor Tal Jarus and McGill professor Hiba Zafran will help participants understand how teaching methods can support or hinder these students. Register today.

Working at Western

photo of a snow plow clearing campus

Music Building (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)

Help keep campus safe: Report snow-related hazards
With the cold weather upon us, paths and stairs may become icy and snow-covered. Report slippery and inaccessible areas to ext. 83304 or fmhelp@uwo.ca with the following details: building name, exit/entrance number or description, the hazard and a photo when possible.

Required training
Human Resources provides a range of health and safety training – some courses are mandatory for all employees; others are required depending on the role or duties. Specific course requirements should be confirmed by a supervisor. Recently updated courses include: Western’s Hearing Conservation Program; Slips, Trips and Falls; and Health and Safety Awareness. Employees can review their training summary by logging into MyHR, selecting the “Training” tile and choosing “My Training Summary” from the left-hand navigation.

Win big while giving back
Take part in Western’s United Way 50-50 draw before Dec. 13 for a chance to win big. Plus, when you sign up for payroll donations, you’ll not only make a lasting impact but also be entered in a draw to win exciting prizes.

Climate and sustainability strategy survey
Participate in Western’s new climate and sustainability strategy. Fill out the survey before Dec. 7 to be entered in a draw for one of four $100 Dellelce Family Bookstore gift cards. 

Photo of the Week

photo of western campus covered in snow

Western turned into a winter wonderland this week during the first big snowfall of the season. (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)

two coffee cups near fair trade sign

Western in the News

photo of Alan MacEachern

Alan MacEachern (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)

Toronto Star
Anne of Green Gables recognized as heritage document in UN agency’s registry
History professor Alan MacEachern shares his thoughts on Anne of Green Gables being included as a heritage document in the Canada Memory of the World Register, emphasizing its historical and literary importance.

CBC Fresh Air
Meet the Super-Agers: Octogenarians with exceptional brain function
Health sciences and computer science professor Angela Roberts explains her research on SuperAgers and what they can teach us about aging well.

The New York Times
Major Canadian news outlets sue OpenAI in new copyright case
Lisa Macklem, law PhD candidate and King’s lecturer, provides expert comment about Canadian news publishers suing OpenAI over copyright violations.

SUBMIT CONTENT IDEAS
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK
 
FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedIn
 
 

Western University
1151 Richmond St.
London, Ontario, Canada  N6A 3K7
Tel: 519.661.2111

Contact Us  |  Privacy Statement

This is an email from Western Communications.
Preferences  |  Unsubscribe