September 29, 2023
(From left) Ashley Kewayosh Samuel, student opportunities coordinator in the Indigenous Student Centre; Paula Cornelius-Hedgepeth, community relations and space coordinator and Christy R. Bressette, vice-provost and associate vice-president, Office of Indigenous Initiatives with Donna Kotsopoulos, dean, Faculty of Education. (Photo source: Office of Indigenous Initiatives)
Indigenous-informed events and conversations, including a tree planting, have been organized in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is being observed as a non-instructional day today to allow the campus community to reflect on Canada's history.
Rebekah Jacques (Photo source: Nation Wong)
For Dr. Rebekah Jacques, pathology professor and member of the National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials, investigating missing Indigenous youths is a ‘sacred task.’
Mark Daley (Photo source: Geoff Robins)
Mark Daley will become Western’s first-ever chief AI officer, effective Oct. 15. Daley will focus on developing and implementing a campus-wide AI strategy that supports the university’s academic mission and research objectives.
Western Mustang Band (Photo source: Frank Neufeld)
From the student fan festival to the football game to class reunions, experience the purple and proud moments of Western’s 74th Homecoming.
(From left) Mike Lunau, manager, Landscape Services, lead operator Marc Vanden Heuvel and landscape technician Aaron Oskam (Photo source: Chris Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Facilities Management has shifted from gas to electric utility vehicles, vans and landscape tools as Western continues its commitment to sustainability and a net-zero future.
Vanessa Memeh (Photo source: Chris Kindratsky/Western Communications)
First-year science major Vanessa Memeh is one of 36 students across Canada selected as a 2023 Loran scholar. Her goal is to use the prestigious award to make a positive impact on her community.
Working at Western
Kelly Meighen (Photo source: V. Tony Hauser)
Installation of new Chancellor, Kelly Meighen
Staff and faculty are invited to attend the installation ceremony for Kelly Meighen as Western’s 24th Chancellor on Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. in Alumni Hall. RSVP by Oct. 4.
Community of Care sessions
The Wellness & Well-being team has organized a series of Community of Care sessions to support our community as the trial continues for the man charged in the deaths of four members of the Afzaal family. Muslim staff, faculty, students and allies are invited to share their experiences, pray and connect during this difficult time. Next session is Oct. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Thames Hall, Room 3118.
Take care, cold and flu
season
Fall is here and with that brings cold and flu season. Employees are reminded to stay up to date with relevant vaccinations; stay home when feeling sick; wash hands often; respect individuals who choose to wear masks; and wear a mask for up to 10 days following an illness when in crowded indoor spaces. Western is planning an on-campus flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic Oct. 30 - Nov. 10. More details
will be shared in the coming weeks.
Emergency weather siren testing
Live monthly testing of Western’s emergency weather siren continues on the first Wednesday of every month at 12 p.m. Unless otherwise notified, this is only a test and no action is required.
Western Employee (and Family) Assistance Program - Telus Health
Western’s provider for the Employee (and Family) Assistance Program (EAP) is now TELUS Health. You continue to have access to the same services and professionals by calling 1-855-597-2105, available 24/7.
Photo of the Week
On Sept. 25, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives raised the Orange Shirt Day flag on Concrete Beach to mark the beginning of a series of events and conversations honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. (Photo source: Western Communications)
Coming Up
(Image source: The Office of EDI)
October 2 to 6 (various events)
EDID Awareness Week
Hosted by Western, Brescia, Huron and King’s, EDID Awareness Week offers a variety of powerful learning and awareness sessions in decolonization, Indigeneity, equity, diversity and inclusion. View a full listing of events and register.
October 3 (12 to 2 p.m.)
Panel: Indigenizing Spaces
Join Anishinaabe artist Mike Cywink, Office of Indigenous Initiatives’ Paula Cornelius-Hedgepeth and Laura Ramirez, and Métis artist Sheri Osden Nault for a conversation on what it means to integrate Indigenous culture into spaces. This free event is being held at the Forest City Gallery.
October 4 (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Bike to Campus Day 2023
Take part in the third annual Bike to Campus Day. Visit the Bike Fair to learn about cycling routes, safe commuting and bike theft prevention. Join a group photo at 8:45 a.m. and sign-up for a lunchtime cycling or walking tour. Meet in front of McIntosh Gallery.
October 5 (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Show Your Local Love Fest
Western's United Way campaign kick-off event returns to Concrete Beach with a chili lunch, local vendors, talented artisans, games, music and prizes.
Western in the News
Kate Choi (Photo source: Nicole Osborne)
Global National
Births sharply declined in 2022 amid COVID-19 pandemic, Statistics Canada data shows
New data shows the number of births in Canada declined in 2022, after a rebound in 2021. Sociology professor Kate Choi explains how the pandemic and cost-of-living may have influenced birth rates.
CBC News
Rehab programs can improve quality of life for patients struggling with long COVID: research
New research led by physical therapy professor Pavlos Bobos found evidence suggesting rehabilitation programs can be beneficial in improving walking capacity and quality of life for patients with long COVID.
The Globe and Mail
Opinion: A soft landing may still be within reach for the Canadian economy
Ivey professor Fraser Johnson provides analysis on the future of the Canadian economy and says if supply chain disruptions represent a root cause of Canada’s inflationary problems, paying attention to supply chains is uniquely relevant for predicting economic performance.
CBC Fresh Air
What's going on inside the brains of ultramarathon runners?
New research from anthropology professor Jay Stock shows ultramarathoning is not just a physical endeavour, it actually changes how the brain functions. He discusses what this might tell us about our evolutionary past.
Commentary
Artist's impression of Square Kilometre Array antennas (Image source: Swinburne Astronomy Productions/Wikimedia Commons)
Physics and astronomy professor Pauline Barmby explains the significance of Canada becoming a member of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, a giant radio telescope, to increase opportunities for innovation in this article republished from The Conversation.
