In celebration of the upcoming National Indigenous Persons Day, the Department of Human Resources invites the campus community to an event at Art Windsor-Essex. The gathering aims to honour and reflect upon the rich, diverse, and resilient local Indigenous culture.

Starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 14, guests will tour two exhibitions featuring works by First Nations artists:

• “Nii Ndahlohke / I Work,” a collection that delves into the history of forced labor endured by students at Mount Elgin Industrial School (1851-1946), the closest residential school to Windsor, and
• “Waawiiatanong Forever,” which celebrates women, two-spirit individuals, and their families within the local community.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in an instructor-led studio activity related to the exhibitions.

At noon, a lunch prepared by Native Wonders Gourmet Grub will have participants dining on traditional and Indigenous-inspired foods.

The gallery is located at 401 Riverside Dr. West. Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP by noon Thursday, June 13, as space is limited. Find more details on the event website.

The Strategic Enrolment Management Plan approved May 31 by the UWindsor Senate, “Aspiring for Student Success,” focuses on diversifying the student body, improving student experiences, and promoting an inclusive environment.

Provost Robert Aguirre calls it a testament to the University’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, and a sustainable and prosperous future.

“Once implemented, it will play a critical role in shaping the destiny of our institution,” Dr. Aguirre said.

He noted the plan is not simply about admitting and enrolling more students. It seeks to strategically balance the composition of the student body across various demographics, including the level of study, geographic origin, and fields of academic interest while prioritizing improvements in retention rates to ensure successful student progression to graduation.

The document highlights the need for enhanced support systems, including refined advising services, to identify and assist students facing academic challenges; engaging prospective students earlier; and building relationships at transfer institutions.

Chris Busch, associate vice-president, enrolment management, expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for the collaborative efforts that brought this plan to fruition.

He called its development a “meticulous process” spanning 20 months, involving over 200 colleagues from across the University.

“Their collective input and dedication were instrumental in shaping a strategy that aligns with the University’s goals as an anchor institution in the region,” Dr. Busch said.

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this plan, including those who participated in workshops, working groups, and consultations. From senior administrators to faculty members, academic governance to those responsible for implementing strategic initiatives, each plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing our enrolment strategies.”

Read the Strategic Enrolment Management Plan here.

On June 5, 80 graduating business students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement in an event hosted by the Odette School of Business.

The Evening of Excellence celebrated Master of Management and Master of Business Administration students who maintained a cumulative average of 85 per cent or above for each semester of their program, and Bachelor of Commerce students who achieved Dean’s List honours for all four years of their program.

Each student received a plaque and certificate commemorating their success.

Interim dean of business Ashish Mahajan says the event was a fitting way to honour the students’ triumphs and successes.

“The students of Odette are nothing short of spectacular,” he says. “I am always so proud to speak to our distinguished alumni and guests to update them on the many contributions our students have brought to the Odette School of Business and the Windsor and Essex County area.”

John Dube (BA 2006, MA 2008) has accepted an appointment as acting executive director of the Office of Institutional Analysis effective July 1, provost Robert Aguirre has announced.

Dube is currently serving as manager of data and analysis. Since joining the University of Windsor staff in 2017, he has focused on government relations as well as budget and planning.

“John has been instrumental in enhancing the university’s strategic and operational frameworks,” says Dr. Aguirre. “His efforts have been crucial in supporting the development and implementation of the university’s annual budget.”

He notes Dube’s “pivotal role” in strengthening the University’s provincial government relations, and says his transition to this role reflects the University of Windsor’s commitment to excellence and innovation in education and research, underpinned by robust analytical expertise and collaborative engagement across the university community.

Research interns from around the world mingled over eggs and coffee Monday morning at an event welcoming them to the campus and the country.

The University hosted a breakfast for undergraduate students visiting campus as part of the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship Program. UWindsor president Rob Gordon; Shanthi Johnson, vice-president, research and innovation; Chris Busch, associate vice-president, enrolment management; Mike Houston, director of the International Student Centre; and education professor Clayton Smith addressed the students with words of welcome.

“We are delighted to have you here,” said Dr. Johnson, who was once an international student herself. “Mitacs does a wonderful job of boosting innovation by bringing together institutions, industry, researchers, and students seeking international training opportunities. The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship will provide you with hands-on research experience while you immerse yourself in our culture.”

The interns come to Windsor from India, Mexico, Colombia, China, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, South Korea, France, Tunisia, Hong Kong, and Pakistan. This year, 39 students are working with 19 researchers across various disciplines — chemistry, engineering, mathematics, computer science, quantum technologies, education, and the social sciences.

A few interns will be arriving in the coming days, while others arrived as early as last month. The internships, for upper-year undergrads, last 12 weeks.

Mitacs is a national nonprofit organization that operates research and training programs in partnership with Canadian academia, private industry, and government.

The University is planning other events for the students, including more meet-and-greets and a bus trip to Point Pelee National Park.