With a mailing of personalized packages, the University has begun the task of converting its offers of admission into student registration for fall 2020, says Chris Busch, associate vice-president, enrolment management.

“It’s an important next step in our recruitment cycle, letting these high school seniors know that we won’t just admit them, but actively welcome them to join our UWindsor community,” he says.

The University sends successful applicants electronic offers of admission and follows up shortly afterward with physical packages to celebrate their acceptance.

They feature a box designed to match the viewbook applicants consulted during their decision-making process. Inside is a postcard with a personalized note of congratulations, a Windsor Proud drawstring backpack, and a booklet explaining the next steps in the process of becoming a University of Windsor student.

“The first thing is to get them to confirm they accept their admission,” says Busch. “We have a contest for them to share on social media their excitement about coming here, and invite them to our orientation programs: open house, Head Start, and Welcome Week.”

He notes the packages are a collaborative project of the Office of Enrolment Management, Public Affairs and Communications, and an off-campus print house.

“Our entire team is working to attract a good Class of 2024,” Busch says. “Thanks to everyone assisting us in ensuring healthy enrolment across the University.”

No “swiping right” this Valentine’s Day! Leddy Library is bringing back Blind Date with a Book.

The Leddy team has carefully selected and wrapped eligible books who will be waiting patiently for their special readers starting today.

“The initiative mimics the concept of blind date and offers a sense of mystery,” says co-op librarian Zina Hirmiz, who helped select this year’s bachelor books. “Readers won’t know the identity of the book until it has been checked out and unwrapped.”

The eligible books will be on display across from the information desk on the main floor of the Leddy Library through Saturday, Feb. 15. The Windsor Public Library’s bookmobile will also offer a selection of “blind dates” when it visits the campus on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

“Take a chance,” Hirmiz says. “Maybe you’ll meet your next favourite book!”

For more information, visit the Leddy Library website.

—Marcie Demmans

Liberal democracy has long been taken for granted and is now in crisis as citizens distance themselves from politics, says Université de Montréal history professor Till Van Rahden.

He notes that parties are losing members and votes, while Twitter and Instagram are crowding out public debates and civility. He will discuss what this means for our society in a free public lecture, entitled “Democracy: A Fragile Way of Life,” in the SoCA Armouries Performance Hall at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Dr. Van Rahden challenges the sense of despair that informs recent conversations and suggests that instead of obsessing about how democracies die, it might prove more useful to explore what keeps them alive.

The event is presented by the Humanities Research Group. Learn more on its website.

There are a lot of misconceptions about the novel coronavirus, designated a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization.

Matt Scholl, lead physician with Student Health Services, sets the story straight and lets students know what they can do to stay healthy, in a video produced by Dylan Kristy of the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

Watch it now:

Promising an evening of connection, compassion, and community, Canterbury College will promote women’s safety during “Fempowerment,” Friday, Feb. 7.

Starting at 6 p.m. in the college’s second-floor great room at 2500 University Ave. West, the event will feature:

• a presentation by Melissa McCormick, author of the memoir The Queen’s Daughter, her story of trauma and survival; and
• a session by Victim Services Windsor on planning to be safe on campus, at home, or on the internet.

Attendees will receive a copy of McCormick’s book and a safety whistle.

The event is free and open to all, but space is limited. Register before Feb. 5 by emailing cconnell@uwindsor.ca. The project was funded by the Women’s Campus Safety Grant.

Bill 21, Quebec’s ban on religious symbols in the public sector, has prompted questions regarding the future of religious expression in Canada.

A panel of four from different backgrounds will share their thoughts on the subject in a free public discussion entitled “Are limits on religious expression becoming a trend in Canada?” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Signature Tributes Event Centre, 3310 Dougall Ave.

The panel will include:

• law student Lina Chaker, a board member of the Windsor Islamic Association;
• Richard Moon, a law professor whose research focuses on freedom of expression, conscience, and religion;
• Rachel Olivero, equity and inclusion officer at the Greater Essex County District School Board; and
• Jasdeep Singh, a member of Windsor’s Sikh community.

The event is sponsored by Assumption University’s Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict.

This week marks the last chance to nominate someone for an award sponsored by the Organization of Part-time University Students.

The annual OPUS Awards Banquet, set this year for March 20 in the CAW Student Centre’s Alumni Auditorium, recognizes contributions made toward a rewarding experience for part-time and mature undergraduate students at the University of Windsor.

Find a full list of the available awards on the OPUS website. Nominations close Friday, Feb. 7.

UWindsor alumni and friends can experience the action of the Ontario Hockey League and cheer on Windsor Spitfires for a discounted price.

Tickets are either $15 for red zone seats or $18 for the blue zone in the WFCU Centre for the following games:

• Feb. 6 vs. Hamilton Bulldogs
• Feb. 8 vs. Sarnia Sting

Visit the WFCU’s website and use the promo code UWINALUM for this special offer.

—Dana Roe