In its continued efforts to bring a better understanding of cultures around the world, the International Student Centre is offering a series of presentations on the history, customs, languages, and cuisines of homelands of UWindsor students.

The ISC Culture Series offers insight that can help faculty and staff in offering support to international students.

“We hope these presentations provide a taste of some of the many cultures that make up the University of Windsor community,” says ISC director Mike Houston. “Spend an hour with us and experience the rich diversity of our campus.”

Romi Saraswat, international student advising consultant, is the series co-ordinator.

“International students, who have picked the University of Windsor over other global institutions, merit a high level of support that can be offered only when we have an enhanced understanding of their culture, which reflects in their behaviour and mannerisms,” she says.

The first presentation of the semester is set for noon Thursday, Feb. 16. Shuzhen Zhao, head of acquisitions and bibliographic services for the Leddy Library, will discuss China in the International Student Centre on the second floor of Laurier Hall.

Winter 2023 sessions will also include presentations on India on March 21, and Indigenous cultures with the date to be determined.

Sign up to express interest and receive an email reminder.

Math major Emily Fortier won Wednesday’s DailyNews contest and two tickets to see the University Players production of 365 Days/365 Plays this weekend at Essex Hall Theatre.

Fortier’s entry was drawn from all those which correctly identified Nov. 13, 2002, as the first of the 365 days which Suzan-Lori Parks dedicated to writing the plays, Topdog/Underdog as winner of her 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and Twelfth Night as the season finale for the University Players.

365 Days/365 Plays runs until Sunday, Feb. 12, at Essex Hall Theatre. Recommended for ages 14+. Tickets are on sale now and can be bought at www.universityplayers.com. UWindsor student tickets are just $10, and regular price tickets start at $20.

A survey by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest will inform a needs assessment to develop and deliver programs and services to the regional 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Research shows that 2SLGBTQIA+ needs are often overlooked or misunderstood, says Julie Fraser, an adjunct faculty member in psychology working as a consultant on the project.

“Windsor-Essex is home to a diverse and intersectional 2SLGBTQIA+ community that is strong, resilient, and resourceful,” Dr. Fraser says. “But this community is disproportionately affected by physical and mental health issues, and economic, social, and political inequities.”

By learning more about those needs, the assessment will serve to lead measures to improve the lives and outcomes for 2SLGBTQIA+ members of the community.

“In order to fully understand the needs in the community it is important to connect as broadly as possible,” says Fraser.

The 10-minute survey is open to all 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, friends, families, and allies, and is as easy as one, two, three:

1. Take the survey at the link here: www.wepridefest.com/weqmunityna/.
2. Enter to win. Everyone who completes the survey is eligible for a chance to win a prize from a selection valued at over $4,000 in total.
3. Share it. The more people who respond, the better agencies can understand and address gaps in services.

Fraser especially hopes to hear from the most vulnerable members of the community.

“Often surveys and other feedback mechanisms get filled in by the usual suspects, which obscures the views of those most in need,” she says.

University of Windsor business student Petar Bratic is a finalist for the first global cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University.

The scholarships are the result of a $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain. Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program.

Bratic is among 87 finalists chosen from around the world after a first round of regional interviews. He will attend the final round of interviews in Montréal from March 8 to 12, meeting with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews.

As vice-president of the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance, Bratic oversaw finances and operations for an organization serving 10,000 full-time undergraduate students. He is the assistant club head referee of a soccer club, serves on the board of the Serbian Heritage Museum, and co-founded a club supporting Serbian charitable causes.

“It is surreal to have made it this far in the process,” Bratic said. “I am so grateful to everyone in my life who has helped me get to this point. I would not be here without the help of many people who believed in me.”

If not selected as a McCall MacBain Scholar, he is eligible to receive a $10,000 Canadian Finalist Award for studies at McGill.

Applications will open in June 2023 for September 2024 admission. Interested UWindsor students are invited to attend an information session at 2 p.m. March 3 in the atrium of the Essex CORe.

An update to UWinsite Student will necessitate the system to be offline on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. A GT eForms upgrade and security patches will occur during the planned maintenance.

Users may need to clear their cache after the update. Should users continue to have difficulty accessing the UWinsite Student after the update, contact the Information Technology Service Desk by:

• Chatting
• Opening a ticket
• Phoning 519-253-3000, ext. 4440