The University of Windsor and the Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre will work together to advance Truth and Reconciliation, learning, respectful knowledge creation, and the well-being of local First Nations and campus communities under a memorandum of understanding signed by representatives of both institutions on National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, at Ojibway Park and Nature Centre.

Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre president Jennifer D’Alimonte said the shared initiatives will include knowledge creation projects, land-based learning initiatives, continuing education programming, a commitment to Indigenous language revitalization, and more.

“The development of this MOU is a tremendous opportunity with the University of Windsor in recognizing the importance of connection to language, culture, and traditional teachings,” D’Alimonte said. “We view this partnership as ensuring the Indigenous campus community has a sense of belonging which leads to success. CAIFC is committed to providing services to support our community and the University of Windsor in this journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.”

During his address at the signing event, UWindsor president Robert Gordon said he is looking forward to collaborating with the centre on shared priorities on campus and in the surrounding communities.

“This partnership is reflective of the priorities outlined in the University’s Aspire strategic plan,” said Dr. Gordon. “Consultative and culturally relevant engagement of Indigenous peoples is important in advancing the journey toward Truth and Reconciliation on campus and beyond, along with fostering relationships with Indigenous communities.”

The partnership will be in effect for two years, with the possibility of extension.

Nadia Stephaniuk (BSc 2017, MSc 2019) chose the University of Windsor specifically for its four-year Forensic Science undergraduate program, but she ended up on a serendipitous journey that led her to the United Kingdom.

Early on in Stephaniuk’s undergrad, she took on a part-time role as a campus tour guide for the enrolment management team, which led to her working in varying student recruitment capacities with developing leadership roles over the next nine years. Along the way she also discovered undergraduate research opportunities in a new discipline.

“In high school I was interested in the idea that you could use physical science and apply scientific knowledge and skills in the evidence, court, and crime scene realms,” says Stephaniuk.

In her second undergraduate year, Stephaniuk started volunteering in chemistry and biochemistry professor Jeremy Rawson’s lab.

“Volunteering escalated to a fourth-year thesis, opening my eyes to what research within academia looks like” she says. “From there, I stayed on to do to my master’s degree in chemistry with Dr. Rawson — it was a domino effect.”

After completing master’s studies, Stephaniuk was approached to design and teach an online chemistry course for upper-year forensic science majors.

“I was working full-time in recruitment when I began developing this new course, special topics in forensic chemistry. I was able to use my knowledge and experience from my degrees and research background to design a course from the ground up, with lectures, assessments, and tests,” she says.

“I then designed a secondary complimentary forensic chemistry course to my first one, adding an in-person lab component to the course. It was a phenomenal experience to be a part of this course design and implementation from the ground up.”

In addition to other commitments, Stephaniuk was heavily involved in science extracurriculars including tutoring, involvement in the Forensic Student Association, the graduate chemistry club, students offering support, and working with chemistry department head James Gauld to found a UWindsor chapter of Women in Chemistry.

All of these experiences culminated into her flying across the Atlantic Ocean in the summer of 2022 to work as a teaching fellow in forensic science and toxicology at King’s College London. She teaches in two MSc programs within the forensics department and delivers lectures in chemistry and forensic science, runs analytical laboratory sessions, provides mentorship to students, co-ordinates the logistics of a summer project term, and helps to co-supervise a few master’s students.

“I think it is entirely because of Science at UWindsor that I got the job at King’s,” says Stephaniuk.

“The combined degrees, plus research experience and involvement I was able to get within the university: I feel like everything combined allowed me to be here.”

Stephaniuk took it upon herself to revamp the established forensic science and chemistry courses she teaches to masters’ students in the U.K. by introducing new experiments and lectures to her courses, incorporating her teaching and education experience from Windsor into her current post.

“It keeps me busy, on my toes — that is something I picked up at UWindsor because I was involved in science and recruitment simultaneously for nine years, so I’m used to always having many things on the go.”

—Sara Elliott

Because of Science at UWindsor is a series designed to showcase Faculty of Science alumni and the impact of their journey through science.

Campus offices and ratified student clubs hoping to promote opportunities to incoming students should apply to set up a booth at the Involvement Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 5, in the David Wilson Commons.

The event showcases to new undergraduates ways for them to engage with campus life. It will run noon to 2 p.m. in the space along Turtle Island Walk north of the Odette Building.

Registration is open until July 19; organizers will contact applicants for more details later.

The student group judged to host the most creative and enthusiastic booth at the event will win a cash prize of up to $250. Note: this incentive is not open to University offices.

New window signage prominently displayed on the exterior of the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre is part of a broader effort to promote experiential learning programs on campus.

The Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnerships office and the Career Development and Experiential Learning office together make up the Office of Experiential Learning and are aiming to make it easier for students to find and access career-related services on campus.

The intention is to encourage students to take advantage of the resources designed to help them with career exploration and development, employment, and work-integrated learning opportunities, says executive director Judy Bornais.

The large gold signage was placed to catch the attention of employers and community partners visiting campus or driving down Wyandotte Street. It also serves as a wayfinding to promote the services of the unit.

“Our new building signage includes slogans like ‘Hire UWindsor,’ sending a clear message that our students are ready and eager to join the workforce,” she says. “The goal is to encourage employers to engage with the University of Windsor, and to tap into our vibrant pool of talented and skilled students.”

The new signage wraps around the exterior of the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre facing Sunset Avenue and Wyandotte Street West.

The International Student Centre and the Student Success and Leadership Centre are holding a speed friending event for international students on Saturday, June 24, at 5 p.m.

“Becoming a known person on campus has benefits for students now and in the future,” says Tim Brunet of the Student Success and Leadership Centre. Dr. Brunet will be leading the event in collaboration with international student advisor Romi Saraswat.

“Positive networking opportunities come with increased opportunities for well-being and employment opportunities,” he says.

During the event, students will play Kahoot — a competitive quiz game played on mobile devices, join a speed friending activity, and enjoy some fun snacks such as flavoured popcorn, fruit, and chocolate.

“The main goal of the event is to help students connect with one another and provide information about upcoming events and opportunities,” says Saraswat.

The event is free and is designed for international students who are new to campus. Sign up today.

Attention prospective undergraduate students: the entrance award application deadline of June 30 is approaching.

To apply for these awards, sign into your UWinsite Student, click on the Award Profile tile and fill out 2023-2024 Application.

Students returning to the Award Profile will need to start a new 2023-2024 award profile form without skipping profile questions and click on the refresh button in the Academic Data Section that will display up to date information on their program.

The Student Awards and Financial Aid Office offers drop-in sessions that assist students with the application questions twice a week:

• Tuesdays 10:45 a.m. to noon
• Thursdays 2:45 to 4 p.m.

More information on the drop-in sessions and reference materials can be viewed here.

Helpful tips with navigating the Award Profile application can be viewed here.

Additional information about awards, bursaries, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities for entering students can be found here.