The University of Windsor National Urban Park Hub will host a workshop to discuss opportunities and challenges associated with interdisciplinary and community-engaged research in the proposed National Urban Park on Jan. 22.

Co-principal investigators Catherine Febria of the Healthy Headwaters Lab, Clint Jacobs of the Indigenous Knowledge Table, and Anneke Smit of the Centre for Cities will share their reflections on the core objectives of the National Urban Parks program: conserving nature, connecting people with nature, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Participants will then explore research needs and opportunities related to the objectives of the National Urban Park program through participatory group-based discussions.

The workshop will run noon to 2 p.m. in the Davidson Conference Room, Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research. It is open to faculty, research staff, graduate students, and community partners.

Direct questions to Hannah Ruuth at hannah.ruuth@uwindsor.ca.

Click here to RSVP by Jan. 20.

The University of Windsor Alumni Association invites nominations for the Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching, conferred annually at spring Convocation ceremonies to recognize outstanding teaching and encourage excellence in this field.

All full-time members of the teaching faculty with a minimum of five consecutive years teaching at the University of Windsor are eligible to be nominated.

Click here for the award criteria, intent to nominate form, and submission deadlines.

For more information, contact the Katherine Simon in the Office of Alumni Affairs at kasimon@uwindsor.ca or phone 519-971-3618.

The Leddy Library is offering a series of guided tours aimed at helping students, faculty, and staff become acquainted with its spaces and services. These tours provide an opportunity to explore the library’s resources and learn about the support available for academic and research endeavours.

The 30-minute tours will showcase study areas, research tools, and other facilities contributing to academic success. Participants will gain insights into how to utilize the library’s offerings effectively.

Tours begin in the Leddy Library lobby next to the sandwich board sign at the following times:

• Tuesday, Jan. 14 — 10 a.m.

• Wednesday, Jan. 15 — noon

• Monday, Jan. 20 — 10 a.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 23 — noon

• Friday, Jan. 24 — 2 p.m.

• Monday, Jan. 27 — 2 p.m.

Drop-ins are welcome, but advance registration is encouraged. Details and registration are available on the Library Events page.

The Department of Continuing Education is partnering with Windmill Microlending to provide microloan opportunities for those looking to upskill or achieve professional training certifications at the University of Windsor.

Available to skilled immigrants and refugees who have professional training outside of Canada, Windmill Microlending supports those looking for financial support as they explore training for employment opportunities and advancement within the Canadian workforce.

As a registered Canadian charity, Windmill Microlending has made a significant difference for newcomers, offering $125 million in approved loans to date and multiple mentorship programs for those looking for employment support.

Farahnaz Afaq, Windmill’s partnerships specialist, attests to the positive impact of this lending program.

“What our students have achieved with Windmill support is remarkable, on average tripling their incomes from loan outset to close,” Afaq says. “Through its partnership with the University of Windsor, Windmill aims to help eligible students in the Windsor-Essex community achieve their career goals in Canada.”

Starting this month, Windmill Microlending will work with the Department of Continuing Education, offering direct support to potential learners in the Windsor-Essex area. Many programs such as the Certificate in Front End Web Development, Accelerated Project Management Certificate Program, and the Electric Vehicle Powertrain Systems Program, will be eligible for microloan funding.

For more information on eligible courses and applicant criteria, visit the Continuing Education website or Windmill Microlending. Those who are not eligible for Windmill Microlending may be eligible for OSAP-MC funding. Visit the OSAP-MC page for more information.

The CAW Student Centre will bring retro and classic arcade games to the campus community through Friday with no coins or tokens required, says director of events and programming Sandra Riccio-Muglia.

“All the games are free for us to go down memory lane,” she says. “Enjoy some solo competition or bring a friend to challenge!”

Arcade Week runs Jan. 13 to 17 in the Commons area: test your reflexes and save your quarters. Play is free for students, staff, and faculty.

Members of the UWindsor Chess Team challenge all comers to compete in a tournament Thursday, Jan. 16.

The event will run 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CAW Student Centre and offers prizes to winners and coffee for all, including spectators, sponsored by the Graduate Student Society.

Register here by Tuesday, Jan. 14, for a spot in the tournament.

For those who don’t wish to compete but like to play, members of the team will be available for friendly matches.

The entire campus community is invited to come out and watch.