Rasha Qaisi, a doctoral student in the Faculty of Education, has been awarded an $80,000 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship to study critical literacy practices with marginalized students.

Collaborating with teachers in local Arabic Islamic schools, Qaisi will look to identify effective strategies that help students develop a deeper understanding of social justice issues, challenging systemic inequalities in education.

Qaisi expresses gratitude in receiving the SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship, highlighting its potential to create both local and national impact.

“This award will allow me to explore critical literacy practices with marginalized students in Windsor, and hopefully across the province,” she says. “This research is deeply meaningful to me, as it provides an opportunity to amplify equitable teaching practices and student voices while contributing to a more inclusive education system as whole.”

Passionate about knowledge-sharing, Qaisi looks forward to engaging with fellow scholars and educators, using this funding to advance discussions on equitable literacy education.

“This award not only supports my research but also strengthens my commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments where all students feel empowered.”

Qaisi is eager to share her findings with educators, researchers, and policy-makers, with the goal of promoting more inclusive teaching practices that empower marginalized students and contribute to meaningful educational reform.

Those interested in learning more about her research can contact her directly at qaisi@uwindsor.ca.

The Co-op and Experiential Learning Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Office of Experiential Learning on March 26, celebrated the outstanding achievements of students and employers in work-integrated learning.

The event coincided with the National Day of Work-Integrated Learning, a fitting moment to recognize the transformative power of experiential learning and the positive outcomes it brings to students, employers, and the community.

Awards were presented to employers for providing meaningful work experiences that help students bridge the gap between academics and industry, outstanding co-op supervisors who have gone above and beyond in mentoring students, and rising star co-op students who showed great potential in their work-integrated learning experiences during the fall, winter, and summer 2024 work terms.

Marie Mills, acting director of co-operative education and workplace partnerships, highlights the impact of experiential learning on students’ growth and success.

“The impact of experiential learning is evident in the way students are applying what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world challenges and projects, and it’s exciting to see how much our industry partners invest in them,” she says. “We’re incredibly proud of the impact our students are making in their work terms, and these awards are a celebration of their hard work, enthusiasm, and growth.”

Bill Marino, acting manager of employer relations and partnerships at the co-op office, says that its meaningful partnerships help drive the success of these programs.

“It’s truly inspiring to see how dedicated employers are in offering students valuable opportunities to grow professionally,” says Marino. “These partnerships are about more than just filling a role; they’re about investing in the next generation, and that’s what makes this celebration so special.”

Find a full list of 2025 award winners on the Co-op and Experiential Learning Awards webpage.   

Applications are open through July 31 for financial assistance from the Deans’ Council Fund for on-campus events, activities, and special initiatives enriching the student experience.

The fund supports proposals up to $1,500 toward activities and initiatives that align with the values, foundational commitments, strategic priorities, or strategic opportunities as outlined in the University of Windsor’s strategic plan.

Note: Program-specific requests are not eligible for funding. Projects should have an impact on the larger campus community and not only students enrolled in a specific faculty.  

All applications go through a competitive assessment process designed to ensure equity, openness, and transparency for campus groups seeking financial assistance. There are three deadlines per year: March 31, July 31, and Nov. 30.

Find guidelines, criteria, and the online application on the fund website.

Research security co-ordinator Rahul Banerjee (MSc 2022) brings a new perspective into a field shaped by expertise in defence, intelligence, or national security. Applying his experience in technology and risk management has won national attention, as the online business publication the Peak named him an emerging leader in the category of politics and government.

“This recognition means more than what words can capture,” Banerjee says. “To have that work nationally recognized by a platform that usually highlights startup founders, tech leaders, and policy disruptors is deeply validating.”

The Peak praised his program as a global model for reducing institutional vulnerabilities: “He not only safeguarded intellectual assets but also set the benchmark for research security excellence across Canada, redefining the future of institutional risk management.”

Developing his program required navigating complex international, federal, and provincial policies and engaging with stakeholders across the country, says Banerjee.

“This work rarely makes headlines, but it protects the integrity of Canada’s research ecosystem, ensures our innovations stay safe, and keeps academic freedom in balance.”

Read the Peak’s profiles of up-and-coming young leaders shaping Canada's economy, culture, and society.

For over a decade, the Odette School of Business has participated in Windsor Regional Hospital's annual “Hats on for Healthcare” campaign, which takes place each March to raise crucial funds for health care services in the Windsor-Essex region.

This year, the collective efforts of Odette students, faculty, and staff raised a remarkable $6,521, far surpassing last year's total of $2,425.

The efforts were spearheaded by learning specialist Sandra Neposlan, who co-ordinated with three Odette student societies. Each group organized its own unique fundraising project.

“I am always so amazed and proud of our Odette students who consistently come together to give back to the community,” she said. “This year's record-breaking efforts with Hats on for Healthcare is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and genuine care."

The Odette Commerce Society led the charge, raising $5,000 from the proceeds of its annual gala.

The Odette MBA Society organized a bake sale that raised $1,060, thanks to local bakeries: Sweet Box Treats, Deez Custom Cupcakes, Staci Bakes, and Ibakealotofthings, which donated baked goods to support the cause.

The Odette Master of Management Society also contributed to the fundraising efforts, raising $300 through a raffle.

Over the past 16 years, Hats on for Healthcare has become a vital source of funding for Windsor Regional Hospital, raising over $650,000 for various programs and services. This year’s campaign specifically supports the hospital’s cardiology program, which provides essential care for patients with heart-related conditions.

As a kick-off to the nice weather, Lancer Recreation is offering UWindsor faculty and staff 10 per cent off any personal training packages at the Toldo Lancer Centre between the dates of April 21 and May 4.

“Research has shown time and time again that working with a trainer to build healthy habits and deliver safe and effective programming is the key to staying consistent and hitting your goals,” says Mike McMahon, Toldo Lancer Centre fitness co-ordinator.

“Our staff truly believe in the saying that your health is our goal, and we’d love to invite you to come see what it feels like to work with our team.”

Initial consultations are always free so there is no commitment, and full access membership to the Toldo Lancer Centre is included in all personal training packages.

“If you’re ready to make a change, please reach out to schedule your appointment,” says McMahon, by emailing mike.mcmahon@uwindsor.ca.

Applications are due to close Wednesday, April 9, for undergraduate students to serve as faculty leaders during orientation programming.

The Student Success and Leadership Centre is hiring mentors to guide incoming first-year students through their first few weeks of school, while building a sense of campus community and faculty pride.

Find more information about these positions, and an online application, on the orientation website.

English professor Dale Jacobs will read from and sign copies of his new book, Makeshift Fields, at a launch event Wednesday, April 9, at Biblioasis Bookshop.

The book is a snapshot of grassroots baseball, reflecting a seven-week summer trip through Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. What Dr. Jacobs found is not dissimilar to what one might see in any North American town, but it feels different: more precarious, yet also more communal. Baseball is played for its own sake, often in the rain and cold, with temporary diamonds on makeshift fields, in public parks.

Jacobs tells the story of people who have fallen in love with the game, the story of people who believe that baseball can flourish where it’s been planted, the story of people who are searching for a piece of home.

The April 9 launch will begin at 7 p.m. at the store, located at 1520 Wyandotte St. East.

Mark your calendars! The fourth annual Alumni & Student Pow Wow is set to take place on Saturday, May 3, at St. Clair College’s SportsPlex.

Co-hosted by the college and the University of Windsor, the event promises a day filled with vibrant Indigenous culture, traditional dance, and community celebration.

Attendees can look forward to the following schedule:

• 11 a.m. – Doors open and registration
• noon – Pow Wow grand entry
• 4 p.m. – Community feast
• 5:30 p.m. – Closing

For more details, visit www.powwowwindsor.ca. Direct questions to Victoria Hecnar at vhecnar@uwindsor.ca or 519-253-3000, ext. 3465.