To support student well-being and foster a stronger sense of community, Windsor Law students have launched the Windsor Cares Community Collective, providing a food pantry and community closet for their peers. The project aims to alleviate some of the financial strain that can come with law school.

Windsor Cares was founded by law students Emily Kydd, Meg Gregoire, Gigi Joseph, and Hannah Joseph, who brought their individual projects together to create a one-stop space where students can access essential items — including non-perishable food, frozen meals, hygiene products, school supplies, books, and professional clothing.

The Community Closet, spearheaded by Gigi and Hannah Joseph, began with a single rack of professional wear at Legal Assistance of Windsor. It has since grown into a robust program that collects, repairs, and redistributes clothing, ensuring all students have access to the attire they need for interviews, court appearances, and professional events.

“The Closet began with just one rack of clothing, and now it’s a reflection of Windsor’s commitment to access to justice and student support,” says Gigi Joseph.

Hannah Joseph adds: “Windsor Cares has grown because of the incredible backing from faculty, students, and the broader community.”

The space also features an information hub, offering students curated resources on local food banks, legal clinics, counselling services, and mental health supports.

“The essentials pantry is grounded in harm reduction, mutual aid, and community care,” Kydd says. “Law school can be isolating, stressful, and expensive. This space is about showing up for one another — providing essentials like food, hygiene products, harm reduction supplies, and even books, without stigma or judgment.”

The Windsor Cares Collective is located in Room 3102 in the WeirFoulds Zone in the law building and is open during regular building hours. Students are encouraged to take what they need and give what they can, whether that’s a can of soup, a gently-used suit, or a favourite book.

Donors for the food pantry so far include the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance, Lawyers Feed the Hungry - Windsor chapter, McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP, Windsor Public Library, and law students.

Clothing and closet donations were received from Maycourt Club of Windsor, Reitmans, Rw&Co, Full Circle Vintage, Julia Romano (Jules the Lawyer on Tiktok), Ricki's, Old Navy, Mark's, Bennet Jones, Jack & Jones, and Windsor Law students, faculty, and alumni.

Donation drives will be held throughout the year, and the pantry will rely on continued support from the law school community and local partners. Anyone interested in contributing or volunteering is invited to reach out to windsorcares@uwindsor.ca.

The Department of Athletics and Recreational Services honoured the work and dedication of its student staff Friday at the annual Blue & Gold luncheon.

The event highlighted all the areas within the department: the Toldo Lancer Centre, Lancer Recreation, aquatics, student managers and therapists, and the varsity home event staff.

Athletics staff conferred 16 awards on student employees. Find a full list of honorees at goLancers.ca.

The UWindsor Green Team is recruiting volunteers to join the Earth Day community tree planting led by Essex Region Conservation Authority from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, April 27.

The conservation authority is planning to add 2,000 native trees to the city’s stock that day. The community event will take place rain or shine along the Ganatchio Trail, at the green space south of Wyandotte Street East between Florence and Martinique avenues.

“We hope to take a photo of our UWindsor team, so be sure to wear your blue and gold,” says sustainability officer Nadia Harduar.

Register to join the UWindsor Green Team for the tree planting.

The third annual International Health Research Conference, hosted by the WE-Spark Health Institute at Caesars Windsor Convention Centre on March 22, brought together more than 350 researchers, clinicians, educators, and students from across Canada and the United States to engage with experts, foster collaboration, and explore the latest advancements in health research.

“This annual conference plays a critical role in fostering partnerships that drive innovation and discovery,” says interim director Dora Cavallo Medved. “Each year, we welcome presenters from across Canada and the U.S., and it is inspiring to see the exchange of ideas that emerge and advance forward from bringing together diverse perspectives.”

She emphasizes the importance of international cross-border collaboration, especially in light of recent challenges to health research funding in the U.S.

Sara Santarossa, assistant scientist in the Department of Public Health Sciences and scientific director of the Patient-Engaged Research Center at Henry Ford Health, echoes this sentiment.

“Health-care research transcends borders. The patient voice, experiences, and perspectives are vital for improving healthcare globally,” Dr. Santarossa says. “Cross-border collaborations and partnerships are essential in the research space — having the best minds working together should not be limited by geography.”

Attending this conference is a reminder that meaningful research is still happening, and that is energizing, says Ashley Redding, an epidemiologist II at Henry Ford Health.

“Despite being separated by a border, we share many similar health concerns. Learning from international colleagues helps us develop strategies that we can apply to our own work,” she says. “However, there is uncertainty in research funding, which makes sustainable impact a challenge.”

Wayne State University medical student Ryan Palazzolo, a University of Windsor graduate, and former WE-Spark research associate, highlights how the conference allows him to stay engaged with both his local Windsor community and his academic pursuits in the U.S.

“As a Windsor resident studying in Detroit, conferences like this allow me to stay connected to my local community while also engaging in international research partnerships,” he says. “It gives me a unique perspective on health care challenges and research opportunities in both Canada and the U.S.”

The second in a series of interactive workshops on gender-based violence is set for Thursday, April 24.

Designed to engage men and boys in conversations about intervention strategies, allyship, and the power of speaking up, “If not you, then who? If not now, then when?” is sponsored by the Sahra Bulle Foundation in partnership with Unifor Local 2458.

The workshops are scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Unifor hall at 3400 Somme Ave. on the last Thursday of each month.

Registration is free but space is limited. Find more details on the VP, People Equity and Inclusion event webpage.

The Financial Accounting and Reporting team has prepared and circulated a memorandum outlining the important cut-off dates for the 2024-25 fiscal year-end.

This memo and other supplemental and training information to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting can be found on the Finance website.

The finance team will also be providing a fiscal year-end training session via Microsoft Teams on April 16 at 10 a.m. To be added to the invitation list, contact Linda Scheer at 519-253-3000, ext. 2118, or lscheer@uwindsor.ca.

The Campus Bookstore is offering savings to forensics students on Tuesday, April 8, as part of a series of discount days targeted to students in specific programs.

Hooded sweatshirts embroidered with “Forensics” are available for $55 — a savings on the regular price of $69.95. The sweatshirts are a 50-50 blend of cotton and polyester and boast a kangaroo pocket.

Forensics majors can claim a 10 per cent discount on any gift in-store Tuesday.

The program discounts continue:

• April 10, Psychology
• April 17, Business
• April 23, Human Kinetics
• May 1, Law
• May 6, Nursing
• May 15, Biomed
• May 21, Neuroscience
• June 9, Social Work
• June 20, Computer Science

See the selection in the store, located on the lower level of the CAW Student Centre.