UWindsor president Rob Gordon (holding microphone) assures students that the University is part of their family during a forum Thursday.
A conversation with senior administrators Thursday helped to reassure students from India that the University places the highest priority on their security, assuaging concerns stoked by diplomatic relations between their home country and Canada.
Students and members of the campus community attended the event in Alumni Auditorium along with dozens more online to hear from UWindsor officials about the supports available to address possible concerns from international students and their families.
Shreya Majumder started studies in the Master of Medical Biotechnology program in September. She said she has never felt anything but perfectly welcome in Windsor.
“I already knew the university was safe,” she said. “My family back in India was concerned about the political situation between our governments.”
Thursday’s gathering relieved any worries, with presentations by UWindsor president Rob Gordon, vice-president research and innovation Shanthi Johnson, and Clinton Beckford, vice-president people, equity, and inclusion.
Her classmate Nabonita Mallik agreed. A native of Bangladesh, she called the forum very informative.
“It is a community conversation and as I am new here, I wanted to learn about the community and how they are thinking about the security of the students,” Mallik said.
Dr. Gordon addressed the issue head on, saying the university puts “student safety first in everything we do.”
The panel, moderated by associate v.p. for student experience Shetina M. Jones, answered questions submitted by current students and those considering coming to Windsor, highlighting available supports on campus and in the wider community.