In his home country of Nigeria, civil engineer Samuel Ehikhuenmen worked as a faculty member at the University of Lagos. Moving to Windsor to take up doctoral studies, he soon realized making important connections was key.

That’s where The CUBE came in.

A hub providing resources, networking, and a platform for Indigenous and Black scholars to thrive, it launched in September 2023, led by director Kemi Anazodo, an assistant professor at the Odette School of Business.

“The CUBE has been instrumental in terms of networking,” Ehikhuenmen said. “It helped to enhance my research focus and also offered clarity in interpreting research findings in my experimental work. Interacting with faculty members provided invaluable insights into the academic system here. These interactions allowed me to enhance my research efforts.”

Ehikhuenmen’s research in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering focuses on the structural performance of innovative construction methods on tall reinforced concrete masonry walls.

“The hub has been very helpful in this endeavour,” he emphasized. “Working with Dr. Anazodo on grant applications for The CUBE has provided a rich learning experience.

“The technical insights gained through this process were invaluable, particularly in strengthening my ability to articulate complex concepts and experimental findings in technical papers and effectively discuss the results in my Ph.D. thesis.”

Ehikhuenmen began his journey at The CUBE as an Ignite student and has since grown into a vital team member, now serving as a board member.

Being an international student himself, Ehikhuenmen emphasized the importance of this support, particularly for those navigating the challenges of being new to campus and the country. 

“Many students, especially international students, are not always aware of the services, funding, and experiential opportunities available on and off-campus. The CUBE serves as a valuable resource in linking students to the unique services and opportunities that will support their studies and career pursuits,” he explained.

Ehikhuenmen said the initiative has been able to support research assistants by connecting them to various resources and opportunities.

Building The CUBE 

The goal of organizers is to break down the systemic barriers faced by Indigenous and Black students.

“One of the barriers is access to information and not having a safe space, or culturally informed guidance in the way other students might,” Anazodo said. “The CUBE is a resource where students can get access to resources, receive guidance, and experience supports and opportunities that have been designed thoughtfully for them.”

She said that sometimes needs are met with a simple conversation and a little bit of guidance, which is why they’ve developed the “Watercooler Wednesdays” initiative, offering students a space to connect and to discuss casually what’s top of mind.

A Watercooler Wednesday focused on scholarships, after its convenors learned that many scholarships go unclaimed.

“Students may not know about the opportunities, or they may need guidance to pursue their interests,” said Aanazodo. We’re having these conversations with students to work towards better understanding the guidance they need, how we can best connect them to career-relevant opportunities and ultimately strengthen our talent pipeline of Indigenous and Black students.”

Another objective of The CUBE is to enhance the voices of Indigenous and Black scholars in academic literature and research.

“Indigenous and Black voices have not been well represented in academia,” Anazodo said. “Limitations exist when we use methodologies or attempt to have works published that align with what would be appropriate for our communities or in many disciplines speak to topics that matter to us.

“We’d like to play a role in students’ journeys to make sure that their perspectives are represented and mainstream approaches to research can be expanded.”

Fostering talent

CUBE organizers refer to it as a “talent incubator” offering support and opportunities for mentorship, financial assistance, and career guidance to provide an environment of growth and development.

“It’s about acknowledging and nurturing the talents of Indigenous and Black students on campus,” Ehikhuenmen explained. “Many students are graced not only academically but also possess unique skills waiting to be discovered and developed.”

The CUBE offered Ehikhuenmen an opportunity to explore and showcase his creative side.

“I’m able to engage that creativity in the development of The CUBE website, and the production of promotional materials and event management. These are skills and talents that stem from my civil engineering background, but have been further developed in a new way,” he explained.

Ehikhuenmen said he hopes to continue his career in academics believing the skills and connections he’s made with The CUBE will advance that journey.

Moving forward, the CUBE is actively seeking connections with various Indigenous students and groups on campus and in the community. Having access to and representation of multiple career paths for Indigenous and Black students is of the utmost importance, Anazodo said.

The group is new, but working quickly to provide networking opportunities and safe spaces for students to develop themselves as professionals and community members.

Maya Jessop, an Indigenous student from the Seneca nation, which is part of the Six Fires Confederacy, is graduating from the University of Windsor with a Master’s in English literature and creative writing and has been involved with The CUBE since the planning phases.

“I wish I’d had the CUBE when I was in undergrad, so I’m happy to be involved in its institution as a graduate student,” Jessop said. “I’ve met wonderful people while working on this board and hope to see our group expanded through grants and university support.”

In addition to connecting students with potential opportunities, Anazodo said the other side of The CUBE is establishing ongoing relationships with organizations and businesses in the community.

“The CUBE aims for a future where the voices and perspectives of Indigenous and Black scholars are acknowledged and also celebrated. By forging connections within the community, it seeks to create a relationship where students are prepared for academic and career success, and employers are ready to embrace diversity and inclusion,” Anazodo added.

To learn more, visit uwindsor.ca/thecube.

When education professor Lindsey Jaber was searching for resources to support her students, she found a significant gap in literature addressing all aspects of mental health within an educational context.

So, she decided to fill the gap herself.

“It became immediately clear to me that teacher candidates were in desperate need of a deep and thorough understanding and appreciation of mental health and mental health challenges, and its impact on students, educators, and families,” Dr. Jaber explained.

Collaborating with academics and professionals from across the country, she edited and contributed chapters to create Understanding Mental Health Across Educational Contexts. The book contributes to the ongoing mental health conversation, while providing strategies and resources to serve as a reference guide to common mental health disorders in K–12 classroom settings.

As a registered school, clinical, and counselling psychologist with experience in both the education system and private practice, Jaber has a foundational understanding of the mental health crisis affecting Canadian schools.

“Nearly one in four Canadians are affected by mental health problems or mental illness,” shared Jaber.

“The importance of recognizing and supporting students and educators who struggle with poor mental health or mental illness has always been important. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted students, educators, and parents, increasing the need to focus on understanding mental health challenges in educational settings.”

Written with future educators and support workers in mind, the 15 chapters provide a guide to common mental health disorders, while offering a toolbox of classroom strategies.

Organized in two parts — core concepts and practical applications — this collection covers topics ranging from the relationship between mental health and academic achievement to technology in the classroom; neurodiversity; career development; Indigenous, queer, and anti-racist praxis; trauma-informed teaching; and creating mentally healthy classrooms.

The three-year process of editing and authoring several chapters in the book was an experience Jaber never fully imagined.

“It was much harder than I ever thought, but also much more rewarding. Working with contributors from across Canada who brought such rich and diverse perspectives and discussions to the book was by far the most exciting and fulfilling part of the editing and writing journey.”

Among the contributors were three familiar names to the University of Windsor: Cory Saunders, a registered clinical neuropsychologist and sessional instructor in the Faculty of Education; Marium Tolson-Murtty, a doctoral student and director of Anti-Racism Organizational Change in the Office of the Vice-President of People, Equity, and Inclusion; and Jennifer Corderio, a doctoral candidate working under Jaber.

As a practising psychologist, Dr. Saunders has witnessed the profound impact that mental health has on student success and overall well-being.

“Addressing mental health in education is not just important, it’s essential for fostering resilient learners,” Saunder said. “By sharing evidence-based strategies, this book can empower educators and create supportive environments that nurture both emotional and academic growth to support a future where mental health is a fundamental component of education.”

Tolson-Murtty emphasized that the book highlights the often-overlooked impact of racial trauma on students and how to address it, offering vital insights for both new and experienced teachers.

“It goes beyond culturally informed pedagogy but delves into the historical inequities within the Canadian education system: how these ideals still manifest today, impacting students, and teacher perception of students from racially marginalized communities," she said.

Corderio, who studied under Jaber for just over three years in the Faculty of Education, died before the book was published. The book is dedicated to her memory.

“We wanted to do something special for Jen to recognize the work she contributed to the book,” Jaber said.

While the book is intended for university courses, it is also a practical resource for anyone working in an educational setting. It is available for purchase through the Canadian Scholars website as well as on Amazon.

This Friday, Oct. 11, Lancer football will battle the undefeated Laurier Golden Hawks in what promises to be a thrilling matchup at Alumni Stadium. With a 7 p.m. kick-off, the 5-1 Lancers are out to defend their home turf and strengthen their position in the standings. Fans are encouraged to show their Lancer pride by wearing navy blue as part of the “Blue Collar Night” theme, creating an electrifying, unified sea of blue in the stands.

This game holds extra weight for the Windsor side, seeking redemption after last season’s semi-final loss to Laurier. The Golden Hawks, currently 6-0 and leading Ontario University Athletics, will be a tough opponent, making this contest crucial for playoff positioning. With it also being Seniors Night, the Lancers are counting on their fans to bring the energy and help push them over the top as they honour their graduating players during the final home game of the regular season.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement. Grab your tickets now at golancers.ca/tickets, and remember — this Friday, it’s all about the blue. Let’s pack Alumni Stadium and show Laurier what a Blue Collar Night in Windsor is all about!

Participating in the On Track To Success program helped her to excel in her secondary school studies, says business major Julia Adu-Bobie.

“I moved to Canada at age 10 with my family. It was not easy growing up as an immigrant in a foreign environment, and my family and I have faced many adversities that have shaped who I am today,” she recalls.

“As a person who has become so independent through life experiences, it was very difficult for me to ask for help. However, through On Track to Success, I no longer felt the pressure to overcome challenges alone. The program created a safe space where I wasn’t afraid to seek help, whether it be for school assignments or determining a pathway after high school.”

With the support of the United Way program, a wrap-around intervention for high school students and their families, she graduated from Assumption College Catholic High School as an Ontario Scholar before beginning studies at the Odette School of Business.

“I was able to apply to scholarships and gratefully become a recipient of multiple awards that will help ease the financial burden of post-secondary education and allow me to focus on my academic success,” Adu-Bobie says. “Hopefully one day, I will be able to spread love and kindness to others as this program has done to me.”

That focus on a cradle-to-career approach to fighting poverty helped inspire Steve Karamatos, manager of technology and innovation in Information Technology Services, to donate to United Way.

“I remember them coming out with that a couple of years ago and it was really impressive, all the things they do for kids in preschool all the way up to adults,” he says. “It's a local charity, so all the money stays locally.”

The campus campaign for United Way has distributed electronic pledge forms to UWindsor employees and continues its 2024 fundraising effort this week with a series of free events:

• the Women United coffee break at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in Katzman Lounge, Vanier Hall;
• information sessions on “Why Donate to United Way” at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, through MS Teams;
• an online wrap-up at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, which will announce winners of incentive draws.

Find more details on the campaign website and download the virtual background and email signature graphics to show your support and raise awareness.

A new eatery on the lower level of the Ron. W. Ianni Faculty of Law Building is the result of a partnership between the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance and a grad.

Mackie Jones (BComm 2019) is the owner-operator of the Açai Shack, which specializes in providing healthy, affordable, and beautifully crafted treats, perfect for busy students needing a nutritious boost between classes. The menu features a variety of açai bowls with three unique bases, protein-packed smoothies, energy-boosting protein balls, and a selection of beverages including coffee and matcha.

The business is based in Amherstburg and opened a campus location Oct. 1. It operates 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.

“We are excited to welcome the Açai Shack to our campus,” says UWSA president Ghallia Hashem. “This partnership not only supports Windsor alumni but also offers our students delicious and healthy eating options right where they study.”

To accommodate hectic student schedules, the outlet provides the option of placing orders online for pickup. Find more information about the Açai Shack and its offerings on its website.

Naved Bakali, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education, is embarking on a project to challenge bias and fill gaps in pre-service teacher preparation.

Recently awarded close to $60,000 through the federal Insight Grant and Insight Development Grant programs, Dr. Bakali is exploring how teacher education programs prepare students regarding issues of race and racism, and more specifically what training is provided to understand the lived experiences of Muslim students.

“Muslims are one of the fastest growing religious minorities in Canada, and account for over 20 per cent of the total student body in some school boards,” Bakali said.

“The study will help inform curricular reform within teacher education programs in Ontario, and perhaps even other provinces if we are able to build on this study in the future.”

While numerous studies have examined the experiences of Muslim students and educators in public schools across Canada, there has been limited research on the preparedness of students enrolled in teacher education programs to enact culturally responsive and relevant pedagogies that effectively meet the needs of Muslim students in Ontario, Bakali said.

Bakali and his team — two doctoral students in the Faculty of Education along with faculty from Niagara University — plan to interview 50 pre-service teachers from across 10 southern Ontario universities.

“We want to understand how well prepared these teacher candidates feel their programs are in training them to work with and teach a substantial and growing minoritized demographic in Ontario schools,” he explained.

Doctoral students Rasha Qaisi and Fatima Fakih are excited to be part of the research team and hope to help make a meaningful impact on Ontario’s educational system.

“As an advocate for inclusive education, I am eager to contribute to research that provides insights into how current programs equip future teachers with the tools they need to support diverse learners,” Qaisi said.

Fakih echoed Qaisi’s comments, adding that she “is honoured to participate in research with such important implications for teacher education programming across Ontario” emphasizing the need to address critical issues surrounding the school experiences of minoritized students.

In addition to their research efforts, Bakali and his team plan to host two pre-service teacher development workshops at the University of Windsor and Niagara University. The workshops will focus on techniques and practices for educators to challenge racism and effectively teach Muslim students.

More information will be shared on the Faculty of Education website as it becomes available.

Information sessions Wednesday, Oct. 9, will provide information on the Innovative Designs for Accessibility (IDeA) student competition, which solicits innovative, practical, and cost-effective solutions to address accessibility issues which affect persons with disabilities.

The Office of Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility sponsors the annual UWindsor competition, giving students valuable, hands-on learning experiences and expanding the accessibility culture on campus and beyond.

All UWindsor students are eligible to enter alone or as a group. Ideas created and developed as a part of course work may also be entered. All entrants will participate in making a pitch to the judging panel explaining their ideas and how they would eliminate a barrier to accessibility for a chance to win prizes up to $500 in UWinCASH.

The competition is open until Jan. 31, 2025. More information about the competition and past entries can be found at www.uwindsor.ca/ohrea/idea-competition.

Today’s info sessions will be conducted online:

• 10 to 10:30 a.m. Session #1 Registration Link
• 3:30 to 4 p.m. Session #2 Registration Link

To invite IDeA student co-ordinator Hannah Sauve to attend a class to provide a brief presentation and answer questions, email idea@uwindsor.ca.

A new student club aiming to promote French on campus will hold its first social event this evening in the Leddy Library Collaboratory.

A game night promising French music and snacks along with board and card games is open to all, from 6 to 9 p.m., says Andrelle Mboudjeke, vice-president of Le Chapitre Jeunesse du Club Richelieu.

“The club recognizes the importance of a community where francophones and francofans can connect and diversify themselves in French culture,” she says.  We also want French speaking students outside of the French department to recognize the asset they have in having French as a second language, which is why we have an executive team of different majors — from French studies to biomedical sciences.”

Richelieu International was founded as a social service club in Ottawa in 1944. The Windsor chapter and professors Emmanuelle Richez and Tanja Collet-Najem helped to found the campus youth chapter in September.

The Lancer men’s golf team captured the Ontario University Athletics championship last weekend at Ambassador Golf Club: its first since 1994.

Jarrod Smith and Alek Mauro were named all-stars after tying for silver medals with identical one over par scores. Teammate Nicholas Tanovich was named a second team all-star. Daniel Abraha of Queen’s University held the top spot on the individual leaderboard, finishing four under par.

OUA named Lancer head coach Adam Wagner its men’s golf coach of the year.

 Read the full story at goLancers.ca.

The 18th annual Celebration of Teaching Excellence, hosted by the Office of the Provost and the Centre for Teaching and Learning, will highlight the achievements of faculty recognized for their contributions as educators.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. today — Wednesday, Oct. 9 — in the Alumni Auditorium on the second floor of the CAW Student Centre.