Lancer fan with face painted blue and goldKnow students who would make good mentors during Welcome Week? Encourage them to join the team!

Student volunteers to take lead role in orientation activities

A new structure to the University’s September welcome week orientation program has opened up volunteer opportunities for student leaders, says organizer Amber Norman, student development specialist in the Student Success Centre.

“Basically, forget everything you know about the dynamics of Welcome Week and what you’ve seen in the past on this campus,” she says. “This year, we are introducing the idea of faculty-based teams that will compete in a number of events new to UWindsor this fall.”

She says that approach has generated a need for student leaders who can act as mentors to the teams.

“Each of these positions is responsible for building a strong, crucial connection with our incoming first-year students,” Norman says. “We are looking for passionate leaders with a sense of pride in their own faculties, students who know their traditions and want to share them with the newbies.”

Volunteers will not need to be in Windsor during the summer, and will receive credit on their co-curricular transcripts for their participation as leaders.

The Student Success Centre has launched a recruitment campaign, and Norman hopes that faculty and staff will join in, encouraging suitable candidates to apply.

“Our renewed Welcome Week program represents a tremendous opportunity to build awareness and engagement within academic units,” she says. “Our leaders not only help incoming students through the initial week, but help them successfully transition to campus life.”

Applicants must be current undergraduate students. Find more information, including an online application survey, at uwindsor.ca/windsorwelcome/want-to-join-our-team.

Mark LefebvreArtist and performer Mark Lefebvre (BFA 1988), founder of the Stilt Guys, makes a point during a discussion of Windsor’s cultural sector, Thursday in the Freed-Orman Centre.

Community consultations provide perspective on University’s role

A series of consultations with key members of the community has provided valuable insight into what role the University of Windsor can play in the development of the region, province and country, says Jeff Berryman, associate vice-president, academic.

His office held breakfast sessions with representatives of five broad sectors:

  • manufacturing, energy and technology;
  • business, banking, computing and law;
  • health, psychology and social work;
  • government, education and municipalities;
  • creative arts, culture and entertainment.

Organized by academic initiatives officer Beverley Hamilton, each session brought together 40 to 50 people to discuss questions of public concern — and how the University’s curriculum can better prepare its graduates to address these challenges.

“It was wonderful to hear from all these community leaders on the importance they place on our work,” says UWindsor president Alan Wildeman, who attended all five breakfasts. “Their contributions will aid us in shaping the future of our institution.”

Berryman notes that the final report compiling all the input is still a month from completion and will circulate first to participants, then to the UWindsor community. The consultations are part of a province-wide effort by the Council of Ontario Universities to measure public opinion on how universities can improve the lives of Ontarians.

Those interested in providing input directly to the Council of Ontario Universities consultation may complete its survey here, or e-mail a message to insights@ontariosuniversites.ca.

Krystin LawrenceKrystin Lawrence scored 23 goals in 24 games for the Lancer women’s hockey team en route to selection as an all-Canadian by U Sports.

Lancer named all-Canadian in women’s hockey

U Sports has named forward Krystin Lawrence of the Lancer women’s hockey team an all-Canadian. Her 32 points led Ontario University Athletics in scoring and earned her its player of the year honours.

The third-year player was a provincial first-team all-star in hockey and soccer. Read the full story at goLancers.ca.

Legal community invited to dine with Ontario chief justice

George R. StrathyDean Chris Waters of Windsor Law invites all members of the local legal community to a reception and dinner Monday, March 20, with Chief Justice of Ontario George R. Strathy.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the Freed-Orman Conference Room, Assumption Hall, and will feature remarks by the Chief Justice over the buffet dinner.

Admission is free, but organizers welcome goodwill offerings to the student emergency bursary fund. If you wish to attend, RSVP to Cristina Corio at ccorio@uwindsor.ca.

Athletics department seeking head coach for track and field

The Division of Athletics and Recreational Services invites applications for the position of head coach of the Lancer track and field team.

A three-year limited ancillary academic staff appointment to commence as early as May 15, 2017, the position oversees operations of both the men’s and women’s track and field programs, responsible for organization, administration, fundraising, coaching and recruitment.

The UWindsor varsity track and field program boasts a tradition of excellence, having won 41 provincial championships and a record 21 national titles. Athletics and Recreational Services is seeking applicants who will work with administration, alumni and various stakeholders to continue this championship culture.

For additional detail and application requirements, view the complete job posting.