It’s exciting to be able to help develop study-abroad experiences for UWindsor students, says the University’s new co-ordinator for Go Global programming.

Two-time grad Emily Stadder (BHK 2018, MHK 2023) will head up efforts to promote international study and work experiences.

“I am looking forward to being a part of this great program and providing assistance to faculty looking to create their own study-abroad courses, as well as to students looking to participate in the Go Global STEPs or iWIL Go Global Programs,” she says.

The Go Global Study Abroad Experience Program (Go Global STEPs) provides funding and comprehensive support for undergraduate students to participate in short-term faculty-led study-abroad programs.

The iWIL Go Global program funds students to engage in international work-integrated learning opportunities, such as paid or unpaid internships, co-operative education placements, community service-learning posts, and research projects abroad.

“We know that these experiences strengthen student skills and competencies and how important it is to provide financial support, especially to low-income students, students with disabilities, and Indigenous students,” Stadder says.

Chris Busch, associate vice-president, enrolment management, chairs the Go Global steering committee. He welcomes Stadder’s addition to the team.

“Emily’s role is pivotal in supporting our faculty and students, fostering an environment that encourages and facilitates global mobility,” Dr. Busch says. “Her dedication and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of our Go Global initiatives, allowing us to continue expanding horizons and creating meaningful international experiences for our university community.”

More information is available on the global engagement website or by reaching out to Stadder at estadder@uwindsor.ca.

The holidays are a fun time for her family, says Mary Pallisco, and knowing they are sharing the blessings of the season with others makes the experience even better.

The third-year social work student volunteered Thursday to help load donations from across the campus to the Children’s Aid Society Holiday Program. Under the program, faculties, departments, and individuals “adopt” families and raise cash or buy items on their wish lists.

For the second straight year, Pallisco enlisted members of her own family to sponsor one of the community’s needy families.

“My family works on it together, buying gifts to donate,” she said. “It definitely feels good to help people.”

She noted that her studies in social work alerted her to issues of poverty in Windsor-Essex.

“We’re learning about community struggles and also what we can do to help,” said Pallisco.

That urge to help filled a truck with boxes of gifts for the charity drive, Tuesday outside the Welcome Centre.

This year, the University of Windsor community collected over $34,000 worth of gifts for more than 40 families, said campaign organizer Sabina Howell, administrative assistant in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

“I am always impressed with the generosity of people at the University, especially when it comes to making the holidays special for children,” she said.

It’s a sentiment Pallisco shares.

“Seeing what we do make an impact on people really just fills me with joy,” she said.

The Children’s Aid Society reports the program has enjoyed unprecedented support, with every registered family or individual in need finding a sponsor.

Seventeen new faculty members have joined the Faculty of Science during the past two years.

Readers of yesterday’s DailyNews met six members from a range of departments and backgrounds. Today will introduce the other five latest hires.

These faculty members are joining as teaching intensive assistant professors in the Masters of Applied Computing (MAC) program in the School of Computer Science: Shafaq Khan, Prashanth Cheluvasai Ranga, Aznam Yacoub, Shaoquan Jiang, and Kalyani Selvarajah.

“Addition of these teaching intensive faculty positions is greatly helping the School of Computer Science in properly managing the master’s in applied computing program,” says Imran Ahmad, acting director of the School of Computer Science.

“All of these faculty members are teaching core MAC courses and supervising projects in their field of specialization.”

Dr. Khan’s current interests are in databases, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital transformations. Previously, she has taught at the Zayed University and University of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and has received several awards, including for “Excellence in Teaching,” “Best Conference Presentation,” and “Best Faculty.”

With more than 20 years of teaching experience in universities across the U.S., India and Canada, Dr. Ranga’s teaching and expertise include high-performance computing, systems programming, algorithms, operating systems, and database design.

Dr. Yacoub’s work is grounded at the intersection of cognitive science, cognitive computing, multimedia, and software engineering. He is focusing on modelling the human mind and creating a computing system simulating awareness and consciousness.

Dr. Selvarajah previously worked in the broad area of social network analysis and knowledge graph analysis at the University of Windsor. Her expertise is in team formation, link prediction, and information retrieval using deep learning and machine learning.

Dr. Jiang’s expertise is in security protocol, network security, blockchain, quantum and post-quantum security, and cybersecurity education. His current work involves quantum-security analysis of multi-signature payment method for the blockchain; he is also collaborating on the QKD security project.

“These diverse teaching intensive positions will see the new professors use their unique expertise to build capacity in the various areas of their teaching,” says interim dean of science, Dora Cavallo-Medved. “In addition, this creates new and exciting experiential learning opportunities for students in partnership with our faculty.”

The Jackman Dramatic Art Centre turned into an arcade Tuesday, as the Club SoDA student society hosted competitions on video games in studios throughout the building.

Students played Just Dance, Mario Kart, Smash Bros, Mortal Kombat, as well as arcade games provided by the Turbo Espresso Bar, says Reena Dyck, the club’s public affairs co-ordinator.

“This event is something we hope to continue throughout each semester,” she says. “It is a lovely break from exam studying and a great time to socialize and relax.”

Canada’s new three-digit suicide crisis helpline, 9-8-8, is available by phone or text 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide connections that create hope, support recovery, and find strategies for coping, says Katie Chauvin, mental health and wellness co-oordinator in Student Health, Counselling, & Wellness Services.

“If you are feeling overwhelmed, if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or if you are worried about someone else, 9-8-8 is a resource that you can turn to for support,” Chauvin says. “The three-digit number connects callers to a network of trained responders who will listen, care, and understand, and who can offer additional resources for support.”

Learn what to expect when you call or text and how to help others who might be thinking about suicide on the 988 website.

The University’s suicide prevention program, “It Matters that You’re Here,” highlights many other 24/7 and crisis resources available to members of THE campus community. Visit uwindsor.ca/wellness/you-matter.

Chauvin notes that there are other supports available to students during exams or any time they wish to reach out for help. Find details on the wellness website.

Faculty and staff may access resources through the Employee Mental Health Strategy.

The UwinCARD Office is gearing up for a move, relocating from its current spot in the CAW Student Centre to the west entrance of the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre on Jan. 3.

The decision to shift locations will enhance operational efficiency and streamline essential campus services, says Shae Harasym, director of ancillary operations. Moving closer to Parking Services will create a centralized service hub, making access more convenient for students and staff.

“We’re excited about this move as it aligns with our commitment to enhancing accessibility and convenience for students and staff,” Harasym said. “Consolidating our services will provide a more integrated and efficient experience.”

During this transition period, individuals seeking UwinCARD Office support or assistance may reach out via email at uwincard@uwindsor.ca or by phone at 519-253-3000, ext. 8946. Incoming students are also asked to watch for an invitation email with a link asking them to upload their UwinCARD photo online as soon as possible so their new student card is ready for pickup in January.