For more than three decades, Diane Rawlings has held several key positions at the University of Windsor, all focused on enhancing the student experience.

That commitment has inspired her to give back.

“Our donations can help provide meaningful experiences inside and outside of the classroom, contributing to a holistic education,” said Rawlings, special advisor to the associate vice-president, student experience.

She has been making donations to the University of Windsor for about 20 years.

Having worked in athletics and residence services, including serving as director before taking on her current role, Rawlings knows first-hand the importance of promoting student engagement and offering the support needed to help students grow.

“Whether you’re giving to residence, your faculty, or a society or club you participated in as a student, those are the experiences that get students outside the stresses of their courses and allow them to build connections,” she said. “That’s why I give — it provides the chance for someone else to participate.”

Reflecting on her own time on campus as a first-generation student, Rawlings said she relied on great professors and experiences outside the classroom to truly build her university life.

“Despite all the challenges we’re facing on campus, and even in these turbulent times, I try to step back and reflect on how those experiences have shaped my life. If I can give back, even a little, to help students have a positive experience like I had when I was in school, I hope it makes a difference,” she said.

As both a staff member and alumna, Rawlings recognizes the importance of community support in fostering student success. She believes that contributing — whether through time, resources or sharing expertise — enriches the university community.

Throughout her career, Rawlings has supported a variety of initiatives, including specific projects, scholarships and her alma mater, the Faculty of Human Kinetics, among other areas.

“You don’t have to give a lot to make a difference,” she said.

This Giving Tuesday, as communities come together to reflect on the importance of philanthropy — whether through time or donations — Rawlings’ perspective serves as a reminder of the lasting impact generosity can have, not only on students but on the broader university community.

A Giving Tuesday event Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. in the CAW Student Centre will feature a live performance by the classic rock cover band Leave Those Kids Alone. Attendees can support the community by donating non-perishable food items for the Campus Food Pantry or clean, gently used winter coats and snow pants for the Unemployed Help Centre’s Coats for Kids program, helping local families stay warm next season.

To learn more about how to give back, visit uwindsor.ca/supportuwindsor/ways-to-give.

In the spirit of the season and in celebration of Giving Tuesday, Information Technology Services in collaboration with Public Affairs and Communications and the University Print Shop, will provide letters from the North Pole to help spread extra cheer to you and your family.

On Dec. 3, you can pick up a letter from the North Pole for the true believers in your life, with four different letter design options available. These letters will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to grab yours while supplies last!

They’ll be available starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the CAW Student Centre Commons.

Organizers encourage, but do not require, employees to bring a donation for the student food bank or clean, new or gently used winter coats and snow pants of any size for the Giving Tuesday campaign when picking up their letters.

Drama students will perform across campus on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in a site-specific show tackling financial insecurity and its impact on the student experience.

Performing Precarity explores the effects of financial and budgetary constraints in areas such as student housing, mental health, and food insecurity.

Students from two classes in the School of Dramatic Art have been collaborating all semester to create the show. Prof. Alice Nelson’s class in applied theatre devised performances based on research and interviews with students and experts from across campus, in areas including the Campus Food Pantry; Student Health, Counselling and Wellness; the International Student Centre; Student Financial Aid; and Residence Services. Members of Michelle MacArthur’s criticism and dramaturgy class provided support on script development and are leading the audience outreach planned for Wednesday’s event.

“This was an opportunity for our students to work together and apply the skills they’ve been learning through the creation of original short plays about issues that matter to them,” said Dr. MacArthur.

Julia Young, a student in both courses, called the experience eye-opening.

“I was shocked to learn how food insecurity affects many international students, who often face additional barriers like limited work hours and unfamiliarity with local resources,” she said. “This project has made me realize the importance of building a supportive community to help our peers navigate these challenges and ensure no one goes hungry."

Performing Precarity begins at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the lobby of the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre and will lead audiences to different campus sites to watch five short scenes. The performance will conclude in the Jackman building for a talk back session at 2:45 p.m. featuring some of the partners interviewed for the project.

The performances are free, but audience members are encouraged to bring donations for the Campus Food Pantry.

Would you like to show your research to the whole country? Submit a vibrant image of your research to the Science Exposed contest for a chance to win $2,000 and showcase your work Canada-wide!

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) has launched a new edition of the research image challenge, inviting researchers to combine creativity and science. The contest is devoted exclusively to images of scientific research in all fields of study, but not research in the arts.

The goal of Science Exposed is to help foster a science culture in Canada by capturing vibrant research images that showcase the work of its talented research community. These images will help the Canadian population better understand and see, through the same lens as the research community, the work that is being done behind the scenes.

Contest closes on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Review the contest rules here.

A criminal record can be difficult to overcome. Despite their best efforts at demonstrating redeemability and reform, people with criminal records can find they become an insurmountable barrier to employment and housing.

At the Odette School of Business, professor Kemi Anazodo has been collaborating with the Centre of Research and Policy at the John Howard Society of Ontario to study, unpack, and tear down barriers to employment for people with criminal records.

Together with colleagues and research assistants, Dr. Anazodo helped to develop EMPower, a pre-employment program to promote employment and social participation among marginalized communities. The program ultimately helped connect job seekers who have been justice-involved with employers who are open to hiring them. Delivered in three Ontario cities, it lined up jobs for many participants before they had even completed the full curriculum.

“While research is a big part of our partnership, we have a much wider mandate to translate and disseminate knowledge,” Anazodo says. “It’s about having a real impact on people’s lives. Fair chance employment matters, and we miss out as a society when we don’t give people an opportunity.”

Learn more in the full article, “Breaking down barriers to employment,” published in the Research and Innovation in Action report.

Students can enjoy a holiday meal served by Student Centre elves on Wednesday, Dec. 4, starting at 10:30 a.m.

The annual Santa breakfast promises an appearance by the big guy himself, posing for photos and generally making merry.

After a hot breakfast sponsored by the alumni office, try decorating cookies with Lancer Recreation or eat some goodies from the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance. Everything is offered while supplies last.

“Come take a seat at our holiday tables and relax a bit with music and fun,” says organizer Sandra Riccio-Muglia.

The Black Law Students’ Association at Windsor Law has opened registration for the fifth annual Lloyd Dean Moot. Undergraduate students with a passion for law, advocacy, and public speaking are welcome to register for the competition.

The moot will occur virtually on Saturday, March 1. There will be a series of preliminary rounds culminating in a final round.

The moot provides an opportunity for undergraduate students who may have an interest in becoming a lawyer or attending law school to participate in a beginner-friendly competition and practise their oral advocacy skills. The first-place team will be awarded $1,000, and the second-place team will be awarded $500. Multiple other non-monetary awards will be distributed.

Participants may also have the opportunity to network with law students, lawyers, professors, legal practitioners, and judges, and learn more about attending Windsor Law.

Registration is open until Jan. 10 to all undergraduate students in Ontario. The link to register can be found here.

For more details, visit the Lloyd Dean Moot Website, or email lloyddeanmoot@gmail.com.