This year’s T-shirts for Orange Shirt Day bear a design by a local Indigenous youth.

Seneca Isaac’s submission was selected in a design competition held by the Turtle Island – Aboriginal Education Centre.

“We wanted an opportunity to highlight local Indigenous youth artists with our logo competition and Seneca drew a beautiful turtle shell that is reflective of our centre,” says Aboriginal outreach and retention co-ordinator Kat Pasquach. “We loved her drawing submission.”

The new logo is printed on orange T-shirts available for sale this month. Turtle Island has been leading the annual sale of orange shirts on campus with support from student groups in observance of the Sept. 30 Orange Shirt Day. T-shirts, toques, lawn signs, cookbooks, and buttons will be available to purchase at pop-ups — at the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 and 28, and in the CAW Student Centre on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The proceeds will benefit programming for Indigenous students at the University:

• T-shirts $30
• Lawn signs $30
• Campus Community Cookbooks $30
• Toques $25
• Buttons, by donation

There are also shirts available for ordering in bulk.

“We have leftover shirts with our previous design still available,” Pasquach says. “We are offering these for bulk orders at $20 a shirt, with a minimum order of 10 shirts.”

They are available in limited sizes and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchases for bulk orders may be made with cash or by journal transfer. Email Pasquach at katpasq@uwindsor.ca.

The official launch of the Black Scholars Institute is taking place Sept. 26 with a full day of events, including keynote speakers, panel discussions, food, and live entertainment.

The events begin at 9 a.m. with refreshments in the BSI lounge in the lower level of the CAW Student Centre. Activities then move to the student centre atrium, with drumming, a libations pour ritual, and speakers. The first keynote address will be virtual at 10:30 a.m. by George Sefa Dei of the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, followed at 11 a.m by a community panel, and at 11:40 a.m. with an in-person address from Irene Moore Davis of the Essex County Black Historical Research Society.

A complimentary lunch featuring authentic cuisine will be accompanied by live music by the Josh Johnson Band in the BSI lounge at noon before an afternoon that features a panel discussion at 1:30 p.m. featuring OmiSoore Dryden, the James R. Johnston Chair Black Canadian Studies and Director of Black Studies (in STEMM) Research Institute at Dalhousie University; Tanya Sharpe, founder and director of the Centre for Research and Innovation for Black Survivors of Homicide Victims at the University of Toronto; and Cheryl Thompson, director of the Black Creative Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Come learn more about the institute, director Camisha Sibblis, and the institute’s members, including the 13 new faculty members who have joined the campus through the Black Scholars Hiring Initiative.

Admission is free, but registration is recommended. Register here.

Inspired by his Spanish language teacher and the joy he brought to the classroom, assistant professor of education Jean Kaya chose to pursue a career in language and education. His passion for fostering meaningful learning experiences has earned him two master’s degrees — one in modern foreign languages and another in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) — as well as a PhD in education. Dr. Kaya’s research centres on the intersections of language, literacy, and culture, which he believes are essential to learning and social practices.

His work focuses on intercultural learning and literacy, aiming to help students develop empathy and engage in transformative social action. He emphasizes the importance of critical dialogue between teachers and students to foster a more equitable society.

DailyNews will showcase the contributions and insights of members of the Black Scholars Institute leading up to its official launch on Sept. 26 and connected with Kaya to discuss his research goals and experience.

Q: Tell us about your research interests and what projects you’d like to pursue at UWindsor.

A: My research interests include language, literacy, and teacher education. I will investigate pre-service teachers’ preparedness to teach literacy and integrate critical literacies into their pedagogies, as well as in-service teachers’ intercultural learning. I will also examine the experiences of domestic and international students from diverse backgrounds.

Q: Can you share a bit about your academic journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in education?

A: I reflected on the roles and responsibilities of teachers in society while in secondary school and, along with the overall attitude and immense joy my Spanish language teacher brought to class, I chose to study language and education in postsecondary. I first completed my master’s degree in modern foreign languages, then my second master’s degree in TESOL before completing my PhD in education. What inspired me to pursue a career in education is that joy and attitude of my Spanish language teacher and my belief that engaging in critical conversations with teachers and students is the best way to cultivate hope and contribute to a more equitable society.

Q: What led you to become a part of the University of Windsor’s Black Scholars Institute?

A: It is the context and my interest in advancing intercultural understanding and social justice. Colonization and slavery left a legacy of negative stereotypes and social injustice towards Black individuals. Mediating such injustice requires establishing deliberate equity-driven goals through a systems approach. I see the Black Scholars Institute as a powerful entry point for me to contribute to the achievement of such equity-driven goals alongside other scholars.

Q: Could you explain the significance of your work and research interests?

A: Language, literacy, and culture are the core of learning and social practices. Without language, in its varied forms, we cannot accomplish much in other academic disciplines and life in general. My work and research have the potential to inform culturally relevant practices and educational policies that value all learners’ cultural backgrounds, linguistic repertoires, and diverse ways of knowing.

Q: What do you believe are some of the most pressing challenges in your field today?

A: One of the key goals in language and literacy education is to prepare students to critically analyze social practices, develop empathy, and engage in transformative social action. As news headlines globally show, however, social actions have not kept pace with the rapid rise of social injustices. Therefore, preparing critically and socially just citizens is one of the most pressing challenges. Another challenge is the unequal opportunities for students to access digital technologies, which have substantially shaped the meanings of literacy.

Q: In what ways do you hope your research will influence literacy education?

A: One way is through the teacher preparation context, as I examine pre-service teachers’ philosophies of literacy instruction and support them in broadening their understandings of literacy and its intersections with language, culture, and social justice. This includes fostering critical literacies as a framework to interrogate social structures, media literacy, information literacy, visual literacy, and other literacies necessary to function in and contribute to our society. In the K-12 context, I investigate teachers’ intercultural learning to gain insight into practical strategies that demonstrate how literacy education is an opportunity to create more equitable, relevant, and inclusive communities for learners and citizens from diverse backgrounds.

Karim Malik, an assistant professor in the School of Environment, uses advanced technology to address key ecological challenges. His work combines environmental science with cutting-edge tools to tackle pressing issues facing our planet.

In his research, Dr. Malik employs remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and geospatial tools to uncover and address environmental changes. His innovative approaches include forecasting land use shifts and developing algorithms to monitor snow, aiming to deepen our understanding of human impacts and climate change effects.

Malik’s goal is to advance environmental monitoring capabilities and formulate strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. His work is geared towards creating actionable insights that inform policy and promote sustainable environmental practices.

DailyNews will showcase the contributions and insights of members of the Black Scholars Institute leading up to its official launch on Sept. 26 and connected with Malik to discuss his research goals and experience.

Q: Tell us about your research interests and what projects you’d like to pursue at UWindsor.

A: My research interests include:

• Remote sensing of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to detect anomalous changes in environmental quality parameters due to human-induced disturbances.

• Landscape similarity analysis to understand human impacts (spatial processes) on landscape structure and function.

• Developing artificial intelligence, computer vision, and deep/machine learning models to model, detect, quantify, and forecast land use and land cover change.

• Integrating geospatial tools, remote sensing, and AI methods to develop robust Earth monitoring tools.

Research projects:

• Land-use and land cover modelling and forecasting.

• Ecosystem restoration assessment using geospatial tools and AI and machine learning.

• Global warming and climate change impacts on snow.

• AI-based super-resolution of coarse-resolution Earth observation data.

• Harmful algal bloom quantification via remote sensing and AI/machine learning.

Q: Can you share a bit about your academic journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in education?

A: My journey to pursue a career in geography began at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, where I completed my MSc degree. I took Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as one of the courses toward completing my degree. This inspired me to pursue a PhD in geography, specializing in geomatics at Wilfrid Laurier University. After my PhD, I joined the University of Toronto and taught GIS and GIS programming courses for three years.

Q: What led you to become a part of the University of Windsor’s Black Scholars Institute?

A: My quest to play an instrumental role in strengthening the network of Black scholars and to inspire and mentor future generations of Black scholars.

Q: Could you explain the significance of your work and research interests?

A: My work integrates geospatial tools, computer vision, and deep/machine learning to model, quantify, and forecast the impacts of natural and human-induced disturbances. By deploying these new technologies, we can monitor human disturbances (e.g., land degradation, deforestation), understand climate change impacts, and formulate better mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies.

Q: What do you believe are some of the most pressing challenges in your field today?

A:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are regarded as black boxes; therefore, they are not fully trusted. Pursuing explainable AI has been my only option.

• Detecting significant change from spurious change remains a fundamental challenge.

• Testing for the statistical significance of change has been a daunting task.

Q: In what ways do you hope your research will influence environmental planning?

A: My work will provide tools to help policymakers devise effective land use and land cover change strategies and understand the future trajectory of resources that support livelihoods. My research in AI, computer vision, machine learning, and remote sensing will help develop tools for water quality assessment and ecosystem restoration evaluation. The algorithms I develop for snow monitoring will deepen our understanding of climate change impacts and provide impetus for policymakers to develop climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. Overall, my research will enhance public awareness of human impacts and climate implications for sustainable development on Earth.

The Chancellor Search Committee welcomes nominations for the position of Chancellor of the University of Windsor. The position profile and selection criteria can be found here.

Nomination packages are to include, at minimum:

1. a biography of the nominee;
2. a statement on how the nominee meets the criteria;
3. any other relevant documentation;
4. contact information of the nominee; and
5. contact information of the nominator.

Submit nominations by Oct. 18 to Renée Wintermute, University Secretary, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor ON  N9B 3P4 or at reneew@uwindsor.ca.

Are you a faculty researcher examining ways to dismantle barriers faced by equity-deserving groups in higher education? Do you have an idea for a bold, potentially game-changing proposal that could address barriers at the University of Windsor?

The Office of Research and Innovation Services seeks expressions of interest from faculty for being nominated for the Robbins-Ollivier Excellence in Equity Award. The award is valued at $100,000 and has a one-year duration.

The award was established to memorialize the struggle by a group of researchers to bring equity into the Canada Research Chairs program. The group’s fight at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal resulted in major changes to the program to improve representation of women, racialized individuals, Indigenous people, and individuals with disabilities in the flagship program.

Expressions of interest should outline your proposal for an innovative initiative that can be launched at the University of Windsor to benefit students, researchers, and the academic community more broadly. The proposal should highlight existing barriers and how the project will help break down or overcome those barriers, amplify strengths and opportunities, and should identify avenues for student involvement in research, outreach, and program delivery.

To be eligible for nomination, you must be a full-time faculty member on a continuing appointment with a demonstrated record of commitment to equity in the research and academic system or the community more broadly through your scholarship, teaching, and service.

Expressions of interest should be no longer than two pages and can be submitted via the ERSO Research Portal by Sept. 30 at 4:30 p.m. Due to program restrictions, only one expression of interest will be selected to move forward to nomination.

Read the full call for expressions of interest.

The University of Windsor will unveil its new student-designed bird-friendly window and launch the Campus Sustainability Framework at a special event Tuesday, Sept. 24.

Learn how the framework will help to make the campus greener and safer for wildlife and be part of its commitment to a sustainable future.

The event will run noon to 1:30 p.m. on the second floor of the CAW Student Centre, outside the Alumni Auditorium. The formal program will begin at 12:15 p.m. and light refreshments will be provided — bring your reusable mug.

The observance marks both National Forest Week and Global Bird Rescue Week. National Forest Week encourages Canadians to explore the country’s forest heritage and increase awareness about this crucial and renewable resource. Visit the Canadian Institute of Forestry website for a guide on ways to celebrate Canadian forestry.

Passionate about string pedagogy, teacher training, and youth teaching, education professor Vanessa Mio-Quiring has developed courses for music performance and education majors at numerous post-secondary institutions.

Her commitment to the development of music education for young students is now reflected in the University of Windsor Lab School, which offers youths from four to 17 years old the chance to develop their musical skills in a group setting.

This fall, the Lab School will offer a program in strings and flute, along with a brand-new jazz mentorship program allowing high school students to work alongside University of Windsor music students.

“In the work and excitement of preparing a final concert, students in the lab develop life and leadership skills, the ability to work collectively as a team, and lasting relationships that nurture their overall well-being,” says Dr. Mio-Quiring.

Teamwork is also demonstrated by the Lab School organizers. In addition to Mio-Quiring, they include Bruce Kotowich, director of the School of Creative Arts, music professors Sally Bick and Michael Karloff, education professor emeritus Jonathan Bayley, and Lillian Scheirich, concertmaster of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.

Drs. Bick and Bayley are collaborating with Mio-Quiring on a project funded by an Insight Development Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, underscoring the importance of this work at a time when school boards have limited music programs or removed them entirely from the curriculum.

“The Lab School also focuses on the political and social importance of community based musical arts, and experiential elements related to inclusion and integration,” says Dr. Mio-Quiring. “We focus on mastery, challenging our students, encouragement, meaning, and belongingness.”

Classes are 60 minutes in length and start Sept. 21. If you are interested in enrolling your child in any Fall 2024 Lab School offerings, visit the Continuing Education page for more information.

UWindsor alumni, staff, students, and family registrations are eligible for a discount. Direct inquiries to continue@uwindsor.ca.

Patrons have been enjoying two new dining concepts from Food Services: “Bowlful” in the CAW Student Centre and “Natural!” in the Toldo Lancer Centre.

Bowlful allows clients to create their own perfect food bowl combining chicken or a plant-based option seasoned four ways with a choice of bases, sauces, and fresh toppings. Find it in the Marketplace.

Natural, in the Lancer Centre lobby, serves up sweet and healthy smoothies made from the finest ingredients. It’s the perfect post-workout treat, rebuilding and refuelling muscles.

Registration for swim lessons at the Toldo Lancer Centre is now open.

Classes start Monday, Sept. 23, and go until Monday, Dec. 2. Programs are available for all ages and skill levels: youth, adult, small class, and private lessons are all offered.

Advanced courses in aquatic leadership include Standard First Aid and CPR-C, Bronze Star, Broze Medallion/Cross, and National Lifeguard training.

Visit goLancers.ca for more information. Register online  or at the Lancer Centre service desk.

Are video essays the wave of the future for academics to present their research to colleagues and the global community? Philosophy PhD student Philip Morais (MA 2005, JD 2021) will address this question in a free public lecture Friday, Sept. 20.

Morais argues that this emerging medium has the potential to revolutionize the way academic work is shared and consumed, possibly signalling the end of the traditional “publish or perish” model that has dominated academia for decades.

“We are at the cusp of a transformation in how knowledge is disseminated,” Morais says. “Video essays open up the potential for more accessible, engaging, and interdisciplinary conversations, transcending the barriers of traditional journal publications.”

His presentation, “The Future of Academic Communication: Video Essays and the Death of Publish or Perish,” will consider issues surrounding the evolution of academic work and the growing influence of digital media.

Morais notes it will be of interest to researchers, whether faculty or students. It is set for 3 p.m. Friday in room 1163, Chrysler Hall North.

A workshop Wednesday, Sept. 18, offers dialogue about Take Back the Night activities and a chance to create placards and buttons for the event.

Take Back the Night is a worldwide movement to raise awareness and to fight for change regarding sexual, intimate partner, and domestic violence. The Windsor observance, with a theme of “Building Connected Communities,” is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, in Charles Clark Square.

Wednesday’s workshop begins at 7 p.m. in McPherson Lounge, Alumni Hall. It is hosted by the Violence Against Women Co-ordinating Committee Windsor-Essex.

The Organization of Part-time University Students will host a barbecue to celebrate the start of the academic year on Thursday, Sept. 19.

All students and other members of the campus community are welcome to attend and enjoy food, prizes, music, and more.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. outside the north end of Assumption Hall. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; contact the OPUS staff for details via email opus@uwindsor.ca or phone 519-253-3000, ext. 3603.

The University has declared a number of varied items for sale by bid as Disposal File 2092.

Available are:

• a four-drawer Steelcase filing cabinet with lift door;
• two Epson Powerlite projectors with carrying cases;
• a Sony digital still camera;
• a folding brochure stand with carrying case; and
• a Sentry Safe keyed fire chest.

Click here for more photos, item details, and instructions on submitting bids.