The Cross-Border Institute is now accepting applications for a new program in international trade, border management, cross-border logistics and security—the first of its kind in the world—that can lead program graduates to the professional designation of Certified International Trade Professional.

The Border Management and International Trade Certificate program, offered in partnership with the Forum for International Trade Training, is an eight-course program. Beginning January 30, it will be offered by the institute on a continuous four-week cycle, one at a time, Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in order to accommodate working professionals and students currently studying in complementary disciplines.

“With its location at the busiest border crossing in North America, the University of Windsor is uniquely suited to offer a program of this type,” says Bill Anderson, Ontario Research Chair in Cross-Border Transportation Policy and director of the Cross-Border Transportation Centre.

“This is a program that bridges the traditional disciplines and will address emerging trends in international trade while taking into consideration the needs and focus of stakeholders from such areas as government, industry and academia.”

Dr. Anderson says the program has broad application for anyone interested in understanding and navigating the challenges around borders and border management and is suitable for mid-career professionals, anyone considering a career in an international border related field, or for individuals studying for personal interest.

Courses, which can be taken as stand-alone classes, or as part of the certification program, include offerings in such areas as supply chain management; international marketing and the regulatory environment; trade law, policy and the international political environment, and a number of other areas that Anderson says will appeal to students with a broad range of interests.

“Cross-border issues have far-reaching impact and implications for everyone from the manufacturing executive to the casual border user,” Anderson says. “We are proud to be the first university in the world to offer a program of this type and think that the University of Windsor’s geographic setting and the perspective we bring to border issues is an ideal fit.”

Find course requirements and other details on the program website.

The public is invited to listen in as nine top music majors compete for the school’s most-prestigious award for performance, Sunday, January 18, at 2:30 p.m. in room 126, Music Building.

Contestants for the Ron W. Ianni Memorial Scholarship in Performance won invitations based on their outstanding grades in the December performance juries. The $500 annual award, established by Mina Grossman-Ianni and the School of Music in 2005 to honour the late president of the University of Windsor, is open only to full-time students enrolled in a music degree program.

This year’s entrants are:

• Vocalist Lisette Gagnon performing “Children’s Games” by Antonio Carlos Jobim;
• Percussionist Brandon Lefrancois performing “Carousel” by David Friedman and Dave Samuels;
• Baritone David Katich-McNamara singing “Non siate ritrosi” from Così fan tutte by Wolfgang A. Mozart;
• Tenor Cody Weldon singing “Come raggio di sol” by Antonio Caldara;
• Saxophonist Sebastian Bachmeier perfoming “Fantaisie” by Jérome Savari;
• Trumpeter Amanda Hanson performing movements 1 and 2 of “Sonata” by Paul Hindemith;
• Percussionist Christopher Chamberlain performing “Carousel” by David Friedman and Dave Samuels;
• Pianist Nadia Santoro playing “Córdoba Op. 232, no. 4” by Isaac Albéniz; and
• Guitarist Daniel Turner performing “Fantasia on Themes from La Traviata” by Francisco Tarrega.

Jurors will assess the finalists and the winner of the scholarship will be announced at the conclusion of the concert. Admission is $10; $5 for students.

Complete performer biographies, photos and repertoire details are available on the event webpage.

The Psychological Services and Research Centre will start the new year with a campaign aimed at helping students develop and maintain healthy relationships, emphasizing relationship satisfaction, boundaries, communication patterns, and the role of technology in modern relationships.

The project is part of the centre’s accredited academic program, which supports clinical training for graduate psychology students under the direction of faculty advisors. 

Doctoral candidates Jean Kim and Fiona Dyshniku will run the program under the direction of clinical supervisor Annette Dufresne, funded by a grant from UWindsor’s Women’s Campus Safety Initiative.

“We want to help students to understand that healthy relationships are a right,” says Kim.

A workshop Wednesday, January 28, will provide a forum for discussion and education. Free and open to all students, it will run 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room 265A, Chrysler Hall South.

The two graduates students will also facilitate a free six-week group therapy program for pre-screened students beginning February 24, focused on using emotions as a guide towards achieving and maintaining healthy relationships. To register, e-mail healthyrelationships1@gmail.com.

“The topic of healthy relationships is particularly pertinent to women on university campuses and provides an ideal learning opportunity for graduate students at the centre,” says Dr. Dufresne. “Surveys have shown that four out of five female undergraduate students on Canadian campuses report having been the victim of violence in a dating relationship, with more than 80 percent of campus rapes committed by someone the victim knows. Our students are not only fulfilling their academic requirements, they are providing a much-needed service to the campus community.”

The Peer Support Centre, which offers a safe and inclusive space for students to drop in and talk with a supportive peer, will staff a table the CAW Student Centre on January 28 encouraging passersby to write down their thoughts on relationships as part of a “Post-It” activity. The exercise is intended for students to share both their positive and negative relationship experiences so others can see that they are not alone in their concerns.