the words Virtual Fall Open House superimposed on computerProspective students can get a feel for the UWindsor experience at the Virtual Fall Open House on Saturday, Nov. 21.

University to welcome virtual visitors Saturday

Even without setting foot on the campus, prospective students can get a feel for the UWindsor experience at the Virtual Fall Open House on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The cyber-event will showcase the University’s academic programs and support services while respecting current restrictions on large gatherings.

Attendees will be able to connect with professors and current students, get their questions answered through chat, take a virtual tour of campus with a student ambassador, and even enter a prize draw.

Live webinars in the online auditorium complement more than 50 booths in the exhibit hall. Attendees can also access the Lancer Lounge — a networking space to meet other prospective students, get more familiar with post-secondary life, and ask student ambassadors about the transition to university.

The action runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Register at uwindsor.ca/openhouse.

Mina WiebeEnglish student Mina Wiebe took top honours in the “Why Humanities?” competition.

Contest winner seeks better world

If we ever want the world to be better, we must listen to those who argue it isn’t, says Mina Wiebe.

The English student took top honours Friday in the “Why Humanities?” competition, which challenged students to consider the necessity of these disciplines in times of crisis.

“My immediate reaction was to focus solely on the pandemic,” Wiebe says. “After some reflecting, I knew I wanted to focus on struggles besides my own.”

The resulting essay, entitled “Humanity’s Rejection of Stagnancy: Our Movement Toward Petry’s Better World,” highlights the Black Lives Matter movement.

Wiebe is glad to have this message heard, and also welcomes the prize of a $3,000 tuition credit, sponsored by the Office of the President and the Office of the Provost.

“This is my third and final submission to this competition,” she says. “It was an honour to win after so many tries.”

The contest is held each year by the Humanities Research Group. Other 2020 finalists included: Abigail Daniel, Gabriella Krystia, Alex-Andrei Ungurenasu, and Ruby Urlocker.

person paying for groceries in storeCanada’s K-shaped recovery is deepening the lines between rich and poor, two UWindsor professors write in the Toronto Star.

Profs tout solutions to address income inequality

Economic data indicate that Canadians who were well-off before the pandemic are benefiting, while those who had been marginalized are suffering, two UWindsor instructors argue in an opinion piece published Sunday in the Toronto Star newspaper.

“Research suggests that income inequality is reaching worrisome levels,” write economics professor emeritus Ron Meng and Imran Abdool, lecturer in economics and finance. “COVID-19 and its congruent economic crisis is an opportunity to implement key changes that will set Canada’s economic trajectory on the right path.”

They suggest three measures: a universal basic income with automatic stabilizers; high-quality, affordable child care; and a well-designed wealth tax.

“Any increase in government revenues could be used to shore-up our health-care system and its backlogged cases, or to keep our education system competitive — critical to our long-term prosperity.”

Read their entire piece, “Canada’s K-shaped recovery is deepening the lines between rich and poor. Here’s how we can shift our economy toward a fair outcome for all,” online.

conferency image

Cancer conference a unique opportunity for research connections

The Windsor Cancer Research Group (WCRG), WE-Spark Health Institute’s flagship program, is holding its fifth Biennial International Cancer Research Conference – Virtual Edition from Nov. 19 to 21.

Keynote speakers include Sheila Singh, pediatric neurosurgeon and professor at McMaster University, and Lucy Godley, professor of medicine and human genetics at the University of Chicago.

Over 200 registrants will be attending from across Canada, the United States, the Philippines, Iran, Switzerland, and South Africa. Almost 70 abstracts have been submitted from a diverse background including medical oncology, biology, physics, chemistry, medical biophysics, psychology, and machine learning. Registrants include students from all levels, researchers, and physicians who will have the opportunity to highlight their research projects through talks and poster presentations.

Sessions will include patient perspectives; equity, diversity, and inclusion discussions; and a special presentation by the Canadian Cancer Society’s Research Information and Outreach Team.

“This international conference is an excellent forum for people to showcase their latest research projects and ideas,” said UWindsor professor of biomedical sciences Lisa Porter, executive director, WE-Spark Health Institute. “Although we have always looked forward to a face-to-face conference, this virtual format is a unique opportunity for people from all over the world to connect and share the latest advancements in cancer diagnostics, treatments, and care.”

The virtual conference is free; registration is open to everyone interested in cancer research until Nov. 21. Click here for the detailed conference schedule and to register.

plate of high-fibre foodsA wellness tip calls for consumption of such fibre-rich foods as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Fill up on fibre, advises human resources

A message shared Monday by the Department of Human Resources calls on UWindsor faculty and staff to get more fibre in their diets.

In a wellness tip, dietitian Sara Perissinotti of the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre notes that foods high in fibre promote healthy digestion and may lower cholesterol and the risk of developing colon cancer.

Find more info, including a link to some great ideas for fibre-rich meals and snacks, in the entire message.