UWindsor students have the chance to win prizes, as well as provide input into the development of short-term international study programs, by participating in a short online survey.

Recognizing that not all students have the time or money to devote to traditional full-semester exchange, the Outbound Student Mobility Program aims to widen opportunities to benefit from international experience.

The survey will gather information to identify short-term opportunities for mobility and consider the barriers that inhibit students from participating, with the goal of sharing findings with faculty to enhance programming.

It is open until April 30. Take the survey.

Respondents may enter a prize draw for one of seven gift cards: two for $250 from Air Canada and five for $50 from Amazon.

The study has received clearance from the University of Windsor Research Ethics Board.

Spring is here! The sun shines brighter, and the weather gets warmer each day. With the provincial stay-at-home order, this is the perfect time to venture outdoors, in areas where you can physically distance, get some exercise, clear your mind, and embrace the signs of spring.

The Workplace Wellness Committee invites UWindsor faculty and staff to participate in the Spring Shutter Bug Photo Contest.

Being in green spaces, whether your neighborhood park or your own backyard, has been linked to many mental health benefits, including lower stress, improved attention, and better mood.

Next time you get outside, bring along your phone or camera, capture a photo of your favourite spring sightings that are unique, bring you joy, inspire you, energize you — or are simply fun! — and enter the images into the contest by May 14 for a chance to win prizes.

Find details of the requirements, judging, and prizes on the Human Resources Spring Shutter Bug Photo Contest website.

The University acknowledged the Graduate Student Society as a major stakeholder with responsibilities to represent, serve, and advocate for students in a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations signed Monday.

“We are thrilled to be able to sign the first MOU between the GSS and the University,” GSS president Sathish Pichika said. “This agreement will allow for greater graduate student-focused collaboration through increased representation, communication, and accountability in important academic and student experience initiatives.”

Among the issues addressed in the document are accountability, financial mattters, and a framework for enhancing the relationship between the parties. Signatories committed to enhancing all aspects of the graduate student experience and to fostering student participation in the decision-making process.

“With the GSS being the second-largest student association on campus with nearly 4,300 members, we see this document as one of many first steps in enhancing our relationship with the University in a respectful, productive and meaningful manner,” Pichika said.

An online Trivia Night promises a chance for UWindsor faculty and staff to engage in some collegial competition Friday, May 7, at 8 p.m.

The PAC Rats team from Public Affairs and Communications — Renée Trombley, John-Paul Bonadonna, Kevin Johnson, Angelo Montilla, and Sarah Sacheli — is preparing questions to test the recall of players.

Contestants may form teams of five, or individuals can ask to be assigned to a team. Email Sacheli to sign up or for more information. There is no cost to participate; to register as a team, provide all members’ names as well as a team name.

Blackboard has introduced an updated content editor.

Watch Centre for Teaching and Learning’s student online learning assistant Eric Mcfarlane as he walks through the visual changes as well as new features of Blackboard’s content editor interface in this 108-second Tech Talk video.

While all Blackboard users have access to the refreshed content editor, it is anticipated faculty will use it the most. For more information about Blackboard, click on the link in the Comments section below the video.

Tech Talk is a presentation of Information Technology Services. More Tech Talks are available at www.uwindsor.ca/its/tech-talk.

Since most growth of bones occurs in childhood and adolescence, growing older means trying to maintain their density and slow the rate of loss.

In a message sent Monday to UWindsor staff and faculty, Human Resources shares tips to keep your bones strong as you age:

• Choose calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, and kefir, and non-dairy sources such as fortified soy and rice beverages and leafy green vegetables. 
• Remember vitamin D, potassium, and magnesium, which help bodies absorb calcium in foods.
• Stay active; walking, hiking, lifting weights, or yoga can improve muscle strength, balance, and co-ordination to lower the risk of breaking bones. 
• Limit caffeine, since having too much can lower the amount of calcium you absorb.

Read the entire Wellness Tip of the Week.