Jayce Robinson is excited at the prospect of trying the courts in the Toldo Lancer Centre.

About to enter Grade 10 at Westview Freedom Academy Secondary School, he likes to play basketball and volleyball, and was on hand Wednesday for the announcement of a program that may see him take advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities.

Financial planning firm IG Wealth Management donated $20,000 to fund the 12-month Empowerment Program, which will allow communities and youth groups in west Windsor to apply for free access to the Toldo Lancer Centre.

“It’s really cool, actually,” Robinson enthused before setting off to tour the building. “It’s definitely something I would love to use.”

Linda Rohr, dean of the Faculty of Human Kinetics, welcomes the program: “It will enable us to provide free access to the community” to the centre’s amenities, which include a gymnasium, badminton courts, pool, and walking track, as well as the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse and Alumni Stadium.

IG is thrilled to support the program, says the company’s regional vice-president, Trevor LeDrew.

“We know this initiative will help youth gain access to quality sport and recreation and develop confidence which is integral to building financial and overall well-being.”

Representatives of partnering community agencies Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Sandwich Teen Action Group, and the United Way also attended the Wednesday event.

Later this month, faculty and staff are invited to join facilitated discussions on anti-racism and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as part of the Aspire strategic planning process. Two sessions are scheduled to take place in Freed-Orman Commons, Assumption Hall, on the following dates:

• Thursday, Aug. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)
• Monday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon (anti-racism)

Clinton Beckford, acting vice-president of equity, diversity, and inclusion, says addressing the patterns, policies, practices, decision-making, and attitudes that perpetuate discrimination on campus will be a key focus of the University’s next strategic plan.

“Our hope is that these sessions will honour the strength, courage, and commitment of all of those who have taken on the work of advocating for change,” Dr. Beckford says.

“The unique experiences and insights from our faculty, staff, students, and community members are so important to this strategic planning process,” adds president Rob Gordon. “Your voice will have an impact on this key step in advancing social and racial justice on campus.”

The consultation sessions planning includes representatives from the Office of the Vice President, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; the Office of Human Rights, Equity, and Accessibility; the Office of the Senior Advisor to the President on Indigenous Relations and Outreach; the Office of Student Experience; and the Strategic Planning Team.

Staff and faculty interested in attending are asked to register in advance.

Chris Houser, dean of science, has accepted an appointment as interim vice-president, research and innovation, effective Sept. 1, UWindsor president Robert Gordon announced Wednesday.

“As you are aware, the University of Windsor has initiated a search for a new Vice President Research & Innovation (VPRI) as Dr. Michael Siu will be completing his second term and transitioning from this role at the end of August. The search process is well underway, but it is currently anticipated that the new VPRI will not be formally in place until late 2022 to early 2023,” Dr. Gordon wrote in a memo updating the university community.

The Office of the Provost will soon announce the appointment of an acting dean of the Faculty of Science in Dr. Houser’s absence.

Campus-community radio station CJAM is teaming with Windsor’s only indoor skate park to present a unique concert experience Thursday, Aug. 11.

The audience of this all-ages show will hear from My Dear Friends, Kicksie, and Alluvial Fans while having a chance to hit the ramps on their own skateboard, rollerblades, roller skates, or scooter.

The event gets underway at 8 p.m. at Skate TF, 2491 Dougall Ave. Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 in advance, available here.

Senate-approved provisions for e-meetings end Aug. 31, so the University’s academic governing body will return to meeting in-person.

Its regular meetings are in room 203, Toldo Health Education Centre, on the second Friday of each month at 2:30 p.m., except in the months when Convocations are held, when meetings shall be held on the Friday preceding Convocation. Find the full schedule on the website of the University Secretariat.

Provisions for virtual meeting attendance will be reviewed, with a possible proposal for bylaw changes presented to Senate in the fall.