Presenting her Outstanding Scholars project at the UWill Discover conference was a unique and rewarding experience, says second-year biomedical sciences student Mina Pairawan.

She received one of two top prizes during the UWill Discover Sustainable Futures project’s April 3 Day of Excellence event celebrating student research, creative work, and leadership for her exploration of “followership,” the under-researched side of leadership.

“It was challenging to take an often-overlooked subject like followership and communicate it in a way that really resonated with the audience, but it honestly helped me grow so much as both a researcher and presenter,” Pairawan says. “I truly think it is an amazing opportunity for students in any program, especially younger students, to experience presenting in a professional setting.”

This year marks the completion of a SSHRC Connections grant as a partnership of the Student Success and Leadership Centre, the Office of Vice President Research, the Outstanding Scholars program, the Humanities Research Group, STEMx, and the Leddy Library.

Among the highlights of the project:

• The team launched a new student journal and podcast.
• The UWill Discover Model United Nations team was the first Canadian university in eight years to win two awards at the National Model United Nations event in Washington D.C.
• It provided thousands of dollars in student work opportunities and student awards.

Faculty include the UWill Discover project in their tri-council funding grant applications because it demonstrates a campus-wide commitment to fostering the growth of student leaders and research assistants.

“We look forward to building on the success with a new theme for the 2025-26 conference season,” says co-ordinator Tim Brunet.

Find the complete roster of winners on the UWill Discover awards website.

Learn more about the UWill Discover project at uwindsor.ca/uwilldiscover.

The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) — the national accrediting body for nursing education in Canada — has awarded the UWindsor Faculty of Nursing the maximum seven-year accreditation for the new collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), honours, and registered practical nurse pathway to BScN programs that were rolled out in 2019.

The maximum seven-year accreditation is the highest possible term, given to programs that exceed expectations, recognizing exemplary faculty, a robust curriculum, outstanding student support, and a commitment to innovation and improvement.

This recognition reflects the faculty’s commitment to advancing high standards in nursing education, research, and the student experience, says Debbie Sheppard-LeMoine, dean of the Faculty of Nursing. The UWindsor BScN program offers a personalized and supportive pathway to developing skilled and compassionate health-care professionals.

As part of the seven-year accreditation process, the Faculty of Nursing completed a rigorous self-study and hosted a comprehensive on-site review by the CASN Accreditation Bureau.

“This remarkable achievement is directly linked to the dedication, innovation, and excellence of our students, faculty, staff, collaborative college partners at St. Clair College and Lambton College, clinical agencies, community partners, and the University of Windsor community as a whole,” Dr. Sheppard-LeMoine says. “Together, we have created a learning, practice, and research environment that stands as a national example. We have much to be proud of!”

Recently ranked among the top 20 nursing programs in Canada in Maclean’s reputational and research survey, the University of Windsor continues to distinguish itself as a leader in developing the next generation of nurses who are ready to meet the evolving needs of health-care systems across Canada and beyond.

With the federal election around the corner, young voters can make their voices count — right on main campus.

To help increase voting access for younger voters, Elections Canada is setting up early polling stations the week of April 13 at university and college campuses across the county.

“It certainly is important,” says political science professor and department head Lydia Miljan. “Really, the only way to get your voice heard is to exercise your right to vote.”

For many, this will be their first time eligible, and Dr. Miljan says it should be celebrated as a rite of passage.

“It’s a really exciting thing to do,” she says.

“Regardless of who you support in the election, it is important to have your voice heard and to go through the process of it. In part, it also helps whichever government becomes elected to have more legitimacy. The higher the voter turnout, the more legitimate we feel that we all had our say. We might not agree at the end with what happened, but we know that we’ve exercised our vote, and that is an important part of a healthy civic society.”

It’s also a habit that is best developed early, she notes.

“What we know from the research is that those who vote early in their lives are more likely to pick up the habit and continue that throughout their lives,” she says.

While intended for students, any citizen can register to vote online and cast their ballot on campus ahead of Election Day at the CAW Student Centre on:

• Sunday, April 13, from noon to 6 p.m.
• Monday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 years old on election day, and prove your identity and address. Learn more.

Miljan points out that Canadians are highly engaged in this election, and for many young voters, the issues of cost of living, jobs, and housing are top of mind.

“If you want to deep dive into policies, it’s a really good idea to check out the party websites. Not all of them have put out their full platforms yet; that will happen in the next few weeks,” she says.

“But take a look at the high-level things they’re saying. What are they promising? What do they see as the problem? What are their solutions, and how do those align with your values.”

To learn more about your riding, candidates, and how to vote, visit elections.ca.

Can you find the Easter egg hidden in the DailyNews to win a prize basket filled with candies, chocolate, and a University of Windsor T-shirt?

All you have to do is look over the photos in the DailyNews and spot the one with the subtly superimposed Easter egg, then fill out your entry specifying which article the egg accompanied. One egg will be hidden in each edition of April 11, 14, and 16.

The contest is open to all members of the campus community. Here’s the link to today’s entry form: https://forms.office.com/r/YJ0PDxiu7P.

A winner will be drawn at random from all correct responses in time to claim the basket before the Easter weekend.

Members of the Sport Psychology and Physical Activity Research Collaborative in the Faculty of Human Kinetics had a busy end to the Winter 2025 semester, capping it off with presentations at two conferences.

The annual Kinesiology Research Day took place March 20 in the Human Kinetics Building, where professor Krista Chandler delivered the keynote address after receiving the faculty’s Research Excellence Award. She highlighted her work on mental health and physical activity, including the UWorkItOut UWin program, developed in collaboration with colleague Todd Loughead.

PhD candidate Melissa Paré, recipient of the Outstanding Doctoral Research Award, followed with a keynote titled “PhD in Ten: A Walk Through a Doctoral Degree Worth of Research.” Graduate students from the SPPARC lab also took part in poster presentations and a lab showcase led by PhD candidate Mason Sheppard.

Following this event, the lab travelled to London, Ontario, for the 29th annual Eastern Canadian Sport and Exercise Psychology Symposium. Eight SPPARC students gave presentations including doctoral candidates Ashley Flemington, Mason Sheppard, Megan Kalbfleisch, and Samanatha D’Agostino; PhD student Chris Coady; master’s students Darcee Hall and Jack Wright; and undergrad Travis Woods; while co-directors of the lab Drs. Chandler and Loughead were invited keynote speakers — both returning to their doctoral alma mater at Western University.

“These events are a celebration of our students’ growth as researchers and professionals,” says Chandler. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see their work recognized and to reconnect with our academic roots.”

Loughead adds: “Watching our students present their work with such confidence and passion is a proud moment for any mentor. It reflects the collaborative and supportive environment we’ve built at SPPARC.”

Follow the lab’s work on Instagram (@spparc) and X (@SPPARC_UWindsor).

The Sheehan Student Lounge is vibrant and inviting, says third-year psychology and criminology student Alexandra Bolozan.

Located on the first floor of Chrysler Hall Tower, the lounge provides comfortable seating, a collaboration table, and an interactive whiteboard for students in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

“FAHSS has never had a space like this before. This space is special because it allows us to make connections and provides a venue for events that everyone can participate in,” Bolozan says. “It is an open space — vibrant and inviting. That was one of the first things I noticed. I am excited to see the diversity of FAHSS represented in this space.”

With the support of donors — in particular, the estate of Teresa D. Sheehan and estate trustee Carolynn Clark — the Sheehan Student Lounge allows students to gather, socialize, study, or simply unwind between classes. The faculty collaborated with the student society on a series of engaging events aimed at fostering community spirit during the last week of March and the first week of April.

Hundreds of students participated alongside faculty and staff who joined in the festivities. Attendees were encouraged to leave their signatures on the lounge’s new whiteboard, transforming simple names into an artwork filled with colour and creativity.

“This lounge is a beautiful and inviting space for FAHSS students to connect and foster a closer FAHSS community,” says Isabella Tinamisan, a third-year psychology major. “I am excited for all the events I can attend there and for the people I will meet.”

The address for shipments to the University of Windsor’s U.S. based warehouse is changing effective April 25.

The correct address as of April 25 is:

• Vans LTL/(University of Windsor, Department)
  c/o DJ Whelan & Company
  100 South Summit St.
  Detroit, MI 48209

The procurement office advises that packages sent to the obsolete address may not be retrievable.