Equity and Inclusion

Doctoral study gives rise to guide for gym accessibility

Fallon Mitchell in a gym facilityRecent Kinesiology graduate Dr. Fallon Mitchell has released a guide to help fitness centres improve accessibility (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

While the benefits of exercise on mental, physical and social well-being are widely known, accessing inclusive and functional spaces to engage in exercise can be a challenge for people with a disability. 

In her doctoral research, recent UWindsor Kinesiology graduate and Vanier scholar Dr. Fallon Mitchell (PhD ’25) explored the accessibility—or the lack thereof—of fitness centres. 

December 6 memorial part of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence

Students standing in front of the Memorial of Hope at UWindsor with roses in the foregroundThe École Polytechnique memorial event will take place Dec. 4 at 12:10pm at the Memorial of Hope between Dillon and Essex Halls (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

On Dec. 6, 1989, Charlene Senn was procrastinating finishing her grad school homework when she saw a television news report about a shooting at École Polytechnique in Montreal. 

Kinesiology professor recognized for volunteer service

Lisa Gretzky, Chris Leari, Chad Sutherland, and Andrew DowieChad Sutherland (second from right) receives an Ontario Volunteer Service Award from MPPs Lisa Gretzky, Anthony Leardi (second from left) and Andrew Dowie (far right) (photo courtesy of Chad Sutherland)

By Kate Hargreaves 

For kinesiology professor Chad Sutherland, the phrase “volunteer work” is a misnomer. 

“I don’t really view it as work,” he says. 

“I view it as something everyone should be doing: getting involved and helping in the things that you love to do, whether that’s bringing expertise to an area or offering an extra set of hands. It’s all important, and we need it more than ever right now.” 

Seniors dive into fish ecology during tour of UWindsor’s freshwater research centre

Seniors at FRECProf. Trevor Pitcher offers members of the UNI-COM: Lifelong Learning Class an opportunity for hands-on learning at UWindsor’s Freshwater Restoration Ecology Centre (FREC) in LaSalle. [Photo courtesy of George Plantus]

A group of seniors passionate about lifelong education cast their curiosity into the waters of fish ecology during a recent visit to the University of Windsor’s Freshwater Restoration Ecology Centre (FREC) in LaSalle. 

The visitors were members of the University-Community (UNI-COM): Lifelong Learning Class, a voluntary organization of adults aged 50 and older who, with support from the University and the community, promote teaching, learning, mentoring, advocacy and research.  

UWindsor joins Age-Friendly University Global Network

Sunset houseThe University of Windsor has officially become a member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network, affirming its commitment to promoting inclusive higher education.

The University of Windsor has officially become a member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFU), an international consortium of higher education institutions advancing opportunities for learners of all ages. 

By joining this global community, UWindsor affirms its commitment to promoting inclusive higher education through teaching, research and community engagement. 

University of Windsor Law launches significant Indigenous child welfare initiative

Alphonse Aquash, a traditional knowledge holder from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, opened the gathering during the Bill C-92 initiative announcement on Thursday, Sept. 27. (DAVE GAUTHIER/University of Windsor)Alphonse Aquash, a traditional knowledge holder from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, opened the gathering during the Bill C-92 initiative announcement on Thursday, Sept. 27. (DAVE GAUTHIER/University of Windsor)

By Victor Romao 

On Thursday, Sept. 27, the University of Windsor Faculty of Law unveiled an important initiative designed to protect and uplift Indigenous children across Ontario. 

By enhancing legal representation in child welfare cases, the project aims to keep children safely within their families and communities—allowing them to grow up surrounded by their culture, identity and support networks. 

Researchers investigate potential health risks linked to Arctic permafrost thaw

the down gradient form the slump which shows  a network  of mud flows , iron oxide (rusty looking) microbial mats which have colonized the melted perma frostA researcher stands below the slump, where muddy water flows through a network of channels. Rust-coloured microbial mats cover the surface, growing where the permafrost has melted. [Photo courtesy of Chris Weisener]

By Sara Elliott

As the once permanently frozen ground known as permafrost rapidly thaws in the Canadian Arctic, emerging health threats loom.  

Researchers at the University of Windsor are using modern science and Indigenous knowledge to address the emerging issue.  

New digital archive shines light on Windsor-Essex Queer history

Archivist and librarian Sarah Glassford and educator Walter Cassidy Archivist and librarian Sarah Glassford and educator Walter Cassidy with items from the physical collection of Queer Life in Windsor and Essex County: A Living History at the University of Windsor’s Leddy Library on Tuesday, Aug 5, 2025. (PETER MARVAL/The University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton

“Once we have knowledge of history, there is that concept of belonging and empathy,” says Walter Cassidy (B.Ed. 2000). 

That belief has driven Cassidy’s work as an educator and advocate and inspired his efforts to uncover and preserve the stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Windsor-Essex.  

Program breaking down barriers through inclusive fitness

Mikala Jones leads Seth Sugarman through weight trainingMikala Jones leads Seth Sugarman through weight training during an Adaptive Physical Exercise session in the Toldo Lancer Centre.

Asked what his favourite part of coming to the gym is, Seth Sugarman replied: “everything.”

Sugarman is a participant in the Adaptive Physical Exercise (APEX) program, a partnership between the University of Windsor and Community Living Essex County that connects student volunteers with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Incubator empowering voices, breaking barriers, and fostering talent in academia

Richard Nonso, Samuel EhikhuenmenComputer science student Richard Nonso discusses routes to academic success with CUBE board member Samuel Ehikhuenmen.

In his home country of Nigeria, civil engineer Samuel Ehikhuenmen worked as a faculty member at the University of Lagos. Moving to Windsor to take up doctoral studies, he soon realized making important connections was key.

That’s where The CUBE came in.

A hub providing resources, networking, and a platform for Indigenous and Black scholars to thrive, it launched in September 2023, led by director Kemi Anazodo, an assistant professor at the Odette School of Business.