Flower bed in front of UWindsor building

Sustainability and EDID Month

March Sustainability and EDID Month 2026 Event Calendar

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Sustainability and EDID Month at the University of Windsor! Throughout the month of March, we're excited to bring our campus community together to celebrate and promote sustainability, equity, indigeneity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. Join us in a variety of workshops, guest lectures, volunteer opportunities, and sustainability initiatives aimed at fostering environmental consciousness and social responsibility. Check out our list of events and mark your calendars to get involved. Together, let's make a positive impact on our campus and beyond as we address the UN Sustainable Development Goals and work towards a more sustainable future.

Student Sustainability Competition (March 1 - 31) Campus Wide Food Drive (March 1 - 31)


Week 1

Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: CAW Student Centre 

Description: 
The Sustainability and EDID Fair is the flagship event of the Month, bringing together campus departments, student groups, and community organizations to showcase initiatives that support a more sustainable and inclusive future. Drop by to learn, connect, and discover how sustainability is happening across campus and beyond. 

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionSDG 13: Climate Action

Sustainability Framework Priority area:

Foster a culture of sustainability
Foster a supportive, healthy, and sustainable campus culture through day-to-day practices and actions that align with guiding principles and improve literacy

Location:  Teams Virtual Webinar

Time: 11:30AM - 12:00 PM

Description: 

Presenter: Kate Hargreaves, PhD student & Communication Specialist, PAC

One of 5 Accessibility Awareness Days

Registration: 

To register, visit the AAD Week 1 Registration Page.

Time: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Location: The Black Scholars Lounge (Basement, CAW Student Centre)

Description:
In collaboration with the Black Scholars Institute (BSI), this event honours Social Workers during National Social Work Week while uplifting Black mental health in recognition of Black Mental Health Week. Together, we gather in community to connect, network, share words of inspiration, and celebrate the importance of care in our communities.

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-BeingSDG 4: Quality EducationSDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Relevant UNDRIP Articles:

  • Article 21 – Improvement of economic and social conditions
  • Article 24 – Right to traditional medicines and health practices

Location: CAW Student Centre 

Time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Description: 

Celebration of Nations highlights cultural diversity on campus while exploring the connections between sustainability, culture, and community. Join us in recognizing global perspectives and shared responsibility for environmental and social wellbeing. 

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesSDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Relevant UNDRIP Articles:

  • Article 11 – Right to practice and revitalize cultural traditions
  • Article 15 – Dignity and diversity of cultures

Location:  Chrysler Hall North, G129

Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Description: 
Led by Lancer Recover, this workshop builds the skills and confidence needed to be an effective recovery ally. Through discussion we will explore stigma reduction, supportive communication, and how to create safer, recovery-affirming spaces.

Registration: Required via lancersrecover@uwindsor.ca  

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-BeingSDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Relevant UNDRIP Articles:

  • Article 21 – Improvement of social and health conditions
  • Article 24 – Right to health

Week 2

Time: 4pm-6pm

Location: Dillon Hall Room 256

Description: 
Led by Peer Support; make your own non-toxic skin care remedy while you learn about some toxic chemicals found in common everyday skincare products that you can try to avoid.  

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-BeingSDG 5: Gender Equality

Sustainability Framework Priority area:

Foster a culture of sustainability
Foster a supportive, healthy, and sustainable campus culture through day-to-day practices and actions that align with guiding principles and improve literacy

Location:  Teams Virtual Webinar

Time: 11:30AM - 12:00 PM

Description: 

Presenters: Dr. Clinton Beckford and Dr. Shanthi Johnson

One of 5 Accessibility Awareness Days

Following session, Visit the Sunset House from 12:00-1:30 pm

Following the virtual session, the campus is warmly invited to join us for a special visit to the Sunset House, UWindsor’s emerging hub for retirees and intergenerational engagement. As the University of Windsor proudly celebrates its membership in the Age-Friendly University Global Network, the Sunset House represents one of the many ways we are strengthening connections across generations. This space embodies our commitment to lifelong learning, accessibility, community engagement, and the recognition that retirees remain an integral part of our academic and social fabric.

Registration: 

To register, visit the  AAD Week 2 Registration Page.

Time: 5:00–7:00 PM

Location: Leddy Library Collaboratory

Description: 
This session explores Indigenous knowledge systems through the lens of birds, ecology, and Anishinaabemowin. Participants will learn how language, land, and biodiversity are deeply interconnected. 

Registration Link: https://uwindsor.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7WIjOuPrTNp0K90

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 4: Quality EducationSDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesSDG 15: Life on Land

Sustainability Framework Priority area:

Integrate sustainability in academics and research
Champion innovation and collaboration to advance core education, research, and engagement activities in support of institutional leadership

Foster a culture of sustainability
Foster a supportive, healthy, and sustainable campus culture through day-to-day practices and actions that align with guiding principles and improve literacy

Time: 12-12:30pm

Location: Virtual

Description: 
Learn about the Green Labs program and find out how your lab can be recognized for efforts you may already be doing and demonstrating leadership in sustainable research practices, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.  All campus labs with freezers and refrigerators are also encouraged to participate in the International Freezer Challenge. Led by Chemical Control Centre (CCC) and Office of Sustainability.

Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Time: 2pm to 4pm

Location: The Womxn's Centre

Description: 
This event recognizes International Women’s Day through a sustainability lens, highlighting the role of gender equity in climate action, environmental leadership, and community resilience.  Led by The Womxn's Centre

Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 5: Gender EqualitySDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesSDG 13: Climate Action

Sustainability Framework Priority area:

Foster a culture of sustainability
Foster a supportive, healthy, and sustainable campus culture through day-to-day practices and actions that align with guiding principles and improve literacy

Time: 11-2pm

Location: CAW Student Centre 

Description: 
Learn how circular economy principles reduce waste and extend the life of everyday products. This interactive pop-up highlights reuse, recycling, and responsible consumption through quick activities and practical tips.  Participate in the Sort IT Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win some prizes.

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionSDG 13: Climate Action

Sustainability Framework Priority area:

Protect and conserve natural resources
Maximize use of resources and minimize waste through efficiency, conservation, reuse, recycling, and related activities

Location:  Freed Orman Centre

Time: 1pm -3:30pm  

Description: 
he University of Windsor will host the KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE), a powerful experiential learning session exploring Indigenous history, present and relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the place we know as Canada.

A sharing circle will follow the exercise to support reflection and dialogue. An Elder and the Indigenous Relations Coordinator will be present and available for support throughout the session.

For additional details visit: KAIROS Blanket Exercise

Sponsored by the Office of the Vice-President People, Equity and Inclusion - Department of Human Resources in partnership with the Office of the Senior Advisor to the President on Indigenous Initiatives, the KBE is offered free of charge and open to 40 participants maximum, including staff, faculty and students.

Registration:
Though registration is limited, Human Resources encourages all faculty and staff to attend. To register, visit the registration page.

Relevant UNDRIP Articles:

  • Article 8 – Protection against forced assimilation
  • Article 11 – Cultural traditions and customs
  • Article 15 – Education and public awareness
  • Article 27 – Recognition of Indigenous rights

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 4: Quality EducationSDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesSDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Sustainability Framework Priority area:

Embed sustainability in policy, governance and accountability
Develop a structure for embedding sustainability in decision making for all elements of campus life, including treasury

Foster a culture of sustainability
Foster a supportive, healthy, and sustainable campus culture through day-to-day practices and actions that align with guiding principles and improve literacy

Week 3

Time: 11am -2pm

Location:  CAW Commons

Description: 
Stop by information and activity tables in CAW to gain strategies for navigating alcohol & consent for St. Patrick’s Day. Play a consent themed game, make connections with peers, and win fun prizes! In collaboration with Bystander Initiative (Prevent Resist Support) and Lancer Recover.

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Location:  Teams Virtual Webinar

Time: 11:30AM - 12:00 PM

Description: 

Presenter: Soumyaa Subramanium and Dr. Jijian Voronka

One of 5 Accessibility Awareness Days

Registration: 

To register, visit the AAD Week 3 Registration Page.

Time: 12pm –1pm

Location: Gather at 0160, Law Building

Description: 
Meet the Faculty of Law Sustainability Committee as we gather in Room 0160 in the Law building. We will hear from Prof. John Hartig on the health of the Detroit River (while eating lunch) and then walk down to the river for a river side clean up. All members of campus and community are encouraged to join.

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-BeingSDG 6: Clean Water and SanitationSDG 14: Life Below Water

Sustainability Framework Priority area:

Protect and conserve natural resources
Maximize use of resources and minimize waste through efficiency, conservation, reuse, recycling, and related activities

Foster a culture of sustainability
Foster a supportive, healthy, and sustainable campus culture through day-to-day practices and actions that align with guiding principles and improve literacy

Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm

Location: CAW Commons

Description: 
In recognition of World Water Day, learn about the implications of AI on water resources? How much water is used every time to you complete a search or query with an AI tool?

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 6: Clean Water and SanitationSDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureSDG 14: Life Below Water

Time: 2:00pm - 3:30 pm

Location: International Student Centre Room 239, Joyce Entrepreneurship Building

Description: 
In celebrate the International Day of Forests, connect with nature through this interactive pot planting activity. Plant vegetable seeds and learn to grow sustainable food.  Led by Campus Community Garden.

Registration Link: Coming soon

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 13: Climate ActionSDG 15: Life on Land

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Location: Medical Building, Room 3102 A/B

Description:
This panel event celebrates the vibrancy of the Francophone community on campus and across Windsor-Essex. Speakers will explore the roots and evolution of the regional French speaking population, highlighting its contributions, opportunities, and ongoing challenges.

*****

Ce panel mettra en lumière la vitalité de la communauté francophone sur le campus et dans la région de Windsor‑Essex. Les intervenant·e·s exploreront les origines et l’évolution de la population francophone locale, tout en soulignant ses contributions, ses opportunités et les défis qu’elle rencontre.*

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 4: Quality EducationSDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesSDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Relevant UNDRIP Articles:

  • Article 13 – Right to language
  • Article 15 – Respect for cultural diversity

Week 4

Location:  CAW Student Centre Commons

Time: 10:00AM - 2:00 PM

Description: 

Organizers: Disability Studies Student Association, with support from OHRCRM

One of 5 Accessibility Awareness Days

Registration: 

*No registration required* - Visit the 2026 AAD Website for more information.

Time: 5:00pm to 8:15 pm

Location:  Leddy Library Collaboratory

Description: 
Explore the interconnected causes and consequences of climate change and dive into actionable solutions through a collaborative, interactive workshop. This workshop is delivered in collaboration with PurposeLink (a Windsor-based non-profit climate action organization), the Leddy Library, and the Office of Sustainability. 

Registration link: https://calendar.library.uwindsor.ca/event/4002545

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 13: Climate Action

Time: 12pm -  2pm

Location: Leddy Library Collaboratory

Description: 

Join us for a creative, mindful workshop where we’ll transform retired books into beautiful works of art. Guided by a local artist, you’ll learn techniques to paint and reimagine pre-loved books into something uniquely yours. This session blends sustainability with creative expression — giving materials a second life while offering a calming, hands-on break from the workday. Each employee in attendance will receive one participation point. No artistic skills required! Bring your own book to paint on or use pages from a retired library book that will be provided.

Why participate?

  • Practice creative reuse
  • Reduce waste through upcycling
  • Experience the mental health benefits of art
  • Connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting

Sometimes, renewal begins with a blank page — or in this case, a painted one.

Led by: Student Health, Counselling, & Wellness Services in collaboration with Employee Mental Health.  

Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Location:  The Womxn's Centre

Description: 
Join your fellow peers in an inclusive healthcare discussion.

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-BeingSDG 5: Gender Equality

Time: 4:30–6:30 PM

Location: Virtual 

Description: 
This virtual session introduces participants to conservation work and environmental stewardship opportunities through ERCA, highlighting pathways to hands-on sustainability engagement. 

Register here

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 13: Climate ActionSDG 15: Life on Land

Essex Region Conservation Authority logo

Time: 9:00am to 3:00pm

Location:  Alumni Auditorium, CAW

Description: 
The 2026 EDI–ID Summit will bring together campus champions working on equity initiatives, committees, and campus leaders for a full day of dialogue, collaboration, and capacity-building. This collective gathering is designed to strengthen our institution’s shared commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion,  Indigenization and Decolonization, while fostering meaningful connections among those doing this critical work.

Why Your Participation Matters

Attending this Summit is essential because:

  • Collective Impact Requires Collective Effort: Bringing faculty and/or departmental committees together allows us to align goals, share resources, and build coherence across the institution’s EDI–ID commitments.
  • Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Participants will gain new insights, promising practices, and strategies that support equitable outcomes in their respective units.
  • Community and Collaboration: The Summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues engaged in similar work, strengthening networks that are vital for addressing systemic inequities.
  • Advancing Institutional Change: Your voice, experience, and leadership directly shape a more inclusive and just campus community.

Hosted by Office of the Vice-President People, Equity, and Inclusion/Office of Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, and Mediation

Registration link: https://uwindsor.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3JoCHN4Q2apx0bA

Time: 10-11:30am

Location: International Student Centre Room 239, Joyce Entrepreneurship Building

Details:
Dig in and grow wild! In this interactive workshop, participants will plant native flower and grass seeds for the Campus Community Garden while discovering how native plants support pollinators, improve soil health, and create thriving habitats.

Registration link: coming soon

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-BeingSDG 15: Life on Land

Campus Community Garden logo

Time: 6:30- 7:30 pm

Location: Odette, Rm 123

Details:
Social impact professionals will sit on a panel and discuss how they engage with sustainability and social impact in their careers, led by Net Impact.

Registration: Sign up form

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-BeingSDG 14: Life Below Water

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Location: Ojibway Nature Centre (5200 Matchett Rd)

Details:

Join Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) for an open house on the redesignation recommendation of BUI 1: Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption.

They want to know what you think about the recommendation by the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup to change the status of the Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption beneficial use impairment (BUI #1) from ‘impaired’ to ‘not impaired’ for fish.

Your input is valuable to and is much appreciated.

Register here

Detroit River Canadian Cleanup logo

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-BeingSDG 14: Life Below Water

Time: 8:30-9:30pm

Location: Globally, and Campus-wide 

Description: 
Earth Hour invites the campus community to reflect on energy use and climate action. Join us in collective, low-energy activities that go beyond turning off the lights. We encourage you to participate in any act of compassion to yourself, people and the planet; or any other positive social or environmental action.

Explore the list of a variety of activities: https://www.earthhour.org/take-part/give-an-hour?hsCtaTracking=3f179703-bff9-4a74-aa0a-582a597a6e52%7Ce933db44-6e29-41ff-83dd-6c6b358deb73

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 13: Climate Action

Week 5

Time: 8am –1pm

Location: Toldo Lancer Centre

Description:
Sign up individually or as a team for the annual Move for Mason Triathlon 2026. Details on poster and link below.

Move for Mason Triathlon Poster

Sustainable Development Goals: 

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Location:  Teams Virtual Webinar

Time: 11:30AM - 12:00 PM

Description: 

Presenter: Cherie Gagnon and panellists

One of 5 Accessibility Awareness Days

Registration: 

To register, visit the AAD Week 5 Registration Page.

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Location: CAW Student Centre Boardroom (overlooking the flags and information desk in CAW commons)

Description:

In partnership with the Campus Community Garden

Step away from your screen and into a moment of calm. At this hands-on propagation station, you’ll take a cutting from our shared plant and learn how to nurture it into new growth. Bring a clean used jar from home to serve as your propagation vessel (we’ll have extras if you need one).

Every employee in attendance will receive one point. When your plant cutting is rooted and ready for soil, we encourage you to donate your clean, empty jar back to the Campus Community Garden for reuse.

Why Participate?

  • Support your mental health through calming, hands-on interaction with nature
  • Reduce stress and mental fatigue by engaging in a mindful, screen-free activity
  • Strengthen feelings of connection and belonging within our workplace community
  • Build a nurturing routine that provides something to look forward to as you watch your plant grow
  • Practice sustainability by repurposing everyday materials

Each participant will leave with a living reminder of connection: one shared plant, growing in many spaces.

Registration: Register here!

For additional Employee Mental Health Events, check out: Employee Mental Health Events | Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity, and Inclusion.

Time: 9am –3pm

Location: Toldo Lancer Centre

Description:
Don' toss it away ...Bring gently worn activity and fitness gear to the TLC for a day of sharing and thrifting. Participants are responsible for their own merchandise, sales and accounting. Finds some deals and make some deals!!

Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Time: TBD
Location: TBD

Description:
Coming soon

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 4: Quality EducationSDG 5: Gender EqualitySDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Relevant UNDRIP Articles:

  • Article 13 – Right to Indigenous names and languages
  • Article 33 – Right to identity and belonging

Description:

A variety of Employee Mental Health events, engagement activities and workshops held throughout March.

Visit Employee Mental Health Events | Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity, and Inclusion for details.

As students navigate academic, financial, and personal challenges, access to their next meal should never be uncertain. Throughout the month of March, we invite you to support our campus-wide food drive by donating non-perishable food items at participating events or dropping them off directly at the Campus Food Pantry (room 233, second floor of the CAW Student Centre).

You can also collect non-perishable donations in at your office. Use any box (big or small) for collection; when your collection box is full, a volunteer will gladly pick up the items. To schedule your department’s donation pick-up, email daniell2@uwindsor.ca.

Together, we can help ensure every student has reliable access to nutritious food

In collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President People, Equity and Inclusion, the Office of Sustainability, and the UWSA, as part of the campus’ first ever Food Security Action Plan.

This competition will allow passionate students to gain experience in research, proposal writing, and communication while sharing innovative project ideas and solution-driven initiative proposals. We invite University of Windsor students to submit innovative project proposals that may help formulate, foster, and coordinate activities that promote campus sustainability values in teaching, research, operations, and daily lifestyle choices. As an outcome of the University of Windsor’s Aspire Strategic Plan and the Campus Sustainability Framework, this competition aims to recognize and reward students by awarding prizes for their efforts in submitting the winning pitch proposals. In collaboration with UWSA and the Office of Sustainability.

Students must submit their proposal by March 31st, 2026 at 11:59pm.

For competition details and submission form visit: https://www.uwindsor.ca/sustainability/360/student-sustainability-competition