Western University
PA-6: Institutional Climate

• Provision of supports and services to students with disabilities through Accessible Education.

• These include supports/accommodations for students with learning disabilities, neuro-atypical disabilities, or similar. 

http://academicsupport.uwo.ca/accessible_education/index.html 

• Service animal policy and procedure that provide information regarding university community members bringing service animals to campus.

https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/policies_procedures/section1/mapp147_procedure.pdf 

• Academic Accommodation Initiative – a wide range of accommodations are available for students with disabilities. These accommodations ensure that all students have the opportunity to fully participate in courses and programs. Some examples include: providing access to alternative format textbooks, providing access to accessible versions of slide shows and other materials on course websites, the use of a sign-language interpreter during lectures, the use of an FM system during lectures, permission to record lectures, providing quiet spaces to write exams, providing extra time for exams, allowing the use of assistive technology during exams, and allowing the use of an assistant during labs.

http://academicsupport.uwo.ca/accessible_education/academic_accomodation.html

• Accessible Education Western – enhances the accessibility of Western’s courses, services, and environments by arranging academic accommodations and other kinds of support. Counsellors are available to meet with enrolled or prospective students to discuss specific accommodations and supports that may be available to them. Students may also access a variety of other services, including training in the use of learning strategies and adaptive technology.

http://academicsupport.uwo.ca/accessible_education/index.html 

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/students/support_services.html 

 •   Western Libraries strives to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for all library users to engage in research and scholarship. To enhance the accessibility of the library locations for persons with disabilities, Western Libraries offer library facilities, assistive technology, audio guides, reference services, and retrieval and photocopying of material.

https://www.lib.uwo.ca/accessibility/

• Ontario Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE) help eligible full-time and part-time students pay for eligible disability-related services and equipment needed to participate in postsecondary studies.

https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/POCONT1_077472

• All of Western’s residences, with the exception of Medway-Sydenham Hall, are accessible to persons with disabilities. Additionally, five of the residences, Essex Hall, Elgin Hall, Perth Hall, Ontario Hall, and London Hall have incorporated a number of barrier-free design features, including specially designed suites.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/students/housing.html 

 •   Western provides transportation across its campus for students with disabilities. This program is in partnership with Voyageur Transportation.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/students/transportation.html 

 •   The Adaptive Computing Technology Centre assists students with varying degrees of visual disabilities.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/students/tech_communications.html 

 •   The Learning Opportunities Lab exists to help those with learning disabilities.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/students/tech_communications.html 

 •   The Access Lab has computers equipped with a variety of assistive technology software programs.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/students/tech_communications.html 

 •   Transcription services are available for students through Accessible Education. Printed materials can be converted into alternative formats such as audio tape, electronic format, and Braille. Eligibility for these services is determined by Accessible Education counsellors. These services are available to students who are blind, have low vision, or who have a learning or mobility disability.

http://academicsupport.uwo.ca/accessible_education/alternative_format_text.html

 •   The Government of Canada offers grants and programs to help qualifying students with permanent disabilities to meet educational costs (i.e. for tuition, books, and supplies) and living costs.

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans/disabilities.html

 •   Student Accessibility Advisory Committee – established to better understand the co-curricular programming needs of students with disabilities at Western and make recommendations that aim to ensure that co-curricular programs, supports, and services in Student Experience are fully accessible.

http://academicsupport.uwo.ca/accessible_education/saac/index.html 

 •   Learning Strategy Instruction – available to undergraduate and graduate students with learning disabilities and attention disorders. Students may work with a learning strategist to:

 •   Learn to use their psychoeducational assessment report to understand their unique pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

 •   Develop various skills to facilitate reading, studying, learning new information, note-taking, essay writing, and exam writing.

 •   Learn to monitor their progress, reflect on the effectiveness of their plans, and make changes as necessary.

 •   Work towards a better understanding of their capabilities in different environments, and thereby strengthen their ability to self-advocate at University and in the workplace.

http://academicsupport.uwo.ca/accessible_education/learning_strategy_instruction.html

 •   Interpretation and note-taking are available for students who are deaf or have moderate to profound hearing loss.

http://academicsupport.uwo.ca/accessible_education/interpretation_and_notetaking.html

• Accessibility Map and Floor Plans to assist students with disabilities navigate campus.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/resources/maps/index.html

• Enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

• The purpose of the AODA, 2005 is to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises on or before January 1, 2025, by developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards. For more information on the AODA visit the Making Ontario Accessible website.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/aoda/standards.html

•   Western Black Leadership University Experience (B.L.U.E). 

• Provides paid part-time leadership experiences for 20 Black students per year. The experiences are funded by Western and hosted by organizations in the London area (including Western). Each experience is valued at $6,300 for the part-time commitment over the 5-month period. Students work on a chosen challenge independently alongside a dedicated mentor who provides the student with ongoing supervision and feedback.

https://www.edi.uwo.ca/initiatives/western-blue/ 

 •   In May 2020, the Anti-Racisim Working Group at Western University released their final report.

• This report resulted in the hiring of an Associate Vice President, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, as well as the formation of the Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

https://www.president.uwo.ca/pdf/arwg-final-report-to-president-shepard-fnl.pdf 

• The Office of EDI convenes and conducts regular meetings with various student groups including: Muslim Students Association, Western Hillel, Palestinian Culture Club, Black Student Association, Spectrum, Pride USC, and African Students Association.

 •   Provision of ongoing support to Black students on campus through a dedicated Black Student Space in the Library for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

•  Permanent Black Resource Collection housed in the Western Library that highlights the Black diasporic community through diverse and intersectional literature.

https://ocul-uwo.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/collectionDiscovery?vid=01OCUL_UWO:UWO_DEFAULT&collectionId=81618525930005163 

•  A Black-led research team, comprised of 18 members including faculty, students at various levels, support staff, and the African Canadian Federation of London and Area (ACFOLA), are conducting projects dedicated to improving the Black Experience at Western, with a strong emphasis on empowering Black youth, informing institutional policies, advancing research on the Black experience, and creating sustainable support for Black individuals at Western.

https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/whats_new-quoi_de_neuf/2023/research_story_robbins-ollivier__western_university-eng.aspx  

• The Anti-Racism Foundation Certificate Program and Anti-Oppression Certificate Program provide e-learning modules and workshops such as: Building Inclusivity through Anti-Racism, Historical Review of Racism in Canada, Transforming Power & White Privilege, Bias and Microaggressions: Impact, Prevention, and Intervention, Unpacking and Addressing Antisemitism, Unpacking and Addressing Anti-Asian Racism, Unpacking and Addressing Anti-Islamophobia, Unpacking and Addressing Anti-Black Racism.These trainings are free for all Western students.

https://www.edi.uwo.ca/trainings-and-certificates/certificates/anti-racism-foundations-certificate-program/ 

https://www.edi.uwo.ca/trainings-and-certificates/certificates/anti-oppression-certificate-program/ 

• The Guide for Inclusive Language – a practical tool for using inclusive language in written/verbal communication and promoting inclusive and respectful dialogue that values diverse identities, cultures and experiences.

https://www.edi.uwo.ca/resources/reports/Inclusive-Language-Guide.pdf 

• Hosted the Black Business Opportunities and Career Conference, which was attended by 150+ Black students. This conference provided attendees with relevant employment opportunities, internships, resources, mentorship opportunities, and networking skills that they could use to advance their personal and professional development.  

https://www.events.westernu.ca/events/edi/2024-03/black-business-opoortrunities.html 

• Mental health programming specifically for Black and racialized students.

This includes the option to see counsellors with lived experience as racialized or Black as well as peer support groups.

https://www.uwo.ca/health//psych/Black_and_Racialized_student_support.html 

• Yearly community celebrations for the Western Black Scholarship recipients. These celebrations are attended by all award winners, senior leaders, the university president, and include dinner as well as a keynote address.

https://news.westernu.ca/2023/02/western-names-black-student-scholarships-in-honour-of-notable-community-members/#:~:text=In%20May%202022%2C%20Western%20announced,Black%20students%20in%20financial%20need 

• Host yearly Black History Month events during which Western honours Black speakers, perspectives, and voices, while maintaining an intersectional lens.  

https://www.president.uwo.ca/black-history/ 

• Entrance scholarships for Black and Indigenous students

• Scholarships for Black students:

- Five at $50,000 ($20,000 in year 1, $10,000 annually for years two to four)

-Ten at $6,000 continuing for up to four years, plus $2,000 for optional study abroad experience.

-Ten at $2,500 continuing for up to four years, plus $2,000 for optional study abroad experience.

• Scholarships for Indigenous students:

-Four awards at $50,000 each to Indigenous students applying from secondary school (or equivalent) ($20,000 for year-one, $10,000 for year’s two to four based on ongoing registration)

- One award at $50,000 to an Indigenous student applying from a postsecondary institution ($20,000 for year-one, $10,000 for year’s two to four based on ongoing registration) 

-Thirty at $6,000 continuing for up to 4 years, plus $2,000 for optional study abroad experience.

https://www.edi.uwo.ca/initiatives/black-and-indigenous-scholarships/ 

• Currently developing the Black at Western Virtual Hub. The virtual space is dedicated to amplifying the Black Experience within Canada, with a specific focus on London, ON, and Western University.

• Western Minor in Black Studies was launched in 2022 and has created a diversified knowledge approach that showcases Black voices and perspectives throughout various fields of study.  

https://www.uwo.ca/gsws//undergraduate/programs/minor_black_studies.html#:~:text=To%20qualify%20for%20admission%20to,of%2060%25%20in%203.0%20courses.&text=4.0%20courses%3A,%2C%20Political%20Science%202533F%2FG. 

• Hosted dinners for the Black community and Jewish community respectively at the President's house (Gibbons Lodge).

• Organized and hosted a lunch for Jewish students and an Iftar dinner for

Muslim students on campus.

• Organized events for Asian Heritage month.

https://www.events.westernu.ca/events/edi/2024-05/asian-heritage-month.html 

• Host an annual EDID Awareness Week – a collaboration between Western University, Brescia University College, Huron University College and King’s University College. This week-long event promotes unity, learning, and awareness throughout the campus communities.

https://www.edi.uwo.ca/events/edid-week/  

• Specific page on the Western Welcome website that highlights resources for equity deserving group members applying to attend Western.

https://welcome.uwo.ca/equity-deserving-groups.html 

• Specific page on the Western Welcome website that highlights resources for Indigenous students applying to attend Western.

https://welcome.uwo.ca/indigenous-students.html 

• Provision of a resource booklet for Indigenous students. This booklet provides information regarding the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the Indigenous Student Centre, the Wampum Learning Lodge, community supports, Elder support, academic programs and requirements, housing, student life, and financial aid.

https://indigenous.uwo.ca/students/future-students/pdf/Indigenous_Viewbook_2024.pdf 

• Indigenous Student Centre on Western's main campus supports

Indigenous students by way of a student lounge, provision of traditional medicines, a computer lab, kitchen, and after-hours access. There are also several staff members who support students including a mental health counsellor and financial aid coordinator.

https://indigenous.uwo.ca/students/ 

• Wampum Learning Lodge – an intercultural teaching, learning, and gathering space at Western University, designed with Indigenous epistemologies and pedagogies at its heart.

https://wampumlearninglodge.uwo.ca/index.html 

• Supported various initiatives hosted by Muslim Student Association, Black Student Association, Western Hillel, 2SLGBTQIA+ (financially and physically).

• The Indigenous Student STEM Access Program (ISSAP) provides an alternative pathway for Indigenous students, including First Nation (Status and Non-Status), Métis, and Inuit, to pursue either an Engineering or Science program at Western University. This preliminary year provides students with the opportunity to transition successfully from high school to post-secondary studies and acclimate to university life, courses, and lectures while completing their prerequisite courses (equivalent to Grades 11 and 12) for either Engineering or Science. An assigned Academic Advisor and university success team works with each student to design a successful pathway of support that meets both the needs of the student and the respective program.

https://indigenous.uwo.ca/students//future-students/indigenous_student_stem_access_program.html 

•Host pride events every year including Fall pride parade and a celebration called Out at the Beach every June/July.

•Rainbow coloured crosswalks throughout campus to demostrate support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

https://www.events.westernu.ca/events/edi/2023-10/westerns-inaugural-fall-pride-parade.html 

•Queer Connections – weekly 90-minute discussion group for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

https://www.uwo.ca/health//psych/group_care.html#:~:text=Queer%20Connections,orientations%20and%20gender%20identities)%20community. 

• Western Queer Caucus – links people across faculties, schools, and departments and is intended to help forge community, facilitate academic alliances, promote scholarship, provide a venue for activism, and encourage discussions and practices of diverse forms of queer pedagogy.

https://www.uwo.ca/health//psych/2SLGBTQIA+.html 

• Sexuality and Gender Research Group – brings together researchers from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities with scholars in other disciplines from around the university to discuss questions of sexuality and gender from a variety of disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and cross-disciplinary perspectives.

https://www.uwo.ca/gsws/research/Sexuality%20and%20Gender%20Research%20Group.html#:~:text=The%20Sexuality%20and%20Gender%20Research,%2C%20and%20cross%2Ddisciplinary%20perspectives.

 •Trans Care Team – Recognizing the unique needs of gender-diverse students, the Trans Care Team comprises a group of clinicians from Health & Wellness Mental and Physical Health support teams who work together to provide specialized psychological counselling and medical care to students in a 2SLGBTQIA+ affirmative environment.

https://www.uwo.ca/health//shs/index.html 

•Pride library – the Mandate of the Pride Library is to acquire, preserve, organize,

and give public access to information and materials by and about lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities (LGBTQ).

https://www.uwo.ca/pridelib/  

•A Pride Guide is currently being developed and will be a resource to support and create space and visibility for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

https://parr-centre.uwo.ca/projects/2023-24/ 

•Pride Planning Committee – membership from 50+ members including Students, Staff, Faculty, and Alumni who meet monthly to discuss initiatives, programming, support and resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community on campus.

•Institutional Special Bursary Program to help students with low family incomes receive a postsecondary education.

• This bursary program is intended to help students obtain their first degree, diploma, or training program certificate, and provides financial assistance for educational costs. The maximum bursary students can receive is $3,000 per academic year.

https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/osap_government_loans/special_assistance_programs.html 

• Creation of the Westerm Launch module to teach students about higher education and help them prepare for the coming year.

https://launch.uwo.ca/index.html 

• Bursaries for students from low income families to help them overcome financial barriers and food insecurity to succeed academically at Western. Costs considered include tuition and ancillary fees, residence fees, rent, food, books & equipment, and more.

• Out of province first year students are guaranteed a minimum $3,000 bursary

• Quebec applicants, the guaranteed minimum bursary is $4,000

• First year First Generation Students are offered a minimum of $2,000

https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/bursaries_workstudy.html 

• First Generation Bursary – The Government of Ontario allocates funding for first generation students through the ministry's Access and Opportunities Strategy. This bursary opportunity provides direct support to students with financial need who are the first in their families to attend a post-secondary institution. The Bursary ranges from $1000-3500 dollars, and students with the highest financial need will be selected from the eligible submissions through the Financial Assistance Profile Application.

https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/bursaries_workstudy.html 

• Work Study Program – Western’s Work Study program offers an opportunity for students to work part-time on campus in jobs that accommodate their studies. The objectives of the Work Study program are: to assist students in financial need with a regular source of income, offer students training and experience that will assist them in further studies and their eventual entrance into the workforce, and to help staff and faculty.

https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/bursaries_workstudy.html 

•Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) – a grant and loan program for full-time and part-time students and micro-credential programs (for Ontario, Canada Residents)

https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/osap_government_loans/ontario_student_assistance_program_osap.html 

https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program  

• Summer Academic Orientation – provides students with an opportunity to speak with university staff about program requirements, course registration and life on campus before they arrive at Western.

https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/first_generation.html 

• Mentorship Programs for New Students – Western offers a variety of mentorship programs to help students' transitions to Western such as: Leadership & Academic Mentorship Program (LAMP), Society of Off-Campus Students (SOCS), Out of Province Students Association (OPSA) and Society of Mature Students (SMS).

http://academicsupport.uwo.ca/transition_leadership__enrichment/new_students/index.html 

• Leadership Education Program (LEP) – free program that gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge that will help them become effective leaders. LEP is delivered through a series of workshops covering different subjects related to leadership.

https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/first_generation.html  

•Western has committed $600,000 in financial support to students and scholars

facing disruption and displacement due to conflict or war in their home countries.

•Western offers six scholarships at $25,000 each year continuing for up to 4 years.

https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/scholarships_awards/admission/western_scholarships_for_globally_displaced_students.html 

•Dedicated webpage on the welcome website for new international students.

https://welcome.uwo.ca/int-high-school-students.html 

•Welcome modules specifically designed fro new international students.

https://iesc.uwo.ca/new_students/ 

•International student network -  an email list that receives weekly email updates on the programs, services, and events offered by Western International. Through the Network emails students also learn more about Canadian culture and receive information about events happening on campus and in the community.

https://iesc.uwo.ca/programs/student_network.html 

•Orientation week programming specifically for new international students. 

https://iesc.uwo.ca/new_students/orientation_activities/ 

•Peer leadership program for new international students - upper year undergraduate/graduate students (peer guides) are paired with new international students to provide support.

https://iesc.uwo.ca/programs/peer_guide_program.html 

•Student advising specifically for international students.

https://iesc.uwo.ca/about_us/advising_services.html 

•Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors

https://iesc.uwo.ca/about_us/our_staff.html 

•Immigration workshops for international students

https://iesc.uwo.ca/visas/workshops.html 

•Offer a full range of programs and services to support international students during their stay at Western. Individual assistance (advising and counselling) is available for international students.

https://www.uwo.ca/health//psych/international_students.html 

•Refugees pay domestic tuition fees

https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/who_pays_canadian_tuition_fees.html 

•Afghan Student Refugee Scholarship – Western is committed to support five Afghan

student refugees who are applying to a full time undergraduate or graduate program at

Western’s main campus with scholarships continuing for up to four years.

https://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/scholarships_awards/admission/afghan_student_refugee_scholarship.html 

•Created multi-faith prayer spaces on campus.

https://www.uwo.ca/health//wellness-equity-education/spiritual-wellness/index.html 

• EDID Champions Program – a program for individuals who desire to be advocates for

EDID and create an inclusive culture at Western

• Members gather quarterly to share ideas and learn about institutional activities.

https://www.edi.uwo.ca/initiatives/edid-champion/ 

• Provide ongoing opportunities for students to self-identify to improve future programs and initiatives for various equity-deserving groups through the Western Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (WIDE) Survey

https://www.edi.uwo.ca/initiatives/wide-survey/ 

• International Women's Day celebrations

https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/edid/international_womens_day__march_8_2024.html 

• Free EDI Workshops at Western – The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at Western offers various workshops for the campus community. These sessions aim to enhance awareness and equip participants with tools to practice allyship and understand EDI core values. Programs include Learn at Lunch workshops for staff and faculty, as well as student-only workshops, fostering a deeper commitment to equity and inclusion across the university.

https://www.edi.uwo.ca/trainings-and-certificates/workshops/ 

•The Human Rights Office (HRO) is dedicated to making Western an equitable, safe and

supportive environment for all members of the University Community. This service provides assistance to all members of Western’s community, including student, staff or faculty members. HRO can provide information on the University's harassment and discrimination policies, employment equity and diversity, and other human rights related issues.

https://www.uwo.ca/hro/index.html 

• Youth in Extended Society Care Bursary – bursary support to cover students' full tuition at Western. For up to 20 students (5 students per year for 4 years) who have expired out of extended society care without being publicly adopted, Western offers to cover:

•Full tuition for up to 4 years of full-time studies at Western main campus.

•Ancillary fees for up to 4 years.

•Books & supplies for required courses for the module(s) the student is pursuing.

https://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/youthextendedsocietycare.html 

• Equity & Human Rights Services (EHRS) administers the University’s policies on discrimination and harassment. Western is committed to providing and maintaining an environment free of discrimination and harassment. Every member of the University community has the right to study, work and conduct his or her activities in an environment free from discrimination and harassment.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/faculty_staff/policies_programs.html 

https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/policies_procedures/section3/mapp32.pdf 

• Case managers for survivors of gender-based sexual violence

https://www.uwo.ca/health//gbsv/support/index.html 

•Registered Dietitian dedicated for students living in residence with an allergy, or food restrictions such as celiac disease

https://nutrition.uwo.ca/faq 

•Various health services including, but not limited to, nutrition, optometry, and chiropractic

https://www.uwo.ca/health//shs/services/index.html 

Website called Accessibility Western University that outlines specific policies and programs related to disabilities.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/faculty_staff/policies_programs.html 

•Neurodiversity in the Workplace Toolkit for the Western Community

•Provides definitions of terms as well as best practices for working with individuals who have neurodevelopmental or learning disabilities.

https://www.uwo.ca/hr/form_doc/health_safety/doc/wellness/health_mind/neurodiversity.pdf 

• Accessibility Map and Floor Plans to assist employees with disabilities navigate campus.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/resources/maps/index.html 

• Enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

• The purpose of the AODA, 2005 is to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises on or before January 1, 2025, by developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/aoda/standards.html 

•All job postings include the following text: Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

• Western Libraries offers assistive technologies including an Access Lab that offers specialized equipment and technology, accessible software, and a document magnifier to support library users with disabilities.

https://www.lib.uwo.ca/accessibility/technology.html 

• Western developed and uses a website template to ensure accessibility that is in compliance with the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C’s) Accessibility Initiative.

https://www.communications.uwo.ca/web_design/accessibility/ 

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/faculty_staff/tech_communications.html 

• Western Technology Services provides secure remote access to resources on campus via the internet.

https://wts.uwo.ca/remote/how_do_i/index.html 

 •  Western Libraries strives to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for all library users to engage in research and scholarship. To enhance the accessibility of the library locations for persons with disabilities, Western Libraries offer library facilities, assistive technology, audio guides, reference services, and retrieval and photocopying of material.

https://www.lib.uwo.ca/accessibility/ 

 •  The Transitional Accommodation Program, facilitated by Western Employee Well-being, supports employees experiencing occupational and non-occupational illness and injury, and assists these employees to remain at work or to return to work in a timely manner.

https://www.uwo.ca/hr/safety/well_being/accommodation/index.html 

 •  The Ergonomics Program at Western was developed to assist staff and faculty to work safely, efficiently and optimize their comfort. This value-added program is provided by Human Resources and managed by Employee Well-being. Practical ergonomics information is provided on the website including tips, general exercises and step-by-step assistance with office workstation set-up.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/faculty_staff/policies_programs.html 

 •  Western has several resources for its employees and community as outlined in the Accessibility Resources for Western Document. These resources include: Accessible Transportation, Adaptive Equipment provision, Attendant care, Braille services, FM headsets, and sign language interpreters.

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/doc/gen/accessibility_resources_for_western_07_20_2010.pdf 

• Required training for leaders, staff, volunteers, among others – this training is mandated by the Province of Ontario

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/aoda/learn/staff.html 

https://accessibility.uwo.ca/aoda/learn/faculty.html 

•Black Faculty and Staff Network with a membership of over 150 individuals who gather monthly for Coffee Chats, knowledge, and resource sharing, and to honour days of significance throughout the year. 

https://www.events.westernu.ca/events/edi/2024-05/monthly-black-faculty-and.html 

• The Anti-Racism Foundation Certificate Program and Anti-Oppression Certificate Program provide e-learning modules and workshops such as: Building Inclusivity through Anti-Racism, Historical Review of Racism in Canada, Transforming Power & White Privilege, Bias and Microaggressions: Impact, Prevention, and Intervention, Unpacking and Addressing Antisemitism, Unpacking and Addressing Anti-Asian Racism, Unpacking and Addressing Anti-Islamophobia, Unpacking and Addressing Anti-Black Racism.These trainings are free for all Western employees.

•Building Inclusivity Through Anti-Racism is mandatory training for all staff.

https://www.edi.uwo.ca/trainings-and-certificates/certificates/anti-racism-foundations-certificate-program/ 

https://www.edi.uwo.ca/trainings-and-certificates/certificates/anti-oppression-certificate-program/ 

https://www.uwo.ca/hr/learning/required/index.html 

•  A Black-led research team, comprised of 18 members including faculty, students at various levels, support staff, and the African Canadian Federation of London and Area (ACFOLA),are conducting projects dedicated to improving the Black Experience at Western, with a strong emphasis on empowering Black youth, informing institutional policies, advancing research on the Black experience, and creating sustainable support for Black individuals at Western.

https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/whats_new-quoi_de_neuf/2023/research_story_robbins-ollivier__western_university-eng.aspx 

• The EDID Indigenous Research program at Western emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in research teams for greater innovation and problem-solving. The program promotes equitable practices and supports Indigenous research and faculty, fostering a respectful and inclusive research environment. Western Research collaborates with the community to advance Indigenous research methods and data, working towards reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenization.

https://uwo.ca/research/services/EDID_Landing_Page.html 

•Professional Managerial Association (PMA) Racial Equity And Belonging  Network – provides support and a unique safe space for healing, relationship building and professional directives.

https://pma.uwo.ca/pma-bipoc-network/ 

• Western Queer Caucus – links people across faculties, schools, and departments and is intended to help forge community, facilitate academic alliances, promote scholarship, provide a venue for activism, and encourage discussions and practices of diverse forms of queer pedagogy.

https://www.uwo.ca/health//psych/2SLGBTQIA+.html 

•Pride library – the Mandate of the Pride Library is to acquire, preserve, organize, and give public access to information and materials by and about lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities (LGBTQ).

https://www.uwo.ca/pridelib/  

•Sexuality and Gender Research Group – brings together researchers from the

 Faculty of Arts and Humanities with scholars in other disciplines from around the university to discuss questions of sexuality and gender from a variety of disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and cross-disciplinary perspectives.

https://www.uwo.ca/gsws/research/Sexuality%20and%20Gender%20Research%20Group.html#:~:text=The%20Sexuality%20and%20Gender%20Research,%2C%20and%20cross%2Ddisciplinary%20perspectives. 

•Virtual workshop about creating safe Queer and Trans Inclusive Spaces.

https://www.events.westernu.ca/events/edi/2023-03/fostering-inclusive-spaces.html 

•Pride Planning Committee – membership from 50+ members including

 Students, Staff, Faculty, and Alumni who meet monthly to discuss initiatives,

programming, support and resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community on campus.

Western has a Global Students & Scholars at Risk program that supports scholars who have been displaced and suffering threats to their lives, liberty and well-being seeking a teaching or research arrangement.

https://international.uwo.ca/globalatrisk/

In the fall of 2022 and winter of 2023, Western engaged the broader campus community with a survey to help inform the EDI strategic plan.

Survey questions were oriented around perceptions of belonging, community, inclusion, psychological safety, perceptions of educators, climate, and Western’s commitment to advancing EDI. The survey also asked about demographic characteristics including: gender, racial identity, sexuality, and disability.

Description of the methodology used to assess institutional climate

The survey included both qualitative (open-ended) and quantitative (closed-ended) questions. Topics included: demographic characteristics, perceptions of belonging, community, inclusion, psychological safety, educators, campus climate, and Western’s commitment to advancing EDI. In total, 3191 individuals participated in the survey, which was subsequently analyzed (using inferential statistics for the quantitative data and thematic analyses for the qualitative data) to identify discrepancies in perceptions across groups (e.g., racial/ethnic identities, gender identities) and uncover common themes that could inform the strategic plan.