Hello Western Students,

Welcome back. 

We know that studying during a global pandemic is hard. 

We know you are missing the informal gatherings and social connections that help distinguish the undergraduate experience at Western. 

We miss seeing you and your friends around campus, dodging the geese on your way to grab a Spoke bagel and we know there will be less tray-tobogganing down UC Hill this year. 

I hope you found some time to rest over winter break. As you return to your studies you might be feeling less refreshed than you had hoped. This is understandable. There is a lot going on in the world at the moment and it can, at times, feel a bit overwhelming. 

Be kind to yourself. As you start the semester, try adopting one habit to help you practice self care. 

Please try to stay optimistic. Vaccines are starting to roll out and there is light at the end of this tunnel.

Your well-being as we move through the next few months remains our top priority. In February we will be conducting a student well-being survey to gather data that will inform how we deliver resources and supports.       

In the meantime, we have been working hard to build resources and supports to help you while you learn online. Below is a list of these programs that can help. I encourage you to take a look and join us. 

Hang in there. We will all get through this situation if we work together. Reach out early and often. The pandemic sucks and we all need kindness, care, and support to get through it. 

Best wishes, 

Jennifer Massey
Associate Vice President, Student Experience

Academic support 

• Check out the Digital Student Experience website to find out about all the virtual supports available for students. 
• If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of another term of online learning, you’re not alone. We encourage you to join the Learn2Thrive community or the Mindfulness for Academic Success program to help you succeed during the coming months. 
• The Peer Assisted Learning Centre offers peer-to-peer course-related virtual supports, and provided specific study sessions during midterms and finals that were well-received last semester. 
• Remember, the Writing Support Centre has an online writing assistance feature where you can submit written work electronically and receive feedback. 

Support staying well 

• Visit Thrive Online to read stories from your peers going through the same things you are. You can also share your own story! 
• Learn about opportunities to get involved and grow your leadership skills by attending Learn to Lead Summit sessions on January 29. 
• Visit the University Students' Council (USC) website to find out about social events planned by your student government, and join the State of the USC.
• Join a digital fitness class with Campus Recreation to stay active. 
• If you need mental health support, call 519-661-3030 for an appointment with a counsellor or visit our Digital Student Experience website for more information about getting the help you need. 

Employment support 

• Learn more about career in the public service at Canada Revenue Agency Career Day on January 26 
• Attend the hirewesternu Virtual Career Fair on February 4 and meet employers looking to hire YOU 
• Attend a Career workshop on topics, including job searching, networking, and interviewing 
• Prepare for upcoming multiple mini interviews with our virtual practices sessions 
• Access drop-in peer support for resumes, cover letters, CVs, and LinkedIn profiles at Western’s Employment Resource Centre 

COVID-19 testing on campus 

• Western's testing centre now has a new online booking tool to schedule appointments in advance. While you can still walk-in to get a test but booking an appointment is preferred. 

Staying safe during COVID 

• The health and safety of our community is a shared responsibility. 
• As we enter the next few months, it is imperative you follow the provincial shutdown directives, and recommendations from the Middlesex-London Health Unit. 
• Provincial directives (PDF) prohibit indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except in very limited circumstances. No indoor organized public events and social gatherings related to the University are permitted on or off campus. All campus community members are expected to continue to follow social gathering limits to help reduce the spread of the virus.