Connections Winter2015 0106

8/10/2019 Connections Winter2015 0106

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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2 | JANUARY 2015

UPPER-YEAR HOUSING OPTIONS Welcome to theWinter TermOFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

Moving off-campus is an exciting experience for many students. Westerns Off-Campus Housing

Service can help university students make the best decision for their housing needs. Our free service

offcampus.uwo.caprovides thousands of rental listings each year from landlords who want torent to students. Off-Campus Housing also informs students about provincial rental law, city bylaws,

roommate advice, and other key pieces of off-campus information.

Key tips for your student: There is no need to rush into a lease! Over 50%

of the listings placed on our rental service are

received after March 1st.

Encourage your student to take their time and

view at least five rental units before making a

decision.

Talk to the current tenants about their

relationship with their landlord and what the

rental unit is like.

Before signing a lease, bring it in to WesternsHousing Mediation Service to have it reviewed.

To make an appointment, call 519-661-3787

or e-mail [email protected]

Do a roommate agreement before signing

a lease to ensure you are all compatible:offcampus.uwo.ca/roommate_agreement.pdf

ON-CAMPUS HOUSINGResidencesThere are a number of spaces available for upper-year students to live in our residences. Students

appreciate the convenience of living on campus, having in-house dining halls and the focus on safety,

which residences provide. London Hall, a suite-style

residence is exclusively an upper-year only residence.

Upper year residence applications can be found at www.residenceatwestern.ca applications are on an ongoingbasis. First year students currently living in residence who

entered Western with a 90%+ average from high school are

guaranteed residence for their second year, so long as they

apply before January 31, 2014.

ApartmentsThe University operates a number of apartment buildings

located conveniently on campus. For those interested in

more independent living, while having the University as

your landlord, the University Apartments are an excellent

option. More information and applications can be found

atwww.apartments.uwo.ca.

Email: [email protected] | Tel: 519-661-3559 | UCC 210, Western University, London, Ontario

CONNECTIONSWestern

1 Welcome! Upper-Year

Housing Options

2 Campus Involvement and

Leadership Opportunities

3 Campus Events: Important

Dates

4 Western International Excha

Program

5 Office of the Ombudsperso

6 Turning an Internship into a

Once in a Lifetime Experien

7 SAO Rewind

8 University Speak

9 Intent to Register - FAQs

INSIDE

It is our pleasure to offer you our second issue ofparent newsletter for the 2014-15 school year. O

first newsletter generated some great feedback a

we appreciate hearing from you.

The second term has a lot of opportunities for your

student to get involved, make connections for futur

opportunities and also make further plans for their

academic career. We hope this newsletter provides

you insight into the cycle of the university year and

also gives you helpful contacts and resources. As

usual, do not hesitate to contact us if you need furt

assistance.

Sincerely,

Leslie Gloor Duncan, Team Coordinator

Manager: Transition, Leadership and Enrichment

ProgramsThe Student Success Centre

[email protected]
http://offcampus.uwo.ca/mailto:housing.mediation.service%40uwo.ca?subject=mailto:housing.mediation.service%40uwo.ca?subject=http://offcampus.uwo.ca/roommate_agreement.pdfhttp://offcampus.uwo.ca/roommate_agreement.pdfhttp://www.residenceatwestern.ca/http://www.residenceatwestern.ca/http://www.apartments.uwo.ca/mailto:[email protected]:fyresource%40uwo.ca?subject=mailto:fyresource%40uwo.ca?subject=mailto:[email protected]://www.apartments.uwo.ca/http://www.residenceatwestern.ca/http://www.residenceatwestern.ca/http://offcampus.uwo.ca/roommate_agreement.pdfhttp://offcampus.uwo.ca/roommate_agreement.pdfmailto:housing.mediation.service%40uwo.ca?subject=mailto:housing.mediation.service%40uwo.ca?subject=http://offcampus.uwo.ca/


2/9

In our previous issue we stressed the importance of getting involved in the first year of

University. This importance carries over into upper years. Second year is fast approaching

and there are many leadership opportunities which must be applied/run for in the next

couple of months. Whether it is student government, Orientation Week, or positions that are

academically oriented there are plenty of opportunities for your student to get involved (and

stay involved) on campus and in the greater London community.

Each year, the Western student body votes for individuals to comprise next years University

Students Council (USC). If your student is interested in participating in student government,

the USC may be a great option for them.

A list of available positions for the upcoming year can be found at:westernusc.ca/

government. It is important for your student to review By-Law 2 if they intend to run for a

position www.usc.uwo.ca/government/documents/bylaw/electionbylaws.pdf .

Campus Involvementand LeadershipOpportunities

Important Dates for

the USC Election:

Nominations: January 5 toJanuary 26

Campaigning: January 27 toFebruary 9

Voting : February 10-11

Results Night: February 11

Each year the Student Success

Centre hires more than 300

student leaders/volunteers

to help with our programs

(SAO, Career Leader, LAMP).

Gain leadership skills and

develop your resume! Visit

westerncareercentral .cato apply.

For Success Leader Job

Descriptions, please visit

success.uwo.ca.

Deadline: February, 2015

(for most positions)

Purchase or Rent Housing?Investing in a property near WesternUniversity would save on your childsrent, make enough rental income tocover the mortgage and other house-related costs, and turn a profit whenyou sell the property after they havegraduated.

Call me, and I can show youwhat your options are and howyou can achieve this.

Direct [email protected]

Neda Beaulac, P.Eng.Sales Representative

www.nedabeaulac.com

Western Connections January 20152
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3/9

If the USC seems like too much of a

commitment for your student, but they are still

interested in student government, they should

consider their Faculty Council. Each faculty atWestern has its own student council that runs

in much the same way as the USC (just on a

much smaller scale).

ARTS & HUMANITIESwww.ahscwesternu.comIGAB Room ON2OD

ENGINEERINGwww.eng.uwo.ca/uesSEB Room 1001

HEALTH SCIENCESwww.fhssc.comHealth Sciences Building, Room 8

MEDIA, INFORMATION, ANDTECHNOCULTURE (MIT)

www.fimssc.caNorth Campus Building, Room 298

MUSICwww.facebook.com/fomscTalbot College Room 436

SCIENCEuwoscience.caNatural Science Room 108

SOCIAL SCIENCEwww.ssscwestern.caSocial Science Centre Room 1124

Clubs CommunityEach club at Western has its own executive

committee and each will have its own

election process. If your student is interested

in an executive position within a club they

should contact their club of interest via theemail address listed on the USC website:

westernusc.ca/clubs .

Orientation WeekWestern has the largest Orientation Week

program of its kind in Canada and none of

it would be possible without the nearly 800

volunteers (sophs) that dedicate an entire

week of their time to first year students.

Wellness CalendarAt Western, we recognize the challenges your

student faces as they makes the transition touniversity and independence. Weve provided

some suggestions on how you can help your

student succeed with a new life on campus.

www.residenceatwestern.ca/calendar.cfm

Campus Involvementand LeadershipOpportunitiescontinued

CAMPUS EVENTSHere is a sample of some of the upcoming events

and information weeks happening on campus. For

more events, check westernu.ca, and click MoreEvents under the Whats On column.

OFF CAMPUS, FACULTY, CHARITY, ANDINFO SOPH APPLICATIONS

More Information at westernusc.ca/orientation

Assistant Head Soph applications due Jan 21

LIFE AFTER WESTERNU Jan 1Career Conference success.uwo.ca

JOB FAIR Jan 2Western Student Recreation Centre

READING WEEKNo classes this week Feb 16-2

GOOD FRIDAY April

EASTER SUNDAY April

LAST DAY OF CLASSES April

STUDY DAYS April 9-1

FINAL EXAM PERIOD April 11-3

Book Store gift cards

The best way to help your

student with back to school

and all year long.

Available online. Its easy.

Its quick.

We can ship to your home or

hold for pick up.

www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcard

Book StoreGift Cards

http://www.ahscwesternu.com/http://www.eng.uwo.ca/ueshttp://www.fhssc.com/http://www.fimssc.ca/http://www.facebook.com/fomschttp://uwoscience.ca/http://www.ssscwestern.ca/http://westernusc.ca/clubshttp://www.residenceatwestern.ca/%20calendar.cfmhttp://www.residenceatwestern.ca/%20calendar.cfmhttp://westernu.ca/http://westernusc.ca/orientationhttp://westernusc.ca/orientationhttp://success.uwo.ca/http://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://www.bookstore.uwo.ca/giftcardhttp://success.uwo.ca/http://westernusc.ca/orientationhttp://westernusc.ca/orientationhttp://westernu.ca/http://www.residenceatwestern.ca/%20calendar.cfmhttp://www.residenceatwestern.ca/%20calendar.cfmhttp://westernusc.ca/clubshttp://www.ssscwestern.ca/http://uwoscience.ca/http://www.facebook.com/fomschttp://www.fimssc.ca/http://www.fhssc.com/http://www.eng.uwo.ca/ueshttp://www.ahscwesternu.com/


4/9

Students who are interested in doing so,

generally apply for an international exchange in

their second year, for their third year of university.

While third year may seem like the very distantfuture, it is never too early to get informed

about exchange opportunities and prepare for

applications. If your student is interested in

exchange, it is highly recommended that they

attend an information session in the Fall. Any

questions or concerns can be directed to the

International and Exchange Student Centre

(Room 2120, Western Student Services Building)

by email at [email protected] by phone at

519-661-2111 Ext. 85196.

Why study on exchange?Western is committed to

internationalization and encourages all

students to become global citizens.

By studying on exchange, students

develop the skills, attitudes and

knowledge required to become

competent global citizens and leaders. While

on exchange, students build familiarity and

connections with different world regions. Our

exchange programs offer you life transformingexperiences and opportunities for personal and

professional development to help you succeed in

todays global economy.

Western International

Welcome to the Journey of a Lifetime!BENEFITS:Academic & Personal

Exchanges available to more than20 countries

Avoid International Student Fees atUniversities worldwide (You payWestern tuition!)

Bursaries and scholarships availableto qualified applicants!

Choose from one term or year-longexchanges

Learn a new language or improveyour foreign language skills

All approved courses

Exclusive Offers for Students:Save up to 70% off the regular price on

several software products for course work

including Microsoft Office Pro Plus.

We offer a wide variety of laptops andproducts to provide your student with

everything they need for the academic

year.

mailto:[email protected]://computerstore.uwo.ca/http://computerstore.uwo.ca/http://computerstore.uwo.ca/http://computerstore.uwo.ca/http://computerstore.uwo.ca/http://computerstore.uwo.ca/http://computerstore.uwo.ca/http://computerstore.uwo.ca/http://computerstore.uwo.ca/http://computerstore.uwo.ca/mailto:[email protected]


5/9

Office of the Ombudsperson

Advocating for Fairness on CampusTheyve made it through first term. Four months of essays, labs, tests, exams androommate negotiations are behind your student and you!

You may have spent hours on the Western web site reading policies andprocedures, hoping to help your child. If only you, and they, had known aboutthe Office of the Ombudsperson.

We are a safe, confidential, impartial and independent service open to allWestern students. We are co-funded by the students and the University sowe dont advocate for students or for Western; we advocate for fairness. Wedont make decisions and our recommendations are not binding, but we canhelp guide students through an academic or non-academic appeal, advisethem on how to address conflicts with an instructor or a coach, and whatto do when they have missed class or an assignment because of illness. Inshort, we are a first stop when your student doesnt know where to turn anda last resort, when they think they have exhausted all their options.

The coming months might introduce new challenges to your student. Whenthey return in January students will receive their first term grades. Perhapsthey will receive a grade they dont understand or agree with. The first step inthat situation is for the student to meet with their professor or TA to discussthe final assignment or overall grade and determine where they went wrong. If,after that meeting, the student still disagrees with the grade, they may write aformal appeal letter to the Undergraduate Chair in the department or program.The student should state the purpose of the letter, the facts surrounding

why they believe the grade is not accurate, and what they are requesting.For example, the student might request that an assignment be re-gradedby another instructor. The letter should also include any documentation thatsupports their request. Students have until January 31 to appeal a first termgrade. If the student disagrees with the Undergrad Chairs decision, they maappeal to the Associate Dean of the Faculty offering the course.

If your student is having trouble adjusting academically to university anddidnt do as well in first term as they had hoped, be sure they visit theirfaculty academic counselor. Academic counselors can help guide yourstudent to on-campus resources that will help them. These resources incluthe Writing Support Centre and Learning Skills, both located on the fourthfloor of the Western Student Services Building. Additionally, staff in the Offiof the Ombudsperson is always happy to guide students if they dont knowwhere to turn for help.

Although we appreciate how concerned you can be, we encourage studen

to contact us themselves. They can e-mail us at [email protected], phous at 519-661-3573, or drop in to Room 3135 of the Western StudentServices Building. We are open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. O

web site uwo.ca/ombuds, includes some great information on appeaacademic integrity, and other University policies. Best wishes for term two!

Stop throwing your money away on rent!With 22 years of student housing investment expertise,

Call Jason and Monika Now to access the best properties before they get listed.

mailto:ombuds%40uwo.ca?subject=http://uwo.ca/ombudshttp://www.jasonsims.com/default.asphttp://www.jasonsims.com/default.asphttp://www.jasonsims.com/default.asphttp://www.jasonsims.com/default.asphttp://uwo.ca/ombudsmailto:ombuds%40uwo.ca?subject=


6/9

Eric standing in front of t3 airplanes which measuthe magnetic field strengthe force of gravity, andthe radioactivity comingfrom the ground. LocatioDodoma, Tanzania

Third year Geophysics student Eric Rops knew

he wanted career related work when he applied

to be in the Science Internship program. What he

didn`t expect was the life changing experience

that would follow.

It was actually my parents who encouraged

me to do an internship, and after some hard

work Eric successfully secured a 16 month paid

position with Sander Geophysics Limited (SGL).

SGL is a relatively large, family run company

based in Ottawa that provides worldwide airborne

geophysical surveys for petroleum and mineral

exploration, and geological and environmental

mapping.

Eric knew right away that this was going to be agreat opportunity but the real surprise came when

his employer told him he would be travelling half

way around the world to conduct geophysical

surveying for the government of Tanzania. Eric

left for Tanzania in August and returned inOctober.

Being from the small town of Mitchell Ontario,

which has a population of about 4,500 people,

Eric`s biggest adventures to date had included

a trip to Disney World and a summer work

experience in Baffin Island with an Iron Mining

Company. He admits the culture shock

in Africa was real. There is just such a

staggering contrast to their way of living

as compared to here in Canada. Its

difficult to describe, but after about a

week I began adjusting to it. The workdays were long and the weather was

hot but he is very excited to be returning right

after New Years for another two months. I am

hoping I will even get to go back a third time to

see the end of the project.

Contrary to popular belief interns do not fetch

coffee all day. In the field Eric tests equipment,

monitors the aircraft and processes airborne

geophysical data to determine prospective areas

for petroleum and mineral development for the

projects client. In addition he is compensated

very well and given extra vacation time for

the weeks he is away. After this second

trip I plan to stay abroad for two weeks

and maybe even go on Safari.

Westerns Earth Sciences departmentoffers professional programs that fulfill

continued

Turning an Internship into a

Once in a Lifetime Experience

http://www.homestead.ca/http://mealplan.uwo.ca/


7/9

Start off the New Year on the right foot. Get all

your questions about your academic path andregistration explained!

all course requirements for professionalregistration as a Geoscientist as set by the

Association of Professional Geoscientists of

Ontario (APGO) and the Canadian Council of

Professional Geoscientists (CCPG). Internships

can be counted towards the mandatory work

experience that is required for registration.

Science internships are available to any

student who is completing at least one

major in Science or the Bachelor of Medical

Sciences program. This year 72 Science and

BMSc students are working in a variety of

government and industry positions, includingproduct quality control, pharmaceutical

research, laboratory testing, software

development, manufacturing and much more.

While some students are concerned about

the idea of taking a year away from school to

work, Eric describes it as such a positive long

term investment in your future. Plus you will

return to school with the confidence to go to

professional school or better compete in the

job market after graduation.

SAO REWIND

Where: The Student Success Centre (UCC 210)

When: January 8 & 9 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

What: Information and one-on-one help concerning academics andregistration

Why: Knowledge is key! You dont want to find out too late that youracademic path has been negatively affected because you didnt knowsomething important

Who: All undergraduate students with a special focus on first year students

Looking to change your schedule? Not sure how to add/drop courses? Looking for a quick

check in? As we rapidly approach the next term, students are looking for academic and

programming supports. SAO Rewind may be especially helpful for undecided students or

individuals who have not previously attended orientation sessions.

Turning an Internshipinto a Once in aLifetime Experiencecontinued

Open to all students. Confidential, impartial advice and information aboutUniversity policies and procedures. This office serves graduate and undergraduate students.

Western Student Services Building, Room 3135

519-661-3573 [email protected] www.uwo.ca/ombuds

http://www.uwo.ca/ombudshttp://www.uwo.ca/ombudshttp://www.uwo.ca/ombudshttp://www.uwo.ca/ombudshttp://www.uwo.ca/ombudshttp://www.uwo.ca/ombudshttp://www.uwo.ca/ombudshttp://www.uwo.ca/ombuds


8/9

University-SpeakA Guide for Parents and Students


TERM DEFINITION

AlumniDescribes what you will be once you have finished University. Alumni is plural; Alumnus is singular and refers to a

former student of a specific school, College, or University.

Bursary A non-repayable grant usually awarded to students based on financial need.

Convocation A group of people gathered for a ceremony (i.e. Graduation).

Curriculum VitaeFrom Latin meaning course of life. Like a rsum, a CV or vita is a summary of your skills, experience, and

education. It is quite detailed and is often longer than 2 pages. CVs are the documents required to apply for Graduate

School, scientific research, and academic positions.

Frosh Frosh is a gender-less short-form for Freshmen and refers to new or first-year students.

Graduate /GraduateSchool

A Graduate is a student who has earned a degree. Graduate School refers to a division of the University which offerscourses leading to degrees more advanced than the Bachelors Degree (i.e. Masters Degree, PhD Degree).

Intent To RegisterFirst-year students must complete their Intent to Register by March 31 in their first year of studies. This document

indicates their intention to return to Western in September for a second year and declares their intended area of study.

Internship

Internships are offered in different programs at different stages of a students academic career. If you participate in one

of these programs, you are an Intern. An Intern is a person who works as an apprentice or trainee in an occupation or

profession to gain practical experience. An Internship is an official or formal program that provides practical experience

for beginners in an occupation or profession.

ITSITS (Information Technology Services) is the front-line support for all aspects of computing services at Western.

(www.uwo.ca/its)

LAMP(Leadership andMentor Program)

LAMP is designed to help first-year students learn leadership skills and, by pairing them with upper-year students, will

expose them to a supportive learning community. LAMP is intended to guide new students through their first year of

University life.

O-WeekO-Week is Orientation Weekthat week at the beginning of the school year designed to ease transition into life

at Western. A variety of programs are scheduled to encourage new students to meet other students, familiarize

themselves with the campus, and become comfortable with their new home.

Post-DegreePost-Degree refers to that time after a Degree (i.e. Bachelors Degree) has been earned. Post-Degree Diploma

Programs occur after the first Degree and are often designed to complement an Undergraduate Degree.

Sophs Sophs or Sophomores are upper-year students

Work StudyWork Study is a part-time employment program which allows students to work on campus in flexible environments

through Fall and Winter terms. To qualify for Work Study, students must be Canadian citizens, have a 60% (or more)

course loads, and demonstrate financial need.
http://www.uwo.ca/itshttp://www.uwo.ca/its


9/9

The transition between first and second year can be slightly confusing for students.

Soon it will be time for them to indicate which path they wish to take in the coming

year. This process is called Intent to Register (ITR) and must be completed by the end

of March. The ITR process itself is very straightforward, but the path to getting there

can be tricky. We have compiled a list of questions that are commonly asked by first

year students during this time of year. The most important thing for students to know is

that these things are not set in stone they can always change their mind. Be open to

having conversations and exploring alternative options. The vast majority of studentswill change their major at some point during their years of study. In fact, the average

Western student will change their program 2.25 times during their undergraduate

career!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhat is Intent to Register?Intent to Registeris the time of year during which undergraduate students declarewhich module or program they intend to be enrolled in for the following academic

year.

What if I am not 100% sure which program/

module I want to register in?If all else fails go to see an academic counselor in your faculty to discuss your

options.

Do I have to fill out the Intent to Register form?Yes. If you fail to indicate your Intent to Registerby the dates specified either

via the online service or a paper form with authorizing signatures, you will forfeit

priority registration and may also miss being reviewed for Limited Enrollment

Programs. (www.registrar.uwo.ca/course_enrollment/intent_to_register.html)

When will I know which program/module I amregistered in?Each student is adjudicated at the end of the academic year. The adjudication process

happens in May and usually students are able to login to Student Center by mid-June

to check their grades and to see what program they are eligible for.

What if I change my mind?Students who change their mind about their requested program should contact

their academic counseling office to discuss the change and to complete a program

change form. Academic Counsellors will inform students of academic implications of

changing programs.

INTENT TO REGISTER TOP 5

1. Build a budget a stick to it. It makes you awarof your spending and will save money for thethings you really want.

2. Avoid "Buy Now, Pay Later" - save for yourpurchases and you will save money in thelong-run.

3. Pre-paid credit card are a great starter cardfor young Canadians.

4. Pay yourself first - make saving a priority, forrainy days, for wants and for your retirement.

5. Credit Card use: Only use credit cardson items that endure past payment date(education, car repairs, etc) and avoid using

on purchases that are gone before you pay(movies, gas, etc).

Source: ABC Life Literacy abclifeliteracy.ca

FINANCIAL LITERACYBEST PRACTICES

Welcome to your London Homethe convenience of Apartment Living!

Rental inquires

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Blossom Gate offers you varied floorplans in either our existing lowrise andhighrise buildings OR one of our newerhighrise buildings.

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