SDG 10 - Strategic Initiatives
Accessibility Support Services and Accommodations
Western University provides comprehensive support for students with disabilities, including personal services, access schemes, and a well-established accommodation policy. These services are designed to ensure equitable access to education and campus life, and they are supported by dedicated funding and institutional policies.
- Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities Policy: Ensures that students with disabilities have a reasonable opportunity to engage in academic activities and to fulfill essential course and program requirements.
- Accessibility Plan Reports: Western maintains multi-year accessibility plans and reviews and documents progress in the achievement of our accessibility goals.
- Accessibility Western: For centralized information and guidance, Western maintains a dedicated website which serves as a comprehensive hub for students, faculty, and staff. It outlines available services, policies, campus accessibility features, and contact points for support, making it easier for individuals with disabilities to navigate university life.
- Accessible Education: Provides supports and services to students with disabilities at Western, in all programs and faculties, including the following:
- Academic Accommodation consists of arrangements that allow a student with a disability a fair opportunity to engage in academic activities and fulfill essential course and program requirements.
- Access Ed Transition Program has been designed for students with disabilities to gain the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to confidently navigate university life.
- Access Ed Peer Mentorship Program connects students with an upper-year student who has experience navigating university with a disability.
- Accommodated Exams coordinates exams and assessments, both online and in-person, for students with disabilities.
- Alternative Format Text is available to students who are blind, have low vision, or have a learning or mobility disability.
- Assistive Technology offers a wide array of technologies and communication methods to assist students with disabilities.
- Interpretation and Note-Taking services are for students who are deaf or have moderate-to-profound hearing loss.
- Bursary for Students with Disabilities: Helps students with financial need to meet their disability-related educational costs.
- Committees and Commissioners: Several groups are dedicated to improving campus accessibility, including the Accessibility Planning Committee, Campus Accessibility Review and Enhancement Committee, and student-appointed roles such as the Accessibility Commissioner and Commissioner for Graduate Students with Disabilities.
- Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities: Provides non-repayable financial assistance to students for disability-related services and equipment that they need to participate in postsecondary education. They may also apply for other financial support.
- Service Animals on Campus Policy: Service Animals will generally have access to all buildings and facilities, including classrooms and laboratories, dining halls and campus eateries.
- Student Supports: Students with a disability may also access a variety of additional supports designed to help them succeed academically.
- Other Policies: The accessibility site lists other applicable policies and programs in place.
Accessible Facilities
Western University is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all members of its community. As part of this commitment, the university offers a wide range of accessible facilities and services designed to support individuals with disabilities. These initiatives ensure that everyone can fully participate in academic, residential, and campus life.
- Accessibility at Western Policy: This policy ensures that persons with disabilities have genuine, open, and unhindered access to university goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures, and premises.
- Accessibility Campus Map: This map displays accessible paths, ramps, automated door openers, and curb cuts in sidewalks.
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act: Ontario requires universities to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility and Western willingly complies.
- Accessible Campus Transportation: This is a call-for-pickup service for campus members with disabilities.
- Accessible Housing: All but one of Western’s residences are accessible to persons with disabilities. Five of the residences have incorporated a barrier-free design features, including specially designed suites.
- Accessible Service Interruptions: Western provides a real-time interactive map of service interruptions across campus, including closures of accessible pathways, parking lots, and building entrances to help individuals with disabilities plan their routes and access needs in advance.
- Accessible Western Parking Permit: Community members with long-term or temporary physical disabilities may apply for access to park in all areas designated with the accessible symbol.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization
Western University has a robust infrastructure dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights on campus. This includes:
- Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Led by a Vice-President and supported by a team of officers and advisors, this office is tasked with developing and implementing strategic initiatives, policies, and training programs that promote an inclusive campus culture.
- EDIDA Strategic Plan: Outlines the university’s long-term goals and commitments to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Decolonization and Accessibility, including measurable actions and accountability mechanisms.
- EDID Central Working Group: A cross-campus body that collaborates on implementing EDI initiatives and advising university leadership.
- Training and Education Programs: The Office of EDI develops online modules, certificate programs and workshops which are made available to all staff and students. Unpacking and Addressing Antisemitism and Unpacking and Addressing Islamophobia have even been adopted by external partners like the City of London.
- Human Rights Office: Provides confidential support, education, and resources related to human rights, discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence. It plays a key role in ensuring that Western is a safe and respectful environment for all members of the university community.
- Top Canadian Employer for Diversity: Western was named one of Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, which reflects the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.
These structures and initiatives demonstrate Western’s institutional commitment to embedding equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights into all aspects of university life.
Support for Marginalized Groups
Western University is deeply committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for students, staff, and faculty from underrepresented and/or marginalized groups. A wide range of mentoring, counselling, peer support programsare available to promote well-being, belonging, and leadership development.
Disability Support
Western offers comprehensive support for students with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to education and campus life:
- Academic Accommodations
- Access Ed Peer Mentorship Program
- Accessible Campus Transportation
- Accessible Education
- Accessible Map & Floor Plans
- Assistive Technology
- Autism Awareness Western
- Learning Disabilities Awareness Club
- MotionballU Western
- Policy on Service Animals
- Western Inclusion and Disability Awareness
EDI Supports
Western’s EDI initiatives offer targeted support for racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and additional equity-deserving groups:
- Anti-Racism Foundation Certificate Program
- Asian Heritage Month
- Black and Indigenous Scholarships
- Black Faculty and Staff Network
- Black in STEM
- Black Student Leadership University Experience
- Black Students Association
- Black Youth Mentorship Program
- Guide for Inclusive Language
- LGBTQ+ Mentorship Program
- Monthly Black Faculty Coffee Chats
- Preferred Name Option
- Pride at Western
- Pride USC
- Queer Connections for 2SLGBTQIA+
- Spectrum UWO
Indigenous Supports
Western’s Indigenous Student Centre provides support programs for Self-Identifying Indigenous Students to thrive personally and academically while at Western and beyond.
- Academic Advising
- Circles of Support and Leadership Program
- Community Supports
- Counselling Support
- Cultural Advising
- Events
- Financial Support
- Graduate Support
- Indigenous Students' Association
- Mental Health Support
- Nutrition Support
- Orientation Support
- Tutor Support
- Visiting Elders
Physical and Mental Health Supports
Western provides physical and mental health programs that support inclusion and well-being across diverse identities and needs:- 2SLGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support
- Active Minds Western
- Black and Racialized Student Supports
- Counselling & Psychiatry
- International Student Network
- International Student Wellness
- Mental Health programming for 2SLGBTQIA+
- Mental Health programming for Black and racialized students
- Trans Care Team provides medical care
- Wellness Navigator
- Female & Non-Binary Self-Defense Training
- Inclusivity Programming
- Mentorship Programs for New Students
- Multi-faith prayers spaces
- Neurodiversity in the Workplace
- Peer Support Centre
- Registered Dietician for those with food restrictions
- Residence Counselling
- Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program
Financial Supports
Non-Discriminatory Admissions
Western University has a publicly posted Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Sexual Misconduct Policy that prohibits withholding or limiting access based on:
Race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, or disability.
Our publicly post Undergraduate Degree Admissions Policy actively encourages applications from:
- 2SLGBTQIA+ students
- Black students
- First-generation students
- Indigenous students
- Racialized students
- Students with disabilities
- Additional underrepresented communities
Other admissions pathways include:
- Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
- Indigenous students
- Law Access pathways
- Scholarships for Globally Displaced Students
- Schulich Access Pathway
- Schulich Black Applicant Pathway
- Schulich Indigenous Applicant Pathway
These policies reflect our commitment to ensuring equitable access to education for marginalized groups.
Planned Actions to Recruit Underrepresented and/or Marginalized Students
Western University takes deliberate and practical steps to recruit students from marginalized groups. These include:
- Targeted recruitment campaigns for equity-deserving communities
- Admissions Access Categories:
- Equity-focused scholarships and bursaries
- Mentoring and support programs tailored to diverse student needs
Financial Support Programs
Western University has specific financial support programs for students from marginalized groups. Equity-focused scholarships and bursaries include:
- Admission Scholarships for Black Students
- Admission Scholarships for Indigenous Students
- Afghan Student Refugee Scholarship
- Bursary for Students with Disabilities
- First Generation Bursary
- James Jenkins President’s Entrance Scholarship for Black Students
- Low Income Special Bursary
- National Indigenous Scholarships
- Needs based awards
- Neen Hodgins Indigenous Continuing Admission Scholarship
- Project Hero Scholarship
- Scholarships for Globally Displaced Students
- Youth in Extended Society Care
- 80+ external scholarships and awards
International Student Orientation
Western International offers a comprehensive orientation program for new international students, including:
- Pre-arrival online modules
- Welcome Centre services
- Social events and community-building activities
- Practical support like SIN clinics and campus tours
- Peer Guide Network
This month-long program helps nearly 2,000 international students and their families transition smoothly into life at Western and in Canada.
Equity in Staff and Faculty Recruitment
Western University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are actively taking steps to recruit and support staff and faculty from underrepresented and marginalized groups through the following initiatives:
- Equity and Diversity Data Collection: We collect applicant equity and diversity data to support our commitments to hiring more Indigenous, Black, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ staff and faculty.
- Cluster Hiring Initiatives: Through the Provost’s Academic Renewal Fund, Western has launched two cluster hires specifically aimed at recruiting Black and Indigenous faculty members.
- Work-Learn Project: This program supports new immigrants who face language barriers by offering:
- Morning work shifts at Western
- Afternoon English language instruction through Western’s English Language Centre
These efforts reflect our strategic approach to positive discrimination and our goal to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly diverse academic environment.
Cultural Supports
Anti-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policies
Western University has comprehensive, institution-wide policies that address both anti-discrimination and anti-harassment, ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of the university community.
These policies apply across all areas of the university’s operations, including academic programs, employment practices, student services, and campus life. They apply regardless of prohibited grounds of discrimination in Ontario: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, record of offences, marital status, family status, gender identity, or gender expression. This includes a clear commitment to protect women, transgender people, and all gender expressions, and to create safe workplaces.
- EDI policy: We recognize that equity-seeking groups include but are not limited to women, members of racialized groups (visible minorities), Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ individuals.
- Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Sexual Misconduct Policy: Discrimination, Harassment or Sexual Misconduct toward individuals, whether as members of any recognizable group or otherwise, violate the fundamental rights, personal dignity and integrity of individuals or groups of individuals and will not be tolerated.
- Procedures for reports of Discrimination or Harassment: All members of the University community share responsibility for ensuring and promoting a safe and respectful working and learning environment that is free from Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct.
- Policy on Gender-Based and Sexual Violence (GBSV): The university is committed to providing and maintaining an environment in which GBSV is not tolerated. GBSV is defined as: Any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity and gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without the person’s consent, and includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism, cyber harassment and sexual exploitation.
- Procedures for reports of GBSV: These procedures keep disclosures confidential and prioritize the well-being of the victim.
- Safe Campus Community Policy: Every member of the university community has the right to study, work, and conduct his or her activities in an environment free of violence.
- Western University Code of Student Conduct: Students are responsible for observing a standard of conduct that will contribute to the university’s mission, including respecting the rights, property, and well-being of other members of the university community and visitors to the campus.
These policies are supported by formal procedures for reporting, investigation, and resolution, ensuring accountability and protection for all. Western University continuously reviews and strengthens its policies to uphold a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all. Western has a dedicated Human Rights Office which supports reporting any incidents of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct.