Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Research
Centre for Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
The Centre for Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction is a collaborative, interdisciplinary hub that unites experts from across the Western community. The Centre’s teaching and research focus on key issues such as transitional justice, reconciliation, criminal accountability, legal reconstruction, environmental impact, human rights, economic justice, and more.
Law and Feminism Research Group
Teaching
Local Government Program
Housed in the Faculty of Social Science, Western’s Local Government Program (LGP) is Canada’s only graduate public administration program specializing in local government. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, LGP is a leader in municipal-level public administration education, offering two unique opportunities to study the evolving fields of local government and administration. The Master of Public Administration program, available in both full-time and part-time formats, is one of Canada’s premier programs, catering to mid-career local government officials seeking to broaden their perspectives and enhance their skills, as well as to aspiring professionals pursuing careers in municipal government. Additionally, the Graduate Diploma in Public Administration is tailored for working local government professionals, providing specialized education in local administration to advance their careers in the public sector.
EdD in Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice: Driving Social Change
Western Education’s EdD in Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice is for professionals dedicated to social justice and human rights, seeking to deepen their critical thinking and drive action-oriented change. The program integrates professional and academic knowledge, enabling students to apply equity principles in their practice. With a cohort structure, students study together for three years, fostering a strong network and shared learning to advance equity in diverse fields. Graduates are equipped to lead meaningful change in their professions and communities, promoting inclusive and equitable practices.
Transitional Justice Research
Western is a leader in transitional justice research and offers the only program in North America that focuses on transitional justice at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Undergraduate Minor in Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction introduces students to the emerging debates in these fields. Additionally, the Collaborative Graduate Specialization is available at both the master’s and doctoral levels.
Outreach
Global Dialogue on Homelessness
Abe Oudshoorn, a Western professor, and his colleagues have created the International Journal on Homelessness to foster global dialogue on homelessness. The journal accepts articles in multiple languages and ensures representation from the Global South, promoting a more inclusive conversation. Abe is also working with the NGO Working Group to End Homelessness, advocating for homelessness to be included in the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Locally, he collaborates with Ontario homelessness advocates to develop policy frameworks aimed at ending homelessness, supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
UWO Humanitarian Society
The UWO Humanitarian Society collaborates with the Canadian Red Cross to raise funds and increase awareness of humanitarian crises. They also offer their members a wide range of volunteer opportunities within the London community. Past initiatives have included fundraising for care packages containing essential supplies and non-perishable food items, which are then donated to local food banks and shelters in London, Ontario.
Community Legal Services
Community Legal Services (CLS) is a dual-purpose initiative, serving as both a community legal clinic and a clinical education program operated by the Faculty of Law at Western University. Funded collaboratively by Legal Aid Ontario, the Law Foundation of Ontario, Fanshawe Student Union, and Western’s University Students Council and Faculty of Law, CLS offers free legal services to low-income individuals in the London community, including Western University students. Each academic year, over 125 law students, supervised by experienced staff lawyers, provide these essential services, gaining valuable hands-on experience while supporting the community.
Operations
Western Foot Patrol
Western Foot Patrol is a volunteer-driven service at Western University, committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment. With 250-300 volunteers each year, the program offers safe accompanied walks, raises awareness of personal safety, and deters crime through visible patrols, all while fostering a sense of responsibility among students. Foot Patrol also has an app, available in the Google and Apple stores, which allows users to chat with a dispatcher, request a safe walk, report non-emergency concerns, and access a map of service areas, making campus safety more accessible than ever.
Legal Information for Sexual Assault
The Legal Information for Sexual Assault (LISA) program, created by Western Law students, provides free and confidential legal information to students affected by sexual assault. Supported by Community Legal Services and the Faculty of Law, the program helps students explore their legal options and navigate relevant processes. Trained law students meet with individuals to discuss their situations, explain available resources, and offer referrals to legal and non-legal services, ensuring a compassionate and discreet approach to addressing student needs.
Campus Safety
Western University ensures campus safety through several key initiatives:
- Western Special Constables: Patrol campus, engage with the community, and offer safety programs, including Women’s Safety Program and Work Safe Program.
- Fire Safety Team: Manages fire and life safety, providing training and support.
- Alert WesternU: An emergency notification system that sends alerts about dangers and critical updates to all university members.
- Code Blue Emergency Phones: 29 phones across campus provide direct contact with the Western Special Constable Service.
