SDG 5 - Strategic Initiatives

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Graduation Rates
Admissions
Underrepresented Subjects
Women's Access & Mentoring
Non-Discrimination Policy
Parental Leave
Childcare Facilities
Safe Disclosure

Graduation Rates

Western tracks and publishes its graduation rates on a public dashboard. At Western, women currently have a higher likelihood of graduating than men. Western has implemented several initiatives to support student success and close any graduation gaps, including mentorship programs, academic support services, and targeted outreach for underrepresented groups.

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Degree’s Awarded by Gender in 2023

a donut chart shows the percentage of degrees awarded by gender Western University

Non-discriminatory Admissions

Western has policies to ensure non-discriminatory admissions for women, Indigenous peoples, and other minority groups. The Non-Discrimination / Harassment / Sexual Misconduct Policy applies to all areas of the institution, including admissions. It prohibits withholding or limiting access on the basis of 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. The Undergraduate Degree Admissions Policy actively encourages applications from Indigenous and Black students, as well as students with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+, and additional underrepresented communities.

At Western, admissions are solely grade-based and gender-blind, yet female students surpass male students.

Mentoring and Other Supports

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We believe the diversity of our campus enriches the Western community. We strive to support underrepresented groups through admissions access categories, financial support, and mentoring.

The Resources for Students from Equity Deserving Groups website details scholarships, mental health supports, training, guides, mentoring programs, and more for students with disabilities, as well as Black, racialized, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, women (including trans women), first-generation students, youth in extended care, and allies.

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Western has several initiatives to encourage applications from women in underrepresented fields. Here are some notable efforts:

  • Women in Engineering: This student group focuses on creating opportunities and encouraging women in engineering and STEM fields. They provide a strong network of faculty, mentors, advisors, peers, alumni, and industry professionals. The group also participates in events like Go ENG Girl, which introduces girls in grades 7-10 to engineering through hands-on activities.
  • Women in Science (WiS): This student-led organization supports and encourages women in the Faculty of Science. WiS aims to foster a vibrant community of friendship, leadership, and mentorship, helping bridge connections and showcase talented women in the scientific community.
  • WE-Empower Program: Launched by WORLDiscoveries, this program supports women innovators, particularly those from underrepresented groups, by providing mentorship, training, and funding to help commercialize their research and innovations.
  • Access Pathway: The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry offers the Access Pathway, which supports applicants who are underrepresented in medicine by considering the complexities of their lived experiences.
  • Leadership Representation Study: Western University conducts studies to assess and improve the representation of women and racialized persons in leadership roles, informing strategies to diversify leadership teams across various sectors.
  • Women of Ivey: The Ivey Business School’s initiative celebrates and supports women pursuing an MBA. They offer a supportive and collaborative environment, with resources for recruitment, applications, and career support. The program includes networking opportunities, mentorship, and scholarships to help women advance in their careers.

These initiatives reflect Western University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for women in fields where there is underrepresentation.

Women's Access and Mentoring

Linamar Scholarships for Women in Engineering and Business

Western offers mentoring and scholarships to support women in male-dominated fields. Our mentoring programs provide forums to share knowledge from gendered and intersectional perspectives, create networking opportunities with influential women leaders, and host workshops and events to broaden participants’ knowledge and strengthen their networks. Participants gain valuable insights into the experiences of women across various sectors and learn from successful, experienced women leaders. 

Policy of Non-Discrimination

Western is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our policies of non-discrimination and non-harassment apply to women, transgender people, and all gender expressions. The current prohibited grounds of discrimination in Ontario and at Western are race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, record of offences, marital status, family status, gender identity, and gender expression.

  • 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: 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. 
  • Procedures for reports of GBSV: This procedure keeps disclosures confidential and prioritizes 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 Human Rights Office: This office supports reporting any incidents of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct.
  • 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. 

Parental Leave

Western supports parents with secure leave policies

Western supports parental leaves so that all parents can participate in child care duties. 

  • Pregnancy, Parental & Adoption Leave: The Ontario Ministry of Labour, through the Employment Standards Act, provides employees who are pregnant or who are new parents with the right to take unpaid time off work. Most employees are eligible for paid benefits, which are administered by the Government of Canada. 
  • Pregnancy and Parental Leaves Policy: Western typically provides Supplemental Employment Insurance Benefits that provide eligible faculty and staff with additional funds. 
  • Canadian EI maternity and parental benefits: People who are away from work because they are pregnant, have recently given birth, or are caring for their newborn or newly adopted child can receive up to 55% of their earnings over 12-18 months. 
  • Ontario Pregnancy and parental leave in the Employment Standards Act: Guarantees all new parents the right to take parental leave. Employees on leave have the right to continue participation in certain benefit plans and continue to earn credit for length of employment, length of service, and seniority. In most cases, employees must be given back their old job at the end of their pregnancy or parental leave. 

Childcare Facilities

Western offers access to an on-site licensed childcare program operated by the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. The University Child Care Centre offers full- and part-time care for children aged 2 weeks to 4 years, available to all students, staff, and faculty. 

Child Care & Schooling provides information on other reputable Licensed Child Care Centres throughout the city, as well as parenting and prenatal care resources. 

The Society of Graduate Students established the Western Day Care Centre non-profit in 1972. They remain committed to providing a stimulating, safe, and secure environment with programs that are designed to meet the unique needs of children. 

Resources for Parents helps Western parents find information on programs, services, and resources at Western and in the London community. 

Safe Disclosure

Western has policies protecting those who disclose harassment. The Non-Discrimination / Harassment / Sexual Misconduct Policy applies to all members of the campus community. It specifically states: 

Any reprisals, retaliation or threats of reprisals or retaliation for pursuing rights under this policy, for having participated in its procedures, or for acting in any role under this policy and its procedures are prohibited. 

Where a disclosure is made, every effort will be made to maintain the confidentiality of the reporter. Further policies and procedures for unions and employee groups with articles on non-discrimination/harassment in their agreements can be found at this link.