SDG 5 - Strategic Initiatives
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.
Degree’s Awarded by Gender in 2023
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
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.
- Indigenous Admissions Access Category
- Medicine and Dentistry Access Pathway
- Mature and Senior Applicants
- Youth in Extended Care
- Extenuating Circumstances
- Financial Support
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.
Underrepresented Subjects 
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.
