Volume 9 | Issue 42 |August 29, 2022

Good morning! Here is Your Things@King's Weekly Update.

Get Ready for the Start of the Academic School Year

The first week of school is fast approaching. Here's a basic run down of what we have planned for you as you return:

• Orientation Week begins on September 4 and there's a whole week of fun activities to welcome first-year and new students to King's. Find your OWeek schedule here.
• Classes begin on September 8. Not sure where your class is? Check out the 360 Virtual Tour.
• For those who are new to campus, the Quad Squad Tent will be up and running to help you through your first couple of weeks. It will be located between Labatt Hall, the Library, and King Student Life Centre (SLC). Staffed by student leaders and staff from Student Affairs, Central Services, Communications and Enrolment Services, the goal is to provide helpful information to you as you adjust to university life. New students can pick up their student cards here on these days:

• September 7 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• September 8 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
• September 9 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• September 12 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• September 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• September 15 from noon – 4 p.m.
• September 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming you back on campus.

Bridging Week

Bridging Week is orientation for international students new to King’s. It is a combination of academic orientation, practical workshops and fun activities. This program is highly recommended and is available to students in-person. If you have any questions, please email international@kings.uwo.ca. We look forward to welcoming you to King’s!

August 31-September 4.

Register for Bridging Week.

Student Reconnection and Learning Development Day

This event is open to all Mature/Transfer students. There will be a separate session for new students, as well as upper year students. Sessions will be hosted by The Write Place, Library Services, Learning Strategist, Student Finance, King's ITS, and our Wellness Team.

August 31 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

King Student Life Centre

Mature/Transfer Student Orientation Breakfast

Enjoy some breakfast while getting to know your fellow mature and transfer students. 

September 6 at 8 a.m.

Labatt Hall Room 100

For more information and to register for both events, email mature.student@kings.uwo.ca.

King's Requires COVID-19 Booster and Masking in Instructional Spaces

King’s has updated our vaccination policy, effective August 22, 2022, to align it with Western's to avoid confusion for our community.

Read the full story.

Visit Western's COVID page to book an appointment with the vaccination clinic.

Library Closed for Renovations

Please note that the library's main floor is under construction and will be closed from August 29 - September 2 to finalize construction. Curbside pick-up is still available from August 29 - September 2. Online research help, resources, and digital delivery continue to be available.

For more information, please visit the library's website.

Western Black Leadership University Experience (B.L.U.E.)

Western has launched the Western Black Student Leadership University Experience as a commitment to creating  an inclusive, diverse, and equitable campus. In this first year of the program, Western B.L.U.E. will provide paid part-time work and leadership experience for 15 Black students. The experiences will be funded by the university and hosted by organizations in the London area (including Western). Students will be given the opportunity to work on a chosen challenge independently alongside a dedicated mentor who will provide the student with ongoing supervision and feedback.

You can find more information on B.L.U.E. here.

Program Name Change

Western Thought and Civilization has a new name: Foundations in The New Liberal Arts (TNLA). This title better reflects what the program has been doing for many years. TNLA seeks to diversify and decolonize how we interpret the most influential ideas and events shaping the 21st century. Using the distinguished liberal arts emphasis on lively seminar discussion, TNLA focuses a new lens on both canonical and contemporary texts. 

For more information, please visit the website.

Gender-based and Sexual Violence Response and Prevention Training Modules

REMINDER: All incoming students must complete the Gender-Based & Sexual Violence Response & Prevention Training Modules prior to beginning their studies.

The training is a two-part series on OWL:

1) The online self-directed module

2) The interactive Zoom discussion-based "Undressing Consent" session

Completing this training is part of your commitment towards a safe and respectful community at King's and Western. Follow the instructions listed under the "GBSV Response & Prevention" tab on OWL. You must complete both modules. We appreciate your participation.

Have questions? Email us at info@kings.uwo.ca.

Apply for Scholarships

Looking for financial support this school year? King’s offers many "in-program" awards and scholarships for both new and returning King’s students. Most applications close September 30, so we recommend applying soon. We encourage you to investigate these awards and apply for any that you feel you may qualify for. For any questions regarding eligibility, please contact studentfinance@kings.uwo.ca.

Become a Student Ambassador

Enrolment Services is currently seeking students who are confident with sharing their passion, experience and expertise of all things King’s to serve as Student Ambassadors.

Learn more about applying for this paid position.

King's International Peer Guides Needed

Peer Guides help international and exchange students new to King's adjust to university life and Canadian culture. You'll only need to commit two hours per week in the fall semester, assisting with two to five new students. You'll need strong communication and leadership skills. You can read more and/or apply on the Peer Guide position page.

Work Study Program - Apply Today!

Are you seeking a flexible employment opportunity while studying at King’s? We offer a great Work Study program, designed to provide a regular source of income to students in financial need. You can lessen your debt load while receiving valuable job training and experience to build your skill-set. The Work Study program offers students the opportunity to work flexible hours on campus in jobs that accommodate their schedules. 

Applications are open and you are able to work up to 15 hours per week, up to a maximum of 165 hours or $2574.00 (whichever maximum you reach first). 

Learn more about becoming a Work Study Student.

Register for Homecoming!

September 22-25, 2022

King's is excited to welcome alumni, students, family, and friends back to campus for this year's Homecoming. With a variety of in-person and virtual events, there's something for everyone!

BBQ and King's Fest

Check out the new King’s land at Huron and Waterloo Streets, and enjoy a barbecue and fun activities for everyone. Stop by for a bite before heading out to the football game or stay to enjoy the laid-back entertainment. The kids' zone will have games, activities and face-painting to amuse all the little ones, and there will be plenty for the adults too! Purchase your BBQ tokens in advance for the best deal!

September 24 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on the King’s Green.

Cost: BBQ tokens $4.50 (includes 1 burger/hot dog/veggie option + 1 drink + 1 treat)

Take advantage of early bird prices by registering before August 26, 2022.

For more information on pricing and events, and to register, please visit the Homecoming website.

You can also register for speed mentoring and the Fun 5K (a special no-cost option for students) on the Homecoming page.

Interested in volunteering for Homecoming? 

You can help with Homecoming. Sign up today.

In the News

New Role Additional Resource for Students During Transition to King's

Emily Skinner ‘19, will be supporting first-year and first-time students to our campus as King’s Student Engagement and Transition Coordinator.

Read the full story.

New Minor to Consider

New Minor Examines Impact and Consequences of Borders

Introducing the new Interdisciplinary Minor in Migration and Border Studies. This program will integrate research and experiential learning to examine the impact of borders and boundaries and the experience of migrants, which are integral to contemporary social, cultural, and political life.

Read more on the new minor here.

Devant Offers International students new career resources

If you are an international student, you can benefit from King's partnership with Devant, which offers resources and new career development opportunities in Canada for you. To learn more about the partnership between King’s and Devant, please visit our Career Resources for International Students page.

Sign up for Devant.

Upcoming Devant Events

Careers in Finance and Financial Services

September 7 at 6 p.m.

Are you interested in a career in Finance and/or Financial Services? Attend this event and learn from the lived experiences of these industry professionals from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and the Founder of Learnedly: A digital training platform for Canadian financial professionals.

Register for this live expert panel. 

Western's On-Campus COVID Vaccination and Testing Centre is open

Western’s Vaccination and Testing Centre is open for walk-in vaccination or rapid testing in Thames Hall, Room 3189 on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The information is available on Western's COVID page and the Thames Hall page.

COVID-19 screening

In keeping with changing regulations and recommendations from the province, Western requires everyone who comes to campus, including affiliate campuses, to complete the province's COVID-19 self-assessment. You do not need to complete the self-assessment on days when you don't come to campus.

Visit our COVID-19 FAQ page if you have any questions or are looking for the most up-to-date information.

Togetherall Transition to University

Going to university can seem intimidating. It’s a lot of freedom all at once—financial, schedule, relationships, responsibilities. The transition can feel overwhelming and exciting all at the same time.

Togetherall provides some tips to feel better by making the transition easier. You can also find a blog post on the transition back to college with a Togetherall account. 

Register for a King's Togetherall account.

Ready for a getaway weekend full of fun, reflection and community?

The Annual Student Retreat is back September 16 -18, 2022.

Spend a weekend at the peaceful Holy Family Retreat Centre by Lake Ontario. Focus on where you have come from, where you are now and where you want to be. Connect with friends, old and new, gathered around a campfire.

$60 covers all costs. For more information or to register contact Annette in Campus Ministry: annette.donovanpanchaud@kings.uwo.ca.

Contemplative Activism Retreat

September 29, 2022 - 7:30 p.m. to October 2, 2022 - 1 p.m.

Are you interested in social activism and striving towards a sustainable world? Attend this retreat and re-energize through meditation, physical exercise, prayer, artistic expression, and intellectual engagement.

A multi-faith or no-faith contemplative activism retreat is being offered at the Ignatius Retreat Centre in Guelph from September 29, 2022 - 7:30 p.m. to October 2, 2022 - 1 p.m.

$80 for registering through Campus Ministry. Transportation, room and board included. Contact Annette Donovan Panchaud at annette.donovanpanchaud@kings.uwo.ca 

for more information or to register. Space is extremely limited.

Visit the website or watch the video for more information. 

Be Featured in Things@King's!

Hi! We are Communications and Media Relations at King's. If you have made it down this far, thank you for reading! We work hard to bring you event information each week and we would love to hear from you. Please email Communications to be featured in Things@King's, with a 50-word description of your event or news. Deadline for submission is Wednesday, August 31 at 4:30 p.m. for the September 5 newsletter. Thank you for continuing to send in your content.

See archived issues Things@King's.

Hosting an Event at King's?

Let the Communications department know by submitting your event via the posting request form. This lets the entire communications team know about your event in advance and what you need in terms of promotions and/or event coverage. We are always happy to help, and this tells us how we can best support your event.

Parents/Supporters

You can receive the weekly Things@King's newsletter and keep up to date with everything going on at King's. Send an email to communications@kings.uwo.ca and include your name and email.

Hours of Operation and Contacts



Many of King's administrative offices have adjusted their hours for the summer. Please refer to the Hours of Operation page for the most up-to-date information.

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