Western aspires to lead in the creation of a more just society.
Universities are not a collection of buildings but a community of people—students, faculty, staff, and graduates. This plan has emerged in extraordinary times that have reminded us of the importance of community, of genuine belonging, of the relationship of inclusion to equity, and of the power of working together.
Of all the aspirations voiced by the Western community, the expectation of a more inclusive Western stood out, and progress toward this goal will be foundational to our success.
Advance Reconciliation with Indigenous Communities
The Western campus is established on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnocton (Neutral) peoples. Their distinct rights are an important part of our institutional responsibility to Reconciliation, and they are essential partners as we look to the future. We renew our commitment to increase Indigenous voices and presence across all levels of community life, work, study, and research.
Create a more equitable and inclusive Western
Evolving as a university also means learning from our past. Creating a more welcoming and inclusive experience, particularly for people of colour and Indigenous Peoples, will be critical.
We will continue to strengthen bursary and scholarship programs, fortify existing pathways and create new ones to ensure access for individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities. We will provide ongoing opportunities for faculty and staff to develop important practices related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Reconciliation. And we will continue to invest in ongoing commitments against racism and all other forms of discrimination.
Learn how we’ll create a more equitable and inclusive Western
Thriving through belonging
We will work hard to create an environment that supports all of us in our well-being, our mental and physical health, and our professional and personal development, across all the roles at the university.
For our students at all levels of study, Western will offer a broad range of supports both within and beyond our academic programs to encourage thriving and belonging as individuals and collectively. We will continue to pursue the “thriving” model, focused on engaged learning, academic determination, positive perspective, diverse citizenship, and social connectedness.
Explore our vision of a thriving community through belonging
Our commitments
