Supporting you

During the past few months the Learner Equity & Wellness (LEW) Office has supported many initiatives in the spirit of wellness. 

Most recently, we honoured Bell Let’s Talk Day in support of mental illness by sharing the events going on at the Windsor Campus with our learners.  Most importantly, we highlighted the local resources students have access to so they can know, without hesitation, that there is help available.  They are not alone. They do not have to suffer in silence. We celebrate all those brave enough to share their stories in an effort to end the stigma.

There is no escaping the call to action across all industries in the wake of the #metoo movement – born in Hollywood, acknowledged across the world.

To recognize that the medical industry is not immune to discrimination and harassment, LEW joined forces with the University of Windsor Human Rights, Equity & Accessibility (OHREA) office to address this timely topic as students in first and second year prepare to engage, thrive and survive in the world of professional employment within the medical industry.  

Kaye Johnson, director of OHREA, shared her wisdom with our preclinical learners by dissecting the human resources code, addressing the School’s student code of conduct and sharing resources to remind students of what harassment and discrimination can look like – as it is not always as black and white as one could assume.

Most importantly, these efforts serve to remind students that the LEW office is here to offer moral support, guidance in the formal reporting process and a knowledgeable resource dedicated to connecting learners with those who can support them best. Moreover, this can be done confidentially with no repercussions academically. Stressors can take many forms: relationships, course work, career planning, financial burdens – studying and learning in a safe environment should not be a factor.

In relation to mental health and wellness, students spent a month on the wellness challenge with weekly foci on areas such as mental health, nutrition and physical activity.  And the Student Support Team planned events engaging all students in an effort to support this initiative and honour the idea that making time for activity, health and socialization is key to a well-balanced lifestyle – especially during the long, cold days and nights of winter.  

Whether you are in your fourth year or you are a fourth year student or pre-clinical student wondering what to do during the summer, or a clerk who may be facing some hard decisions regarding electives, please remember the LEW office is here for support.

Stay warm!
Stephanie Coccimiglio
LEW Coordinator – Schulich Medicine - Windsor Campus