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Society of Graduate Students (SOGS)

Society of Graduate Students (SOGS)

Your Graduate Student Advocacy Organization and Government at Western University

  • ABOUT
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westernsogs

The graduate student union, advocacy organization, and government at Western University. Local 47 of CFS. W: Sogs.ca

Earlier this year, SOGS asked the membership to no Earlier this year, SOGS asked the membership to nominate graduate students who had dedicated their time, energy, and commitment to volunteering at SOGS. We received a number of responses from the membership! 🙌

A HUGE congratulations goes out to Abdul Moiz Naqvi (MSc, Neuroscience) for winning the Volunteer Award! 🏆 Abdul has served on the Orientation & Social Committee, the Graduate Peer Support Committee, and the Sustainability Committee, as well as Community Garden Coordinator and Neuroscience Councillor. His dedication to making grad life at #WesternU better is noteworthy, and we are lucky to have had the chance to work with him over the years.

Thank you, Abdul, for the many ways you have supported SOGS, from organizing and running Orientation & Social and Graduate Peer Support events to making fellow grads feel comfortable and welcome at our peer support drop-ins. 💜

The SOGS Student Service Award ceremony took place at our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, October 29th. Nominations were adjudicated by the SOGS Student Services Recognition Program (SSRP) Committee. The awards were presented by the SOGS President, Matheus Sanita Lima, and members of the SSRP. ✨
Due to the widespread Microsoft outage in North Am Due to the widespread Microsoft outage in North America, the SOGS office is unable to reply to emails, and subsidy applications are unavailable.

The office remains open until 4 p.m. for phone calls or in-person visits.
🤔 Did you know SOGS has grad student CLUBS? Member 🤔 Did you know SOGS has grad student CLUBS? Members are free to start clubs on any topic or area of interest they like!

🔦 CLUB SPOTLIGHT:  WESTERN GRADUATE BOULDERING CLUB
The WGBC (@western_grad_bouldering_club) brings grad students together over a shared interest in and passion about rock climbing and bouldering. Join the club to meet new people, make friends, get a workout, and engage in team work. 💜

Want to start your own club? Learn more at sogs.ca/clubs

#gradlife #clubs #studentunion #westernu
The Africa Institute at Western is pleased to anno The Africa Institute at Western is pleased to announce the launch of the Call for Abstracts for the 2027 Canada–Africa Academic Collaborations Conference (CAACC 2027), taking place on February 25–26, 2027.

Conference Theme:

Co-Creating Equitable Futures: Canada–AfricaAcademic Partnerships for Impact

CAACC2027 will bring together researchers, students and trainees, academic leaders, practitioners, policymakers, community partners and collaborators from Africa, Canada and beyond to exchange knowledge and advance equitable, reciprocal and impactful academic collaboration.

Abstract submissions across five conference sub-themes are invited:

Education, Knowledge Exchange and Research Capacity
Health, Sustainability and Resilient Communities
Innovation, Technology, Data and AI for Development and Impact
Policy, Partnerships, Governance and Research-to-Impact
Equity, Reciprocity, and the Future of Africa–Canada Partnerships

Abstract submission deadline: November 6, 2026

Full details on the sub-themes, abstract guidelines, the submission process and registration (free and open to all) are available on theAfrica Institute website:

🔗 Learn more about CAACC 2027 and submit an abstract
📢 Abstract deadline extended! The Canada–Africa Ac 📢 Abstract deadline extended! The Canada–Africa Academic Collaborations Conference (CAACC 2027), hosted by Western's Africa Institute, is now accepting abstracts until Wednesday, November 25th, 2026.

This year's theme is Co-Creating Equitable Futures: Africa–Canada Academic Partnerships for Impact. The call is open to all, and students, trainees, postdocs, and early-career researchers in Canada and Africa are especially encouraged to submit 🌍

The committee welcomes completed studies, early findings, lessons from practice, and ideas for new partnerships across disciplines and sectors. Emerging scholars can propose workshops, panels, and oral or poster abstracts, and if you have an idea for a session led by emerging professionals, include it in your submission!

📚 Sub-themes include:
🔹 Education, knowledge exchange, and research capacity
🔹 Health, sustainability, and resilient communities
🔹 Policy, partnerships, governance, and research-to-impact
🔹 Innovation, technology, data, and AI for development and impact
🔹 Equity, reciprocity, and the future of Africa–Canada partnerships

📆 Abstract deadline: Wednesday, November 25th, 2026
💻 Conference: Thursday, February 25th – Friday, February 26th, 2027 (virtual)
🔗 Submit your abstract by scanning the QR code on the poster, or find the full call and submission link at uwo.ca/africainstitute

Please share with colleagues and classmates who may want to contribute!
Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines on campus! SOGS Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines on campus! SOGS is hosting a vaccine clinic with Rexall, across the hall from the SOGS office. 

📅Thursday, November 19th 
🕰️10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
📍Middlesex College, Room 16B 
💉 Flu and COVID-19 vaccines available
🚶 Walk-ins welcome

Pre-book your appointment and fill out your form at the link in our bio, or click here: https://rexall.medmeapp.com/1073/schedule?sublocationId=e14c3bc6-d11c-4e98-b37a-0b1427bcc3d4
Earlier this year, SOGS asked the membership to no Earlier this year, SOGS asked the membership to nominate graduate students who had dedicated their time, energy, and commitment to volunteering at SOGS. We received a number of responses from the membership! 🙌

A HUGE congratulations goes out to José Javier Ponce de León Eyl (PhD, Hispanic Studies) for winning the Lead Volunteer Award! 🏆 Javier has been a member of the Sustainability Committee since 2023, and he has served as Community Garden Coordinator, Sustainability Committee Chair, and Sustainability Coordinator. 🌱 His dedication to making grad life at #WesternU better is noteworthy, and we are lucky to have had the chance to work with him over the years.

Thank you, Javier, for the many ways you have supported SOGS, from pioneering the Little Library initiative and donating more than 10 kilograms of community garden produce to the London Food Bank to leading the Greenhouse Food Collective proposal and a Sustainability Audit for the Grad Club. 💜

The SOGS Student Service Award ceremony took place at our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, October 29th. Nominations were adjudicated by the SOGS Student Services Recognition Program (SSRP) Committee. The awards were presented by the SOGS President, Matheus Sanita Lima, and members of the SSRP. ✨
📣 Attention SOGS members: Help shape your student 📣 Attention SOGS members: Help shape your student experience! Complete the Student Experience survey for a chance to win! 💰

Student Experience is developing new strategic plans that will guide the future of services, supports, resources, and opportunities that help students belong, learn and thrive at #WesternU over the coming years. They want to hear from Master's and Doctoral students! 🎓

🗣️ Tell them what’s working, what’s hard to navigate, and what would make Western better for your student experience. 

📝 Your feedback will help identify priorities for improvement and ensure that future decisions reflect the experiences and needs of Western students 

Complete the survey now ➡️ Link in the @westernsogs bio.

🕰️ The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, depending on which follow-up questions apply to you. ⚠️ Your responses are confidential and will only be reported in summary form. 

💰 You can choose to enter a draw to win one of five $100 Loblaws brand gift cards. 

📆 The survey will remain open until November 27, 2026.
Western SOGS members unlock 4 months free on Reart Western SOGS members unlock 4 months free on Rearticle.io with code
SOGSFREE. Perfect for tackling theses, research papers, and conference submissions stress-free.

Stop fighting with Word formatting or raw LaTeX. Rearticle gives you a smooth visual editor that feels like Word but instantly generates clean, journal-ready LaTeX PDFs. Easily handle citations, equations, code blocks,
 and match top publisher templates from IEEE, NeurIPS, Springer, and more.

Seamlessly import from Word docs, Overleaf projects, or LaTeX .zip files.

Head over to 
rearticle.io and claim your free months with code SOGSFREE today!

#SOGS #Rearticle #LaTeX #Overleaf #WesternU #Academia
Do you need some support on your graduate writing Do you need some support on your graduate writing journey? Do you have a hard time sitting down to write your thesis?
 
Join the SOGS Study Hall, hosted by the Academic Committee, for a monthly session of group writing!

📅 Wednesday, November 18th
🕰️ 10 a.m. – 12 p.m
📍Grad Club (Middlesex College, Room 19 [lower level])
 
☕️ Complimentary coffee/tea for participants. This month: FREE DRINK from the Grad Club's new espresso machine!
💻 BYO writing tools. 
🧑‍🏫 We will be joined by a senior writing advisor from The Writing Support Centre.

 
Questions: Reach out to the Academic Committee chair, Rafaela, at academic.committee@sogs.ca.
Earlier this year, SOGS asked the membership to no Earlier this year, SOGS asked the membership to nominate graduate students who had dedicated their time, energy, and commitment to volunteering at SOGS. We received a number of responses from the membership! 🙌

A HUGE congratulations goes out to Liam Bogucki (MSc, Biology) for winning the Lead Volunteer Award! 🏆 Liam has served on the Grad Club Committee, the Orientation & Social Committee, and the Sustainability Committee since June 2025, and he stepped into the role of Sustainability Coordinator in May 2026. 🌱 His dedication to making grad life at #WesternU better is noteworthy, and we are lucky to have had the chance to work with him over the years.

Thank you, Liam, for the many ways you have supported SOGS, from organizing orientation events to raising local sponsorships for a community screening of Earth's Greatest Enemy, hosting a town hall on greenwashing with Dr. Wren Montgomery, and bringing so many fellow grad students out to SOGS events. 💜

The SOGS Student Service Award ceremony took place at our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, October 29th. Nominations were adjudicated by the SOGS Student Services Recognition Program (SSRP) Committee. The awards were presented by the SOGS President, Matheus Sanita Lima, and members of the SSRP. ✨
🧘‍♀️ RESCHEDULED: Restorative Class at &asanas Ou 🧘‍♀️ RESCHEDULED: Restorative Class at &asanas

Our Wellness Week restorative class has a new date! If you signed up for the original class, please check your email and let us know you're still interested in coming (no need to register again).

We've teamed up with &asanas: The Collective, a local yoga and meditation studio, to offer SOGS members a subsidized class. This restorative session is suitable for everyone, from beginners to more advanced practitioners. Mats and other equipment are provided, and you're welcome to bring your own mat if you prefer.

📆 Thursday, November 12th, 2026
⏰ 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. (please arrive by 8 a.m.)
🎟️ $10 (walk-in classes are normally $28+ per session!)
📍 &asanas: The Collective, 140 Ann St., Unit 203/204 (off Talbot Street, near Oxford Street)
🚌 Meet us there!
💧 Bring your own water bottle

⚠️ Spaces are limited to 20 people. Please only register if you're committed to attending this early-morning, in-person class.

✍️ Register and buy your ticket at the link in bio or visit sogs.ca/events or here: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8w4pXWsYnb6Gw4CxdxVwVecUrrLyoix4a178QkqKh7wkGlA/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Questions? Reach out to sogs.communications@uwo.ca 💜
Join the Graduate Peer Support (GPS) Committee for Join the Graduate Peer Support (GPS) Committee for a Peer Support Drop-In, a relaxed space where you can stop by, unwind, and talk with a trained peer who understands the challenges of grad life. This month's theme is knitting, crochet, and yarn crafts, and all supplies are provided, so beginners are welcome!

📆 Thursday, November 19th, 2026
⏰ 5 p.m.–7 p.m.
📍 SOGS Office
🎟️ Free

GPS members can chat about stress management, financial issues, isolation, emotional support, and more, and they can point you toward the university resources best suited to you. All conversations are confidential; a private space is available for one-on-one chats, and our volunteers have safeTALK training. Snacks and tea will be provided ☕🍪

For mental health support beyond what drop-ins can offer, EmpowerMe is available to SOGS members. Find out more at the link in our bio. 💜
Earlier this year, SOGS asked the membership to no Earlier this year, SOGS asked the membership to nominate graduate students who had dedicated their time, energy, and commitment to volunteering at SOGS. We received a number of responses from the membership! 👏

🏆 A HUGE congratulations goes out to Deepmala Rana Bhat (PhD, Epidemiology) for winning the Lead Volunteer Award. Her dedication to making grad life at #WesternU better is noteworthy and we are lucky to have had the chance to work with Deepmala over the years. 

Thank you, Deepmala, for the many ways you have supported SOGS. 💜

The SOGS Student Service Award ceremony took place at our Annual General Meeting on October 29th. Nominations were adjudicated by the SOGS Student Services Recognition Program (SSRP) Committee. The awards were presented by the SOGS President, Matheus Sanita Lima, and members of the SSRP.

Second image's quotation: “When Deepmala took on the role of International Commissioner, the commission had very low visibility and little recurring programming. Over the following year and a half, she rebuilt the role, creating a social media presence, founding an International Book Club, and organizing events including the International Cultural EXPO. Most significantly, she identified a lack of clear information and resources of visa and work restrictions for international students, advocating for clearer resources. She also championed wellness programming, including weekly meditation and yoga sessions, and inspired a team of eager volunteers. Deepmala’s work left lasting programs and better information reaching the students who needed it most.”
 - Award nominator
The Society of Graduate Students is proud to prese The Society of Graduate Students is proud to present the 41st annual Western Research Forum, Research on the Edge of Change: Health & Wellness.

The Western Research Forum (WRF) is the largest annual multidisciplinary graduate research conference at Western University. Established in 1987, the WRF showcases the work of Western graduate students from all disciplinary backgrounds and gives them an opportunity to exchange and explore ideas with graduate students and faculty members from outside their field.

📆 Friday, March 5th, 2027
🕰️ 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
📍 Scholars Lab, Weldon Library, Western University
🎙️ Opening remarks from Alison Allan, Associate Vice-President (Research)
🤝 Booths from campus partners
🏆 Prizes for best talk and best poster
☕️ Complimentary lunch for participants

➡️ DEADLINE to submit an ABSTRACT: Sunday, January 31st, 2027

Find the link in our bio or go here for more information and to submit an abstract:
https://sogs.ca/wrf/
🌍 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Wor 🌍 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Workshop

Join the SOGS Sustainability Committee for another check-in and interactive workshop on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on community action. The workshop is presented by Aine Mc Intyre and Veronica MacLean on behalf of the committee.

📆 Tuesday, November 10th, 2026
⏰ 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
📍 Middlesex College, Room 17 (across the hall from the SOGS office)
🍽️ Snacks and light refreshments provided
🧠 Head down the hall to Grad Club trivia afterwards!

✍️ Register at the link in bio!

Questions? Reach out to sustainability.committee@sogs.ca 💚
📋 Calling all grad students aged 35 and better! 📋 Calling all grad students aged 35 and better! 

The SOGS 35+ Student Survey is now open. Your experiences at Western are unique, and this survey will help SOGS and Western understand the needs, challenges, and priorities of graduate students aged 35+ so we can better support your academic, professional, and personal goals.

⏱️10–15 minutes to complete
🔒 Responses are anonymous
🎁 Over $400 in prizes up for grabs!

🏆 Grand prize (x1): SOGS hoodie, SOGS ceramic travel mug, Student VIP travel cutlery, Student VIP cat squish phone stand, and a $100 Canadian Tire gift card ($160 value)
🥈 Large prizes (x2): SOGS ceramic travel mug and a $75 Amazon gift card ($85 value)
🛒 Smaller prizes (x4): $25 Loblaws gift card

Opt in to the draw at the end of the survey for your chance to win. One submission per SOGS member.

📝 Fill out the survey at the link in bio or visit sogs.ca/surveys

Questions or want to connect with the SOGS 35+ committee? Reach out to Chair Victoria Bomberry at student.needs.committee@sogs.ca 💜
We’re happy to share programming offered by the Re We’re happy to share programming offered by the Resource TAs -- TEACHING CAFE -- this Fall term to #westernu grad students. ❤️

The Resource Teaching Assistants (RTAs) are a team of experienced graduate students dedicated to strengthening resource access, peer support, and community building for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) at Western University. 

Students can connect with the Resource TAs via email at resourceta@uwo.ca or at one of the following events this term:

🧑🏻‍🐰‍🧑🏿 Companion Sessions:
•	📝 Crafting Your Teaching Dossier – November 3, 1:00-2:00 P.M.
•	🗣️ Global Englishes and Linguistic Justice – November 30, 2:00-3:00 P.M.

🍎 Teaching Cafés (drop-in, no registration required):
•	🔎 Being a Change-maker as a TA – November 12, 12:00-1:30 P.M. in Weldon Library, Room 252
•	✍️Marking Strategies –  December 3, 12:00-1:30 P.M., Weldon Library, Room 252 

This program is a collaboration between the Centre for Teaching and Learning, Student Experience, and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. 

Learn more: Links in bio.
Earlier this year, SOGS asked the membership to no Earlier this year, SOGS asked the membership to nominate graduate students who had dedicated their time, energy, and commitment to volunteering at SOGS. We received a number of responses from the membership! 👏

🏆 A HUGE congratulations goes out to Deepmala Rana Bhat (PhD, Epidemiology) for winning the Lead Volunteer Award. Her dedication to making grad life at #WesternU better is noteworthy and we are lucky to have had the chance to work with Deepmala over the years. 

Thank you, Deepmala, for the many ways you have supported SOGS. 💜

The SOGS Student Service Award ceremony took place at our Annual General Meeting on October 29th. Nominations were adjudicated by the SOGS Student Services Recognition Program (SSRP) Committee. The awards were presented by the SOGS President, Matheus Sanita Lima, and members of the SSRP.

Second image's quotation: “When Deepmala took on the role of International Commissioner, the commission had very low visibility and little recurring programming. Over the following year and a half, she rebuilt the role, creating a social media presence, founding an International Book Club, and organizing events including the International Cultural EXPO. Most significantly, she identified a lack of clear information and resources of visa and work restrictions for international students, advocating for clearer resources. She also championed wellness programming, including weekly meditation and yoga sessions, and inspired a team of eager volunteers. Deepmala’s work left lasting programs and better information reaching the students who needed it most.”
 - Award nominator
Join us for our third annual HALLOWEEN COSTUME PAR Join us for our third annual HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY! 🎃 Its that time of year for BOOS & BREWS at the @uwogradclub with live music, cash prizes ($100, $75, $50), and Halloween-themed cocktails. 👻 🎟️ $5 tickets = $5 Grad Club voucher for the bar = FREE! Link in bio.
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The SOGS Office is located in Middlesex College, Room 8 (lower level).
SOGS Office Hours:

Monday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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