SOGS Events Calendar
Please check out our Events Calendar for a full list of SOGS-related events, programming, and deadlines. Check us out on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to keep your finger on the pulse of #GradLifeWesternU!
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If you would like to subscribe to our Events calendar, please use this ICAL link.
- How to use an ICAL link to subscribe to a calendar in Google calendar
- How to use an ICAL link to subscribe to a calendar in Outlook
UPCOMING EVENTS
MONTHLY RAINBOW COFFEE CLUB at the Grad Club. 9 – 10 AM. Monthly, last Monday of the month.
Next: Feb 26, March 25, April 29
Join the SOGS Pride Commission for a monthly queer drop-in coffee club where queer grad students can connect and drink free coffee.
COMMUNITY ENVIRO CLEAN-UP behind Richmond Towers | *postponed to THURSDAY, MARCH 28TH from 2:30pm to 6:30pm
Join the Sustainability Committee for a community clean-up of the green space behind the apartment towers on Richmond Street that back onto campus. Meet up outside on the Grad Club patio (access via MC parking lot). Supplies, food and refreshments provided to participants afterwards.
OPEN MIC NIGHT on Thursday, March, 28th at 8 PM at the Grad Club
Join the new WESTERN GRADUATE STUDENTS’ MUSIC CLUB (WGSMC) for a fun night of music on the Grad Club stage.
FAMILY TRIP TO REPTILIA ZOO on Sunday, April 7th from 2pm to 5pm
Tickets are $10 each (adults and children). Tickets are limited to 2 adult and 4 children’s tickets.
Join us for a family-oriented event at London’s only reptile zoo! With over 250-species of reptiles and arachnids, this facility offers folks of all ages a fun educational time. Trip includes time to walk around on your own, a live feeding, an a live show.
TRIP TO TILT ARCADE BAR on Thursday, April 11th at 7pm to 10pm | Meet us at 359 Talbot St, London, ON N6A 2R5
The Orientation & Social committee is hosting a special local trip to Tilt Arcade Bar. Come alone or bring your peers to a super fun social night where you can play unlimited vintage video games, arcade games, and pinball machines all night. This event is meant to connect grad students from across campus who would not otherwise meet and to encourage social wellness.
Ticket: $5 per SOGS member. Includes: Entrance into Tilt and pub grub to share (nachos, poutine).
PRIDE FILM SCREENING: LEGALLY BLONDE on April 29th at 7:30pm in WIRB 1170
Join the Pride Commission for another term of movie screenings! For the month of April, we’re watching the classic 2001 film, Legally Blonde, a film about Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), a sorority girl who attempts to win back her ex-boyfriend by getting a law degree at Harvard Law School, and in the process, overcomes stereotypes against blondes and triumphs as a successful lawyer.Watch the trailer HERE.
Attendees can bring their own snacks, drinks, and dinner.
Reoccurring Events
Tuesday Night Trivia – every Tuesday at 7pm at the Grad Club
Did you that general trivia at the Grad Club is a #GradLifeWesternU tradition?
Trivia Nights take place at the The Western Grad Club each Tuesday evening. Join your fellow grads, Elizabeth and Connor, for advanced general trivia.
RICK MCGHIE at the Grad Club – every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm
Join is for a casual night at the Grad Club where you can listen to the acoustic musical stylings of London legend, Rick McGhie!
FREE event.
Board Game Night at the Grad Club. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm.
Join the Orientation and Social committee for a night of board games with pals. Bring your friends and lab mates or come solo. Anxious about not knowing anyone? Don’t worry — the committee will host introductions and gather solo players into larger groups.
Did you know that SOGS has a collection of 60+ board games? There’s something for everyone! Board game collection is located in the black cabinets near the boardroom.
Fall-Winter 2023-24 schedule: Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 20, Jan 17, Feb 21, March 20, April 17
FRESH AIR FRIDAYS with GPS, monthly on a Friday at 1pm
Need to stretch your legs? Want to take in the natural landscape around campus?
Join the Graduate Peer Support committee (GPS) for a monthly guided walk along the Thames River Pathways near campus. Walks are 1-hour.
Meet us at the SOGS office (Middlesex College, room 8). Bring your own reusable travel mug and make yourself a herbal tea or hot chocolate!
Fall-Winter 2023-24 schedule: Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15, Jan 19, Feb 16, March 15, April 19
KARAOKE NIGHT – Third Friday of every month, starting at 8pm
Love to sing? Join us at the Grad Club for a monthly instalment of karaoke night!
Bring your friends, colleagues, and lab mates for a fun night of song, albeit off-key. FREE event!
First 5 people to sing get a $5 Grad Club gift voucher.
2023-24 dates: Sept 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15, Jan 19, Feb 16, March 15, April 19
POSTPONED~! SEXY TRIVIA on Monday, March 18th at 7pm at the Grad Club Join the Gender Concerns and Pride Commissions for a fun night of sex-positive trivia at the Grad Club! Bring your friends, colleagues, and lab mates. Sex-positive and inclusive prizes. Free event! Prizes for winners. PRIDE FILM SCREENING: GREY GARDENS on March 25th at 7:30pm in WIRB 1170 Join the Pride Commission for another term of movie screenings! For the month of March, we’re watching the classic 1975 documentary film, Grey Gardens, a film about everyday lives of two reclusive, upper-class women, a mother and daughter both named Edith Beale, who lived in poverty at Grey Gardens, a derelict mansion in the wealthy neighbourhood of East Hampton, New York. Watch the trailer HERE. Attendees can bring their own snacks, drinks, and dinner. ENVIROCON: EXPLORING WHAT SUSTAINABILITY MEANS TO GRAD STUDENTS panel on March 22ND at 2:45PM – 3:45PM | Weldon Community Room Join the 🍃 SOGS sustainability committee for a panel at EnviroCon in honour of Sustainable Development Goals Week (SDG) (March 4 – 8)! Grad student leaders and advocates will discuss SDG’s in our community and on campus. Audience will have an opportunity to engage and ask questions. ST. PATRICK’S DAY KARAOKE on Friday, March 15th at 8pm at the Grad Club Join us at the Grad Club for a fun night of off-key singing. Sing whatever you like, but bonus points for singing Irish tunes. Green beer available. First 5 people to sing earn a $5 Grad Club gift voucher. PRIDE FILM SCREENINGS: 9 TO 5 FILM SCREENING on Thursday, February 29th at 7:30pm in WIRB 1170 Join the Pride Commission for another term of movie screenings! Join us on the last Thursday of each month. This month, we’re watching the classic 1980 film, 9 to 5, starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. Watch the trailer HERE. This is a labour film dedicated to exploring the role of women in the corporate work force. Attendees can bring their own snacks, drinks, and dinner. FILM SCREENING: HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR on Friday, March 1st at 6pm in Middlesex College, room 105b Join the SOGS CINEMA CLUB for a film screening of Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959; Dir. Alain Resnais), a romantic drama that documents a series of intensely personal conversations (or one long conversation) over slightly more than a 24-hour period between an unnamed French actress and Japanese architect. Attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks, drinks, and/or dinner LUNAR NEW YEAR PAPER CRAFTS & TEA TIME at the Grad Club on Friday, February 9th | 10am – 12pm Join the SOGS advocacy team for a social drop-in at the Grad Club in honour of the Lunar New Year! Do paper crafts, drink tea and have some crispy snacks (vegan and vegetarian). TRIP TO THE KELLOGG MERRY MARKET | Thursday, November 30 | 5:45PM | 100 Kellogg Lane Join the SOGS Orientation and Social Committee for a super fun, casual trip to the Kellogg Lane Merry Market. There will be the lighting of a 35-foot tree, live music, various local vendors, and lots of other fun things to do like take many fun holiday-themed selfies. Join the Pride Commission for another instalment of its Pride-themed trivia night at the Grad Club! Test your knowledge on all things 2SLGBTQIA+ — history, popular culture, sex, health, and more! Everyone is welcome to attend! Safe sex positive prizes and Grad Club gift certificates for winning teams. TOUR OF THE PATCH — CAVENDISH FOOD HUB | Monday, October 16 | 2-4pm 🚜 Did you ever wonder what sustainable urban farming looked like? ☀️ Do you want to spend a couple hours outside enjoying the fresh air? Please join us for a tour of The Patch — Cavendish Food Hub — to learn about sustainable living and urban agriculture! 📍136 Cavendish Crescent, London ON 🚌 Meet us at the Grad Club at 1:30pm beforehand or bus there! Map out your bus route at ltc.ca. 🍃 Hosted by the SOGS Sustainability Committee. WALK WITH US! WESTERNU PRIDE PARADE | Tuesday, October 17 | 11am | GRAD CLUB boardroom Walk with the SOGS’ Pride Commission to honor and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies, at Western’s Inaugural Fall Pride Parade. The parade activities will take place at UCC Concrete Beach from 11:30-2:30pm. Register above so we know who is walking with SOGS. Meet up with us beforehand (location TBA) at 11am to collect pride flags, as well as other items to handout. GRAD CAST MOVIE TRIVIA | Wednesday, September 27 | 7pm | Grad Club Join SOGS’ Grad Cast Radio Show for a super fun night of general MOVIE TRIVIA! There will be PRIZES, POPCORN, and SWAG! Grad Cast is a radio show made by grads, for grads, about grad student research. GRADUATE STUDENT FALL ORIENTATION WEEK | September 18 – 24 | sogs.ca/orientation Join the SOGS Orientation & Socials Committee for a week of on- and off-campus events for new and returning students. This year we’re taking folks to Eldon House, Commonwealth Coffee Co., Apple Land orchard, and more! To learn more about our events, head over to sogs.ca/orientation. Tickets will be sold as of September 6th. Tickets are limited. All events are subsidized by SOGS. MINI INDIGENOUS ARTS FESTIVAL & FILM SCREENING | Friday, September 22nd | 4pm – 9PM | Middlesex College, room 105 Join the WesternU SAGE Coordinator, the SOGS VP Advocacy and Racial Equity & Inclusivity Commissioner for a mini Indigenous art and culture festival. Thank You Next – Ariana Night: Drag Show Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Ariana Grande at the THANK YOU NEXT- ARIANA NIGHT event! Join us on Fri Aug 25, 2023 at 9:00 PM for an unforgettable evening filled with Ariana’s biggest hits, amazing performances, and a whole lot of fun! Hosted by ✨Vanity Affair and Bengelina Jolie✨ Performers: ⭐️Vanity Affair, Phoenix Black, Nicki Nastasia, And special guest, Eboni TACKLING ACCESS FATIGUE BY LEARNING FROM THE EXPERIENCES OF DISABLED STUDENTS AT WESTERN | Monday, July 24th at 6pm via Zoom Join the SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee for Chips and Chat, a new drop-in casual conversation event where grad students can come to chat about anything they want while snacking on french fries, poutine, and criss-cross fries! ORIGAMI FLOWER CRAFT NIGHT on Monday, June 19th at 6pm Join the Grad Club committee for another instalment of craft night! This time we’re making folded paper flower arrangements. GLOBAL CAFE BBQ on Thursday, June 22nd from 2:30pm – 5:30pm at the Grad Club | $7 tickets OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS: INTERNATIONAL, DOMESTIC, UNDERGRADUATE! Join the SOGS International Graduate Student Issues Committee (IGSIC) and Western International for a super fun, family friendly BBQ at the Grad Club! Tickets include: Members are welcome to bring their significant others and children. STRAWBERRY PICKING AT HEEMAN’S on Saturday, June 24th from 8:30AM to 12:30PM SOLD OUT! Join the SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee and the Indigenous Initiatives SAGE Coordinator, Amanda Morin, for strawberry picking at Heeman’s Farms. Tickets: $10 per person. Ticket includes: bus to Heeman’s, pick-you-own quart of strawberries, and an ice cream sundae (plant-based or milk-based). Note: Participants are welcome to pick more berries at an additional cost on site. 📣 Join us in March for our Annual General Meeting! Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 6 pm ET via ZOOM Have motions or reports to submit from the general membership? Email them by March 1st at 11:59pm to speaker@sogs.ca. CRAFT NIGHT: BEACH IN A JAR at the Grad Club on Wednesday, March 20th, 2023 at 6pm. $5 tickets. Winter blues got you down? want to play in the sand but can’t seem to get away? Join the Grad Club committee for a super fun, DIY craft night. Participants will make a BEACH IN A JAR! INTERNATIONAL GRAD STUDENT INCOME TAX SEMINAR on March 21, 2023 | 1:30-2:30 PM | ZOOM INTERNATIONAL GRAD STUDENT MEXICAN DINNER on Wednesday, March 8th at 6pm at the Grad Club GLOW UP DRAG SHOW on Friday, February 24them, 2023 at 9pm at the Grad Club 19+ Event | $10 in advance on our website. $15 at the door. AMPLIFYING BLACK VOICES IN ACADEMIA: A Workshop in Honour of Black History Month on February 9th at 11am to 2pm via ZOOM or in WIRB room 1120 To celebrate Black History Month, the Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commission at SOGS is thrilled to host a hybrid workshop entitled Amplifying Black Voices in Academia. This workshop will give graduate students the opportunity to hear from Black professionals, advocates, and scholars about their experiences, challenges, and advocacy work in academia. We are honoured to have our guest speakers Dr. Melanie-Anne Atkins, the associate director of TA Programs at Western; Dr. Opiyo Oloya the associate VP of EDI; and Dr. Nassisse Solomon the program coordinator at Global Health systems SEXY TRIVIA on Monday, February 13th, 2023 at the Grad Club SEXUAL HEALTH (HIV) TESTING CLINIC on February 14th, 2023 from 10 AM to 12 PM, Middlesex College, room 8 Time slots are 15-minutes. No I.D. required. Everyone is welcome to get tested. Participants will receive a LOCAL V-DAY TREAT from Sweet! Brigadeiros. Get quick-tested for HIV at the SOGS office in honour of Valentine’s Day! Testing done by trained medical professionals from the London Middlesex Health Unit. Want to get tested but don’t want an in-person appointment? Grab a self-testing kit in the SOGS office on February 14th! Learn more about self-testing HERE ACCESSIBILITY LISTENING SESSION on February 16th, 2023 at 6pm to 8pm via ZOOM SOGS’ Accessibility Commission invites all SOGS members, especially members with disabilities, to attend our listening session. We hope to hear your concerns and positive feedback regarding accessibility at Western, SOGS, and in the community. ASL interpretation will be provided. If you need accommodations for this event please contact accessibility@sogs.ca. SHARED EXPERIENCES: MEN’S HEALTH on Thursday, December 8th at 7pm, Middlesex College room 8 Join our Graduate Peer Support Committee for another instalment of Shared Experiences! This month we’re celebrating men’s health with Matheus Sanita Lima (GPS committee member)! UGLY SWEATER HOLIDAY PARTY at the Grad Club on Wednesday, December 7th at 8pm Feelin’ festive? Wanna celebrate the winter holiday with pals at your home away from home? Maybe you’re new to Canadian winter holiday traditions and want to try some out? Join the Orientation and Social Committee for another annual holiday party at the Grad Club! All are welcome to attend. Come alone or with friends! Tickets are $5 per person. Tickets LIMITED (50)! First come, first served. Tickets include: Hot chocolate, cookie decorating kit, make one custom holiday card + card decorating supplies! Prizes for Best Ugly Sweaters! FUNDRAISER FILM SCREENING: ELF on Thursday, December 8th at 7pm in Middlesex College, room 105b Join our Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner, Cherin Chung, and Commissioner for another FUNDRAISER FILM SCREENING! This time we’re screening ELF (2003). Affair Entertainment will be bringing you 🎶F-I-V-E amazing performers🎶 to The Grad Club on December 16th! The doors open at 8pm and the show will start at 9pm. Come join us for great entertainment, drinks and The Grad Clubs delicious food! Tickets are $10 + taxes and fee ($11.62) We have two special guests from outTV’s own Call Me Mother: @itsphoenixblack AND @kingchella 🤤 Hosts: @vanity.affairr & @bengelinajolie Cast: @vanity.affair @itsphoenixblack @kingchella @dulcethequeen @bratteryacid BUS TRIP TO THE COLUMBIA EMPLOYEE SPORTSWEAR STORE 📆 Saturday, November 5th 🕐 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (2 hours to shop in store) 🏛️Drop-off/Pick-up at Middlesex College front doors! 🎟️ $5 per person | SOGS members can bring family/friends! 🛍️ Black Friday sales – additional discounts on top of employee discounts ⚠️ Tickets are limited! No refunds! STUDY PERMIT EXTENSION SEMINAR on Thursday, November 10 at 11AM via ZOOM Is your Study Permit Expiring soon? Do you want to know what are the next steps to renew your study permit? Join International Graduate Students’ Issues Committee and Western International for an information seminar on ! Register for Zoom Link above. FUNDRAISER FILM SCREENING: HOME ALONE WESTERNU UNIVERSITY CAMPUS CLEANUP on Tuesday, November 22 from 2pm to 4pm Join the SOGS Sustainability Committee and the Sustainability Coordinator, Brendon Samuels, for a campus clean up later this month! All are welcome to participate! Register to participate. Fundraiser Film Screening: Casper the Friendly Ghost on Thursday, October 27th at 8:30pm in Middlesex College, room 105b | $5 TICKETS Join the SOGS Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner (Cherin Chung) and Commission for a DINNER AND A MOVIE to raise much-needed funds for the SOGS Food Bank for Non-TA’s program. For Halloween, we’re screening that classic 90’s film, Casper the Friendly Ghost. Watch the trailer. Food: Pizza from the Grad Club, iced tea, and various snacks! Halloween Dance Party on Friday, October 28 at 9pm at the Grad Club | FREE! Join the SOGS Grad Club committee for a FREE Halloween dance party at the Grad Club Halloween Harry Potter Trivia on Monday, October 31st at 7pm at the Grad Club Join Grad Club trivia mistress, Elizabeth Jewlal, for a special edition of Harry Potter trivia! Play in a team or fly solo. Cash prizes for winning teams! Special Harry Potter themed cocktail and food menu! Check out the menu HERE! JEOPARTY: BBQ and advocacy trivia at the Grad Club on Thursday, October 13th at 7pm. This event will feature advocacy–themed Jeopardy trivia with loads of prizes in addition to the BBQ! BOO: A SpOoky Drag Show | Saturday, October 15th | Grad Club Affair Entertainment is BACK with another instalment of the art of drag at the Grad Club (Middlesex College). This time it’s a Halloween themed drag show! Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Doors open: 8pm | Show starts at 9pm QUEEN OF THE QUEERS on Friday, August 26th at 9pm at the Grad Club. Tickets: $11.62 on Eventbrite. 19+ event. Join us and Affair Entertainment, a local drag entertainment company, for a fun night of Pride at the Grad Club. Hosted by Vanity Affair. Show features five local drag queens! FREE PARKING: The Grad Club is located in Middlesex College, room 19 on the lower level. To park at the Grad Club, enter into Lot G (Middlesex Parking Lot), off of Perth Road, across from the Visual lArts Building. *Parking gate should be up indicating free parking after 4pm. If it is down, pull a parking lot ticket and receive 4 free hours of parking! Special PRIDE cocktails will be available: the Vanity Affair, the Purple and Proud, and the BrewPaul mini pitchers. MOVIE NIGHT: Bashu on Thursday, September 1st in Middlesex College, room 110 Join the Society of WesternU Iranian Students is hosting another movie night! Bring your own snacks and drinks and enjoy Persian film! All are welcome to attend. MOVIE NIGHT: The Willow Tree on Thursday, August 4th in Middlesex College, room 110 Join the Society of WesternU Iranian Students is hosting another movie night! Bring your own snacks and drinks and enjoy Persian film! All are welcome to attend. BON FIRE AND A MOVIE NIGHT on Friday, August 5 on the Grad Club patio, 7pm. Tickets are $5 Join the Orientation and Social Committee for a bon fire on the Grad Club patio. We will be screening Jurassic Park and serving s’mores packets. Complete our registration form to buy tickets. Let us know what your dietary preferences are in the form! Join the International Graduate Student Issues Committee (IGSIC) and the International and Exchange Student Centre (IESC) for a summer BBQ at the grad club for international grads and their families. Tickets are $7 per person. SOGS and IESC are subsidizing the cost of the BBQ to make it more accessible for SOGS members. Tickets are limited to SOGS members and their immediate families (i.e., spouses and children). MENU: Halal chicken burgers or veggie burger or sausage on a bun, and garden salad and pop or water. For those members wanting to bring children, IGSIC will have activities for the little ones! Tie-Dye and Iced Treats on Thursday, August 11th at 4pm on the Grad Club patio. Join the Orientation and Social Committee for a fun, casual outdoor craft event where you can learn how to tie-dye your white clothing! BYO white clothing. Ice treats (ice cream bars and fruit popsicles) will be served. QUEEN OF THE QUEERS on Friday, July 29th at 9pm at the Grad Club. Tickets: $11.62 on Eventbrite. 19+ event. Join us and Affair Entertainment, a local drag entertainment company, for a fun night of Pride at the Grad Club. Hosted by Vanity Affair. Show features five local drag queens! FREE PARKING: The Grad Club is located in Middlesex College, room 19 on the lower level. To park at the Grad Club, enter into Lot G (Middlesex Parking Lot), off of Perth Road, across from the Visual lArts Building. *Parking gate should be up indicating free parking after 4pm. If it is down, pull a parking lot ticket and receive 4 free hours of parking! Special PRIDE cocktails will be available: the Vanity Affair, the Purple and Proud, and the BrewPaul mini pitchers. Shared Experiences: A Conversation Series — LGBTQIA+ & Pride on Thursday, July 14th at 7PM ET via ZOOM. Join the Graduate Peer Support Committee for another instalment of our Shared Experiences: Conversation Series. GPS will be discussing the topic of LGBTQ+ pride for Pride Month, including the history of pride, gender identities and sexual orientations, intersectionality in the LGBTQ+ community and other topics hosted by GPS committee member Rachel! BUS TRIP TO GRAND BEND on Saturday, July 16th from 10am to 5pm. Tickets: $10 per person. Tickets are limited to one per SOGS member. Join the Orientation and Social Committee for a sun-filled day at the beach. Grad Bend is a small town located 40 minutes outside of London, on the shores of Lake Huron. The main street of the town off the beach hosts many bars, restaurants, and take-away spots. Bus: We’ve rented a school bus, so there is limited space for beach gear and coolers under each seat. Pick-up/drop-off at the front doors of Middlesex College. MOVIE NIGHT: The Last Step on Thursday, July 21st in Middlesex College, room 110 Join the Society of WesternU Iranian Students is hosting another movie night! Bring your own snacks and drinks and enjoy Persian film! All are welcome to attend. ICE CREAM SOCIAL on Wednesday, June 29th from 1-3pm on the Grad Club patio Join the OSC for a FREE drop-in ice cream social! Enjoy the heat with some cool treats. Choose between dairy and non-dairy ice cream choices and toppings. First come, first served. Artful Yoga w/ Brooke Bliss on June 22nd at 6:30PM. Meet up outside the McIntosh Gallery. Join fellow WesternU grad and yogi, Brooke Bliss, for another outdoor yoga session! All are welcome to attend! Free yoga session. *Weather permitting BYO mat, water. Weather permitting. Hosted by the SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee. Shared Experiences: A Conversation Series — LGBTQIA+ & Pride on Thursday, June 2nd at 4:30PM ET via ZOOM. Join the Graduate Peer Support Committee for another instalment of our Shared Experiences: Conversation Series. GPS will be discussing the topic of LGBTQ+ pride for Pride Month, including the history of pride, gender identities and sexual orientations, intersectionality in the LGBTQ+ community and other topics hosted by GPS committee member Rachel! Fresh Air Fridays on June 10, 2022 at 1pm. Meet up at the back of Middlesex College, near the Grad Club patio. Join the Graduate Peer Support committee for a hour-long walk on the Thames River pathways near campus. Don’t know where to meet? See our map HERE. Surviving the Odds of the Colonial University while being Latina on Monday, May 9th at 10am via Zoo Join us for a virtual workshop with Las Fulanas Social Justice Collective. Hosted by the SOGS Pride Commissioner Alessia Servin with special guests Dr. Daniela Johannes and Dr. liana Pagán-Teitelbaum (West Chester University, of Pennsylvania). In this workshops our host and guests will work through what it means to be a Latina scholar in higher education within colonial settings. Questions? Reach out to pride@sogs.ca. *ASL interpreter will be present at this event Fresh Air Fridays on May 13, 2022 at 1pm. Meet up at the back of Middlesex College, near the Grad Club patio. Join the Graduate Peer Support committee for a hour-long walk on the Thames River pathways near campus. Don’t know where to meet? See our map HERE. SPRING CLEANING SESH’ with GPS from March 21 – April 21. Spring is here! Let’s focus together on refreshing our personal spaces and our self-care. How do you improve your well-being in relation to tidying, cleaning, and organizing your domicile or office? What kinds of self-care practices do you engage in during the spring months? The turn to warmer weather means we often want to clear away the dust and debris from the winter and organize our clutter. Let us know how you spring clean and/or engage in springtime self-care rituals by filling out our Google Form or tag us on Instagram (@westernsogs). Prizes: SELF-CARE GIFT BASKET X 2 (valued at $50 each) that includes a bunch of LOCAL merchandise (bath bomb, loose tea, candle, seeds, and more). Winners will be randomly selected. Spring contest hosted by the SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee. Questions? Reach out to services@sogs.ca. Shared Experiences: A Conversation Series – AUTISM with special guest Jasmine Draper on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 7pm ET via Zoom. In honour of Autism Awareness Month the SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee will be joined by your fellow peer Jasmin Draper for another instalment of Shared Experiences! This month we’re talking about AUTISM and its impact on grad students. Join to listen and/or participate. Beers and Peers, April 20 at 6:30pm in the Grad Club boardroom. Join the Orientation and Social Committee for a quick and casual hangout with your peers. Don’t know anyone? Don’t sweat it! The OSC committee will do intros and get people situated. Attend and enjoy a complementary beer on SOGS! Fresh Air Fridays on April 8, 2022 at 1pm. Meet up at the back of Middlesex College, near the Grad Club patio. Join the Graduate Peer Support committee for a hour-long walk on the Thames River pathways near campus. Don’t know where to meet? See our map HERE. Not Your Token: Black Empowerment in Academia and Beyond on March 23, 2022 at 11:45am – 1pm ET via ZOOM. Hosted by the SOGS Equity Committee. Registration required! Join Ashton Forrest (former SOGS Accessibility Commissioner) for a panel discussion with Dr. Nicole Kaniki (Director of EDI, U of T) on black tokenism and empowerment in higher education and beyond. Anti-Racism for White Academic Labour Folks on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 3pm via Zoom. Hosted by PSAC610. Join WesternU’s Teaching Assistant & Post-Doc union for an advocacy event about anti-racists methods for supporting racialized and indigenous folks within higher education. PSAC 610 will be joined by activists Paige Galette and Nora Loreto. Nature Cleanup and Social Event on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at 11am to 3pm. Registration is required. 🎣 Did you know that FISHING LINES are one of the most abundant types of plastic litter found along the Thames River? ✋Unless removed by hand, these fishing lines will remain in place for many years and hurt our wildlife. Join the SOGS Sustainability, International Graduate Student Issues, and Graduate Peer Support committees and Antler River Rally for a nature clean up and social. Meet us at UC Hill at 11am. We will disperse along the Thames River to clean up fishing lines and then end at Gibbon’s Park for refreshments. Have questions? Reach out to Yousuf Hasan, SOGS VP Advocacy at advocacy@sogs.ca. How does your female gender impact your experience of grad life? In what ways can SOGS/WesternU improve your experience of gender-based safety and support? Join our Gender Concerns Commissioner, Zara Diab (gender.concerns@sogs.ca), for a safe listening session where you can bring your concerns, questions, and ideas forward. Zara’s goal is to listen to her constituency in order to bring those concerns back to not only the SOGS executive team for implementation at the Society, but also to WesternU stakeholders and admin. A safe campus is important to us. Tax Information Workshop for International Graduate Students on March 16, 2022 at 4:30pm ET. Registration required! Are you an international graduate student who feels overwhelmed by the upcoming tax season? Get a handle on completing your 2021 taxes by attending our upcoming workshop, hosted by the WesternU International & Exchange Student Centre. Please be advised, this is NOT a tax clinic where you will have a tax expert do your taxes; rather, you will learn more about completing your Canadian taxes as an international student. Fresh Air Fridays on March 11, 2022 at 1pm. Meet us near the Grad Club patio! Join the Graduate Peer Support Committee for Fresh Air Fridays where we take you on a stroll around the WesternU campus on the Thames River Pathways. Join the Grad Club committee and our trivia mistresses for a special themed edition of trivia night. We will focus on all things related to the Olympics and Paralympics. Climate Action Town Hall on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 5pm via Zoom. Registration is required! Join the SOGS Sustainability Committee and the University Students’ Council for a virtual climate action town hall with panelists from WesternU Sustainability and the City of London’s Climate Change Planning committee. *This event is open to the entire WesternU community! Presidential Election Town Hall on Monday, March 7, 2022 at 7pm ET via Zoom and Facebook Live. Meet your candidate Danica Facca at this upcoming town hall! Learn about her presidential election campaign (see HERE) and ask her questions in real time or in advance. The role of SOGS President is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the society, ensuring that all aspects of our non-profit organization are running smoothly. They also act as an official liaison for SOGS within the campus and local communities. Drop-In Lunch for International Graduate Students on Monday, February 28, 2022 from 11:30am – 1:30pm at the Grad Club. International members can enjoy a FREE 1/2 roasted halal chicken or vegetarian wrap and garden salad. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Portions are limited. How to get your FREE LUNCH: Show your international graduate student events email/coupon to the IGSIC volunteer at the Grad Club. POP-UP SEXUAL HEALTH TESTING CLINIC on February 14, 2022 at 11am – 2pm. Join SOGS and the Regional GIV/AID Connection for a special Valentine’s Day pop-up HIV testing clinic. Spots are limited! Testing does NOT require ID or health card! Privacy guaranteed. Each individual tested receives a special Valentine’s Day gift that’s both sweet and wellness oriented! SEXY TRIVIA hosted by the SOGS Gender Concerns and Pride Commissioners. Monday, February 14, 2022 at 7pm ET via ZOOM. Registration is Required. Join us for a fun night of SEXY TRIVIA. Our Gender Concerns and Pride Commissioners will be hosting, asking our participants a series of sex health/ed and popular culture questions. Sex-positive prizes will be available! STUDY PERMIT WORKSHOP for International SOGS members on February 17, 2022 at 5pm ET via ZOOM. Registration is required! Are you an international grad student who wants to learn more about extending your study permit? Join us and the International & Exchange Student Centre for a free workshop. Shared Experiences: Seasonal Affective Disorder on Thursday, February 16, 2022 at 7pm ET via ZOOM. Hosted by the SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee, join us for a discussion about the ways SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) impacts not only our lives, but our experiences in graduate school. PRIZE: We’re giving away a SUN LAMP to one of our lucky attendees. Prize will be drawn randomly. Black History Month: Film Screening of Moonlight on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 7pm ET via ZOOM. Hosted by the SOGS Equity Committee, join us for a film screening and a game of Kahoot afterwards. Prizes for the top 3 winners! 1st prize: a copy of Jordan Jamal’s Queer Love in Culture. Learn more about Moonlight HERE. Spilling the Tea: Listening Sessions for LGBTQIA+ Grads. Monday, February 7, 10AM AND 6PM ET via ZOOM. Hosted by the SOGS Pride Commissioner, Alessia Servin. Participants can come to a judgement-free listening session about queer grad life on campus. Tell us your stories, experiences, concerns, questions, and feedback. Our Pride Commissioner wants to listen to you in order to better represent the interests of our LGBTQIA+ constituents at SOGS and wit. Attendees will receive a $10 Tim Horton’s gift card. *registration is required! Fresh Air Fridays on February 11, 2022 at 1pm. Meet us near the Grad Club patio! Join the Graduate Peer Support Committee for Fresh Air Fridays where we take you on a stroll around the WesternU campus on the Thames River Pathways. Holiday Ugly Sweater & Cookie Decorating Party on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 7pm at the Grad Club. $5 tickets. SOLD OUT! Join us on the last scheduled day of classes for the Fall 2021 Term at the Grad Club for a cozy holiday party. In addition to decorating cookies and gingerbread houses, we will be hosting pop culture holiday trivia. There will be PRIZES! Fresh Air Fridays on December 10, 2021 at 1pm. Meet us near the Grad Club patio! Join the Graduate Peer Support Committee for Fresh Air Fridays where we take you on a stroll around the WesternU campus on the Thames River Pathways. International Grad Student Holiday Dinner on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 6pm at the Grad Club. $15 for adults, $7.50 for children. Join our International Graduate Student Issues Committee (IGSIC) and Western’s International and Exchange Student Centre for a family-friendly holiday dinner at the Grad Club. Enjoy a Canadian holiday meal and get to know your international peers. TICKETS: Ticket costs are being subsidized by SOGS and IESC! Tickets are normally $25, but we’re selling them at $15 for adults and $7.50 for kids! DIETARY PREFERENCES: Our buffet-style menu features a mix of foods suitable for meat-eaters and vegetarians! Fill out our ticket intake form above and let us know what your preferences are. MENU: Roast turkey, roasted cauliflower “steak”, gravy, traditional stuffing (bread, spices, seasonings, carrots, onions), homemade cranberry sauce, vegetable pasta primavera, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal market vegetables, garden salad, Caesar salad, lemon Za’tar quinoa salad, fresh baked rolls, assorted cookies, hot chocolate, apple cider, coffee, and tea. *Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the bar. PROOF OF VACCINE: In order to eat in the Grad Club, patrons (12 years of age and older) are required to show proof of vaccination. Guests also must review the Ontario Self-Assessment questionnaire. LEADERSHIP & PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: TOWARD AN INCLUSIVE, ACCESSIBLE, AND SUSTAINABLE POST-COVID-19 CAMPUS panel discussion on December 14 at 7 pm ET at Zoom. *Register to attend! Fresh Air Fridays on December 10, 2021 at 1pm. Meet us near the Grad Club patio! Join the Graduate Peer Support Committee for Fresh Air Fridays where we take you on a stroll around the WesternU campus on the Thames River Pathways. CONSENT SPEAKER SERIES: NAVIGATING RAPE CULTURE AND SOCIAL SCRIPTS on Monday, November 29, 2021 at 6pm ET. Registration Required! Join us for our first discussion in our Consent Panel Series moderated by Denise Kamyuka, former SOGS Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner, and Allison Preyde, ANOVA Public Education Coordinator. This panel will discuss common social scripts that influence the ways we navigate consent in relationships– both how we say “no”, and how we say “yes”. Immigration Workshop on Wednesday, November 10 at 4:30PM via Zoom. Registration required! Learn details on work immigration regulations for internationals graduate students, whether they are working on, off-campus, or working as an intern and starting their career after graduation. Discuss who can work and who cannot, when they can start working, who they can work for, number of hours they can work, and how to apply for a work permit. Have questions? Email the IGSIC chair, Varun Ravikumar, at vraviku@uwo.ca. Shalwar Kameez Walk Against Islamophobia and Racism on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 12pm at UC Hill. *There will be an ASL interpreter present. Beers and Peers event on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 from 6:30-7:30 PM at the Grad Club. Hosted by by the SOGS Orientation and Social committee. Join us for a casual hang-out at the Grad Club where you can grab a beer and hang with your peers. This event takes place before Board Game Night! Shared Experiences: A Conversation Series – Men’s Health on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 7pm via ZOOM. Registration is required. Join the Graduate Peer Support Committee for another instalment of our Shared Experiences: Conversation Series. We will be discussing Men’s Health with Greg Owens from the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection! Join the event to learn more about men’s health and mental health, bring your experiences and stories, or just come to listen. We want to talk about men’s health in a safe space. Shared Experiences: A Conversation Series — ACE Awareness — on November at 7PM ET via Zoom. Registration is required. Hosted by the SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee. Join us for our third instalment of our wellness-oriented conversation series where we discuss ASEXUALITY in honour of ACE week! Our goal is to extend the about asexuality to grad student experiences at WesternU to spread awareness and knowledge. conversation beyond the GradCast episode to further spread awareness and offer a safe space to talk about these issues on a more personal level. We welcome all who’d like to have a safe space to share personal experiences, ask questions, or just listen to the experiences of your peers. Discussing the experience of being ASEXUAL starts with open, honest, direct conversations – and this session is us adding to that conversation. We hope to see you there! CAMPUS RIVER CLEANUP AND NATURE WALK on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 10am. Registration required! CALLING ALL NATURE LOVERS Join the SOGS Sustainability and IGSIC committees as well as Western Sustainability for a morning of fresh air, walking, and cleaning up our campus. We will start our guided nature walk at UC Hill and travel along the Thames river to Medway Creek, where we will be cleaning up the bank of the river. This is a great opportunity to socialize and enjoy the outdoors with like-minded individuals while getting involved with environmental initiatives on campus. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided! We will also provide the equipment necessary for safe and sanitary trash collecting. *Please note that this event will take place, rain or shine, so dress accordingly. In the case of extreme weather or flooding, we will notify registrants by no later than 8 am on the day of the event. We will be following COVID-19 safety protocols. All registrants are required to wear a mask to attend and are encouraged to maintain physical distancing. Harry Potter Trivia at the Grad Club on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 7pm. Tickets are $5 per person. To purchase your tickets and to reserve a table for your group (or if you’re flying solo, we’ll put you in a group of solo players), email gradclub@uwo.ca. Tea and Talk with the SOGS Indigenous Commissioner on Mondays & Fridays at 10am ET via ZOOM Join SOGS Indigenous Commissioner and other Indigenous graduate students for tea in this weekly casual gathering for Indigenous graduate students. Register to receive a $10 gift card for joining. SOGS goes to a MUSTANGS Game! Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 1pm ET at TD Waterhouse Stadium. Western Mustangs vs. Windsor Lancers Tickets go on sale on Monday, October 11th at 12:00 pm. SOGS family members can use the code: SOGS2021 at checkout to receive their free tickets. Graduate students can get their complimentary tickets HERE. NOTE: If you do not already have a tickets account registered with your UWO email, then you will have to create an account in order to access tickets. This Code allotment is max 100 total uses, and each usage allows up to 4 tickets per client (2 free adult and 2 youth). SOGS ANTI-RACISM LISTENING SESSIONS The SOGS Anti-Racism Committee wants to learn from Asian-identifying students – to this end, we are holding a series of listening sessions. This is in response to a recent Western University report on Anti-Racism. Western President’s Anti-Racism Working Group’s final report issued in March 2020 reported that members of the Asian communities at our university have experienced discrimination, negative stereotyping, and different forms of injustice on campus. SOGS Anti-Racism Committee will hold two listening sessions: October 12 (2pm EST) and October 15 (1 pm EST) via Zoom. Automatic live transcripts will be turned on at both sessions and we will have an ASL interpreter. Accessibility Requests: If you have other requests regarding accessibility, please email Emi Iwaizumi (eiwaizum@uwo.ca). The listening sessions will not be recorded; however, anonymized notes will be taken by the listening session facilitator(s). During the session, participants are encouraged to share their experiences in relation to anti-Asian racism on campus and in London. The SOGS Anti-Racism Committee plans to issue a final report of its findings and recommendation regarding combatting racism at Western in Fall 2021. Racialized Graduate Student Hangout – a screening of I May Destroy You – on Friday, October 8th | 6pm – 9pm EDT. Registration required! Hosted by our Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner, Denise Kamyuka. Bring your popcorn and snacks for a critical binge session of I May Destroy you, a new HBO television series about Arabella, the protagonist who is sexually assaulted in a Night Club, changing her life irreversibly and she is forced to reassess everything, including her career, friends and family. Watch the trailer HERE. Grad Students with Disabilities Community Meeting. Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 7pm EDT via Zoom. Welcome to another year at WesternU! Join the SOGS Accessibility Commissioner, Elizabeth Mohler, and the SOGS Accessibility Committee for a community event and listening session. We want to hear from you to better advocate for your accessibility needs on campus. We invite you to come share what has been working, and what you wish could be different. Or, if it feels right, just come to listen. We would like to know what accommodations you require, so kindly complete this registration form. Note: We will have an ASL interpreter at this event for accessibility purposes. Live at the Grad Club on Friday, September 24 from 2pm until 8pm at the Grad Club (Middlesex College, room 19) *seating is limited, so first-come, first-served. Join us for a day of Free musical performances! Check out the flute performance by Negar Asiskhani (2pm), the piano performance by Ben Schmalz (3pm), and reggae/ska by TooNice (7pm). Gender Concerns Listening Session on Monday, September 27 at 5: 30pm EDT via Zoom. Register to attend. Join our Gender Concerns Commissioner, Ana Moyer, for a listening session devoted to gender concerns related to gender-based and sexual violence, as well as safety on campus. We want to hear from our female and female-identifying members in order to better advocate for our members on campus. Note: We will have an ASL interpreter at this event for accessibility purposes. Shared Experiences: A Conversation Series – Suicide Prevention and Mental Health on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 7pm EST on Zoom The second session of GPS’ Shared Experiences conversation series is a collaboration with GradCast’s special episode for World Suicide Prevention Day; The GradCast episode will be released Sept 7, 2021. The topic of discussion for this Shared Experiences session will focus primarily on suicide and mental health, particularly from the grad student perspective. Our goal with this collaboration is to extend the conversation beyond the GradCast episode to further spread awareness and offer a safe space to talk about these issues on a more personal level. Those involved with the World Suicide Prevention Day special episode will be present to answer any questions, provide clarification or elaboration, and further share their experiences and thoughts about suicide, suicidal ideation, and mental health struggles during grad school, including how the pandemic has impacted these experiences. Given the topic of conversation for this session is an extension of GradCast’s special episode for World Suicide Prevention Day, it would be ideal for those in attendance to have listened to the episode, however this certainly isn’t a requirement! We welcome all who’d like to have a safe space to share personal experiences, ask questions, or just listen to the experiences of your peers. Suicide prevention, awareness, and de-stigmatization starts with open, honest, direct conversations – and this session is us adding to that conversation. We hope to see you there! Post-Orientation YOGA class taught by Brooke Bliss, hosted by SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 11am at Gibbons Park. Register to attend! Join us for a FREE yoga class in the shade at Gibbon’s Park taught by Brooke Bliss Yoga. Bring your famjam for a fun, socially distanced outdoor event. How to find us: Enter the park by car or by the walking/biking paths. We will set up on the grass to the north-east of Gibbons Park Pool. Here’s a map of Gibbon’s Park. Bring your water bottle and mat. Washroom facilities are located near the Gibbon’s park pool. Trans in the Academy: Evie Johnny Ruddy, Dr. Sadie Hochman-Ruiz, and Levi Hord in Conversation with Sohini Chatterjee on Thursday, September 9 at 8PM EST on ZOOM. **Registration required. LGBT ANIME NIGHT hosted by the SOGS Pride Commissioner on Saturday, August 28, 2021 on Zoom. Love anime and wanna talk about it with your queer peers? Register to attend. Fresh Air Friday on Friday, August 13, 2021 from 4-6pm | *Registration is required Join the SOGS Orientation and Social committee for a fun walk, bike ride, roller skate on the Thames River pathways near WesternU’s campus. Meet up on the Grad Club patio at 4pm EST for a tour of our river paths. Finish the afternoon with an ice cream or popsicle on the Grad Club patio. Kid and family friendly! Cooking Class: Fajita Bowls, hosted by the Grad Club on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 6pm EST. Registration required! Join the Grad Club for their second Zoom cooking class! Learn how to make Fajita Bowls (either chicken or plant-based) in real time with your peers. Cooking class will be taught by Graham Bain, Grad Club Culinary Lead. Check out the recipe HERE. Want to buy prepped ingredient kits at the Grad Club so you don’t have to go to the grocery store? Prices: $10 for a single portion / $15 for a double portion. Want to buy the ingredient kit? Email your order to gradclub@uwo.ca by Monday, July 26 by 4pm EST. Ingredient kits will be made available for pick-up on Thursday, July 29 in the afternoon and Friday, July 30. LGBTQ+ in STEM: A Panel Discussion on Monday, July 14, 2021 at 5pm EST on Zoom Join us for a panel discussion moderated by Sohini Chatterjee about being queer in STEM fields. Our guest speakers are Dr. Alex Levine, Dr. Emily Harrington, and Xandria Quichocho. Share Experiences: A Conversation Series about Psychotropic Medications and Mental Health on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 6pm EST on Zoom Introducing the SOGS Graduate Peer Support committee’s Shared Experiences: A Conversation Series! This series will have sessions focused on different wellness-related topics. The goal of these sessions is exactly what the title suggests: to promote conversation. Each session in the series will start with a short informational presentation, which will lead into an informal discussion. Our aim for this series is to create a safe space where people can learn more about different, potentially sensitive, topics and share their own experiences if they so choose. The level of participation is completely up to each individual’s personal discretion. We welcome everyone, even if you attend only to listen. The first topic for conversation is psychotropic medications, which include (but aren’t limited to) antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and stimulants. We aim to break the stigma surrounding these types of medications by providing a safe space to address common myths, tackle some unknowns, and promote open, honest discussion. Most importantly, our Shared Experiences series promotes asking and answering questions safely and without judgment. Being on psychotropic medications can be a difficult and frustrating experience, thinking about the possibility of needing these medications can be scary, navigating the online information and misinformation about them can be daunting, and trying to figure out how best to support individuals who do use these medications can be confusing – if you relate to any of these statements, this conversation is for you. Come share your experiences, or just listen to others share their experiences. PAINT THE RAINBOW: DROP-INART AND SOCIAL HOUR hosted by the SOGS Pride Commissioner on Saturday, July 10, 2021 AND August 14, 2021 at 9PM EST on Zoom. Registration is required!~ Colour Me Queer: A Racialized LGBTQ+ panel on June 25th, 2021 from 4-5pm EST on Zoom. **Registration required. In honour of Pride Month, the Anti-Racism Committee and SOGS’ Commissioners present “Colour Me Queer”- a panel discussion on advocacy for Racialized LGBTQ+ persons. The panel consists of 4 powerful queer advocates, who will take us on their journey with advocacy and share their learnings about making a meaningful impact for racialized queer people. We ask that anyone who wishes to remain anonymous during the event, arrive 5 minutes early to change their displayed name. Audiences are invited to submit questions for the panelist, upon registration for the event. We will try our best to address as many questions as possible. Disabled LGBTQIA2S: Grad Student Meet-Up on June 25, 2021 at 5pm EST on Zoom. *registration required. Accessibility X Pride event. Navigating Academia as a Queer Person of Colour: A Talk by Dr. Chandra Ward on Monday, July 5, 2021 at 5pm EST. Join us for a critical discussion of being a queer person of colour in higher education/academia with Dr. Chandra Ward, moderated by Sohini Chatterjee. Anti-Racist Book Club and Discussion Group. June 24, 2021 at 4:30pm on Zoom Join the SOGS Racial Equity and Inclusivity, Accessibility, and Gender Concerns Commissioners for our next instalment of the Anti-Racist Book Club. We will be reading Riva Lehrer’s memoir, “Golem Girl” (2020). Margarita With a Straw: A Film Screening & Discussion Group on June 14, 2021 at 6pm EST, hosted by the SOGS Accessibility Committee. Accessibility x Pride event. Margarita with a Straw (Dir. Shonali Bose) is a 2004 film about an Indian teenager with cerebral palsy who relocates to America for her undergraduate education and comes of age following her complex relationship with a blind girl. PRIDE READING SESSION on Trying to Grow by Firdaus Kanga on June 2, 2021 at 6PM EST on Zoom. *Registration required. Hosted by the SOGS Accessibility committee, this reading group is meant to dive deep into Pride x Accessibility issues, stories, identities, and more. Join us for a critical discussion on Trying to Grow, a semi-autobiographical novel set in urban India about a young boy growing up with brittle bones. Disability Justice, Queer & Trans Rights: What Jae Would Want You To Know on June 10, 2021 at 5pm EST on Zoom. Accessibility x Pride event. Registration Required Join us for a special, interactive Accessibility x Pride event where our guest speakers Allilsa Fernandez, Emily Titon, Morenike Giwa Onaiwu, and Dr. Pamela Block will not only talk about Jae Casper, a disabled and gender queer badass filmmaker and entrepreneur that recently passed away, but also important resources and tools to better support our accessibility and pride constituents at WesternU. This panel will be a Q&A style format that will be moderated by the SOGS Accessibility and Equity Committee co-chair, Sohini Chatterjee. FACEBOOK GROUP: Listening Session for BIPOC Queer and Trans Graduate Students from May 13 – 31, 2021. Can’t or don’t want to make it to our virtual listening group on Zoom? Don’t worry! Join our PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP to share your feedback, stories, experiences, concerns, and more! Anti-Racism Book Club: The Truth About Hijra: A Life Story discussion on May 27, 2021 at 6pm on Zoom. Hosted by the SOGS Commissioners (Accessibility, Pride, Racial Equity & Inclusivity) and the Anti-Racism Committee, the May 2021 Anti-Racism Book Club pick is The Truth About Me: A Life Story by A. Revathi & V. Geetha, which is an unflinchingly courageous autobiography of a Hijra who fought ridicule, persecution and violence both within her home and outside to find a life of dignity. Learn more about the book HERE. Listening Session for Queer & Trans Grad Students on May 13, 2021 at 6:30PM EST on Zoom HOSTED by the SOGS Commissioners and Anti-Racism Committee. In order to better advocate for Trans and Queer SOGS members, we need to hear from you! Tell us about your experiences at WesternU, SOGS and more so we can implement new strategies to better advocate for and support grad students at WesternU. 2nd National Grad Student Trivia Championships on April 27, 2021 at 8pm on Zoom Register your team (max. 5 SOGS members) or as a free-agent and be placed into a team. First-come, first-served registration (*will open up on Tuesday, March 30, 2020 at 9AM). SOGS is limited to 10 active teams, so we will create a waitlist for anyone who didn’t make it onto our list. 3MT: NOT-YOUR-THESIS EDITION on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 8pm EST on Zoom. *Registration to present and/or attend is required* Hosted by the SOGS Orientation and Social Committee (OSC), this 3-Minute Thesis event is geared to focus on non-academic interests and passions of our grad student members. Casual, fun, and educational, these brief presentations are designed to spark both interest and conversation across our membership. Have a hobby, interest, or passion you want to share with your peers? Want to get outside of your academic research for an evening? We are open to any topic of presentation so long as it is NOT about your thesis. Sign-up to present below: PRIZES: The top 3 presentations will get a $25 gift card of their choice to a local London, ON business! Want to attend the event but not be a presenter? Sign-up for the Zoom link below: Have questions? Email the OSC chair, Nicole Devos (ndevos2@uwo.ca). Graduate Student Fitness Classes: April 12, 2021 @ 8pm: Yoga w/ Helen To kick off the 2021 year, the SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee is hosting monthly virtual fitness classes for members. Occupational Therapy Workshop Series: “Leisure: Grad Students Just Want to Have Fun” hosted by the SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee and GrassroOTs Join us for a workshop series exploring Occupational Therapy and why it is good for you. *GrassroOTs is a student-run group that provides individuals with a platform to advocate and promote occupational therapy to other students, allied health professionals, community members, and more. Immigration Seminar with Elizabeth Long, Immigration Lawyer on March 24, 2021 at 12PM on Zoom SOGS is pleased to offer a webinar for our international student members on what you need to know about immigration. We have invited Elizabeth Long, an immigration lawyer from Long Mangalji LLP, to present via webinar. Graduate Peer Support Drop-ins: Shared Experiences with Psychotropic Medication on March 24, 2021 at 6pm on the SOGS Discord Server –> Head over to our #Wellness-Dropins channel. Mental Health for Graduate Students Information Session with the Canadian Mental Health Association on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 1pm on Zoom. At this informational session, our mental health experts will discuss mental health and grad school, specifically focusing on depression, psychosis, and suicide awareness. Grad life can be hard, but you’re not alone; our GPS committee is here to support you with resources, information, and outreach. To participate in this event, registration below is required. Questions? Email nscherba@uwo.ca. Indigenous Graduate Student Listening Session with the SOGS Indigenous Commissioner on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 7pm on Zoom Join us for a listening session for Indigenous graduate students and SOGS members. Bring your stories, experiences, feedback, concerns, and questions. We want to hear from you so that we can better advocate for indigenous students on campus. Can’t wait to see you all there! Once you’ve registered, you will receive an email response with the required Zoom link. Have questions or concerns? Get in touch with indigenous@sogs.ca. Occupational Therapy Workshop Series: “Productivity: Finding the Right Work-Life Balance” hosted by the SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee and GrassroOTs Join us for a workshop series exploring Occupational Therapy and why it is good for you. *GrassroOTs is a student-run group that provides individuals with a platform to advocate and promote occupational therapy to other students, allied health professionals, community members, and more. ACT Towards Your Mental Health: Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Dr. Kelly G. Wilson on April 1,2021 at 3pm on Zoom. *Registration is required. The event will introduce us to ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and how we can use ACT practices to have a richer life based on our values and take care of our mental health. Dr. Kelly G. Wilson is co-founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and author of Things Might Go Terribly Horribly Wrong: A guide to life liberated from Anxiety. Graduate Peer Support Drop-ins: Healthy Relationships & Conflict Resolution on April 7, 2021 at 6pm on the SOGS Discord Server –> Head over to our #Wellness-Dropins channel. Anti-Racist Book Club: March 2021 is reading “Minor Feelings” by Cathy Hong Park. Discussion group will take place on April 8, 2021 at 4:30pm on Zoom. Listening Session for BIOPC Graduate Students hosted by the SOGS Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner, Denise Kamyuka between March 15 -22, 2021 to discuss important issues you’d like the Western Strategic Plan Steering Committee to know. Want to participate and bring forth your ideas, suggestions, feedback, concerns, and more, about #GradLifeWesternU for BIOPC grad students to the Western Strategic Plan? Complete our intake form here to receive a link to join our private Facebook group. Beers and Peers: St. Patty’s Day edition hosted by the SOGS Orientation & Social Committee on March 20, 2021 at 8pm on the SOGS Discord Server Open to SOGS members, alumnx, and friends. Occupational Therapy Workshop Series: “Self-Care: More Than Just Bath Bombs” hosted by the SOGS Graduate Peer Support Committee and Occupational Therapy Graduate Students Living in the Margins series: Discussing Gender-Based Violence During the Pandemic with Allison Preyde on March 18, 2021 at 6pm on Facebook live Presidential Town Hall and Social Hang with the SOGS President, kirstyn seanor on March 18, 2021 at 4pm Ask Me Anything with the SOGS President, kirstyn seanor on March 18, 2021 at 6pm on the SOGS Discord Server. Our Sisters In Spirit: A Documentary Film Screening hosted by the SOGS Indigenous and Gender Concerns Commissioners on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 7:30pm on Zoom STUDENT’S WITH DISABILITIES MEET-UP on Tuesday, March 9 at 6PM on Zoom hosted by the Accessibility Committee GRADUATE PEER SUPPORT DROP-IN on March 10, 2021 from 6-7PM on the SOGS Discord Server (#Wellness-Dropin channel) Offering wellness tips and resources, the drop-ins are designed to touch on a theme each meeting to help you on your grad life journey. This month we’re tackling “Strong Supervisor/Student Relationships“ INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BRUNCH & FUNDRAISER for London Abused Women’s Centre on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 8am on Zoom. Black History Month: Intersectional Film Screening on Friday, February 12, 2021 on Zoom Fill out our form to submit your contact so we can send you the Zoom link and to vote on what movie we’ll screen: The Life and Death of Marsha P. Johnson OR Paris is Burning. LIVING IN THE MARGINS SPEAKER SERIES: Discussing RACIAL TRAUMA with Rumina Morris on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 6:30PM on Facebook Live Join the SOGS Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner, Denise Kamyuka, and Rumina Morris for a Facebook Live event where they will help you fight back by giving you tools for dealing with experiences of racism. ✊ ABOUT OUR SPEAKER: Rumina is an anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion coach, counsellor, and consultant based in London, Ontario. RACISM WITH A SMILE: BEING BLACK AT THE UNIVERSITY PANEL on February 23, 2021 from 4-5pm on Zoom, Hosted by the SOGS Anti-Racism Committee | Registration required* ANTI-RACISM, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION IN HIGHER EDUCATION with Dr. Nicole Kaniki Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 11am-12:30pm ANTI-RACISM BOOK CLUB discussion meeting on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 4:30pm on Zoom.February book: “Nervous Conditions” by Tsitsi Dangarembga Open Access Policy Consultation on Monday, February 22, 2021 from 4-5pm on ZOOM. GRADUATE PEER SUPPORT DROP-IN on February 24, 2021 from 6-7PM on the SOGS Discord Server Offering wellness tips and resources, the drop-ins are designed to touch on a theme each meeting to help you on your grad life journey. This month we’re tacking “Getting a Better Sleep“. SOGS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING on Thursday, February 25, 6:30 pm via Zoom. LISTENING SESSION for Female Identifying and Gender Diverse Grad Students on Friday, February 26, 2021 on Zoom Join the SOGS Gender Concerns Commissioner, Francesca Alexander, at a listening session geared towards gender diverse and female identifying members. Our goal is to hear from you so that we can better advocate for you at WesternU. Bring your questions, concerns, comments, experiences, and stories. TAROT 101 with Andie Sabbar of 13 Moon Tarot on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 7:30pm on Zoom All are welcome! You do not need to own a tarot deck to participate! PEER DISCUSSION GROUP FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES on Monday, March 1, 2021 from 7-8pm on Zoom Join your undergraduate friends and graduate student peers for a casual peer discussion group and meet-up for students with disabilities. On November 25th, 2020 @ 8pm EST, SOGS will participate in the inaugural Canada-wide university trivia championship with several graduate associations across the country! Gingerbread House Decorating Event Pride Screening Event: Netflix’s The PromPast 2020-23 Events
PRIDE FILM SCREENINGS: But I’m a Cheerleader | Tuesday, September 26, 2023 | 7PM – 9:30PM | UCC 56
Speaker: Kim Clark, Professor of Anthropology and Assistant Dean (EDID) for the Faculty of Social Science, Western University
Navigating higher education as disabled students is challenging and often has multiple layers when advocating for access needs to be met – not only within the classroom, but also beyond it. In the first week of Disability Pride Month, NEADS will facilitate a dialogue between disabled student activists with diverse and intersecting identities to discuss the challenges that occur in higher education. Speakers will be announced soon.
This panel will explore the complexities that may occur for students with diverse and intersecting disability, gender, and sexual identities, when navigating the intricacies of higher education – both within the classroom and beyond. Panelists will specifically discuss the availability of resources and/or services (or lack thereof) that address needs in relation to their identities. Finally, this panel will be used to reflect on the diverse experiences of students with disability, gender, and sexual identities – and ultimately propose steps to further the access and inclusion of higher education.
Chips and Chat with GPS on Thursday, June 22 at 12pm at the Grad Club
Cast: @thee_eras, @itsphoenixblack, @itsultraviolett, @vanity.affairr
Spotlight performers: @maebreast & @summerbuffet
Hosted by your hosts who always do the most @vanity.affairr & @bengelinajolie ✨
Show up to have fun and we will provide all the supplies (the jar, the sand, shells, moss, and other beach-y items) to make your own personalized beach in a jar.
Cast:
@itschimaera | @elixxirr_official | @itsjustzsazsa | @laissez.affair
& your host & hostess with the most, the newly engaged @vanity.affairr & @bengelinajolie 🥰
Spotlight performances by new local performers
@miss.polly.pocket the baby of the house of Affair 😍
@itswoozydazey London’s newest DIVA 💃
Registrants will receive one (1) subsidized single-ounce drink ticket! Pick your cocktail — domestic beer and spirits or our special V-Day cocktail! $3.50 per cocktail.
ASL Interpreter: The event will have an ASL interpreter.
Thursday, November 17 at 7PM | $5 tickets | Middlesex College room 105B
Join the SOGS Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner (and Commission) for a FUNDRAISING FILM SCREENING of HOME ALONE next week.
Hot chocolate and baked goods will be served.
100% of ticket sales will be donated to the SOGS Food Bank for Non-TAs! We need your support to keep the program running and members in need fed.
The cleanup will take place in the Bayfield Hall parking lot near Medway Creek (see map). Pizza and beverages will be provided to volunteers at the event!
Hosted by:
@vanity.affairr & @bengelinajolie
Cast:
@lillithnox
@laissez.affair
@panicovonsleaze
@melody.bijou
International Graduate Student BBQ on Wednesday, August 10 at 5:30pm at the Grad Clu
Join the event to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and share your experiences either as an ally or a member of the LGBTQ+ community or to just learn more about the topic of pride!
Join the event to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and share your experiences either as an ally or a member of the LGBTQ+ community or to just learn more about the topic of pride!
Listening Session for Female and Female-Identifying Grad Students on Monday, April 4 at 7pm ET via Zoom. Registration is required!
Olympics/Paralympics Trivia at the Grad Club on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 7pm ET.
on Tuesday, October 12 at 2pm EST and Friday, October 15 at 1pm ET
Even though ongoing discrimination against Asian-identifying students is real, there have not been many opportunities for Asian-identifying students to share their stories and lived experiences to help us understand the most pressing issues affecting them and to help us shape our next steps to fight anti-Asian racism at Western University and in our London community. This is also an important step in building an equitable and inclusive campus and community for all.
Written Feedback: If you feel more comfortable sharing your experience in a written format, please feel free to contact the chair of the committee, Anmol Dutta (adutta24@uwo.ca). Your written input will be kept anonymous.
The topics will include:
1. How to maintain your status as a student
2. Conditions of working legally as a student, including during the Covid pandemic
3. How to apply for your Post-graduation Work Permit
4. Strategies on qualifying for permanent residence under Express Entry and non-Express Entry Economic categories
5. What to do if your application has been denied
CANADA-WIDE GRAD STUDENT TRIVIA CHAMPIONSHIP
