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Society of Graduate Students (SOGS)

Society of Graduate Students (SOGS)

Your Graduate Student Advocacy Organization and Government at Western University

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westernsogs

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

πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈ RESCHEDULED: Restorative Class at &asanas Ou πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈ 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.

πŸ“† 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!)
πŸ“ &asanas: The Collective, 140 Ann St., Unit 203/204 (off Talbot Street, near Oxford Street)
🚌 Meet us there!
πŸ’§ 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

Questions? Reach out to sogs.communications@uwo.ca πŸ’œ
πŸ“‹ Calling all grad students aged 35 and better! πŸ“‹ 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
πŸ”’ Responses are anonymous
🎁 Over $400 in prizes up for grabs!

πŸ† 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)
πŸ₯ˆ Large prizes (x2): SOGS ceramic travel mug and a $75 Amazon gift card ($85 value)
πŸ›’ 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.

πŸ“ 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 πŸ’œ
Apply now for the Peggy Collins Memorial Award! πŸŽ“πŸ’œ Apply now for the Peggy Collins Memorial Award! πŸŽ“πŸ’œ

This award honours Peggy Collins, a long-time Western employee, and her unending efforts to support others as they balance family, career, and personal development. 🌸

πŸŽ“ Awarded to a part-time graduate student in a part-time designated graduate program
πŸ’Ό Preference given to applicants who work full-time, have family commitments, and/or are involved in the Western or wider community
πŸ’° Value: $2,900 (1 award)
πŸ“ Based on a one-page statement describing your commitments to work, family, and community involvement
πŸ“† Deadline: November 1st, 2026

Recipients are selected by the SOGS Health Plan Committee in consultation with the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

πŸ“„ Find the application on our Documents page (link in bio) and email it to services@sogs.ca
Join us for our upcoming Annual General Meeting ne Join us for our upcoming Annual General Meeting next week where we will:

πŸ’°go over our annual audited statement and report from our auditor
πŸ“– make any constitutional changes
πŸ† present awards to our SOGS Service Awards winners for their dedication and service to SOGS
🍽️ eat light snacks

πŸ“† Thursday, October 29th
⏰ 6-8 p.m. | sign-in at 5:30 p.m.
πŸ“North Campus Building, Room 114
✍️ Register to attend ➑️ link in bio
πŸ—³οΈ London's municipal election is on Monday, Octob πŸ—³οΈ London's municipal election is on Monday, October 26th, 2026, and polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. City council makes decisions that shape grad student life every day, from London Transit routes and our bus pass 🚌 to rental licensing and housing policy 🏠, and the libraries and parks we use between classes 🌳

πŸ“‹ This year's ballot includes Mayor, City Councillor for your ward, and School Board Trustee. Ward boundaries have changed since the last election, so check your ward, school board, and assigned voting location at london.voterservices.ca before you head out πŸ“

βœ… To vote, you need to be a Canadian citizen, 18 or older, and living in London (or own or rent property here). Bring ID that shows your name and London address πŸͺͺ A lease, utility bill, or bank statement all work. If you're not on the voters' list yet, you can still register in person at your voting location on Voting Day πŸ“

πŸ‘‰ Swipe through for the full list of mayoral candidates and what to bring. Questions about voting can go to the City's Elections Office at elections@london.ca or 519-661-4535 πŸ“ž

#LdnOnt #LondonVotes #WesternU #GradLife #SOGS
Apply now for the Peggy Collins Memorial Award! πŸŽ“πŸ’œ Apply now for the Peggy Collins Memorial Award! πŸŽ“πŸ’œ

This award honours Peggy Collins, a long-time Western employee, and her unending efforts to support others as they balance family, career, and personal development. 🌸

πŸŽ“ Awarded to a part-time graduate student in a part-time designated graduate program
πŸ’Ό Preference given to applicants who work full-time, have family commitments, and/or are involved in the Western or wider community
πŸ’° Value: $2,900 (1 award)
πŸ“ Based on a one-page statement describing your commitments to work, family, and community involvement
πŸ“† Deadline: November 1st, 2026

Recipients are selected by the SOGS Health Plan Committee in consultation with the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

πŸ“„ Find the application on our Documents page (link in bio) and email it to services@sogs.ca
Join @lgradbtuwo for a super fun night of BINGAYGO Join @lgradbtuwo for a super fun night of BINGAYGO. What is bingaygo, you ask? It's where we play BINGO, but with rainbows, at the @uwogradclub! All are welcome to attend. πŸ’œ

πŸ’°Cash prizes $5 Grad Club gift vouchers for round winners
🧠 10 rounds of Bingo
🎟️ FREE

#queer #gradlife #westernu #lgbtq+
On September 28th, the @SOGS.sustainability commit On September 28th, the @SOGS.sustainability committee hosted a free film screening and Director's talk at @hylandcinema for SOGS members and the broader London community. We were so thrilled that Director of Earth's Greatest Enemy, Abby Martin (@fababs), was able to Zoom in and speak with everyone in the room. 

Earth’s Greatest Enemy, the second feature film project by Abby Martin, is a groundbreaking anti-imperialist environmental documentary.

About the film: Exempt from international climate agreements and rarely scrutinized in mainstream reporting, the Pentagon is the world’s single largest institutional polluterβ€”spewing carbon, contaminating water, and scarring landscapes across the globe. Combining investigative journalism, striking visuals, and stories from impacted communities, this film challenges audiences to rethink the hidden costs of a global military empire and its planetary consequences. Provocative, urgent, and eye-opening, this is a documentary that will change how you see both the military and environmentalism.
Join us for our upcoming Annual General Meeting ne Join us for our upcoming Annual General Meeting next week where we will:

πŸ’°go over our annual audited statement and report from our auditor
πŸ“– make any constitutional changes
πŸ† present awards to our SOGS Service Awards winners for their dedication and service to SOGS
🍽️ eat light snacks

πŸ“† Thursday, October 29th
⏰ 6-8 p.m. | sign-in at 5:30 p.m.
πŸ“North Campus Building, Room 114
✍️ Register to attend ➑️ link in bio
🧢🎨 The SOGS Fall Makers Market is HAPPENING THIS A 🧢🎨 The SOGS Fall Makers Market is HAPPENING THIS AFTERNOON! 🎨🧢

Graduate students across Western make some truly beautiful things in their downtime, and we’re bringing them together for one afternoon of shopping, browsing, and supporting your peers. Pick up something handmade for yourself, or get a head start on holiday gifts.

πŸ“… Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
πŸ“ International and Graduate Affairs Building (IGAB) Atrium
🍿FREE popcorn for attendees
ℹ️ Information table about SOGS!

Here’s who you’ll find at the tables:

πŸͺ‘ Knits, embroidery, and crochet from @madeinmay_crafts
πŸ’™ One-of-a-kind cyanotype and linocut prints from @charming_shadows_ca
🌈 Mixed media prints, painted jewelry, and suncatchers from @jmox_artist
🧣 Hand-crocheted coasters, scarves, and baby booties from @bhargavi.ramanathan
πŸͺ’ Hand-knotted hemp bracelets and charms from Knot.
πŸ‹ Crochet creatures and cold-weather wearables from @kartoffel.krafts
πŸ’ Retro-inspired jewelry and accessories from @honey_orbit_accessories
🌱 Roasted squash seed snacks and upcycled soaps from @regrainproject
πŸͺ¨ Ancient stones and earth science field art from @chafey11
πŸͺ΄ Planters made from repurposed materials from @root_cycle
πŸŒ™ Original art as patches, pins, and stickers from @moonofretribvtion
✨ Charms, prints, and stickers inspired by K-pop, anime, and games from @sessanstudios

Most items range from $1 to $40, with a few larger pieces available. Bring a friend, bring a tote bag, and come say hi to the makers!

 #WesternU #ShopHandmade #LdnOnt
πŸͺ² Meet the Makers: EntomInk πŸͺ² EntomInk is run by πŸͺ² Meet the Makers: EntomInk πŸͺ²

EntomInk is run by entomologist and biology PhD student Mika Lima here at Western who loves scientific illustration, especially black-and-white India ink drawings of bugs and plants. Their table at the Fall Makers Market will have prints on a range of media, T-shirts, and tote bags, all designed and printed at home, and they also take commissions for original works.

πŸ“… Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
πŸ“ International and Graduate Affairs Building (IGAB) Atrium
πŸ’Έ $5–$20

Find EntomInk and more grad student makers at the SOGS Fall Makers Market, hosted by the Graduate Peer Support Committee as part of Wellness Week, and see more of their work at entomika.me/entomink.

❓ Questions? Reach out to sogs.communications@uwo.ca.

#SOGS #WesternU #GradStudents #MakersMarket #ShopHandmade #WellnessWeek #LdnOnt #SciArt #Entomology
πŸ„ Meet the Makers: Toadstool Lane πŸ„ Welcome to @t πŸ„ Meet the Makers: Toadstool Lane πŸ„

Welcome to @toadstoollane.store, where everything is miniature and magical! Toadstool Lane makes small, intricately detailed polymer clay sculptures, and you'll find toadstool and pumpkin magnets, gnomes, and cats at their table at the Fall Makers Market.

πŸ“… Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
πŸ“ International and Graduate Affairs Building (IGAB) Atrium
πŸ’Έ $2–$80, with a couple of larger pieces available

Find Toadstool Lane and more grad student makers at the SOGS Fall Makers Market, hosted by the Graduate Peer Support Committee as part of Wellness Week.

❓ Questions? Reach out to sogs.communications@uwo.ca.

#SOGS #WesternU #GradStudents #MakersMarket #ShopHandmade #WellnessWeek #LdnOnt
πŸŒ™ Meet the Makers: Moon of Retribvtion πŸŒ™ @moonofr πŸŒ™ Meet the Makers: Moon of Retribvtion πŸŒ™

@moonofretribvtion transmutes original art into patches, pins, and stickers, and has been anti-fascist, goth, and queer af since 2015.

πŸ“… Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
πŸ“ International and Graduate Affairs Building (IGAB) Atrium
πŸ’Έ $1–$20

Find Moon of Retribvtion and more grad student makers at the SOGS Fall Makers Market, hosted by the Graduate Peer Support Committee as part of Wellness Week.

❓ Questions? Reach out to sogs.communications@uwo.ca.

#SOGS #WesternU #GradStudents #MakersMarket #ShopHandmade #WellnessWeek #LdnOnt
🌱 Meet the Makers: Regrain 🌱 @regrainproject is a 🌱 Meet the Makers: Regrain 🌱

@regrainproject is a social enterprise making natural products from upcycled food byproducts, including protein-rich roasted butternut squash seed snacks made locally in small batches and handmade hand and dish soaps made from upcycled juice pulp and cooking oil.

πŸ“… Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
πŸ“ International and Graduate Affairs Building (IGAB) Atrium
πŸ’Έ $5–$15

Find Regrain and more grad student makers at the SOGS Fall Makers Market, hosted by the Graduate Peer Support Committee as part of Wellness Week.

❓ Questions? Reach out to sogs.communications@uwo.ca.

#SOGS #WesternU #GradStudents #MakersMarket #ShopHandmade #WellnessWeek #LdnOnt
πŸͺ¨ Meet the Makers: Secrets of Earth πŸͺ¨ @chafey11 b πŸͺ¨ Meet the Makers: Secrets of Earth πŸͺ¨

@chafey11 brings very old stones from one to two kilometres underground to the Fall Makers Market, along with field art pictures that tell the story of the Earth and its structures.

πŸ“… Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
πŸ“ International and Graduate Affairs Building (IGAB) Atrium
πŸ’Έ $10–$30

Find Secrets of Earth and more grad student makers at the SOGS Fall Makers Market, hosted by the Graduate Peer Support Committee as part of Wellness Week.

❓ Questions? Reach out to sogs.communications@uwo.ca.

#SOGS #WesternU #GradStudents #MakersMarket #ShopHandmade #WellnessWeek #LdnOnt
πŸͺ΄ Meet the Makers: Root Cycle πŸͺ΄ @root_cycle creat πŸͺ΄ Meet the Makers: Root Cycle πŸͺ΄

@root_cycle creates planters from repurposed and sustainable materials, which make perfect gifts for housewarmings, weddings, and anyone whose plants need a new home.

πŸ“… Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
πŸ“ International and Graduate Affairs Building (IGAB) Atrium
πŸ’Έ $15–$25

Find Root Cycle and more grad student makers at the SOGS Fall Makers Market, hosted by the Graduate Peer Support Committee as part of Wellness Week.

❓ Questions? Reach out to sogs.communications@uwo.ca.

#SOGS #WesternU #GradStudents #MakersMarket #ShopHandmade #WellnessWeek #LdnOnt
πŸ—³οΈ London's municipal election is on Monday, Octob πŸ—³οΈ London's municipal election is on Monday, October 26th, 2026, and polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. City council makes decisions that shape grad student life every day, from London Transit routes and our bus pass 🚌 to rental licensing and housing policy 🏠, and the libraries and parks we use between classes 🌳

πŸ“‹ This year's ballot includes Mayor, City Councillor for your ward, and School Board Trustee. Ward boundaries have changed since the last election, so check your ward, school board, and assigned voting location at london.voterservices.ca before you head out πŸ“

βœ… To vote, you need to be a Canadian citizen, 18 or older, and living in London (or own or rent property here). Bring ID that shows your name and London address πŸͺͺ A lease, utility bill, or bank statement all work. If you're not on the voters' list yet, you can still register in person at your voting location on Voting Day πŸ“

πŸ‘‰ Swipe through for the full list of mayoral candidates and what to bring. Questions about voting can go to the City's Elections Office at elections@london.ca or 519-661-4535 πŸ“ž

#LdnOnt #LondonVotes #WesternU #GradLife #SOGS
πŸ’ Meet the Makers: Honey Orbit Accessories πŸ’ @hon πŸ’ Meet the Makers: Honey Orbit Accessories πŸ’

@honey_orbit_accessories offers affordable retro-inspired earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, and small gifts, with styles ranging from delicate everyday pieces to fun statement designs with pearl, crystal, and vintage-inspired details.

πŸ“… Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
πŸ“ International and Graduate Affairs Building (IGAB) Atrium
πŸ’Έ $10–$35

Find Honey Orbit Accessories and more grad student makers at the SOGS Fall Makers Market, hosted by the Graduate Peer Support Committee as part of Wellness Week.

❓ Questions? Reach out to sogs.communications@uwo.ca.

#SOGS #WesternU #GradStudents #MakersMarket #ShopHandmade #WellnessWeek #LdnOnt
πŸ‹ Meet the Makers: Kartoffel Krafts πŸ‹ @kartoffel. πŸ‹ Meet the Makers: Kartoffel Krafts πŸ‹

@kartoffel.krafts is a student business inspired by a love of Denmark (the name means "potato power"!) that makes handmade crochet creatures like whales and dinosaurs, along with cold-weather wearables like hats and ear warmers in fun colours, glitter, and yarns from around the world.

πŸ“… Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
πŸ“ International and Graduate Affairs Building (IGAB) Atrium
πŸ’Έ $7–$100

Find Kartoffel Krafts and more grad student makers at the SOGS Fall Makers Market, hosted by the Graduate Peer Support Committee as part of Wellness Week.

❓ Questions? Reach out to sogs.communications@uwo.ca.

#SOGS #WesternU #GradStudents #MakersMarket #ShopHandmade #WellnessWeek #LdnOnt
πŸͺ’ Meet the Makers: Knot. πŸͺ’ Knot. makes hand-knott πŸͺ’ Meet the Makers: Knot. πŸͺ’

Knot. makes hand-knotted hemp bracelets and charms finished with nickel-free beads, perfect for stacking, gifting, or matching with a friend.

πŸ“… Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
πŸ“ International and Graduate Affairs Building (IGAB) Atrium
πŸ’Έ $4–$10

Find Knot. and more grad student makers at the SOGS Fall Makers Market, hosted by the Graduate Peer Support Committee as part of Wellness Week.

❓ Questions? Reach out to sogs.communications@uwo.ca.

#SOGS #WesternU #GradStudents #MakersMarket #ShopHandmade #WellnessWeek #LdnOnt
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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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