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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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  • FINANCIAL AID
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westernsogs

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

Join the SOGS Orientation and Social Committee for Join the SOGS Orientation and Social Committee for our annual HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY at the Grad Club!

๐Ÿ“… Friday, October 30th
๐Ÿ“The Grad Club (Middlesex College, Room 19)
โฐ8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

๐Ÿ‘ป Costume party - dress in your funniest, scariest, or sassiest costume
๐ŸชŽ Costume contest: 1st place - $100, 2nd place - $75, 3rd place - $50 
๐Ÿ’ต Costume prizes are paid in Grad Club gift certificates
๐ŸŽถ Music provided by Hawkins Music 
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ $5 per person, but we will give you a $5 Grad Club gift card to make is FREE!
โš ๏ธ19+ Event; must show ID at the door

Get your partners, friends, colleagues, and peers in costume and out at the Grad Club for our annual Halloween costume party!

Buy your tickets at the link in our bio, or visit sogs.ca/events!
Curious about tarot but not sure where to start? J Curious about tarot but not sure where to start? Join us for a very special ๐Ÿ”ฎ Tarot or Wellness: A Beginner Workshop!

Join Dr. Caroline Diezyn for a hands-on introduction to tarot as a tool for reflection and self-check-ins. You will learn how the deck is organized, how to read a card from its imagery and your own reactions, how to ask open-ended questions, and how to try a few simple spreads with a partner. No experience or deck needed; cards are provided to share, and you will take home a handout set to keep practising. Come with an open mind and leave with a new way to pause and check in with yourself.

Register at the link in our bio! 

Dr. Caroline Diezyn holds a PhD in English from Western University, where their dissertation examined how American literature has rewritten Giles Corey and the Salem witch trials. Their research also covers Pamela Colman Smith, the artist behind the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. They work in digital media and communications at SOGS, teach communications and writing at Fanshawe College, and run Moon of Retribvtion, an independent art shop with occult, witchy, and gothic-inspired prints, stickers, pins, and zines. Tarot is also part of their own reflection practice.
๐Ÿ‚โœจ WELLNESS WEEK 2026 IS COMING! โœจ๐Ÿ‚ Join the Grad ๐Ÿ‚โœจ WELLNESS WEEK 2026 IS COMING! โœจ๐Ÿ‚

Join the Graduate Peer Support Committee and friends for a full week of events made for grad students, October 19โ€“25. Swipe through to see everything on the schedule! ๐Ÿ‘‰

๐Ÿ“† MONDAY, OCTOBER 19

๐Ÿ’ฐ Financial Wellness with Sumeet Khullar, CPA | 2 p.m. | MC Room 17 | FREE

๐Ÿ”ฎ Tarot for Wellness: A Beginner Workshop | 5โ€“6:30 p.m. | WIRB 1120 | $5

๐Ÿ“† TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

๐Ÿ“š Prosperous PhD Workshop | 10โ€“11 a.m. | Virtual | FREE

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Fall Makers Market | 2โ€“6 p.m. | IGAB Atrium | FREE

๐Ÿ“† WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21

โœ๏ธ Study Hall: Abstract Writing | 10 a.m.โ€“12 p.m. | Grad Club | FREE

๐Ÿฉบ Health Plan 101 with Student VIP | 5โ€“6 p.m. | MC 105B | FREE

๐ŸŽฒ Board Game Night | 7โ€“9 p.m. | Grad Club | FREE

๐Ÿ“† THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

๐Ÿง˜ Restorative Class at &asanas | 8:15โ€“9:15 a.m. | $10

๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ Spiritual Connections for Grads | 5โ€“7 p.m. | UCC Room 38B | FREE

๐Ÿ“† FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

๐Ÿด Horseback Riding at Circle R Ranch | 12:45โ€“5:15 p.m. | $60

๐Ÿ“† SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

๐Ÿš๏ธ Abandoned Village at Fanshawe Pioneer Village | 7โ€“10:30 p.m. | $35

๐Ÿ“† SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25

๐Ÿง— Rock Climbing at Junction Climbing Centre | 3โ€“5 p.m. | $25

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Tickets, registration, and full details at sogs.ca/wellness-week. Link in bio, too! ๐Ÿ’œ

Some events have limited spots, so grab yours early! ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ

#WellnessWeek #GradLifeWesternU #WesternU #SOGS #GradStudents LondonOntario
The wait is over. I.M. Well has evolved into a new The wait is over.
I.M. Well has evolved into a new, more connected student wellness experience designed around real student life.
Whether you're managing stress, budgeting your money, navigating a legal question, improving your nutrition, or looking after your physical health, support is now available in one place.
โœ… Personalized support
โœ… Easy online access
โœ… Self-guided wellness tools
โœ… Professional services when you need them
Because wellness isn't just one thing.
Welcome to the new I.M. Well.
Visit imwell.ca for more details.
๐Ÿ‚โœจ WELLNESS WEEK 2026 IS COMING! โœจ๐Ÿ‚ Join the Gradu ๐Ÿ‚โœจ WELLNESS WEEK 2026 IS COMING! โœจ๐Ÿ‚
Join the Graduate Peer Support Committee and friends for a full week of events made for grad students, October 19โ€“25. Swipe through to see everything on the schedule! ๐Ÿ‘‰

๐Ÿ“† MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
๐Ÿ’ฐ Financial Wellness with Sumeet Khullar, CPA | 2 p.m. | MC Room 17 | FREE
๐Ÿ”ฎ Tarot for Wellness: A Beginner Workshop | 5โ€“6:30 p.m. | WIRB 1120 | $5

๐Ÿ“† TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
๐Ÿ“š Prosperous PhD Workshop | 10โ€“11 a.m. | Virtual | FREE
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Fall Makers Market | 2โ€“6 p.m. | IGAB Atrium | FREE

๐Ÿ“† WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
โœ๏ธ Study Hall: Abstract Writing | 10 a.m.โ€“12 p.m. | Grad Club | FREE
๐Ÿฉบ Health Plan 101 with Student VIP | 5โ€“6 p.m. | MC 105B | FREE
๐ŸŽฒ Board Game Night | 7โ€“9 p.m. | Grad Club | FREE

๐Ÿ“† THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
๐Ÿง˜ Restorative Class at &asanas | 8:15โ€“9:15 a.m. | $10
๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ Spiritual Connections for Grads | 5โ€“7 p.m. | UCC Room 38B | FREE

๐Ÿ“† FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
๐Ÿด Horseback Riding at Circle R Ranch | 12:45โ€“5:15 p.m. | $60

๐Ÿ“† SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
๐Ÿš๏ธ Abandoned Village at Fanshawe Pioneer Village | 7โ€“10:30 p.m. | $35

๐Ÿ“† SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
๐Ÿง— Rock Climbing at Junction Climbing Centre | 3โ€“5 p.m. | $25

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Tickets, registration, and full details at sogs.ca/wellness-week. Link in bio, too! ๐Ÿ’œ

Some events have limited spots, so grab yours early! ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ

#WellnessWeek #GradLifeWesternU #WesternU #SOGS #GradStudents LondonOntario
On Saturday, September 26th, SOGS attended the Wes On Saturday, September 26th, SOGS attended the Western Alumni Awards Celebration. Several of this year's honourees are former graduate students, including former SOGS members Natasha Burke, PhD'13, and Lehana Thabane, PhD'98. Across the evening's speeches, honourees spoke about advocating for women in STEM and finance, accessibility and inclusion in music education, and the new beginnings their graduate programs at Western made possible. SOGS is proud to celebrate the achievements of Western alumni and to keep supporting graduate students well beyond graduation. Pictured: SOGS President Matheus Sanita Lima, Vice-President Academic Maris Schneider, and Kevin Fontyn.

@westernalumni
ACCUTEโ€™s Creative Writing Collective is sharing ou ACCUTEโ€™s Creative Writing Collective is sharing our 2027 Graduate Student Creative Writing Contest call!

The contest is open to graduate students in any discipline or major at a Canadian institution. Winners will receive $200 and publication in The Angle, with two $50 honourable mentions. The deadline to submit is January 15, 2027.

What can be submitted:
๐Ÿ“– One piece of short prose in the prose category (up to 2,500 words of fiction or creative nonfiction)
๐Ÿชถ One poem in the poetry category (up to 500 words)

Questions and entries can be sent to: accutecwcontest@gmail.com
๐ŸฉบThe SOGS Health & Dental plan is administered by ๐ŸฉบThe SOGS Health & Dental plan is administered by StudentVIP and insured by Simply Benefits (policy #62250). 

๐Ÿ“…The deadline to submit Change of Coverage* requests to StudentVIP for the 2026-2027 academic year is October 1, 2026.

*CHANGE OF COVERAGE requests include:

๐Ÿ”ตOpt-In spouse and/or children
(NOTE: dependants must be enrolled/re-enrolled in the SOGS Health and Dental Plan every Fall for insurance coverage.)

๐Ÿ”ตOpt-out because you already have an equivalent health & dental plan from another insurance company.
(NOTE: It is mandatory for Western graduate students to have an equivalent health & dental plan; OHIP, UHIP or other provincial coverage is not applicable.)

๐Ÿ”ตModify the policy coverage to the basic plan (e.g. downgrade from enhanced to basic plan.)

โš ๏ธ The SOGS office CANNOT remove a student from the health plan or remove the fee from the tuition bill.

All health plan change of coverage requests and proof of alternate coverage must be submitted DIRECTLY TO STUDENT VIP through their Change of Coverage portal. The link is in our bio, or you can visit: http://studentvip.ca/sogs
October 1 Deadline Approaching! ๐Ÿ“ฃ Need funding su October 1 Deadline Approaching!

๐Ÿ“ฃ Need funding support to pay for hosting an academic conference or research-related event?

Get up to $1,000 in financial support!

The Academic Joint Fund is generously supported by Western Research and Western Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

๐ŸŽค What Types of Events Are Considered?

โœ…Research Promotion Events
โœ…On-Campus Conferences
โœ…Online Speaker Webinars
โœ…On-Campus Lectures

Note: The AJF is not intended to fund the individual conference or research travel of SOGS members. Apply to the SOGS Financial Support Subsidy instead!

๐Ÿ’ฐSuccessful Applications Can Receive Up to $1,000!

๐Ÿ“… How and When Can We Apply?

Head over to sogs.ca/academic-joint-fund to learn more about the application form and adjudication process.

Timeline:

For events taking place between May 1 and June 30, the application must be submitted on or before April 1, and funding decisions will be shared in April.

For events taking place between July 1 and August 31, the application must be submitted on or before June 1, and funding decisions will be shared in June.

For events taking place between September 1 and October 31, the application must be submitted on or before August 1, and funding decisions will be shared in August.

For events taking place between November 1 and December 31, the application must be submitted on or before October 1, and funding decisions will be shared in October.

For events taking place between January 1 and February 28, the application must be submitted on or before December 1, and funding decisions will be shared in December.

For events taking place between March 1 and April 30, the application must be submitted on or before February 1, and funding decisions will be shared in February.

โ“If you have any questions about the fund, contact academic@sogs.ca
New semester. New schedule. New challenges. The g New semester. New schedule. New challenges.

The good news? You don't have to navigate everything alone.
I.M. Well gives students access to wellness resources, professional support, and practical tools designed for the realities of campus life.
Because asking for support should be simple.
โœ… Activate your benefits at imwell.alli.io/signup
โœ… Register with your student email
โœ… Set up using Microsoft or Google Authenticator
โœ… Start using your benefits
Apply now for the Peggy Collins Memorial Award! ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ’œ Apply now for the Peggy Collins Memorial Award! ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ’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. ๐ŸŒธ

๐ŸŽ“ Awarded to a part-time graduate student in a part-time designated graduate program
๐Ÿ’ผ Preference given to applicants who work full-time, have family commitments, and/or are involved in the Western or wider community
๐Ÿ’ฐ Value: $2,900 (1 award)
๐Ÿ“ Based on a one-page statement describing your commitments to work, family, and community involvement
๐Ÿ“† Deadline: November 1st, 2026

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

๐Ÿ“„ Find the application on our Documents page (link in bio) and email it to services@sogs.ca
We are excited to announce the launch of the SOGS We are excited to announce the launch of the SOGS Little Library in Middlesex College, brought to you by @sogs.sustainability!

The SOGS Little Library is a community-driven initiative that promotes reading, knowledge sharing, and sustainability through the donation, exchange, and adoption of books. As we begin building our collection, we are inviting donations of fiction and non-fiction books in good condition.

Donated books can be dropped off at the SOGS Office (Middlesex College, Room 8) from Monday to Friday, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Your contributions will help promote reading, extend the life of books, reduce waste, and make educational resources more accessible to our community.

Thank you for your support, and happy reading!
The SOGS office and the @uwogradclub are both on t The SOGS office and the @uwogradclub are both on the lower level of beautiful Middlesex College! Come visit us in the SOGS office (Room 8) to get your Grad Club sticker and get 10% off your purchase at the Grad Club! 

More information and restrictions at https://www.uwogradclub.ca/member-discount
๐ŸฉบThe SOGS Health & Dental plan is administered by ๐ŸฉบThe SOGS Health & Dental plan is administered by StudentVIP and insured by Simply Benefits (policy #62250). 

๐Ÿ“…The deadline to submit Change of Coverage* requests to StudentVIP for the 2026-2027 academic year is October 1, 2026.

*CHANGE OF COVERAGE requests include:

๐Ÿ”ตOpt-In spouse and/or children
(NOTE: dependants must be enrolled/re-enrolled in the SOGS Health and Dental Plan every Fall for insurance coverage.)

๐Ÿ”ตOpt-out because you already have an equivalent health & dental plan from another insurance company.
(NOTE: It is mandatory for Western graduate students to have an equivalent health & dental plan; OHIP, UHIP or other provincial coverage is not applicable.)

๐Ÿ”ตModify the policy coverage to the basic plan (e.g. downgrade from enhanced to basic plan.)

โš ๏ธ The SOGS office CANNOT remove a student from the health plan or remove the fee from the tuition bill.

All health plan change of coverage requests and proof of alternate coverage must be submitted DIRECTLY TO STUDENT VIP through their Change of Coverage portal. The link is in our bio, or you can visit: http://studentvip.ca/sogs
Join the London Art Song Collective (@lasc.canada) Join the London Art Song Collective (@lasc.canada) for their fourth concert "Song Setting of Poet Paul Verlaine." Info below:

๐Ÿ“† Saturday, September 26th
โฐ 4 PM
๐Ÿ“Cronyn Hall, St. Paul's Cathedral
๐Ÿ’ฐ Adults: $20 | Students: $10 | or pay what you can
๐ŸŽถ French art songs set to the poetry of Paul Verlaine

#LondonOntario #WesternU #GradLifeWesternU #LiveMusicLondon #ClassicalMusic #ArtSong #PaulVerlaine #FrenchPoetry #SupportTheArts #StudentLife #WesternUniversity #YQGEvents #MusicLovers #CulturalEvents #ConcertNight
๐Ÿ“ฃ Need funding support to pay for hosting an acade ๐Ÿ“ฃ Need funding support to pay for hosting an academic conference or research-related event?

Get up to $1,000 in financial support!

The Academic Joint Fund is generously supported by Western Research and Western Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

๐ŸŽค What Types of Events Are Considered?

โœ…Research Promotion Events
โœ…On-Campus Conferences
โœ…Online Speaker Webinars
โœ…On-Campus Lectures

Note: The AJF is not intended to fund the individual conference or research travel of SOGS members. Apply to the SOGS Financial Support Subsidy instead!

๐Ÿ’ฐSuccessful Applications Can Receive Up to $1,000!

๐Ÿ“… How and When Can We Apply?

Head over to sogs.ca/academic-joint-fund to learn more about the application form and adjudication process.

Timeline:

For events taking place between May 1 and June 30, the application must be submitted on or before April 1, and funding decisions will be shared in April.

For events taking place between July 1 and August 31, the application must be submitted on or before June 1, and funding decisions will be shared in June.

For events taking place between September 1 and October 31, the application must be submitted on or before August 1, and funding decisions will be shared in August.

For events taking place between November 1 and December 31, the application must be submitted on or before October 1, and funding decisions will be shared in October.

For events taking place between January 1 and February 28, the application must be submitted on or before December 1, and funding decisions will be shared in December.

For events taking place between March 1 and April 30, the application must be submitted on or before February 1, and funding decisions will be shared in February.

โ“If you have any questions about the fund, contact academic@sogs.ca
The wait is over. I.M. Well has evolved into a new The wait is over.
I.M. Well has evolved into a new, more connected student wellness experience designed around real student life.
Whether you're managing stress, budgeting your money, navigating a legal question, improving your nutrition, or looking after your physical health, support is now available in one place.
โœ… Personalized support
โœ… Easy online access
โœ… Self-guided wellness tools
โœ… Professional services when you need them
Because wellness isn't just one thing.
Welcome to the new I.M. Well.
Visit imwell.ca for more details.
Road trip, flight home, or a week in a different t Road trip, flight home, or a week in a different time zone? Your travel coverage comes with you. Before you go โœˆ๏ธ Check your travel coverage limits and trip-length maximums.
studentvip.ca/SOGS
๐ŸŒˆ QUEERVIA: A NIGHT OF QUEER TRIVIA ๐ŸŒˆ ๐Ÿ“† Monday, S ๐ŸŒˆ QUEERVIA: A NIGHT OF QUEER TRIVIA ๐ŸŒˆ

๐Ÿ“† Monday, September 21
โฐ 7โ€“9 p.m.
๐Ÿ“ The Grad Club (Middlesex College, Room 19)
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ FREE

Hosted by the Pride Commission! Three rounds of trivia, 20 questions per round, 60 questions total, and sex-positive prizes for the winning team each round. Teams capped at four people, so grab your crew.

Prizes include:
๐Ÿ’† TheySpa gift card ($50)
๐Ÿ”Š Waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker
๐ŸŽง Wireless headphones
๐Ÿป Grad Club voucher ($50)
๐ŸŽ SOGS swag

This event was originally scheduled for Pride Week in July but was postponed due to wildfire smoke. All are welcome, sign up now, spots are limited!

Sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZ0VvuOmrXyMxasrAUzVTIM03n_7s3LwviMZBkuJxOwLRzbg/viewform

Questions? Reach out to pride@sogs.ca
Participants needed: Researchers at OISE, Univers Participants needed:

Researchers at OISE, University of Toronto are conducting a study examining how mental health stigma and self-concept may shape studentsโ€™ university experiences, plans for the future, and well-being.

We are seeking participants who:
-	Are 18-29 years old
-	Have a diagnosed mental health condition (by a qualified health professional)
-	Are currently enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution
-	Are fluent in English

Participation involves a 30โ€“50 minute online survey. Participants can optionally enter a draw to win one of 10 $50 Amazon e-gift cards.

Interested? Scan the QR code on the poster or contact talia.vacca@mail.utoronto.ca for more information.
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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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