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WWu's programs
Areas of study
College of the Environment
Western's College of the Environment has a variety of interdisciplinary programs that engage with food systems, including the Food Security and Policy Minor and the Environmental Justice Minor.
WWU Public Health Major
Western's Public Health Program mission is to provide students with a rigorous and dynamic hands-on educational experience that prepares them to effectively and compassionately improve the public’s health and advocate for social justice through community involvement and collaboration.
The Public Health curriculum teaches students the effect of health promotion and education on individuals and their relationships with their environment. Students learn to approach public health using a social ecological perspective, which considers health outcomes as they relate to factors of individual, social, and environmental influence.
The Public Health curriculum teaches students the effect of health promotion and education on individuals and their relationships with their environment. Students learn to approach public health using a social ecological perspective, which considers health outcomes as they relate to factors of individual, social, and environmental influence.
WWU Ethnic Studies Department
Ethnic Studies centers the histories, epistemologies and lived experiences of minoritized peoples and Indigenous Nations. The Ethnic Studies department takes an intersectional and transnational approach. Ethnic Studies courses challenge systems of power and oppression, and advance liberation, emancipation, and self-determining futures. Students critically analyze differences in power expressed by the state, civil society, and individuals. Students challenge social constructions of race, ethnicity, nationality, sexuality, and gender. Ethnic Studies stresses the unique perspectives, contributions, and knowledges of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and other minoritized communities. Ethnic Studies also prepares students to do collaborative and ethical research.
Student clubs
Outback Farm
The Outback is Western's 5-acre on-campus farm, located on south campus between Fairhaven College and Buchanan Towers. Started in 1972, the Outback is a place of experimentation, learning, reflection, advocacy, and agriculture. The Outback farm features permaculture practices and teachings and is home to community gardens, chickens, production rows, a teaching apiary, vernal pools and a delineated wetland. The Outback is a student-driven farm with three year-long Coordinator positions and a team of work/study students focused on growing food for the WWU community. All students are welcome to come and engage in ecosystem restoration, community building, and food justice. Everyone has a right to know about their food – and the Outback is a place where you can explore the importance of farming for empowerment, resilience, and health.
LEAD Program
Learning Environment Action Discovery (LEAD) is a student run restoration program in the College of the Environment. LEAD has been around for more than 30 years, and is directed by graduate students in the Environmental Studies department.
LEAD seeks to improve habitat in and around the WWU campus to provide ecological, social, and educational benefits to our community. We run regular restoration work parties, provide internship and experiential learning opportunities, collaborate with other environmental organizations, and teach a 2-credit restoration seminar in the Urban & Environmental Policy and Planning (UEPP) department.
LEAD seeks to improve habitat in and around the WWU campus to provide ecological, social, and educational benefits to our community. We run regular restoration work parties, provide internship and experiential learning opportunities, collaborate with other environmental organizations, and teach a 2-credit restoration seminar in the Urban & Environmental Policy and Planning (UEPP) department.
Western Food Insecurity Network
WWU FIN is a student-led club created to spread awareness of food insecurity on campus & make resources more readily known and accessible to students.
Students For Climate Action
SCA's goal is to advocate for various initiatives that aid the fight against climate change and climate injustice. Standing in solidarity with youth across the globe, Students for Climate Action organizes rallies, teach-ins, and other events to stand up for a sustainable and equitable future. SCA also hopes to educate students about climate change and its solutions through community building and conversation.
Sustainability, Equity and Justice Fund
The SEJF provides grants for innovative student-focused project proposals that fit within the mission and priorities of the SEJF program.
student resources
WWU Basic Needs Hub
The mission of the Basic Needs Hub is to ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive academically, pursue their career goals, and foster meaningful relationships within our community.
Western Success Scholars
Western Success Scholars (WSS) is a campus-based supportive program designed to assist all incoming WWU first year, transfer and continuing students who have experienced foster care or homelessness. The Program fosters academic success and a sense of community and belonging by providing a place where students can have a voice, support services and resources as they persist towards graduation.
WHOLE Food Pantry
The WHOLE food pantry provides food and hygiene items to Western students at no cost.
WHOLE is a welcoming space that strives to support students. The pantry is restocked 1-2 times per day on weekdays and sustained through donations and an AS Government self-imposed student fee.
WHOLE is a welcoming space that strives to support students. The pantry is restocked 1-2 times per day on weekdays and sustained through donations and an AS Government self-imposed student fee.
Fairhaven Food Pantry
Are we missing something? If you know of a resource that should be added to this guide, please contact us.
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