The Student Persona

At this talk:

• Learn about demographic makeup of Western's student population
• Understand how students are supported to succeed in residence 

Chris Allyene - Associate Vice-President, Housing & Ancillary Services

Chris Alleyne is responsible for the Housing & Ancillary portfolio at Western, which employs over 1,500 staff members across the departments of Housing, Hospitality Services, and Retail Services.

Prior to his appointment, Chris held various leadership positions within the Housing Department over a 15-year span, including Director of Residences and Associate Director of Residence Engagement. He has also served as the interim Associate Vice-President for Student Experience at Western. Chris has sat on numerous University committees, including the Senate Committee on University Planning, and Continuity of Operations Planning Team. Chris currently sits on the Board of the Grand Theatre in London, and has served on the Board of the Ontario Association of College and University Housing Officers.

Chris is a Western alumni with an HBA from Richard Ivey School of Business, and received his MBA from Royal Roads University where he was recognized with the Chancellor's Award. He was named to London's Top 20 under 40 in 2018 and received a Western Award of Excellence in 2014.

Admissions at Western University

Cindy Cripps - Associate Registrar, Admissions

At this talk:

• Hear updates to Western's admissions processes and understand why they have been made
• Get insights into key statistics from previous admissions cycles
• Explore how Western's admissions processes might develop in the future 

Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Western

At this talk:

• Discover opportunities for students to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions
• Hear about the strategic design of the brand-new Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Eric Morse - Professor, Entrpreneurship

Executive Director, Western Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship Powered by Ivey

Morrissette Chair in Entrepreneurship

Eric Morse, Ph.D. is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and the Executive Director of the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship at the Ivey Business School. Eric served as Associate Dean Programs for a six-year term, which ended in 2014. Prior to his service as Associate Dean, Eric served as the Inaugural Director of the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship, a post he returned to July 1, 2015. Dr. Morse is the founder of and the Academic Director for, Ivey and KPMG Enterprise’s QuantumShift Program for Exceptional Entrepreneurs. Over its twelve-year lifetime the QuantumShift Program has inspired close to 1,000 of Canada’s best and brightest entrepreneurs and companies onto even greater success.

Eric has served on the board, been an advisor to, founded, or been an investor in a variety of entrepreneurial start-ups. Dr. Morse actively consults with both private and public enterprises across Canada and around the world. He has worked with a diverse range of corporate clients on strategy, strategic planning, growth and innovation.

Western’s Signature Experiences

At this talk:

• Learn about Western’s five signature types of experiential learning
• Understand how Western is working toward the goal of 100% of students graduating with experience
• Explore the supports available to help Western students design and launch their careers

Heather Wakely, Associate Director, Careers & Experience

Heather has worked in career education and work integrated learning for more than 20 years. In her current role, she leads the Careers & Experience team that helps all Western students gain experience, get career advice, and connect with employers. Heather is a Western graduate with degrees in English and Education.

The MaRS Discovery District address is 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7.

Parking

The MaRS underground lot can be accessed via Elizabeth Street, just south of College Street on the west side of the road. It can also be accessed via University Avenue when driving northbound, just past the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, south of College Street. Substantial additional parking is available at a host of parking garages and above ground lots within a two-block radius.

Pricing Weekdays 5AM - 5PM: $4 per half hour; $20 daily max. (expires at 10 p.m.)

Subway

MaRS offers direct access to the Queen’s Park subway station, with connecting service to Go Trains at Union Station.

Streetcar

The eastbound and westbound College Street streetcars (506 Carlton) stop directly outside MaRS at the intersections of College Street and University Avenue, as well as College Street and Elizabeth Street.

Charter Bus

The Toronto Coach Terminal is located just south of MaRS at Elizabeth Street and Edward Street.

Enter via the Heritage Building on 101 College Street. You'll find the Auditorium on the Lower Concourse, accessible by escalator or elevator.

We can't wait to welcome you with breakfast and a smile! 🥐