Safety and Support, Every Step of the Way

At Western, student safety in residence is a top priority, supported by a comprehensive network of services and trained staff dedicated to creating a secure and inclusive living environment. 

Our physical infrastructure plays a vital role in safety. All residence buildings, are equipped with secure key access, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter. Common areas, entrances and hallways are monitored and designed to promote visibility and security, creating a safe environment where students can focus on their academic and personal growth.

In terms of our team, every residence is supported by our 24/7 Residence Front Desks, where students can access immediate assistance and support. Our Residence Safety Team are in place overnight to monitor buildings, support students and ensure community standards are upheld. Residence Dons, who live on each floor, are trained student leaders available to provide guidance, mediate concerns and connect students to campus resources. Overseeing each residence community is a full-time, live-in Residence Life Coordinator (RLC)—a professional staff member who provides leadership, crisis support and mentorship to both students and student staff. Throughout weekends and special events, all guests must be registered through our Guest Registration system, helping us maintain a safe and respectful community. 

Safety in residence goes beyond our staff—it relies on students as active participants in building a respectful and inclusive community. Through required gender-based and sexual violence education and prevention training, students learn the values of consent, care and accountability. This commitment is grounded in Western's broader values of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization. When concerns arise, our approach to residence conduct processes prioritizes education and personal growth, reinforcing their role as responsible citizens within the residence community. 

Together, these supports form a safety framework that empowers students to thrive in residence as a part of our community.