Transforming Windsor Law: A new future-forward communications strategy and renewed physical space
The University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law marks an exciting new chapter in its history, as they unveiled the renewed law building and a fresh communications strategy to lead them into the future.
- Aryana Singh
DAYO Media & Communications (DM&C) joins the Windsor Law community in celebrating the unveiling of their renewed building this fall. The transformed building is set to create better spaces for teaching, learning and collaboration while serving the accessibility needs of a diverse community. As a part of the Transforming Windsor Law Initiative, DM&C is proud to have played in this change, by driving a process to determine effective communications strategies to elevate Windsor Law’s profile and reputation.
A new vision for access to justice
The transformation at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law (Windsor Law) was ignited in 2021 with the appointment of a new Dean of Law, Dr. Reem Bahdi. Seen as a historic first for Canada, Professor Bahdi is the first Arab woman and first Palestinian appointed as Dean of a Faculty of Law. Her appointment signalled a significant change for Windsor Law and a chance to revitalize how this renowned school communicates its values as an “access-to-justice” institution. As a result, two needs became clear: (1) more accessible spaces were required to serve students’ diverse needs and (2) the way Windsow Law communicates its messaging for the future required a refresh. Our team was brought in to recommend a new narrative to support the internal transformation.
In January 2022, our team concocted a comprehensive communications review. The Windsor Law Communications Review employed two tactics. First, we conducted an extensive external communications audit of the school’s website. The audit took a detailed look at communications, including messaging from the school’s leadership and overall — paying close attention to content centred on anti-Black racism initiatives on campus. Secondly, our team delved into Windsor Law’s internal communications and reputation by speaking with current students, staff and faculty members. These conversations helped us gain insight into the school’s climate and culture, bolstering our strategic recommendations.
Crafting the strategy
Using an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens, DM&C developed and delivered a comprehensive final report which outlined our interview findings and provided detailed strategic recommendations on content, design and key messaging to help Windsor Law realize its transformation.
In March 2023, our team was invited to Windsor Law to present our findings to the Dean and key stakeholders across the University of Windsor, including faculty, staff and students, during a town hall-style discussion.
Celebrating transformation
As Windsor Law celebrates this incredible transformation inside and out, we’re proud of our part in supporting their future-forward commitment to adapting and changing to serve their growing community. We trust the recommendations provided in the Windsor Law Communications Review have created ample opportunities for the school to continue shaping a narrative that is people-centred, community-engaged, justice-seeking, dynamic and inclusive — truly mirroring the heart of the Windsor Law community.
Project team:
Dayo Kefentse – Managing Director
Natassia Morris – Project Manager
Aryana Singh – Junior Project Manager and Junior Marketing Coordinator
Adam Power – Lead Digital Designer, Video Producer
Nthabiseng Selelo – Research and Media & Communications Coordinator
Khalia Badawi – Graphic Communications Intern
