New Students

Welcome to Western!

Welcome to Western and the Graduate program in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.  We look forward to working with you during your stay at Western.

Please take some time to visit Western University's Engineering website: Preparing for Western to find out more information on preparing for your studies including accommodation, selecting your courses and a variety of support services available to you as a Western student.   

Orientation & Your 1st Couple of Months

  • Graduate students must attend a department-specific orientation during the first week of their first term of study. Information will be sent to you by email in the weeks leading up to the start of your term.  Be sure to check your junk/spam email folders frequently to avoid missing details specific to time and place of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering's orientation.
  • Additionally, the Faculty of Engineering holds an orientation session during the first two weeks of each term for new students.  Both sessions are mandatory for incoming students. 
  • You will receive your registration package during the department-specific orientation. This includes your Proposed Program form, which is to be completed within the first month of study.
  • There are required Health and Safety training courses that must be completed within the first two months of study.  It's important to note that until these are completed, you cannot obtain access to any labs or other specialized rooms on campus. The sooner you can complete these, the better.
    • Failure to complete these courses can result in your student account being sealed. To lift the seal, a $50 fee is required as well as proof of completion of the Health and Safety training courses.
    • Health and Safety trainings can be found at the following link: https://www.uwo.ca/hr/learning/required/index.html  

General Information

  • If you have not already done so, please activate your Western email address by going to ITS activation page. Students are encouraged to use their Western e-mail address all the time when corresponding to any Western offices (including your Student ID# with each email request will speed up the time of processing your requests). 
  • Additional detailed information is available in the Graduate Study Policy Handbook. This handbook provides the complete program requirements as well as a variety of other useful information to help you complete your studies successfully.
  • Detailed information and all policies set by SGPS is available on their website.
  • Familiarize yourself with our beautiful campus by checking out our campus maps. Venture and explore for yourself what our campus has to offer. Make sure to stop by the CBE Graduate Office, located in Thompson Engineering Building Room 477 to introduce yourself to our Graduate Coordinator.
  • International students must present a valid study permit to both the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (located in the Support Services Building, Room 4180) and the CBE Graduate Office before your student account will be activated. You cannot enroll in courses, pick up your student card, or bus pass before showing proof of a valid study permit.
  • Go to the Office of the Registrar in Western Student Services Building main floor - pay fees (M. Eng. students only) and get your ID card/photo. Click here for fee schedule
  • Research students need to apply for a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN). You will need to provide proof of employment as part of the application process. Please complete the Graduate Student Employment Contract (available from the CBE Graduate Office). You will have to go in person to apply for this document at the:

London Human Resource Centre of Canada
457 Richmond St, London, Ontario, N6A 4S7. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm 

Chemical & Biochemical Engineering (CBE) Graduate Office

Thompson Engineering Building (TEB) Room 477. Hours:  Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm