Building Access, Community, and Belonging: A Conversation with Shane Chelladurai
December 15, 2025
Shane Chelladurai helps remove barriers and build community for Western Law students
At Western Law, we're committed to ensuring every student has access to the support they need, feels connected to our community, and knows they belong here. We spoke with Shane Chelladurai, Academic Advisor and student support lead, about his expanding role supporting students and strengthening these core values across our Faculty.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Western Law?
I grew up in London, Ontario and completed elementary school, secondary school and university in London. I was a second-generation student with my father having been born in India. I've always been a part of the Western community as both my parents worked here throughout my childhood, and I eventually came to Western myself as an undergraduate student.
I previously worked in Western's Registrar's Office with the Accommodated Exams team supporting students in a variety of ways with their accessibility needs. Following that I moved to the Faculty of Law as the Academic Advisor continuing my work supporting students with accessibility needs but specifically tailored to Law students.
One of the things that really drew me to Western Law was the school's commitment to student wellness and creating spaces where diverse perspectives are valued.
What kinds of issues can students reach out to you about?
Students can reach out to me with any concerns about their law school experience, including accessible education, academic considerations, inclusion, belonging and wellness.
What do you find most meaningful about your work?
Having the opportunity to work alongside students as they navigate law school, which is often one of the most challenging periods of their lives. I greatly value the trust students place in me when they share their uncertainties, goals or personal obstacles. Being able to provide a steady, non-judgmental space where they feel heard and supported is deeply rewarding.
How would you describe the Western Law community?
I would describe the community as welcoming, supportive and tightly knit, with an emphasis on academic excellence and personal well-being for all members of the community.
What does an inclusive campus community look like to you?
To me an inclusive campus is one where all members of the community feel they have a place, a voice and an opportunity to thrive. It's a community where every person feels safe, seen, heard, valued and respected – where we actively work to remove barriers, foster genuine connections, and ensure everyone belongs.
What hopes or goals do you have for advancing access, community, and belonging at Western Law in the coming year?
In the coming year, I hope to actively contribute to developing a more inclusive and welcoming environment at Western Law. This includes promoting diverse perspectives, fostering peer and alumni connections, supporting accessibility needs and advocating for continuous improvements in these areas. I'm committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, has what they need to succeed.
How can students get involved in supporting these values at Western Law?
There are many ways to get involved:
- Join the Student Legal Society Diversity Committee
- Take courses that explore issues of equity and justice, like Hate Speech in Canada or Canadian Human Rights Law
- Complete training and certificate programs offered by Western University's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Apply to be a research assistant with a professor working on related issues
- Join student organizations such as: Students for Truth and Reconciliation, The Gender and the Law Association, Western Women in Law, OUTLaws, the Muslim Law Students Association, the Jewish Law Students Association, or the Black Law Students Association
