University of Lethbridge UWeekly

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Monday, March 11, 2013

Message from President Mahon regarding Province’s 2013/14 budget

Last week (March 7), the Alberta government released the 2013/2014 budget for the Province of Alberta. As has been reported, this budget features a significant funding adjustment for the entire post-secondary sector and for our institution.

Senior Administration has had an initial discussion with the Deputy Minister and were informed that the Campus Alberta Operating Grant for the University of Lethbridge will be reduced by 7.3 per cent in 2013/2014.

What this budget reduction means to the University will become clearer in the coming days as we learn more details from the Ministry of Enterprise and Advanced Education.

While this obviously poses a challenge for the University and perhaps represents a new reality for the post secondary sector in our province, we have been working through a variety of budget scenarios in recent weeks.

As well, our record of prudent financial planning and management has served the University well in the past and will continue to do so into the future.

Most importantly, our ability to work through this difficult budget will be based on our collective efforts, and imagination.

I will continue to communicate with the University community as details become clearer on the budget and on the development of the University budget. Look for information posted to the U of L Notice Board tomorrow (Tuesday, March 12).

New Event Connects Researchers and Community Members, March 22

It’s not quite speed dating, but the idea is similar.

On Friday, March 22, the Office of Research & Innovation Services (ORIS) team will host its first Community/University Research Exchange (CURE) event where they are looking to do some relationship building between community groups and University of Lethbridge researchers.

Researchers often experience barriers when trying to involve external partners in their research programs.

The CURE event aims to reduce those barriers by bringing community partners and U of L researchers together to talk with, and learn from, each other at a one-day open house.

A broad cross-section of external community groups and partners are going to be invited to participate and attend the event, which will take place in Markin Hall.

The event will feature keynote speakers with extensive expertise in the transfer of research outcomes to the public domain, displays and posters that highlight research outcomes of U of L faculty and graduate students, a series of short talks from researchers and community group representatives, plus a networking reception where those who attended CURE can interact face-to-face. Learn more here.

Gender Equity and Diversity Week, March 11 – 16

Wheelchair basketball, a Diversity and Inclusion "Poetry Slam" lectures on the gender differences in the brain, art and disability and other topics are on the agenda at Gender Equity and Diversity Week, which takes place March 11 - 16. Get the details on this action-packed week of activities, here.

U of L Students Land Six Persons Case Scholarships

In recognition of International Women’s Day, the contributions women and men have made to the advancement of women in Alberta are being celebrated through Persons Case Scholarships.

Among the 46 recipients are several University of Lethbridge students:

Brittney Adams, Political Science ($1,500)

Jenae Dunlop, English $2,000

Madison Ouellette, Kinesiology ($1,500)

Alysha Smith, Music ($1,500)

Maxine Trimboli, Physics ($2,000)

Elizabeth Young, History ($3,500)

This year’s scholarships recognize 46 outstanding students whose studies and career goals contribute to the advancement of women, or to those studying in fields where members of their gender are traditionally few in number. Read more here

Brain Awareness Week Activities, March 12 - March 16

The Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) is hosting its popular Brain Awareness Week from March 12 to March 16.

In addition to a number of school visits by CCBN researchers, a free public lecture by CCBN researcher Dr. Robert McDonald is planned for March 12.

If you've ever wanted to see what happens inside the CCBN, be sure to attend their open house on Saturday, March 16. Meet the research teams, their students and tour the dry lab areas. Get more information here.

Changes to Operating Hours

Undergraduate Programs Office, Faculty of Management - No advising on March 11 & 12

Bookstore Inventory / Easter hours

Art that moves you

What was an ordinary walk to the washroom on Level 6 of the University Centre for the Arts is now anything but mundane. Find out why, here.

Food Services Contract Changeover Update

With the impending transition of Food Service partners from Sodexo to Aramark on May 1, 2013, there has been considerable activity associated with this change. Get the details here.

U of L Senate Confirms 2013 Honorary Degree Recipients

The University of Lethbridge Senate has confirmed a diverse and distinguished group of five persons as recipients of Honorary Degrees for 2013.

From the sporting field to the boardroom, the concert hall and the halls of parliament and justice, the group represents a cross section of the local, national and international community.

“The University of Lethbridge is very pleased that these individuals have agreed to let us recognize them with an Honorary Degree,” says University of Lethbridge Chancellor, Dr. Shirley McClellan.

“Their collective accomplishments have made our local, provincial, national and international communities stronger and have improved the quality of life for people around the world.”

The recipients will receive their degrees at the Spring 2013 and Fall 2013 Convocation Ceremonies. Find out who they are, here.

Herschel Mission Operating Phase Wrapping Up

A pioneering space imaging mission that sent a scientific instrument co-developed by a U of L researcher on a 1.5 million kilometre trip to deep space aboard the Herschel Space Observatory might be nearing its conclusion, but that doesn’t mean the end of the project for the research team.

Dr. David Naylor (Physics and Astronomy) and his team of researchers lead Canada’s contribution to the Herschel project on behalf of the Canadian Space Agency.

The instrument, called the Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (“SPIRE”), is one of three devices attached to the Herschel telescope system.

The helium-filled ‘gas tank’ cooling Herschel’s equipment is expected to run dry over the next few weeks – an expected process.

What has Herschel accomplished in its brief life? Learn mre here.

Coffee's On at the Art Gallery, March 13

Please join the Art Gallery Team in the Main Gallery (W600) on March 13 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to enjoy treats and beverages and take in the latest exhibition: Annual Curated Student Exhibition 2013.

New events / exhibitions this month:

Culture Vultre Saturday, March 16 -- Zentangle

Glorious and Free -- Helen Christou Gallery

Annual Curated Student Exhibition

Project Channel

The Anatomy and Etiquette of Social Change

Living Well at the U of L

Upcoming Wellness sessions:

March 13 -- Pure North S'nergy Foundation session. See additional information below to register.

March 14 -- Desktop Yoga, Stretches and the Importance of Moving While at Work – Lunch and learn – Sophie Verzosa from U of L Kinesiology will be presenting. AH100, 12 noon to 1 p.m.

March 19 -- Disordered Eating Workshop FULL! Please email wellness@uleth.ca if you would like to be added to a wait list for a possible second session. Dawn McBride and Heather Ponech presenting.

March 28 – Asthma and Allergies – lunch and learn – Dianne Sullivan from the Asthma and Allergy Clinic will be presenting symptoms and signs of allergies and asthma, what you can do, and how to access the clinic. AH100, 12 noon to 1 p.m.

Ongoing -- Mini Massages! Book soon!

For additional information, please visit the Wellness Website.

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Pure North S'nergy Foundation sessions confirmed until December

March 13 -- 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Markin Hall

Please email universityoflethbridge@purenorth.ca or call Ryan at 1-403-984-5214 to register or for more info. Here is the last notice about Pure North if you would like more information. Please note as of Jan 2013, there is a registration fee for ‘non-vulnerable’ participants.

May 1 -- 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Markin Hall

June 19 -- 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Markin Hall

Sept. 25 -- 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Markin Hall

Dec. 4 -- 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Markin Hall

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Health Check for U Vascular Screening Program -- The last appointment date is April 4!

Get a jumpstart on your health for the new year by registering for the screening soon.

Health Check for U is a program designed to inform you about your overall and cardiovascular health. We will work with you to set goals about your general health and provide you with the necessary resources to meet those goals.

The screening is confidential and is FREE to U of L employees. Contact wellness@uleth.ca to register or for more information.

News Roundup

Edmonton Journal -- Columnist Paula Simons: Government’s plan to harmonize Alberta’s post-secondary institutions puts academic autonomy at risk

Globe and Mail -- When it comes to casinos, natives feel they've got game; First nations reject view that market is saturated, aim for more casinos

Summerside, PEI Journal Pioneer -- U of L Nursing student Peggy Sue Payne sells art to support trip to Uganda

Lethbridge Herald -- Picture of how Alberta once was painted for geologists

National Post -- Putting the Flanagan Affair in Context

Postmedia National Newswire -- House of cardinals: Next Pope needs to understand who Canada's Catholics are

Vancouver Sun -- What is holding the next pope back from making doctrinal changes?

Cardston Temple City Star -- U of L Library Assists Cardston group with Temple History documents

If you know anyone who has been featured or mentioned in the media, and has a U of L connection, please send a note to robert.cooney@uleth.ca

Students Homeless for Five Days, March 10 - 15

A couple of U of L professors will be joining this group of students brave the cold at the annual 5 Days for the Homeless event, which takes place from March 10 to March 15 near the SU Building bus loop. Find out who they are, here.

The group is raising funds for the Wood’s Homes Emergency Youth Shelter, a local organization that supports youth at risk in the community.

To date, U of L student groups have raised more than $50,000.

The students will be sacrificing all technology, routine meals, a warm bed, and their own personal hygiene to contribute to the cause. An online donation website is available, here.

2013 NESA (Nursing Education in Southern Alberta) Grad Class Hosts Silent Auction Fundraiser, March 17

The 2013 NESA (Nursing Education in Southern Alberta) graduating class is hosting a dinner and silent auction fundraiser in association with the Boys and Girls Club of Lethbridge. Get the details here.

Female Science Mentors needed for 5th Operation Minerva

Destination Exploration, the U of L Youth Science Programs, is hosting its 5th annual Operation Minerva on campus, April 18, 2013.

This event connects grade 8-9 girls with real women in science and educates them in the many career options that are available to them in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The success of this event depends largely on the involvement of the female science community at U of L, who volunteer as mentors to lead these sessions.

Volunteers can be students, faculty or academic staff and there are several ways that women can be involved so that we can accommodate their schedules as best as possible.To register, or to learn more, please visit this website.

Registrations for DELF testing

Registration is now open for people to take any one of five DELF-DALF tests to confirm their French language proficiency. Register online until April 5. Testing begins April 22. For more information, please visit this website.

Security Alert: Toner Cartridge Order Scam

Security Services has been made aware of a scam involving replacement orders for for cartridges for photocopiers and fax machines on campus.

Thanks to our alert admin team at the U of L Calgary campus for bringing this issue to our attention. Learn more about it, here.

Students: Free Tax Return Preparation

Trained Faculty of Management students (volunteering with the Canada Revenue Agency) will be offering a free ‘drop-in’ tax service to students and others who qualify for the program. Learn more here.

Campus Care Parcel Give Away, March 18

The spring term Campus Care Parcel Give Away takes place March 18. Learn more here.

Request for Input: Draft Policy Review

The University is in the process of updating some of its administrative policies and wishes to seek input on the following draft policies:

• Access Device Control Policy (new policy, replacing the Key Control Policy and the Keys Held By Terminating University Employees Policy)

• Animals on Campus Policy (update of an existing policy)
• Impartiality and University Facility Utilisation Policy (update of an existing policy)

• Managing Unacceptable Behaviour by External Users of University Facilities Policy (update of an existing policy)

• Surveillance of Public Areas Policy (update of an existing policy)

Please visit this website to learn more

Phone Book Recycling

It is that time of the year! Please recycle your old phone books while new phone books are being distributed. Do not put the old phone books in the paper recycling containers; leave your old phone books beside the paper recycling containers.

The University of Lethbridge Caretaking Department recycled over 1300kg of phone books last year. You can even bring them from home. Let's beat our last year's record! Learn more here

Next Uweekly -- Monday, March 18

If you have a notice or information to submit for the week of March 18 and beyond, please contact robert.cooney@uleth.ca

In This Issue

Also This Month

Presentations and Seminars

Fine Arts / Art Gallery Events

Research Services Notices

President's Award for Service Excellence Nominations Close March 22

Facilities Updates

Canada-Wide Science Fair Judges Needed

University of Lethbridge Senate seeking internal and external community volunteers

More Information

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