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University of Lethbridge UWeekly

Monday, September 16, 2013


Budget Update -- September

Read the latest budget update from U of L President Mike Mahon here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR, OCTOBER 10

2013 Fiat Lux Address, Thursday, Oct. 10. 3 p.m. University Theatre, W500, University Centre for the Arts. Speaker: Dr. Mike Mahon.

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Check out the new UNews website

The way the University of Lethbridge tells its story to internal and external audiences is being enhanced through a redesign of its online news website.

The UNews website is one of a number of changes to the way in which the University is now communicating with its audiences. In June 2013, the U of L launched the Experts Database, aimed at connecting a variety of stakeholders with U of L researchers.

This September marked the end of the printed version of the Legend newspaper. Later this fall, the U of L will launch a new version of the Notice Board, a new research website and revamp its UWeekly product. Feedback is appreciated for the UNews product, as well as for Uweekly and Notice Board changes. Learn more here.

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Teaching Centre Launches "Light on Teaching" Magazine

On September 16th,  2013 the first issue of Light on Teaching will be released. Light on Teaching is a professional magazine that focuses on teaching in higher education.

The feature article of this magazine, written by Dr. Hilary Rodrigues from the Department of Religious Studies, is titled "Texting, in a New, Old-Fashioned Way." The article is a wonderful narrative that speaks to the usefulness of textbooks as well as the evolution of the textbook. 

Other articles in the magazine focus on topics such as democracy in the classroom, standardized testing, marking on iPads, as well as exploring the classroom environment.  Be sure to look for a print copy of the magazine in your department.

If you can't find a copy in your department, extra print copies are available in the Teaching Centre office (L1126), and HTML, PDF, and iBook versions of the magazine are also available on the  Teaching Centre website.

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Latest Pension and Benefits News now available

The Pension & Benefits September 2013 Newsletter is now available for viewing on their website. Get the details here.

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Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage Community Open House, September 21

The University of Lethbridge, together with Dr. Jim Coutts, invites you to explore the Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage at a Community Open House on Saturday, September 21, 2013, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage is located near Nanton, AB. Get details and directions here

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Join the Supporting Our Students Community

As Co-Chairs of the 2013/14 Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign, Lorne Williams (BMgt ’98, MEd ’07) and Linda Embury are excited to bring the University of Lethbridge community together in support of scholarships and bursaries for students.

The annual SOS campaign allows U of L faculty, staff and retirees the opportunity to contribute to student awards. SOS participants have enabled an incredible 2,000 scholarships and bursaries to be awarded to deserving students in the past year alone. Get the details here.

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"Common Chord" Feature Film Debuts at Calgary Film Festival, September 27

After years of planning, writing, fundraising, filming and editing, the world premiere of the locally-made feature-length film entitled Common Chord takes place at the Calgary International Film Festival on Sept. 27 at 7 pm at the Globe Cinema (617  8th Ave SW, Calgary) with an encore performance on Sept. 29 at 1:30 pm at the same location.

Led by award winning director Deric Olsen, a University of Lethbridge New Media professor, and local filmmaker, educator and documentary television producer George Gallant, Common Chord has been a labor of love for a great many people.

“We are thrilled to be invited to the Calgary International Film Festival and have the world premiere of this highly anticipated film just two hours from Lethbridge where Common Chord was shot,” says Olsen. 

The film's production has fostered local creative talent by providing a unique creative and educational partnership between U of L fine arts faculty and the communications arts dept. at Lethbridge College.  “This film has provided invaluable work experience for university and college students and alumni alike,” says Gallant. Learn more here.

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Copyright on Campus: Where to Find Help and Information

With a new school year just launched, you may encounter situations in which you wish to copy, distribute or perform someone else’s work. Before using the work, be sure to consider whether it is protected by copyright and if it is, whether permission is required for your desired use.

The University’s Copyright website can help you sort out some answers to these kinds of questions, as well as your copyright options and obligations. Some Copyright website tools and sources are available here.

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New Dean of Arts and Science Cooper enthused about opportunity

The Prairies beckoned and Dr. Craig Cooper answered the call.

The new dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Lethbridge has studied and worked throughout the country, with experiences at the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Winnipeg and Nipissing University in Ontario. Given the chance to return to the Prairies, however, was too good an opportunity for Cooper to pass up.

“Part of my reasoning was to return to the West and specifically the Prairies,” says Cooper, who began his five-year appointment on July 1.

Born and raised in Oshawa, Ont., he moved with his parents to the Northwest Territories as a 16-year-old, finishing his high school education there before beginning his post-secondary education at the U of A.

“The major reason I looked at this position though was the University and its really strong reputation, specifically its very strong record of research,” he adds.

“The thing I really like about the U of L is that it seems to still have a commitment to excellence in teaching and for me, I’ve always liked that balance.” Learn more here.

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Recruitment and Retention Project finds success points

It’s been nearly three years since the Recruitment and Retention Project team was established, and over that time a number of student-focused initiatives have been put in motion. To date, there have been 13 projects delivered or in the process of being delivered.

Responding to the needs recommended by student associations, units on campus, as well as many learner focus groups, this collaborative team has provided a rich environment of ideas to be acted upon in the pursuit of serving learners, helping create a real sense of community and support on campus that aligns with President Dr. Mike Mahon’s vision of a destination university. Get the details here.

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New ULAA president looks to further engage alumni

The new University of Lethbridge Alumni Association president understands the value of a community.

“I love growth, development and opportunity. Anything I can do to make things better for my community, for the University or my neighbourhood, I try to get involved in,” explains Grant Adamson (BSc ’03), who was elected as the University of Lethbridge Alumni Association’s 26th president in July. Learn more about Grant, here.

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In-service computer training for faculty & staff

Information Technology Services (ITS) - Client Services will be offering a series of in-service computer training sessions for University of Lethbridge faculty and staff members.

These sessions are being presented to provide an overview of features associated with commonly used computer programs. The sessions are strictly overviews of concepts and full courses will be offered at a later date.

To register, please call 403-329-2490 or e-mail help@uleth.ca

Sessions continue until the end of September. Get the complete list here.

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Teaching Centre News

Talking About Teaching, Sept. 20: Disrupt your Classroom!

The Teaching Centre will be hosting a Talking About Teaching session focused on innovative strategies and technologies that can help you disrupt the regular grind of your class and help students better engage with you, fellow students, and the materials in the course. Panelists: Harold Jansen, David Slomp, Jay Gamble and Craig Milner  Learn more here.

Want to Talk About Your Teaching?

Is that class just not feeling right? Is that assignment not accomplishing what you wanted it to do? Are you having trouble getting your students to stop texting and really engage?

Do you have a great idea for a new assignment but need some help sorting out the details? What's working and what isn't in your classes?

Stop by the Heart of Teaching for casual and confidential drop-in peer mentoring. Put your feet up and talk to other teachers who have been there! Dates and details here.

New Moodle Theme for Fall 2013

The Teaching Centre is excited to introduce the U of L community to the new Moodle for Fall 2013. Over the summer we have implemented a significant upgrade to the Moodle platform with many new enhancements and features.

In order to align with the UofL's branding, and with the help of both student and faculty focus groups,  we are also introducing a new theme. 

We hope you enjoy the new look along with the new features, and look forward to hearing your feedback as we continue to work to improve our Moodle platform.

Please contact the Teaching Centre if you would like to learn more.

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News Roundup

Lethbridge Herald -- Native American Art focus of new program

Country 95 Radio News -- Manwar Khan Brings Anti-Bullying Rally To University Of Lethbridge

Lethbridge Herald -- What are the "Odds"

CJOC Radio News -- Stand up for Science Rally

Lethbridge Herald -- Terry Fox Run Still Going Strong

Calgary Herald -- Calgary film festival features eclectic lineup

Lethbridge Herald -- Taking a Stand Against Bullying\

Calgary Herald -- New Glenbow shows explore a pair of art transformations

Lethbridge Herald -- Value of university goes beyond size of paycheque

Calgary Herald -- Studying requires new habits in a social media world

Lethbridge Herald -- Prevention, early diagnosis FASD keys

Lethbridge Herald -- Retired professor Herb Hicks writes about love of the arts, search for knowledge in memoir

Toronto Star -- Toronto Hydro CEO ‘deeply sorry’ for credentials confusion

Lethbridge Herald -- Love and Records Expects Record Crowd

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

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Pronghorn Athletics News: 2013 Scholarship Breakfast to feature Tewksbury, Muir as guest speakers

Consistently striving to push through limits to achieve exceptional results, University of Lethbridge Pronghorn athletes are grooming the traits that will help them succeed in athletics, academics and beyond.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013 (7 to 9 a.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport & Wellness Gymnasium), Pronghorn Athletics will welcome Mark Tewksbury and Debbie Muir, founders of Great Traits.

It’s an opportunity for local individuals and organizations to tap into Great Traits and experience an interactive, fast-paced and inspiring session featuring two of the country’s most prominent Olympians and high performance experts at the 2013 Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast. Get  details and ticket purchase information here.

COMING EVENTS

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Living Well at the U of L

Active Aging Classes begin Sept. 24

This is a well-rounded program for the aging individual to counter the loss of balance, strength, flexibility and mobility.

Check out the Wellness website for full details and how to register. For express signup, just click here.

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SouthVenture Student Business Plan Competion Launches September 19

Organizers of the Southventure Business Plan competition are hosting a launch party on September 19 beginning at 12 noon in the Students' Union Ballrooms.

The competition is open to post-secondary students and 2013 graduates from the Lethbridge and Medicine Hat regions, and from the U of L Calgary and Edmonton campuses.

$20,000 in cash is on the table for innovative business plans!

This event will give you the opportunity to hear from past winners, and obtain more information about what it takes to enter. If you know a student with an interesting business idea, send them here.

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U of L well represented at upcoming Word on the Street Festival, September 22

Enjoy live author readings, musical performances, a marketplace and more at the 3rd annual Word on the Street Festival Sunday, September 22nd from 11am to 5pm on the streets around the Lethbridge Library Main Branch.

Celebrity guests Clifford and Curious George will be taking in the festival and giving away free hugs with their friends from the University of Lethbridge bookstore.

There will also be fantastic crafts and activity booths from various community groups including SAAG, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, the Galt Museum, the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery, the Family Centre, the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music and button making with Lethbridge Public Library. Get the details here.

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Fall into Spring! Campus Roots Community Garden Association Garden Bulb Fundraiser

Get  an early start on your garden for next spring and support the Campus Roots Community Garden Association by ordering your fall bulb planting packages.

Bulbs are a fun and low-maintenance way to add colour and texture to your garden. They can even be grown in pots, both indoors and out, and are great for cut flowers. Returning year after year, bulbs make great naturalizers  Order your bulbs here

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Mark your calendar: Career Fair, September 27

Career Fair 2013 takes place on Friday, Sept. 27  from 10 a.m. to  3 p.m. on the track level of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.  Admission is free.  Learn more here.

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Career Fair volunteers needed

If you know a student who would like to build up their volunteer hours, the Career Fair may be just the place for them to help out.  Check out this opportunity, here.

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Fire Alarm Tests, Tuesday, September 17

The  golden tones of a carefully-selected Security Services staff member will waft through the speakers in various buildings beginning at 9:15 a.m.  on Tuesday, September 17 as fire alarms and speakers are tested.  Fire wardens do not  have to wear their stylish vests for this occasion, but do need to make sure the bells, strobes and messages are clearly visible and audible. No evacuation is necessary. Find out which buildings, and when, here.

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Fire Ban Issued for the River Valley

Effective immediately and until further notice a fire ban has been placed on all open fires in the River Valley area.  Given that there have been grass fires on campus in the past, this is especially important for all members of the U of L community to be aware of.

Excluded are the stoves at the John Martin Centre, the Rotary Picnic Shelter, the stoves at Henderson Park, the Elks Compound camp kitchens and any fire pits at a private residential dwelling.

For more information or for fire prevention tips you are encouraged to call the Fire Prevention office at 403 320 3811.

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Thank you to those who read Our Promise to Students

At New Student Welcome on Tuesday, Sept. 4, more than 40 U of L administrators, faculty and staff stood with Mike Mahon and read 'Our Promise to Students' to our most recent recruits.

To all those who participated, thank you! It was a great way to welcome new students, kick-off the school year and reinforce our own commitment to providing a student-centred environment. Your involvement was greatly appreciated!

Lukas Neamtu
Coordinator, Student Life Programs
University of Lethbridge

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Volunteer Opportunity - U of L Open House, October 5

Recruitment and Student Life is looking for volunteers to help out with Open House on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Prior to the event, we will be hosting an information session for volunteers. This session will take place on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m.in PE264. Get the signup details here

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Student-operated (and unique) cancer fundraiser supports Jack Ady Cancer Centre, September 26

On Sept. 26, the Disc Jockey Student Association of Lethbridge (DJSAL), with the support of several other groups on campus and around Lethbridge, is headlining a Cancer Fundraiser towards the Jack Ady Cancer Center. Get the details here.

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Preventing Violence on Post-Secondary Campuses: Focus Groups, Safety Audits coming soon

The Student Success Centre is hosting a series of focus groups between Oct. 1 and Nov. 20 to  gain input from students about gender based violence issues, with the goal of creating a student led action plan to prevent violence on the U of L campus.  If you know a student who would be interested in participating, please refer them to this website.

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Retirements and Departures: Fred Greene, Bette Jo Kulak

September 18 -- Fred Greene, Art Gallery Administrative Manager: Come join us as we celebrate the career of our friend, and Administrative Manager, Fred Greene and say farewell to a man impossible to replace while we wish him luck on his guitar pickin' retirement.  Details here

September 26 -- Bette Jo Kulak, President's Office Administration:  Bette Jo is the voice on the phone in the President's office, and has spent the past 19 years at the U of L in a variety of departments.  Drop by  and wish her the best in her retirement Details here.

 

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Starbucks Grand Opening, September 23

Attend the new Starbucks grand opening on Sept. 23 and you might win a $150 Verismo coffee Machine! VIA Coffee samples will be available  between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.  and specific coffee tastings will take place in the afternoon, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Starbucks is located on level 9 of the Univerity Library.

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Health Science Inquiry e-publication seeks graduate student contributors

Health Science Inquiry is seeking input from graduate students for their annual publication. If you are interested in participating, or know a student who might be interested, please visit this website for additional information.

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Operating Hours

Tuesday, September 17 -- Bookstore Change of Hours

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Next Uweekly -- Monday, September 23, 2013

If you have a notice or information to submit for the week of Sept. 23 and beyond, please contact robert.cooney@uleth.ca

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