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U weekly
 

Monday, November 5, 2012

University of Lethbridge achieves top-three position in 2013 Maclean's University Rankings

The University of Lethbridge has claimed a top-three position in the Maclean's Magazine ranking of Canadian Universities, reflecting the U of L's confirmed strength in a number of other polls and rankings released earlier this year.

The U of L achieved its highest ranking with Maclean's since the primarily undergraduate category was established in 1992, moving to third overall in the classification.

Maclean's praise of the University reflects the recent
accolades the U of L received from Research Infosource, which named the school the Research University of the Year 2012 (undergraduate category), as well as the Globe and Mail's University Report Card.  Read more here. 

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Youth Science Program Manager Kristy Burke Receives 2012 ASTech Award

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Youth science program manager Kristy Burke has received a 2012 ASTech Award for her work as a passionate promoter of youth science programming.

Burke received her award for Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness this past weekend in Edmonton -- one of 13 winners chosen from a field of 25 nominees.

The ASTECH Awards are the premiere acknowledgement of scientific and technological achievement in Alberta. The awards have grown to encompass more than a dozen distinct categories. Collectively, the honourees demonstrate the abundance of outstanding work occurring in Alberta’s science and technology community.

Also nominated in the same category was U of L chemistry & biochemistry professor Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden and his iGEM team. Get the full story here. 

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Golsteyn Steps Into Lead Volunteer Role as Canada-Wide Science Fair Chief Judge

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Having seen the spark ignited in a young scientist’s eyes, Dr. Roy Golsteyn is eager to stoke the fires of ingenuity once again. As the chief judge for the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF), to be held at the University of Lethbridge May 11-18, 2013, he’ll get that opportunity, and it’s one he’d like to share.

“I’m a huge believer in science fairs,” says Golsteyn (BSc ’84), an associate professor of biology and the director of the Cancer Cell Laboratory at the U of L.

The CWSF is a massive undertaking, featuring 400 of the top science projects in the country and involving more than 1,100 students (Grades 7 to 12), chaperones, judges, sponsors and delegates.

More than 400 judges  are needed to officiate the proceedings and as Chief Judge, one of Golsteyn’s main duties is to recruit the best group of judges he can find. 

If you have a background in science or engineering and would like to be a judge, please contact Chief Judge Dr. Roy Golsteyn (BSc ’84).  For U of L faculty members (Arts and Science) judging counts as a community service activity.  

If you’re not a scientist, but would like to be involved, consider volunteering at the event. For more information on how you can help, please email admin@satclethbridge.ca.  Additional information is available at this website. 

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Strategic Planning Workshops Coming Soon

The 2009 – 2013 Strategic Plan is an excellent strategic document that has taken us to where we are today.  It is time to revisit this plan for the future and your input is needed.

The Strategic Planning Committee is hosting a series of workshops to discuss strategic issues and record your feedback.  You are invited to attend one of the following sessions:

1. Friday, Nov. 23, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., SU Ballroom

2. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 1 p.m.  to 3:30 p.m., SU Ballroom

3. Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., SU Ballroom

Please mark one of these workshops in your schedule and kindly rsvp to presidentsoffice@uleth.ca indicating the date that you wish to attend.

Your opinions and comments will be used to plan for our future!

To learn more about the Strategic Planning process, please visit this website. 

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People Plan Taking Shape

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Over the last two years, the University of Lethbridge has developed both an Academic Plan and a Research Plan that, together with the University Business Plan, serve to shape and support the actions of the University Strategic Plan.

But the University can only succeed through its people. Several members of the University community recently gathered to talk through the feasibility of creating a People Plan and how best to go about it.

“As we begin work on the next five-year iteration of the University Strategic Plan, it appears that a bridging document speaking to the needs of faculty, support staff, APOs, senior administration and other groups is missing from our framework of support,” says Elaine Carlson, associate vice-president, Human Resources.

As of now, the group has not confirmed how it will be engaging with different groups, but expect to hear from them before Christmas.

“This preliminary planning group is open to hearing ideas from everyone on campus,” says Carlson. “This group is highly motivated to provide the groundwork for the creation of a People Plan – a living document that will hopefully enhance the way we at the University feel about our workplace and our roles within it.”

To learn more about this Strategic Planning process, please visit this website.

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News Roundup

Globe and Mail -- Barack Obama: The candidate Canadians understand

Lethbridge Herald -- Students "Run with the Bulls (and Bears)"

Fort Macleod Gazette -- U of L professor feted for First Nations work

Huffington Post -- The Ultimate Manly Accessory? A Moustache!

CTV Lethbridge Sports -- U of L Employees/Hockey Fanatics Build Online Community for 'Canes

Lethbridge Herald -- #3 with a bullet

Maclean's Magazine -- The New Beef With Campus Food

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Bookstore Launches U of L Community Cookbook to Support SU Food Bank, Nov. 8

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Great recipes from people you know, a totally in-house produced product, and  a good cause -- the SU Food Bank.

That's the recipe for success from the members of the  Bookstore team, who have  created a  cookbook to sell and support the SU Food bank.  

The book will be on the shelves as of Nov. 8, retails for $16.95, and 100 per cent of that money goes to the SU food bank. Learn more here.

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United Way Campaign Weekly Update: Who Won?

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The annual United Way fundraising campaign is one of the most significant ways in which citizens can make an impact on their community.

Have you made your pledge to the 2012 United Way campaign yet? The University of Lethbridge has set a goal to raise $35,000 in support of the Lethbridge & South Western Alberta chapter of the United Way.

Just one week remains in the U of L's United Way Donor Campaign and there are three more draw winners to announce.

Click here to find out  who won two tickets to a performance of The Lion in Winter, a Faculty of Fine Arts production that runs Nov. 20-24 in the University Theatre

The unit with the greatest participation will receive a grand prize office party.

The U of L 2012 campaign runs Oct. 15 to Nov. 9.

If you have any questions or need more information before making your contribution, please visit this website, or call Clark Ferguson at 403-332-4109. You can make your gift online or  by payroll deduction.

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Wellness Update: Life Balance Fair, Nov. 7

November 7 -- Life Balance Fair: Come out to the 6th annual Life Balance Fair – November 7 from 10 a.m. to  1 p.m. on the Indoor Track at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

You can Zumba, learn Karate, win prizes,  get a flu shot, and much more!

Contact wellness@uleth.ca  to register or for more information

Mini Massages: 

Wednesday Nov. 7 - 2:30 - 4:15 PM Room TH141
Thursday Nov. 22 - 12:00 Noon - 1:15 PM Room L1114

Learn more about Wellness programing here.

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Faculty and Staff Directory Photos - Free Professional Portraits This Week!

We are once again offering sessions for faculty and staff directory photos. Need a new photo for your website, book cover, conference posters, to send to your mother, and of course the Campus Directory?

For those who are new faculty or staff, missed previous opportunities, or would just like to update your current photo - here is your chance. 

Sessions are being held Nov. 6 - 8 in the  Library - Curriculum Lab - Instructional Material Production Room [L1170B].

 To Sign up for your free photo session, please visit this website

If you are unable to attend at your appointed time please log back in and cancel your appointments so that others have an opportunity to sign up for that time slot.

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200 ‘Sailors’ Sink or Swim at Annual Chinook Regional Cardboard Boat Race, Thursday, Nov. 8

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More than 200 students from across southern Alberta will attempt to build and float creatively constructed cardboard boats across the Max Bell pool on Thursday, Nov. 8.

Using a standard amount of cardboard per team, the students must design, build and (hopefully) 'sail' to victory by staying off the bottom of the pool. 

Construction begins around 9:30  a.m. on the track level of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, and the  chaotic, aquatic action  begins at 12 noon with a parade of boats from the gym to the pool area. The fun continues until 3 p.m. with awards to follow in the SU Ballrooms. 

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International Dinner 2012: A Celebration of The Human Spirit featuring special guest, Amanda Lindhout

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The 20th International Dinner will feature Amanda Lindhout, a Canadian humanitarian with direct and dramatic life experience in  Somalia, one of the world’s most volatile countries. 

Her presentation, “A Celebration of the Human Spirit” will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union Ballrooms. Tickets for this event traditionally sell quickly. Early bird pricing is available, before Nov. 7. 

Lindhout, a freelance journalist, visited Somalia in 2008 and was kidnapped by a teenage gang shortly after her arrival in the country. Her abduction generated international media attention as she was held hostage for more than 460 days, or approximately 15 months.

From that experience, Amanda became an unlikely and passionate advocate for the Somali people and in 2010 established The Global Enrichment Foundation (GEF), a non-profit organization dedicated to igniting leadership through educational and community-based empowerment programs. Learn more here. 

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The Future of Poverty, Population and Environment in the Urban Landing Pad, with Author and Journalist Doug Saunders

The Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, Friends of the Lethbridge Public Library and Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) will host a free public lecture on Nov. 15 featuring Doug Saunders, a Canadian born journalist, author and  The Globe and Mail’s European Bureau Chief.

Mr. Saunders’ journalism has won the National Newspaper Award on four occasions and he has also received international recognition for his investigative reporting on the state of the middle class around the world.

His most recent book, "The Myth of the Muslim Tide: Do Immigrants Threaten the West?" (2012), examines the reality of immigrants from Muslim countries as they assimilate into the West.  Learn more here. 

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Last Chance for Tickets to Nov. 8 Immigrant Achievement Awards

A University of Lethbridge researcher is a finalist in the 2012 Lethbridge Family Services – Immigrant Services Immigrant Achievement Awards.

Dr. Glenda Bonifacio, an Associate Professor in Women and Gender Studies at the University of Lethbridge, is a finalist in the Distinguished Professional category.

The Immigrant Achievement Awards bring awareness to the valuable contribution of immigrants within our community. The third annual awards ceremony, which takes place Nov 8, 2012, will honor 11 finalists in six categories of achievement. Learn more here.

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"Brick by Brick" Charity Dinner and Silent Auction Supports SASHA, Nov. 16

The University of Lethbridge 2012 iGEM team is hosting the Second Annual Brick by Brick Charity Dinner and Silent Auction on Friday, November 16, 2012 in support of the Southern Alberta Self-Help Association (SASHA).

The formal dinner will be held in the Students’ Union Ballrooms from 6 to 9:30 pm and will include keynote speakers Todd Wardale who, with the help of Lindsey Richardson, will tell his story of living with mental illness and his journey with SASHA; the University’s own Dr. Jennifer Mather, Department of Psychology; and CTV Lethbridge news anchor Jacquie Scantlebury, the master of ceremonies.

SASHA is a non-profit, charitable Lethbridge-based organization aimed at promoting independence among persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Learn more about  this event, and the iGEM organizers, here.

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YWCA Christmas Hamper Drive

This holiday season Conference and Event Services is once again coordinating with the Lethbridge YWCA to promote the Christmas Hamper Program.

The Hamper Program helps families in need, at what can be a difficult time of year. This Christmas season, we are again requesting your help and participation in this holiday program.

Last year, University Departments were able to donate 12 hampers to the YWCA and this year we are hoping to help even more families. Get all the information you need, here. 

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Red Nose Gets Rolling, Nov. 30

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The popular  Operation Red Nose designated driver program begins its 18th season on Nov. 30.

Over the years,  hundreds of community partners, thousands of rides and thousands of volunteer hours have added up to significant support for Pronghorn Athletics.

Luxie would also love to assist, but can't shoulder-check.

Service dates this season will begin on Friday, Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 1

December dates are as follows:  

Dec. 6, 7, 8

Dec. 13, 14, 15

Dec. 20, 21, 22

Dec. 31

To volunteer, please visit this website.

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Lux Bucks Winner

How much did the really lucky Terry Sutton win? Find out here.

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Office Hours, Until Nov. 12

Library's Remembrance Day Weekend Hours

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Next Uweekly -- Tuesday, November 13

If you have a notice or information to submit for the week of Nov. 13 and beyond, please contact robert.cooney@uleth.ca

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