Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Message from Board of Governors Chair Gordon Jong: University Budget and Letter of Expectation
By now, many in our community will have read or heard of the financial impact this budget will have on the two post-secondary institutions in our city – Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge.
At the University alone, this financial impact is a reduction of $11.9 million for this coming year and for every year that follows.
Having served as Chair of the Board of Governors for Lethbridge College and now as Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of Lethbridge, and as a graduate of the University, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to witness the quality teaching and research conducted at these institutions.
I have seen and experienced the dedication and commitment of the faculty and staff to students in all programs and their devotion to their respective fields of teaching, research and creative exploration.
I am also concerned of the impact these reductions and proposed changes to the post-secondary education system in our province will have on our University and College.
The financial constraints being imposed on both the University and College are significant and given the role both institutions play in our city, they will be felt well beyond the walls of the University and College.
The Board of the University is incredibly diligent and committed to the fiduciary responsibilities assigned to it and the members take seriously the stewardship role that is imparted to them when they accept the volunteer role of Board member. I know from experience that the College Board has the same level of commitment.
Any suggestion that there is wastefulness or “fat” at either school is false. I know the University operates very cost-effectively because our Board demands it of the administration.
The resources of the University are specifically targeted to the areas that are of greatest importance – the students and the programs. National recognition bestowed on the University speaks to this.
Maclean’s consistently ranks the University of Lethbridge very high and most recently placed the University 3rd nationally. Research Infosource recognized the University as Canada’s Research University of the Year – Undergraduate Category this year.
These are significant accomplishments and illustrate clearly the quality of the University we have in our community.
They also display a momentum that the University has created and it is this momentum that I am hopeful will not be lost as a result of our current challenge.
Read the full letter here.
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South Venture Business Plan Competition Winners Show Diversity and Creativity
After a series of workshops and gruelling pitch sessions to a tough panel of judges, the 2013 South Venture Business Plan Competition winners are ready to take their business ideas to the next level
The three groups shared $20,000 -- seed money to be used for expenses directly related to moving their business plan forward.
As well, the winners will automatically be eligible to compete in the provincial TEC Venture Prize Student Business Plan Competition, held in Edmonton in April 2013.
Who won? What did they pitch? Learn more here.
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Living Well at the U of L
Upcoming Wellness sessions:
April 15 -- Lunch and Learn with Rebound Health. Details to come.
For additional information, please visit the Wellness Website.
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Pure North S'nergy Foundation sessions confirmed until December
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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Certified Therapy Dogs Debut in Puppy Room, April 8 - 19
Counselling Services is proud to announce that certified Therapy Dogs will be coming to campus for students who need some puppy-induced stress relief!
We have breeds ranging from a Shih Tzu Mix to a Cockapoo, Shetland Sheepdog and a Whippet, all tested for amiable temperament and certified by St. John's Ambulance as working Therapy Dogs.
Counselling Services gratefully acknowledges the support and guidance of St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dogs Program, Risk and Safety Services and key sponsor, ULSU. Find out which dogs are available, and when, here.
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Plots at Campus Community Garden Going Fast!
The Campus Roots Community Garden has only 6 garden plots remaining unassigned for the 2013 gardening season. If you are interested in gardening with us this year, email campusroots@uleth.ca
to reserve your plot. Gardeners should plan to attend the Orientation on April 10. Learn more here
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SSHRC President Chad Gaffield to visit campus, April 10
The current president of the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada, Dr. Chad Gaffield, will be visiting the University of Lethbridge on April 10, 2013.
Dr. Gaffield will be visiting campus in the morning, and will be giving an open talk for faculty and graduate students in Andy’s Place (AH100) at 9:45 a.m. Get the details here
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Paying it forward
Inspired by the professors who helped him when he was a PhD student in Germany, Dr. Hans-Joachim (HJ) Wieden decided from the moment he arrived at the University of Lethbridge, he would pay it forward by similarly helping students.
Not only does he give personally to the Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign, but he also developed a co-curricular symposium that is now supported by the campaign.
In 2007, Wieden initiated the Chinook Symposium in Chemistry and Biochemistry after realizing that students in his department had very limited opportunities to share their work with their peers.
What started as an annual poster competition now has three external judges and an $1,800 prize pool, with $300 for first-place posters and $150 for second place in four different categories. Participating in the Chinook Symposium has become a real career booster for the students. Learn more here
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News Roundup
Lethbridge Herald -- 'Difficult times' facing U of L
Globe and Mail -- Alberta demands universities streamline programs, co-operate on transfer credits
Lethbridge Herald -- U of L helping students relieve pressure
CBC.ca -- Are we living in post-religious times?
Country 95 Radio -- U of L Student To Kilt-Up 4 Cancer
Lethbridge Living Magazine -- 1960s U of L Autonomy Rally featured in "Community Engagement" article
Lethbridge Herald -- Hot summer ahead from Idle No More?
Vulcan Advocate -- New Champion councillor says fixing infrastructure a priority
Globe and Mail -- Even with proportional representation, some MPs just wouldn't fit in
Fahler Smoky River Express -- Aidan Charest of McLennan off to science fair nationals
Lethbridge News -- U of L students donate over $1400 to Meals on Wheels
SHAW-TV -- Go! Southern Alberta segments feauture dodolab, Drumming classes
CJOC Radio -- University of Lethbridge Announces New Men's Basketball Coach
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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Celebrating Faculty Research, April 11
Join the Research Services team to celebrate the groundbreaking research and creative achievement taking place at the U of L as they recognize those faculty members who have secured significant research funding or published their research findings in the last year. Get the details here
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Have you checked out the U of L Facebook page lately?
Among other things, you can find out why two Neuroscience students dropped in on a local radio morning show host -- with a human brain in a jar.
You can also learn what the final tally was for the 8th annual Kappa Sigma Headshave for Cancer.
A little 'like' goes a long way.
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Lux Bucks Winner -- Margaret Cook
Congratulations to Margaret Cook (Geography Administration), the winner of the most recent Pronghorn Athletics LUX Bucks 50/50 draw. Find out how much she won, here.
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Next Uweekly -- Tuesday, April 2
If you have a notice or information to submit for the week of April 2 and beyond, please contact robert.cooney@uleth.ca
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