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University of Lethbridge UWeekly

Tuesday, October 15, 2013


Mahon says in Fiat Lux Address that budget landscape will not compromise University's future

In the third annual Fiat Lux address this past Thursday, President Mike Mahon reiterated the University of Lethbridge’s response to its Campus Alberta operating grant cut, shared details about the institution’s draft Strategic Plan and spoke to the initiatives that will continue to move the U of L forward. An expanded story and video of Dr. Mahon's Fiat Lux Address is available here, along with a link to the full text of his speech.

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Fall Convocation, October 19

The University of Lethbridge 2013 Fall Convocation ceremony will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19 beginning at 10 a.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

There is no charge to attend and the public is welcome.

Graduands this year number 270, with nearly 200 of those attending the ceremony.

VIEW CONVOCATION ONLINE

If you can't make it in person, the ceremonies will be streamed live on the internet at this address. The feed will be live a few minutes prior to the ceremony.

For any last minute information about the ceremony, please visit the Registrar's office website.

This year, two remarkable individuals with close ties to the Lethbridge community will be acknowledged.

Dr. Robert Morrison (BASc '83) will receive the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award, and Dr. Gary Bowie  will be awarded an Honorary Degree.

Morrison, a professor in the Department of English at Queen`s University, is well-respected by both colleagues and students and has been recognized with numerous research and teaching awards. Complete Citation here.

Bowie has made significant contributions to Lethbridge and Alberta through his extensive volunteer service and leadership, including initiatives related to homelessness and the sports sector. Complete citation here.

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Alumnus of the Year -- Dr. Robert Morrison (BASc '83) -- receives award at Fall Convocation

Dr. Robert Morrison, the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, is known for a boundless energy and enthusiasm for English literature, and has established his position as an outstanding scholar and educator.

Morrison will be achnowledged at the 2013 Fall Convocation ceremony, which takes place on Saturday, October 19 beginning at 10 a.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts & Science at the University of Lethbridge in 1983, Morrison continued his education in the UK completing a Master of Philosophy at the University of Oxford in 1987 and a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh in 1991.

Currently a professor in the Department of English at Queen`s University, Morrison is well-respected by both colleagues and students and has been recognized with numerous research and teaching awards. His clear and thought-provoking approach to literature has earned him international praise and he is often quoted as an expert in his field. Read his full citation here.

On Friday, Oct. 18  Morrison will deliver a lecture entitled "Everybody Wants to Rule the World: Education, Elvis, Ecocriticism, and Beyond?" beginning at 3 p.m. in classroom C640, University Hall.

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Dr. Gary Bowie acknowledged with Honorary Degree at Fall Convocation

Through his extensive volunteer service and leadership, including initiatives related to homelessness and the sports sector, Garald Bowie has made significant contributions to Lethbridge and Alberta.

Bowie will be awarded an Honorary Degree (LLD, Laws) at the 2013 Fall Convocation ceremony, which takes place on Saturday, October 19 beginning at 10 a.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

A founding U of L faculty member, Dr. Bowie enjoyed a long career at the University as a professor of Physical Education. He taught at the University for 30 years, from 1968 until 1998, and developed several courses in Physical Education and Kinesiology.

Named as perhaps the “ultimate builder of Pronghorn Athletics,” Garald Bowie served four terms as U of L Athletic Director, the longest tenure as leader of Pronghorn sports.

Through his extensive volunteer service, Dr. Bowie has made significant contributions at the local and provincial levels, as even a small sampling of his service shows. He served as a trustee on the Lethbridge School District #51 Board for 15 years.

The legacy of community projects he has helped develop includes the Emergency Shelter and Resource Centre, the Emergency Youth Shelter, the Native Women’s Transition Centre and Shelter, the Aboriginal Housing in Action project, and the Castle Apartments project. Read the full citation here.

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Education Students raise awareness about bullying issues

The ever increasing use of cyber technology among children is rapidly leading to a transformation in the traditional forms of bullying, with cyberbullying becoming more prevalent among today's youth.

To increase the awareness of cyberbullying and bullying amongst students, teachers and the general public, the sixth annual University of Lethbridge Anti-bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week is being held October 15-17.

Organized by the Education Undergraduate Society, the event is the first student-organized anti-bullying campaign in Alberta. With professional development workshops and a variety of engaging discussions, the EUS is trying to stem the tide of bullying by providing its developing teachers with the tools to help recognize and then fight this destructive influence in the classroom and online.

Guest speakers will be presenting in the Students' Union Ballrooms:

Wednesday, October 16, 12-12:50 p.m.

George Couros "Digital Citizenship"

Wednesday, October 16, 6-8 p.m.

Dr. Robin Bright and Jenn Cowie "Cyberbullying"

Thursday, October 17, 12-12:50 p.m.:

Dr. Carmen Mombourquette "Teacher as Bully"

Get additional information  here.

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2013 Gairdner Lecture: Adult Neural Stem Cells: From Basic Science to Therapeutic Applications

University of Lethbridge faculty and students, along with select southern Alberta high school students, will have the unique opportunity to experience a lecture by Gairdner International Award winner Dr. Samuel Weiss, Monday, Oct. 21.

The Gairdner Foundation Speaker Event will include a lecture for the area’s elite high school students, a lecture for U of L faculty and undergraduate students, as well as a host of interactive science activities designed to engage the visiting students as well as showcase the research activities taking place on campus.

“It is very exciting to be able to bring a Gairdner International Award winner to campus,” says University of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon. “The fact that many people with our Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience also work closely with Dr. Weiss, makes it even more fitting.“ Learn more here.

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Volunteer Lethbridge and University of Lethbridge announce partnership

The University of Lethbridge and Volunteer Lethbridge are creating greater opportunities for student community service and volunteerism activities by entering into a partnership that will see Volunteer Lethbridge relocate its offices to the University’s Dr. Foster James Penny Building in mid-November.

“This partnership will prove to be of tremendous benefit to the citizens of Lethbridge by providing more opportunities for our students to serve in the community as volunteers,” says University of Lethbridge President and Vice-chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon.

The U of L will give access to approximately 160 sq. m of space for Volunteer Lethbridge, consisting of five offices on the building’s second level. Volunteer Lethbridge staff will also undertake reception duties in the Penny Building’s main lobby, thereby allowing community access to the building and its amenities throughout regular office hours. Details here.

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Critical thinking pedagogy in the classroom

What is critical thinking? Are there effective pedagogies that nurture critical thinking?

Critical thinking (hereafter CT) has become something of a buzz-word and growth industry these days. In short, CT is about problem-solving, problem-posing, developing sound arguments and simply, making good decisions. In turn, CT pedagogy is about developing teaching strategies that deepen the quality of students’ capacities for sound reasoning across the curriculum.

Dr. Lance Grigg, of the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education, strives to teach his students about and for CT.

“I advocate both an explicit and infused approach to teaching critical thinking,” he says. “By infusing CT strategies into regular course content-delivery, there is the required, explicit instruction about CT with the added focus on using it in the daily activities of teaching.” Details here.

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Teaching Centre: Talking About Teaching

Every instructor has had a horrible classroom experience. The Teaching Centre team is looking for your best -- or worst -- stories to use as inspiration for a session on Oct. 25.  Details here.

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Let's Talk Science 2nd Annual Spooky Science Nights -- FREE, October 25 and 26

Have you ever created a science “ghostbuster”? Are you interested in testing how sour Halloween candy is? Do creepy, crawly things excite you? Then be sure to attend one of the second annual Spooky Science Nights, organized by Let’s Talk Science at the University of Lethbridge.

The event is suitable for young people age 5 to 12, wwho are invited to attend one of two Spooky Science Nights, which will take place on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the University of Lethbridge University Hall Atrium. Get the details and registration information here.

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Seasonal -- and FREE -- Flu Shot Clinics Begin October 24

It's that time of year!

For those of you (students, staff and faculty) who would like a flu shot, the Health Centre is pleased to offer on-campus influenza vaccinations (flu shots).

Please remember to bring your Alberta or provincial health care card and clothing that allows access to an arm! Find out where and when, here.

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News Roundup

Look for the News Roundup column on the new Unews website.

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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Library Presents "Data Don’t Lie, Or Can They?" during Open Access Week

As part of Open Access Week, which takes place Oct. 21 - 25, the University Library is hosting a talk by Chuck Humphrey, the Head of the Data Library at the University of Alberta since 1992
and academic director of a Statistics Canada Research Data Centre (RDC) at the University of Alberta. Learn more, and RSVP for this event, here.

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Living Well at the U of L: October is "Healthy Workplace Month"

Mini-massages are back!

Wellness is pleased to bring back the Lethbridge College Massage Therapy students and will be offering 15 minute chair massages on campus from September to November 2013. Register here

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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: LIFE BALANCE FAIR, OCT. 30

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In-service computer training for faculty & staff -- Courses continuing until November

Information Technology Services (ITS) - Client Services will be offering a series of  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 November. Get the complete list here.

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Are you "extreme" enough to volunteer for the Edacity Extreme Challenge on October 26?

Volunteer for the Edacity Xtreme Challenge, a science-based “Amazing Race” for high school students that takes place on campus on Saturday, October 26.

There are lots of opportunities to help out with registration, running a specific challenge or offering general support. To learn more about the event and volunteering, please visit the event section of the Edacity  website

The Xtreme Challenge is a great way to inspire young people to pursue diverse post-secondary paths and careers linked to science and emerging technology. 

As a volunteer, you can expect to be a part of a fun, exciting and fast-paced event that will be sure to keep you entertained and learning along the way. Contact: gina.sprinkhuysen@uleth.ca

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Blood Donation Transportation: Short drive, big payoff

You can save a life by giving a couple hours of your time to donate blood. To make it even easier, some 'life buses' are running during October to take you from the U of L directly to  Canadian Blood Services and back. There are two dates to choose from. Click here for the details.

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Operating Hours, October

Faculty of Management -- October Advising Hours

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ARAMARK Dining Survey contest

Take a survey about ARAMARK Dining Services and you could win a $150 MasterCard Gift Card or one of 3 $50 MasterCard Gift Cards. Learn more here.

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Seen Around Campus

Katrina Mendez, a lab instructor and the Graduate Student Liaison and Coordinator in Biological Sciences, snapped this photo of  one of three deer who wandered on to the SU Plaza construction site last week without proper safety gear or a site orientation. They were politely ecorted out. Katrina picks up a $5 Starbucks gift card for her efforts.  See something interesting on campus? Send in a photo, and you might get a coffee card.

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Event Planning on Campus: Learn more from Conference Services and campus-wide resource people at October 24 session

Conference Services is hosting a session on event booking on campus on Thursday, Oct. 24. beginning at 2 p.m. in Anderson Hall, AH100 (Andy's Place).  Representatives from many campus departments will be on hand to answer your questions about event planning, the use of the CaterTrax system, and much more. Please e-mail Conference Services if you have any questions prior to the event.

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Next Uweekly -- Monday, October 21

If you have a notice or information to submit for the week of Oct. 21 and beyond, please contact robert.cooney@uleth.ca

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