Monday, September 17, 2012
Fiat Lux Address, September 27: To our students, we make a promise...
From: Mike Mahon, President
To: The U of L community
What do you think about the future of the University of Lethbridge? What does it mean to you that we are Alberta’s Destination University and how does that shape the work you do for the University today and in the future?
What is your vision in terms of continuing to grow as a comprehensive university and how do you see the future structure of our university reflecting our academic and research aspirations?
Your ideas will help shape the future direction of the University of Lethbridge, and we are engaging in a number of different opportunities for you to be a part of this process.
The first such opportunity is the Sept. 27 Fiat Lux Address (3 to 4 p.m., University Theatre), which will be given by Provost & Vice-President (Academic), Dr. Andrew Hakin.
The theme of his presentation is liberal education, how we now define it at the University of Lethbridge, and what it means to us going forward.
This is an excellent opportunity to not only hear Dr. Hakin’s interpretation, but it is a forum at which you can bring your ideas to the fore in an open discussion.
I also encourage you to take another look at a recent Open Letter to the U of L community and to think of the themes introduced, and join us Sept 27.
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Strategic Priorities Forum, October 1
On Monday, Oct. 1 (8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Students' Union Ballrooms), a Strategic Priorities Forum will present another opportunity for the University community to engage in the decision-making process.
Arising out of the President’s Task Force on Budget Process, this forum is designed to create greater transparency around priority setting from senior leaders across the institution.
The Task Force heard from a number of people that there was not an annual open forum for the university community to hear the strategic priorities of senior administration, faculties, and unit leaders.
The series of presentations was created to address those comments.
A presentation schedule can be foiund at this website. A live webcast is in the planning stages.
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Restaurant Makeover: Feedback Sessions Help Shape Future of Campus Food Service
How do you feel about food? The Ancillary Services team is hosting a series of World Café-style strategy sessions to gather information about the future of food services on campus.
The University has extended a Request for Proposal (RFP) to three food service providers as it looks to completely overhaul its delivery of catering and food services.
The responses will form part of the documentation the bidders use to refine the proposals they provide to the U of L.
Participate and win an iPad3! All participants will be entered to win one iPAD3.
A total of three World Cafés will be held, Sept. 25 (9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m.) and Sept. 26 (9 a.m. to noon), in the Students’ Union Ballroom A.
Sessions will be open to anyone interested in attending, including students, staff and faculty. Another dedicated to residence students and those individuals who primarily use the catering services is also planned.
As well, surveys targeting the general University community, residence students and catering clients will take place the weeks of Sept. 24 and Oct. 1
“It’s time for us to revisit how we deliver food services to our campus community,” says Jim Booth, Executive Director of Ancillary Services.
“Looking forward to the next 10 years and beyond, we need someone who can keep things fresh and edgy. What we are faced with today is a need to differentiate ourselves. It is all about the experience and we need a partner that can deliver that experience.”
To take part in the World Café sessions, please send a note to foodservicesrfp@uleth.ca. Attendance at these sessions is limited, so register as soon as possible.
Get the full story here.
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Latest Pension and Benefits News now available
The latest edition of the highly-anticipated Pension and Benefits Newsletter is now posted on the Human Resources website. This issue features information on some time-sensitive items (like tuition benefit deadlines for student family members of employees), so is not to be missed. Get the details here.
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CRDC and CAETL present the Apple Learning Tour, September 18
The Apple Learning Tour takes place Tuesday, Sept. 18, and offers faculty and staff an opportunity to experience how you can transform learning with innovative new tools for creating, curating, and deploying content. Get the details here.
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Supporting Our Students Campaign Launch -- Wednesday, September 19
Since 2005, University of Lethbridge faculty, staff and retirees have contributed more than $1.5 million toward Supporting Our Students (SOS), an annual campaign to raise money for scholarships and bursaries.
Join this year’s SOS Co-Chairs, Dr. Jon Doan and Judy Jaeger (pictured above) as they kick off the campaign next Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the East Patio in University Hall. There will be a brief program at 11:30 a.m.
Learn more about SOS and how you can make a difference, here.
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Coffee’s On at the Art Gallery, September 19
The University of Lethbridge Art Gallery invites all University staff to join them for free coffee and cookies as a thank you for all your hard work on campus.
Please join them in the Main Gallery (W600) on Wednesday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to enjoy treats and beverages and take in the latest exhibition: Rural Readymade.
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Celebrate World Gratitude Day With Counselling Services, Friday, September 21
What are YOU grateful for?
Research shows that expressing gratitude bolsters self esteem, helps build social bonds, diminishes negative feelings, and makes people happier.
Join the Counselling Services team in the Atrium on World Gratitude Day to find out more about who they are, what they do, and to contribute to their giant gratitude display. This event taks place on Friday, September 21 in the UHall Atrium, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Get more information about Counselling Services here.
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Speaking of Gratitude....
An anonymous source has revealed to the Uweekly editorial team that an employee recently paid a significant portion of a student's book fees.
This random act apparently generated many tears of joy.
If you have a "Pay it Forward" - style story to share, please send a note to robert.cooney@uleth.ca.
Like the random acts of gratitude or kindness they are intended to explain, these notes will also appear randomly.
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Get to Know U Fun Run/Walk -- Sept. 22
The third annual Get to Know U Fun Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, Sept. 22 beginning at 11 a.m. from the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. This year a flat 3 km route has been added to the regular 5 km route.
After the run, there will be refreshments and a chance to win great prizes. Proceeds from the run will go to KidSport Alberta. Sign up soon, here.
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Applications Now Open for New Residence Complex
The new Aperture Park Residence complex is open for applications this week.
Even though it is not yet complete, the nearly 259-bed facility should prove popular with returning students who want to claim the biggest, newest living space on campus.
Campus housing receives more than 1200 applications for residence each year, and even though the extra space will cut down on the number of students who might miss out on a coveted space in residence, there will still be people who don’t make the cut.
This is why early applications are a must for anyone wanting to take advantage of the building’s many features:
- 9 study rooms
- 2 project rooms
- Large lounge for social gatherings or meetings
- 9 floor lounges
- Games room / exercise room for residents
- Primarily 4 bedroom units.
- Multi-purpose room equipped with fireplace
- On-site laundry facilities
- Dedicated recycling spaces
- New residence parking lot
Floor plans and additional information is available at this website.
Contact Housing Services for more information.
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Risk and Safety Services joins Security Services
Risk and Safety Services and Security Services are joining forces, effective immediately.
Risk and Safety Services and Security Services already collaborate on daily operational tasks, as well as numerous institutional projects, and by integrating the two departments, it is anticipated that there will be improvements in time management, organization of resources, and tactical management of safety and risk management programs aligned to the University’s strategic plan. Get additional information here.
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Reward Outstanding Community Commitment with an Honorary Degree
If you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to society at the provincial, national, or international level, someone who has really made a difference in the lives of Albertans, then you know someone who merits consideration for an Honorary Degree from the University of Lethbridge.
Honorary Degree recipients come from all walks of life, and so do the people who nominate them.
If you know someone whose contributions may make them worthy of one of the University's highest honours, please take the time to tell us about that person. Nominations close on Nov. 1. Get more information here, including details about the nomination process.
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Reminder: Fire Ban in Effect
Given last week's grass fire and continuing dry conditions, a fire ban is in effect for the River Vally area, which includies the U of L. Get the details here.
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Olympic TV Host Brian Williams Guest Speaker for Sept. 25 Pronghorn Scholarship Event
Pronghorn Athletics at the University of Lethbridge is looking for a community team effort to fill the 1st Choice Savings Centre gym and kick off what they hope becomes an annual scholarship event that supports Pronghorn athletes.
The breakfast event on Tuesday, Sept. 25, will feature well-known television broadcaster Brian Williams, fresh off his experiences at the 2012 Olympic Games, as the featured speaker. Tickets are on sale now. Please visit this website for additional information.
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Blood Services Transport Bus Dates Confirmed
Give blood with your friends and co-workers by signing up for the Blood Services Transport Bus. There are three dates to choose from (Sept. 25, Oct. 16, Oct. 26). Please contact Patti Leeb at leeb@uleth.ca or click here for more information.
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Word on the Street Festival -- Participants requested for Haiku 'Death Match', Volunteers Needed
The 2012 Word on the Street Festival takes place on Sunday, September 23 downtown on the streets and parking lot surrounding the Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch, located on the corner of Stafford Drive and 5th Ave. S.
HOW ARE YOUR HAIKU SKILLS?
Can you Haiku under extreme pressure -- for glory, and possibly interesting prizes? Participants are invited to join a Haiku "Death Match" competition, where individuals or teams will have a limited time to invent a haiku based on randomly-selected words or phrases.
No one will actually die, of course, but the organizers are ensuring a relevant amount of drama.
The paperwork and challenges associated with an actual fight to the death would be significant, and it is highly unlikey that Risk and Safety Services would approve of this activity.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
A very successful launch last year saw more than 2,000 people take in a full day of music, readings, family activities and fun for all ages.
The U of L is supporting this festival again -- the Bookstore is a partner and will be on site, several student clubs and individual students have agreed to take on specific projects, and numerous faculty and staff volunteer their time.
This year's event promises to be bigger and better, and is still Alberta's only Word on the Street festival!
You can help with this event by volunteering for a variety of projects. Learn more here.
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Draft Policy Available for Review - Art Placement
Feedback on the revised Art Placement Policy is encouraged. Please visit this website for additional information.
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Academic Writing Centre Now Open
After a short hiatus while undergoing a transition, The Academic Writing Centre is once again open to all U of L students
The Centre will begin normal operating hours today.
Students are free to drop in or email the coordinator to book an appointment at writing.centre@uleth.ca.
If you know a student who could benefit from a trip to the Writing Centre, please visit this website for more information.
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Spaces Available: Friday Afternoon Kids Science Club on Campus
Destination Exploration, the U of L Youth Science Programs, still has space in its fall and winter Science Clubs. Programming is suitable for kids in grades 1 - 6. Get the details here
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Fire Alarm Speaker Test Wednesday, September 19,
Do not be alarmed if you hear fire alarm speaker testing taking place on Wednesday, Sept. 19. You do, however need to know where and when these tests are taking place... Get that information, here.
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Career Fair -- Wednesday, October 3
The ever-popular and ever-expanding Career Fair takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 3 this year. Get more details here.
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED: If you know a student who might be interested in volunteering at the Career Fair, please direct them to this website.
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Fall Convocation -- Saturday, October 13
Fall 2012 Convocation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13. Details about relevant deadlines can be found here.
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Next Uweekly -- Monday, September 24
If you have a notice or information to submit for the week of Sept. 24 and beyond, please contact robert.cooney@uleth.ca.
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