Monday, October 15, 2012
United Way Campaign Launches this Week
The annual United Way fundraising campaign is one of the most significant ways in which citizens can make an impact on their community.
Every day, the United Way changes the lives of southern Albertans for the better by instilling hope, renewing faith and inspiring others to action. By supporting the United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta, you are helping to support a network of agencies that benefit people right here at home.
Last year, a total of $556,786 was raised in Lethbridge, with this year’s goal set at $540,000. I encourage the University of Lethbridge community to come together to help reach that goal through our 2012 Workplace Campaign.
As the second largest employer in Lethbridge, the University plays a major role in our community, and has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the success of the 2012 United Way Campaign.
Last year, through faculty and staff donations, as well as a significant contribution from our students, the U of L made a total contribution of just over $27,000 to the United Way. This year, the University of Lethbridge has set a goal to raise $35,000.
In order to reach our target, we need to come together as a community. I encourage everyone on campus to make a contribution. Less important than the size of the gift, is the participation of our faculty and staff. Even small gifts can make a huge difference when combined with many others.
Local agencies such as the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lethbridge Family Services and the Lethbridge Association for Community Living make up the 21 agencies and 25 local programs that benefit from your donations.
I thank Clark Ferguson, our Chief Information Officer, for continuing on as Chair of the United Way campaign.
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.
Look for the chance to win weekly prizes for your contribution, as well as a grand prize office party for the unit with the greatest participation.
Please join me in helping make our community a better place.
Thank you,
Dr. Mike Mahon
President & Vice-Chancellor
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Major Research Announcement, Wednesday, October 17
The U of L community is invited to join the Vice-President, Research and Research Services team on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. for a major announcement relating to research at the University of Lethbridge.
A brief news conference and presentation will take place in the University Hall Atrium area, just outside the Research Services / VP Research offices, which are located on Level 6 of University Hall (B610). Additional details will be revealed at that time.
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Pension and Benefits News Now Available
The Pension & Benefits October 2012 Newsletter is available for viewing on the Human Resources / Pension and Benefits website. There are several time-sensitive items in this issue the Pension and Benefits team would like people to know about. Learn more here.
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New Coat of Arms Revealed
The University of Lethbridge has an official Coat of Arms.
Unveiled at the October 13, 2012 Fall Convocation ceremony by University of Lethbridge Board of Governors Chair Gordon Jong and Deputy Chief Herald Bruce Patterson, (representing the Canadian Heraldic Authority) the Coat of Arms draws inspiration from previous representations and has been designed to reflect signature elements of the University of Lethbridge. Learn more here.
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Dr. Michelle Hogue Clears a Path to Post-Secondary Science Programs for Aboriginal Learners
The Canadian Education Association (CEA) has awarded Dr. Michelle Hogue (MEd ’04), Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the First Nations Transition Program at the University of Lethbridge, the 2012 Pat Clifford Award for Early Career Research in Education for her work in improving attendance, engagement, and success for Aboriginal learners.
Hogue’s research blends required curricular and institutional demands with narrative and arts practices that, with holistic knowledge, have the potential to change science education for Aboriginal learners.
In addition to working with students at the University of Lethbridge, Hogue is conducting research and developing new teaching practices in a pilot project with high school students, educators, and administrators on the Blackfoot (Kainai) Reserve in southern Alberta, located just west of Lethbridge. Learn more here.
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Dr. Melanee Thomas (BA'03) Receives Students' Union Alumni Achievement Award
Melanee Thomas, who led the University of Lethbridge Students' Union as President in 2002 - 2003, is the recipient of the Students' Union Alumni Achievement Award for 2012.
Thomas, originally from the Granum area, graduated from the U of L in 2003 with a degree in Political Science (Great Distinction).
Melanee went on to achieve her M.A. in Political Science with a specialization in Canadian Politics from the University of Calgary in 2006, and completed her Ph.D in Political Science at McGill University in 2011.
Now back in Alberta, Thomas is an Assistant Professor at The University of Calgary in the Political Science Department. Prior to her position at the University of Calgary she was The Skelton-Clark Post Doctoral fellow in the Department of Political Science at Queen's University. Learn more here.
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Alumni Homecoming Weekend Wrap-up
Thank you for making Homecoming Weekend 2012 a success!
This weekend's activities offered so much to choose from: an Olympic Gold Medalist, the art of appreciating fine scotch whisky, travelling through time, and recognizing the U of L's alumni and friends, not to mention the music, fashion (as evidenced by the stylish gear at right on Doug MacArthur) and fun all weekend long!
The celebration brought our University and the community together with events such as Education’s Adam Kreek Lecture, Arts and Science's Spirited Conversation, Management’s Time Machine, and Fine Arts’ Artists and Friends Concert, the Friends of Health Sciences Award and the ever-popular President's Brunch & Fashion show.
Among the many people recognized for their achievements and support to the U of L this weekend were Alumna of the Year 2012, Dr. Kathryn Preuss (BSc ‘95) and Honorary Degree recipient, Dr. Bill Cade.
The ULSU awarded its alumni award to past ULSU President, Melanee Thomas (BA ’03) and Jennifer Penner, RN, BScN was recognized at the annual Friends of Health Sciences Award reception.
The U of L Alumni Association’s Dine & Dance featured a fine meal and program and the exciting entrance of its 1993 Tullibardine special commemorative scotch whisky, accompanied by a marching pipe band, and an evening of dancing to the sounds of Hippodrome.
Thanks to all who supported the Alumni Association’s scotch whisky fundraiser, which was sold out before the end of dinner, and will raise close to $11,000 for student scholarships.
And finally, a very special thanks to all the faculty, staff and volunteers who put in so much effort behind the scenes to make our campus and community a welcoming place for our alumni over this celebration weekend! -- Maureen Schwartz, Jaime Morasch, Brett Humphries, Alumni Relations
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University of Lethbridge Establishes Institute for Child and Youth Studies
At its October 11, 2012 meeting, the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors has approved a new research institute – the Institute for Child and Youth Studies – which will bring together researchers from several disciplines who are increasingly adding child and youth studies projects to their research portfolios.
The Institute for Child and Youth Studies (I-CYS) formalizes a concept developed by a multi-disciplinary group of faculty members who hosted a successful conference at the U of L in 2011.
This is the ninth Research Institute to be established at the U of L. David Hill, the U of L’s recently-appointed Director of Centres and Institutes, said the Child and Youth Studies group will be a welcome addition to the cross-campus collaborations that are already taking place. Learn more here.
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Take the Great Bookstore Survey!
The Bookstore team is conducting a survey on customer service. If you are interested in participating, and want a chance to win a $50 Bookstore gift card for taking the time to fill out a brief online form, please visit this website for more information.
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U of L Open House Coming October 27 -- Volunteers Needed!
An open house for prospective students and families will take place on Oct. 27. If you know someone who should learn more about what the U of L has to offer, please refer them to this website for more information.
Volunteer at Open House 2012! Recruitment and Student Life is looking for volunteers to help out with Open House on Saturday, October 27 from 8:30am - 2:30pm on the track of the 1st Choice Savings Centre. Lunch and volunteer shirts will be provided. Sign up here.
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Supporting Our Students Update: Bookstore Manager Annette Bright sees the Benefits
University of Lethbridge Bookstore Manager Annette Bright is as connected to students as anyone on campus.
A staff member at the U of L for 30 years, she has always worked closely with students, first as a staffer in the library and then as a textbook buyer and now manager of the bookstore.
In 2005, when the Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign was initiated, Bright says she quickly saw value in the program and her involvement with SOS has gradually increased over the years.
She thoroughly enjoys her connection to students, and it gives her an insight into their lives and the struggles they face. Read more here.
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Humans vs. Zombies IV: the Outbreak is Coming, October 29 - November 2
Consider yourself warned -- Humans vs. Zombies IV (HvZ) is back in full force for 2012!
The five-day, campus-wide game, hosted by the University of Lethbridge Students' Union, is designed to provide students with an exciting on-campus event to help alleviate some of the mid-semester academic and social pressures, and to provide students an avenue to strengthen social bonds outside of the classroom setting.
HvZ is an annual tradition on campus and the event has become a recognized phenomenon by campuses across Canada.
So, from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, sit back and watch the fun happen. Learn more here.
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If Students Can’t Write: Exploring Shared Responsibility for the Teaching of Writing in Alberta
If students can’t write, they can’t succeed -- whether in school, work, or life. Students can face many challenges when learning to write for new situations. This becomes a very serious challenge at high school and university levels.
Teachers can help change this by learning how to properly assess and manage the challenges students of all ages may face when writing.
At a one-day confrence on Oct. 26, learn from experts from the University of Lethbridge and University of Alberta who, with internationally recognized keynote speaker, Dr. Bob Broad, will host a one-day session that explores how educators can learn more about writing assessment. Get the details here.
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Wellness Updates
Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month is Oct 1 – 31…the 2012 theme is Life-Work Harmony –Working Toward a Great Life! Over the next few months the Wellness Committee will be showcasing an education and awareness program around mental health in the workplace.
Oct. 14 - 20 - Making our workplace resilient
Beyond Stigma – Increasing our Knowledge of Mental Health in the Workplace” lunch and learn – Oct 18 AH100 11:00 AM– 12:00 noon
Submit your healthy recipe to wellness@uleth.ca – prizes will be drawn for those who submit. Attend the ‘Life Balance fair’ to receive copies of the recipes submitted
Oct. 21 - 27 - Keeping our workplace safe
Oct. 30 - “Mindful Meditation” Lunch and Learn AH100 – 12:00 noon – 1:00 PM
Upcoming Wellness Events:
Life Balance Fair - The Wellness Committee would like to take this opportunity to bring health and wellness information and resources to where you are – at work! Come out to the 6th annual Life Balance Fair – November 7th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Indoor Track at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.
Watch for information and results from the Employee Health and Wellness Survey that hopefully you participated in last spring.
Find out the following:
- Top 5 responses when employees think about health
- What percentage of employees are exposed to second hand smoke at work or at home?
- How many people are aware of the Employee and Family Assistance Program?
- What do your co-workers do to manage their stress?
Other:
There is still room in this semester’s Health Check for U – vascular screening program. Health Check for U is a program designed to inform you about your overall and cardiovascular health.
We will work with you to set goals about your general health and provide you with the necessary resources to meet those goals. The screening is confidential and is FREE to U of L employees.
Contact wellness@uleth.ca 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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U of L Students Attempt World Record Volkswagen Cram, October 19
A large group of U of L students will attempt to cram themselves into a new Volkswagen Beetle on Friday Oct. 19 at a community event, and hope to break a world record -- but no bones -- in the process. Depending on the age of the car, the record stands at 17 (for an older style Beetle) and up to 27 (for a new style Beetle.)
As part of the Octoberfest celebration at the Lethbridge Senior Citizen's Organization, the bug-stuffing frenzy begins at 7:30 p.m. at the LSCO facility, 500 11th St. S ( just behind City Hall, downtown).
Additional activities taking place that day include the 9th Annual Accordionfest (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.), a dance party featuring the Chevelles (8 p.m. to midnight) plus traditional German food and refreshments befitting an Octoberfest gathering.
Tickets are $15 and are available on campus at the SU offices (403) 329-2222. Details here.
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Human Resources Office Rearrangement, October 18 / 19
To provide for greater efficiency, privacy and work flow, the Human Resources Department main office floorspace will be rearranged on Oct. 18 and 19.
Service will be limited and communications interrupted on these dates. The new layout will provide 2 entrances: one for Payroll and one for Human Resources and Pension and Benefits.
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Next Uweekly -- Monday, October 22
If you have a notice or information to submit for the week of Oct. 22 and beyond, please contact robert.cooney@uleth.ca.
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