Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Message from President Mahon -- Letter of Expectation
Late on Friday, March 22, 2013, I received the draft of the anticipated Letter of Expectation from the Ministry of Enterprise and Advanced Education (EAE).
We had previously been informed that this draft Letter was not for public distribution. But, having reviewed its content and discussed the matter further with EAE, I have made the decision to share it with our community.
The letter outlines expectations of the Province’s publicly-funded post-secondary institutions, including the University of Lethbridge.
The draft Letter includes many considerations for our University in regard to programs, learners, collaboration, governance, and research.
Some of these considerations – like learner pathways - were introduced at a meeting of the Campus Alberta Strategic Directions Committee on January 15, 2013.
I was in attendance at that meeting, along with the other presidents of Alberta post-secondary institutions. There were not a lot of details provided then and as you will note in the Letter, there still are few details available that would enable us to respond with clarity and certainty.
The Letter is in a draft form and I am hopeful that the Minister and EAE officials will engage in the dialogue, as they have publicly indicated they would, with Alberta post-secondary institutions.
There are points in the Letter that align with the role the University of Lethbridge already plays in the province and reflect many processes and commitments the University currently performs.
There are, however, many additional points that are very concerning and require a great deal more detail, understanding and discussion.
Additional infomration and a link to the draft letter and a comment form can be found here.
back to top 
Community Budget Meeting, March 27, 3:30 p.m.
University of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon invites students, staff and faculty members at all three University of Lethbridge campuses to a Community Update on the Provincial Budget.
Dr. Mahon, with members of senior administration, will share with the University community the budget information it has received from the Government of Alberta as well as outline the process the University will follow to address the reductions necessary due to the cut of 7.3% from the Campus Alberta Operating Grant.
After the presentation, there will be opportunities for questions.
Date: March 27, 2013
Time: 3:30 to 4:30pm
Lethbridge: Atrium, University Hall
Calgary: Bow Valley College, S6050
Edmonton: Concordia University College, Alumni House
This forum will be live streamed for the benefit of our Northern campuses and for those unable to join the event in person. Learn more here
back to top
Message from President Mahon: Budget Update III (Released March 20)
More information has been provided regarding the 2013-14 Alberta Provincial budget and I am pleased to share that there is a bright point within this news for our University.
In the Capital Plan Details Supplement to the Provincial Budget, it is identified that the University of Lethbridge will receive $10 million over two years to continue the planning process for the Destination Project.
I have included the specific reference in the link, here.
As you know, the pillars of the Destination Project include the development of new science facilities, the revitalization of University Hall and the addition of a new power plant for the University.
We expect to receive a letter outlining the terms of this grant and have been told that it is expected that the funds will be used to move this important project into the design phase.
These new funds are in addition to $2.3 million received from the Ministry of Enterprise and Advanced Education in September 2011.
There are many grants that the Government of Alberta provides to the University of Lethbridge in addition to the Campus Alberta Operating Grant.
Examples of other grants include the Infrastructure Maintenance Program (IMP) and targeted grants for programs and capital like the Campus Alberta Innovation Program (CAIP).
IMP funds are used for infrastructure maintenance and the CAIP funds are used to support Chairs in specific areas of research.
These additional grants are targeted and restricted to the use for which they are intended.
The University has no ability to use the funds for any other purpose – including offsetting the reductions to our Campus Alberta Operating Grant.
While the reduction of 7.3% to our Campus Alberta Operating Grant does pose a severe budgetary challenge to the University on a continuing basis, I am pleased that this $10 million grant is firm recognition from the Government of Alberta of the importance of the Destination Project to our University and our community.
It is further evidence that while the current budget situation poses many challenges, the future continues to look bright for the University of Lethbridge.
On Wednesday, March 27, 2013 from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm in the atrium of University Hall, I and other members of senior administration will be providing a Community Update on the budget of the University.
While we will not yet have a scenario established for the budget reductions we must face, we will outline the process we will follow to establish those reductions and build the revised 2013-14 University budget as well as provide any further updates we can on the provincial budget.
back to top
Board of Governors Policy Changes
On Mar. 14, at the Open Session Meeting of the Board of Governors, an update to the following policy was approved:
- Carryover Fund Policy
At the same meeting, the creation of the following policies was approved:
- Space Management and Allocation Policy
- Postdoctoral Fellows Policy
New and updated policies are available for viewing on the Institutional Policies and Procedures website.
back to top
Changes to Operating Hours
Recruitment and Student Life -- Reduced staff availability due to professional development days, March 26, 27
Bookstore Inventory / Easter hours
Library Operating Hours, March 29 - April 1
back to top
Dr. Chris Hopkinson appointed Chair in Terrestrial Ecosystem Remote Sensing
Already recognized as a national leader in remote sensing technology and its applications, the University of Lethbridge has added to its research capacity with the addition of a new Chair in Terrestrial Ecosystem Remote Sensing, Dr. Chris Hopkinson.
Hopkinson is the second of four new research Chairs being added to the University this year as part of the Government of Alberta’s Campus Alberta Innovation Program (CAIP) Chairs plan.
The government is contributing $1-million per year over the course of seven years, for a total investment of $7 million. Read more here.
back to top
Alumni Award Recipients Announced
The University of Lethbridge Alumni Association is pleased to announce this year’s alumni award recipients:
2013 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
Dr. Robert Morrison (BASc ’83)
English Professor, Queen’s University
2013 Alumni Honour Society Inductees
Sarah Amies (BA ’88)
Sylvia Campbell (BEd ’79)
Frank Gnandt (BA ’74)
Michelle Hogue (MEd ’04)
Douglas McArthur (Mgt Certificate ’90)
Diane Randell (BN ’91)
Join us in congratulating the Alumni Honour Society inductees on May 29, 2013.
Dr. Morrison will be formally recognized in October at Fall Convocation.
back to top
U of L grads making big City contributions
One of the greatest compliments alumni can pay to their alma mater is in how they impact their local communities.
At the University of Lethbridge, such compliments keep pouring in as alumni employed by The City of Calgary display a depth of knowledge, a commitment to innovation and a dedication to improving their communities and neighbourhoods. Read more about the team of U of L alumni making a difference at the City of Calgary, here.
back to top
Living Well at the U of L
Upcoming Wellness sessions:
March 28 – Asthma and Allergies – lunch and learn – Dianne Sullivan from the Asthma and Allergy Clinic will be presenting symptoms and signs of allergies and asthma, what you can do, and how to access the clinic. AH100, 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Ongoing -- Mini Massages! Book soon!
For additional information, please visit the Wellness Website.
+++
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
+++
Health Check for U Vascular Screening Program -- The last appointment date is April 4!
Get a jumpstart on your health for the new year by registering for the screening soon.
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 to register or for more information.
back to top
Steps for Life Walk Information Session and Sign-up, March 26
The Steps for Life Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy is a fun 5km fundraising walk on May 4, 2013 to help support families affected by workplace tragedy.
Created in 2004, it raises funds to support Threads of Life programs and services for families who’ve suffered from a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease.
The "Luxy Loafers" -- our Steps for Life team will be at PE 2nd level on March 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those who have more questions or would like to join the team. Students, staff, faculty and friends and family all welcome! Learn more here.
back to top
Update on Health Centre Flood Situation
On March 17, 2013 the Health Centre at SU020 had a 'water event' (i.e. flood of water) causing 1/2 of its workspace to be made inoperative.
The Health Centre staff chose to continue to try to keep clinic operations going in order to ensure that medical care continue to the University of Lethbridge organization.
University staff from various departments have been working hard to ensure that operations continue. We thank our clients for their patience as we have dealt with the aftermath of the flood this week. We are anticipating normal operations by the beginning of April.
back to top
Treating male and female cancer patients with radiation – are their brains affected differently?
Two University of Lethbridge researchers are teaming up to better understand unintended side effects associated with radiation treatment of cancer cells and the difference between female and male patients.
Dr. Bryan Kolb, a neuroscience researcher at the U of L’s Canadian Centre for Behavioual Neuroscience (CCBN) and Dr. Olga Kovalchuk, a Biological sciences researcher who specializes in researching the affects of radiation on cancer cells and nearby cells, are collectively putting their lab teams on the project, which is being funded by the
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
Over the next five years, the research team will receive more than $930,000
The studies, which may lead to the development of male or female-specific treatments that improve the quality of life for all cancer patients, is attempting to solve problems yet to be fully explored -- why does radiation delivered in one part of your body to help eliminate cancer cells affect your memory, balance and other behaviours normally managed by your brain -- and are those effects different in men and women? Read more here.
back to top
Congratulations to 2013 Women of Distinction
The YWCA of Lethbridge and District acknowledged several community leaders, including U of L graduates and a current student, at the 2013 Women of Distinction Awards gala evening, which took place last week.
The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards are presented to women who have distinguished themselves through their achievements as individuals or as groups, as members of their community and as role models for other women.
Congratulations to the Women of Distinction 2013!
Kristin Ailsby-Wood: Leadership and Management
Belinda Crowson: Arts, Culture and Heritage
Wendy Fox: Education Mentorship
Judy Godlonton: Community Leadership and Enhancement
Sharon Prenevost: Lifetime Achievement
Madison Webber: Young Woman of Promise
Get additional biographical information here
back to top
News Roundup
Country 95.5 Radio -- U of L Physics Professor Moving From One Space Mission To Another
Lethbridge Herald -- Post-secondary students urge action against cuts
880 Radio News -- Glaciers in the Rockies show signs of melting
Environmental Health News -- Fish lose sense of smell in polluted waters
Lethbridge Herald -- Facing a Biting Reality (Food Security)
Brooks Bulletin -- BCHS alumnus Stephanie Nordlee (current U of L student) qualifies as an international referee
Daily Oil Bulletin -- Non-Traditional Employees Could Help Fill Looming Shortages Of Engineers, Geologists
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
back to top
Flurry of scam e-mails keep IT Security team busy
Over the past four days, IT Services has observed a large number of scam emails being sent to members of the University community, which attempt to trick users into divulging their account passwords. The short answer is don't answer them or click on the links in the messages! Get more information here.
back to top
Registrations for DELF testing
Registration is now open for people to take any one of five DELF-DALF tests to confirm their French language proficiency.
Register online until April 5. Testing begins April 22. For more information, please visit this website.
back to top
Students: Free Tax Return Preparation
Trained Faculty of Management students (volunteering with the Canada Revenue Agency) will be offering a free ‘drop-in’ tax service to students and others who qualify for the program. Learn more here.
back to top
ULSU Teaching Excellence awards program seeks nominees
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union would like to formally recognize and honour teaching excellence at the University of Lethbridge.
The nomination deadline is March 29, 2013.
The winners will be formally recognized as part of the 'ULSU Last Lecture' event on April 17, 2013.
Students can nominate a professor, sessional staff or lab instructor who has shown outstanding efforts to increase the learning experience of their students.
The Teaching Excellence Award is based solely on teaching excellence and will be presented up to three instructors who meet the award criteria.
All undergraduate students are eligible to nominate an instructor for the award. Get the details here.
back to top
Suicide Prevention Week begins March 25 -- Photo and Art Contest
The Public Health Students' Association and Counselling Services are hosting events on Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week beginning March 25th.
In preparation for this event, they are inviting all members of the campus community to enter a photo and painting contest by submitting a photographic or painted interpretation of: Hope for the Future: Together we find Courage.
Please email phsa.club@uleth.ca for more information or to submit your image.
back to top
Fire Alarm Testing, Thursday, March 28
Fire alarms will be tested in the AWESB, Library and Markin Hall on Thursday, March 28. Find out when, here.
back to top
Field Study in Malawi, Africa
If you know a student who is interested in international travel, global citizenship and health promotion?
The Faculty of Health Sciences is offering a field study course in May-June 2014 that will include three (3) weeks in Malawi, Africa.
The course is open to all students with year three (3) standing. An information session will take place Wednesday, Mar. 27 in AH116. Get more information here.
back to top
Let's Talk Science Program Looking for coordinators
The Let’s Talk Science Program at the University of Lethbridge offers exciting scientific activities for youth on campus as well as in schools across southern Alberta.
They are part of the national Let’s Talk Science network of enthusiastic undergraduate and graduate students working together to make a difference in the science literacy of young Canadians.
Currently, they have two vacant positions as program coordinator and as life-science coordinator with the University of Lethbridge Let's Talk Science Program. If you know a student who might be interested in this type of an experience, please contact them.
Get more information here.
back to top
Headshave 2013 -- Thursday, March 28
A whole bunch of people are going to go bald for a good cause on Thursday, March 28 -- the 8th Annual Kappa Sigma Headshave for Cancer begins at 9 a.m. in the Atrium of University Hall, and continues until there are no heads left to shave.
To date, the group has raised more than $200,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. You can donate online or support a shaver 'day of'.
Cash donations are being collected at the HeadShave table at the university leading up to the event, and will be collected at the event itself. Get more information here.
back to top
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
back to top
|
