Monday, October 29, 2012
Globe Report Strong for U of L
The 10th Globe and Mail University Report Card results are out for 2013, and the U of L has maintained or increased its letter grades in a majority of categories. Learn more here.
back to top 
U of L Cyber Security Alert: "Ransomware" Scam in Lethbridge
The U of L Cyber Security team is reporting that there has been an increase in the number of cases of Ransomware scams being reported in the Lethbridge area.
Ransomware is a type of computer malware that attempts to extort money from computer users by limiting the functionality of users' machines, encrypting data so that it cannot be read by the computer owner, or other methods that prevent the normal operation of computers, mobile devices, and tablets.
If activated, users will generally see warnings or pop-up messages indicating their machine or device has been infected, and will include demands for money in order to repair the damage.
It may also indicate to the user that illegal activities have occurred on the computer, such as the viewing of illegal pornography or pirating software and music. The threat tells the user that unless they want law enforcement to be involved, they should pay the requested fee (usually around $100).
If you feel your computer has been infected, contact the Solutions Centre for assistance at 403-329-2490 or help@uleth.ca, or a qualified local service technician.
If this freaks you out, it should. There are some tips and additional cautions here
back to top
Strategic Planning Workshops Coming Soon
The 2009 – 2013 Strategic Plan is an excellent strategic document that has taken us to where we are today. It is time to revisit this plan for the future and your input is needed.
The Strategic Planning Committee is hosting a series of workshops to discuss strategic issues and record your feedback. You are invited to attend one of the following sessions:
1. Friday, Nov. 23, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., SU Ballroom
2. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., SU Ballroom
3. Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., SU Ballroom
Please mark one of these workshops in your schedule and kindly rsvp to presidentsoffice@uleth.ca indicating the date that you wish to attend.
Your opinions and comments will be used to plan for our future!
To learn more about the Strategic Planning process, please visit this website.
back to top
U of L Facilities Receives Green List Recognition
Dick Lutwick and John O'Keeffe were on hand at a reception this past week which recognized organizations and indivioduals on the City's 2012 Green List.
The U of L received the award for its long term strategy to re-develop the parking lots near Anderson Hall and the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. Learn more here.
back to top
Data centre open to all faculty
Dr. Tom Perks (Sociology) is turning his enthusiasm for data into a four-year term as the academic director for the Statistics Canada Research Data Centre (RDC) here on campus. And, he wants to encourage as many researchers as possible to take advantage of the unique data clearinghouse.
As a long-time user of other data centres in Edmonton and Calgary, Perks understands the convenience of having access to significant amounts of StatsCan data, close to home.
Interested researchers are welcome to contact either Perks (thomas.perks@uleth.ca) or Statistical Assistant Amber Zary at rdc@uleth.ca Learn more here.
back to top
News Roundup -- Small School Delivers Big Things
News Roundup is a snapshot of where U of L people have been mentioned in the news. If you've been quoted, please forward the web link and the source for a future listing to robert.cooney@uleth.ca
Lethbridge Herald Editorial: Small school delivers big things
Globe and Mail: Auditor General presses Ottawa to include provincial numbers in financial reports
Toronto Star: Governing in the Dark -- Good policy-making requires reliable statistical data
Vancouver Sun: Aboriginals struggle to maintain indigenous languages
Canadian Business: XL Foods' Nilsson family maintains silence
Lethbridge Herald: Exhibit uncovers landscape secrets
back to top
United Way Campaign Weekly Update: Who Won?
The annual United Way fundraising campaign is one of the most significant ways in which citizens can make an impact on their community.
Have you made your pledge to the 2012 United Way campaign yet? The University of Lethbridge has set a goal to raise $35,000 in support of the Lethbridge & South Western Alberta chapter of the United Way.
Congratulations to the winners of draw prizes from the first two weeks of our United Way campaign! Are you among the lucky winners? Find out here.
The unit with the greatest participation will receive a grand prize office party.
The U of L 2012 campaign runs Oct. 15 to Nov. 9.
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.
back to top
Dr. Robert (Bob) Hironaka Receives Alberta Order of Excellence
The Alberta Order of Excellence Council recently honoured eight outstanding citizens to receive the highest honour the province has to offer.
The new members, among them University of Lethbridge Chancellor Emeritus and Honorary Degree recipient Dr. Robert (Bob) Hironaka,were invested into the Alberta Order of Excellence last week, and were recognized for their exemplary records of service on the local, provincial, national and international stage. Get the full story here.
back to top
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 -- like Dr. Bob Hironaka (above) -- who merits consideration for an honorary degree for the University of Lethbridge. There is still time to submit a nomination! Please click here for more details.
back to top
Humans vs. Zombies IV: Infections Begin Today
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.
back to top
"Take Our Kids to Work" Day, November 7
The 18th annual Take Our Kids To Work Program occurs on November 7, 2012 across Canada. The program offers grade 9 students the opportunity to spend the day at work, job shadowing a parent, relative, friend or volunteer.
On campus, numerous children accompany a parent or volunteer for the day, and Risk and Safety Services is reminding everyone who does participate that there's a bit of paperwork and a process involved in making sure the student has a good experience on campus. Get the details here.
back to top
Roaming Plans for Bell Corporate Cell Phones
If you have a Bell Corporate Cell Phone and will be travelling outside Canada (USA/Internationally) consider adding a Roaming Plan to your mobile phone, Smartphone, or connection card/turbo stick.
Roaming charges can be very costly if you are unaware of your usage. There is a variety of Roaming Plans for your text, voice, and data plans. Get more details here.
back to top
Pumpkins and Composting?
Once you've finished with your Halloween pumpkin -- or blown it up, as the Let's Talk Science team did last week -- you can dispose of it through the composting program.
To date, the program is seeing more than 800 gallons of material composted per month, which diverts more than 45 tonnes of material from landfills. To learn more, please visit this website.
back to top
Wellness Update: Keeping our Workplace Safe - What can I do?
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. 30 - “Mindful Meditation” Lunch and Learn AH100 – 12:00 noon – 1:00 PM
Keeping Your Workplace Safe
Upcoming Wellness Events:
November 7 -- 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 7 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?
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.
back to top
Warning: Slippery Walkways
As a reminder, Risk and Safety Services is asking everyone to please use caution on walkways and parking lots on campus. These areas have developed icy or slippery sections with our changing weather conditions.
back to top
Faculty and Staff Directory Photos - Free Professional Portraits
We are once again offering sessions for faculty and staff directory photos. Need a new photo for your website, book cover, conference posters, to send to your mother, and of course the Campus Directory?
For those who are new faculty or staff, missed previous opportunities, or would just like to update your current photo - here is your chance.
Sessions are being held Nov. 6 - 8 in the Library - Curriculum Lab - Instructional Material Production Room [L1170B].
To Sign up for your free photo session, please visit this website
If you are unable to attend at your appointed time please log back in and cancel your appointments so that others have an opportunity to sign up for that time slot.
back to top
Bookstore Survey
Visit this website to take a brief survey about the Bookstore, and be entered to win a $50 gift card.
back to top
Fun with Math? Absolutely!
If you know a grade 9 - 12 student who is interested in mathematics and computer science and wants to build their skills in a fun environment, please direct them to this website to register for an afternoon series of math activities, beginnning Friday, Nov. 2.
Students can gain the skills to compete in Canadian Mathematics Olympiad, a prestigious event held annually for high school students, as well as the Canadian Open Math Challenge.
Some of the best mathematicians in Canada are in the U of L Math department and have been involved in the Olympiad for years, and this is a chance to learn from the experts!
back to top
Next Uweekly -- Monday, November 5
If you have a notice or information to submit for the week of Nov. 5 and beyond, please contact robert.cooney@uleth.ca.
back to top
|
