UNews - dean

Second annual agribusiness case competition draws a dozen teams

caroline.zentner — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 17:42:04 +0000

Word has spread about the Cor Van Raay Agribusiness Case Competition co-hosted by Lethbridge College and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. This year, 54 post-secondary students registered to participate in the two-day event Friday and Saturday.

Now in its second year, the 12 teams taking part include one each from Medicine Hat College, Lakeland College and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan. The remaining nine teams are from Lethbridge and are comprised of both U of L students studying management and agricultural economics and Lethbridge College students studying business administration and agriculture.

“This case competition provides students with an opportunity to analyze issues facing the primary industry in southern Alberta and provide solutions to a panel of judges,” says Dr. Bob Boudreau, dean of the Faculty of Management at the U of L. “It also allows them to network with and learn from industry professionals.”

“This competition is a great experience for students to work with peers from not only different disciplines, but from different institutions as well, in a fast-paced learning environment,” says Dennis Sheppard, dean of the Centre for Applied Management at Lethbridge College. “The competition affords students a taste of their future careers in an ever-growing world where the business of agriculture is critical.”

The case competition grew out of a $5-million donation by local agricultural entrepreneur Dr. Cor Van Raay (LLD ’15). The competition is designed to give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge in agriculture and business on a global scale.

“We strive to educate students on agribusiness and its potential career paths. Agribusiness presents diverse career possibilities, regardless of whether someone has grown up on a farm or not,” says Boudreau.

The competition gets underway Friday evening with a networking event and talk by keynote speaker Dennis McKnight. McKnight, founder of The Innovators, has decades of experience in market research and analyzing data. On Saturday morning, the case competition gets underway in the Markin Hall Atrium at the U of L. Students will be given an agribusiness case from which they’ll analyze the relevant issues and come up with a strategy that they’ll present to a panel of three judges. The competition wraps up with a mixer, dinner and awards presentation at the Garden Court restaurant at Lethbridge College.

A Window to the World

david.kirby — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 15:57:22 +0000

The Dalai Lama once wrote, “With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.”

It’s a timeless quote with universal relevance, and one that is particularly meaningful to students at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge who have travelled to Africa as part of the Malawi Field Study program.

Since the Faculty of Health Sciences began offering the field study in 2008, 48 U of L students have taken their learning to Malawi and 14 more are registered to go this spring. Their objective: to conduct culturally relevant health-promotion activities in Malawi in relation to the diseases of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV-AIDS, and to explore the complexities that arise in such an endeavour due to cultural differences, traditional practices and societal beliefs.

“The program is designed to help students learn about global health and how populations achieve health in other parts of the world,” says U of L nursing professor Dr. Jean Harrowing (BSc ’78), who along with U of L fine arts professor Lisa Doolittle, established and now co-ordinate the program. “The students come to understand that global is local, and local is global – that some of the challenges people face in a place like Malawi aren’t necessarily all that different than some of the challenges people face here.”

The Malawi program is one example of the Faculty of Health Sciences’ aim to provide transformational education, nurture intellectual curiosity, engage with diverse populations and promote responsible global citizenship. The Faculty’s dean, Dr.Christopher Hosgood, says that instilling a global perspective in students is every bit as important to the Faculty as providing solid clinical knowledge.

“We offer very different kinds of programming. Some of it is very practice-ready in terms of focus, and some of it is a lot broader with an emphasis on learning how to support populations or individuals on the path toward health and wellness,” he explains. “In either case, our primary goal is to graduate health-care professionals who understand that health is multifaceted and affected by many different factors related to location, culture, history, politics and more.”

Photos submitted by Mandy Pack (BA '09), Stacy Peleskey (BN '08) and Anuva Pradhan (BN '09)

The Malawi program is open to U of L students from all disciplines, and instils lessons in community building and cultural understanding.

“The program helps students understand how complex the world really is, and to see that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution to any issue,” Harrowing says. “It offers an ongoing, broad-spectrum type of learning that’s applicable in many ways.”

When U of L alumna Stacy Peleskey (BN ’08) went to Malawi, she connected with Malawian children and delivered important health messages in ways she never anticipated.

“Song and dance are integral to Malawian culture, so it was important that we share some of our Canadian culture in that way,” says Peleskey. “I did the ‘moose song’ in almost every classroom we went into. The kids loved it. It gave us an immediate connection and helped break down any barriers getting in the way of the teaching and learning we were there to do.”

Animal antics aside, the Malawi field study was a deeply moving experience for Peleskey, one that changed the trajectory of her life and continues to resonate with her today.

“The Malawi trip was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. It impacted my life at the time and continues to do so even now five years later,” says Peleskey, who works as a nurse in public health. “The opportunity to experience such a diverse culture was unbelievable. It fuelled my nursing career, gave me skills I use today and helped me grow as a person.”

Peleskey’s feelings about the program are shared among her classmates.

“We hear it again and again – the program changes a student’s way of thinking,” says Aaron Maluwa, director of Education Services with Museums of Malawi.

Maluwa is the U of L’s key contact in Malawi, laying all the groundwork for each trip. In addition to the innumerable logistical details he hammers out, Maluwa plays host, translator and mentor to the student travellers. Simply put, the program wouldn’t be possible without him.

Maluwa met Harrowing in 2007 when he visited the Galt Museum in Lethbridge as part of a Commonwealth Association of Museums tour, and played a key role in establishing the program that would benefit U of L students and the people of Malawi alike. In recognition of his work, Maluwa received the 2013 Friend of Health Sciences Award, an annual honour given by the Faculty of Health Sciences that recognizes an individual or agency who has made a significant contribution to health education and research at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

While he is honoured to be recognized, his focus remains on the program and the difference it makes in the lives of those affected.

“Through the fundraising efforts of U of L students, more than 3,000 mosquito nets have been distributed and given to children and pregnant women. This is one of the most reliable methods of malaria prevention,” Maluwa says. “As well, through education and health promotion 4,000 people have been tested for their HIV status, which is an entry point to HIV prevention and management.”

U of L students have also donated soccer balls, sugar, clothes, schools supplies and even a wheelchair to children and HIV-positive individuals. And once they return to Canada, the U of L students are expected to give a public presentation as a way of sharing their experiences and acknowledging the privilege of participating in the service-learning project.

“The U of L students have had a tremendous impact. By delivering messages of health promotion in a culturally relevant way, the Malawian students and communities can adopt and incorporate them into their systems of learning,” says Maluwa. “The Malawi program positively affects everyone involved, not only the people of Malawi, but also U of L students – who are ambassadors of global health promotion at the local and international level. There’s tremendous learning on both sides.”

Join the SOS community

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 21:05:08 +0000

Lorne Williams and Linda Embury give to SOS each month – and they hope you’ll join them.

As Co-Chairs of the 2013/14 Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign, Williams (BMgt ’98, MEd ’07) and Embury are excited to bring the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community together in support of scholarships and bursaries for students.

“I feel honoured to be Co-Chair,” says Embury, assistant to the associate vice-president (HR and Administration) Human Resources. “I want to be a role model to my colleagues. If we all give, it adds up.”

Linda Embury, left, and Lorne Williams are the Co-Chairs for this year’s Supporting Our Students campaign.

The annual SOS campaign allows U of L faculty, staff and retirees the opportunity to contribute to student awards. SOS participants have enabled an incredible 2,000 scholarships and bursaries to be awarded to deserving students in the past year alone.

According to the Co-Chairs, the campaign has far-reaching impact.

“Students are the reason we are all here. By giving to SOS, we can help students go forward and be positive forces in the external community,” says Williams, the assistant dean of northern campuses.

The Co-Chairs ask that you join them in contributing at a level suitable to your circumstances and to an area on campus that holds meaning for you.

“Every little bit helps. All it takes is a few dollars a month to make a difference,” explains Embury.

Williams and Embury understand the challenges faced by many members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community at this time, but maintain a sense of pride in the U of L and optimism for the future.

“I know that times are tough as we recover from the southern Alberta flood and face budget cuts,” says Williams, “but the way that we’re getting through these challenges shows our resilience and our collaborative spirit. I believe those same qualities are at the heart of the SOS campaign. Now, more than ever, we need to put students first.”

For more information on Supporting Our Students, or to make your contribution today, visit
www.uleth.ca/giving/supporting-our-students.

Nicol appointed ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian

trevor.kenney — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 16:11:57 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has named Dr. Christopher J. Nicol as its new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian, an appointment that took effect on July 1, 2013.

Nicol, the former Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, had been serving as Acting ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian since Sept. 1, 2012. He took that position in the wake of former ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian Alison Nussbaumer's move to the role of Interim Dean, Internationalization.

"Chris Nicol's service to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as Dean of Arts and Science has been both remarkable and exemplary," says Bob Boudreau, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Vice Provost. "His contributions in advancing the Faculty of Arts and Science will be felt for years to come. Building on this legacy, we are absolutely thrilled that Chris will continue to serve and lead the U of L in his new role of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian."

A native of Scotland, Nicol earned his master's and PhD in economics at Queen's ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Kingston, Ont., before spending 16 years as a professor of economics at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Regina. He arrived on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus in 2001 and assumed his duties as a professor in economics while also serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. He will continue on as a professor of economics in the Department of Economics while serving as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian.

An esteemed researcher, Nicol's interests are in econometrics, applied econometrics and the theory of consumer behaviour. He is also keenly interested in macroeconomic policy debates, especially those arising in the wake of the financial crisis of 2008.

Nicol is also an accomplished swimmer, having competed internationally and at the post-secondary level for Queen's ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. In 1985, Nicol won both the 100-metre and 200-metre breaststroke events at the inaugural World Masters Games in Toronto.

U of L Calgary campus temporarily relocated to U of C

trevor.kenney — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 19:48:11 +0000

Due to the flooding in Calgary and the continuing challenges posed by the current closure of Bow Valley College, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Calgary Campus has found temporary instructional space in order to proceed with Summer Session II/III classes.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary has agreed to host the U of L Calgary Campus until we are able to return to our home in Bow Valley College. Our estimated return to BVC is unknown at this time, but we are hopeful that we will know more in the coming days. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary's address is: 2500 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4.

On Tuesday, July 2, 2013 the Calgary Campus administrative team began setting up temporary office space at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary that will be accessible to students and instructors. Our temporary space is located on the 2nd floor of the MacKimmie Link, behind the escalators and staircase. In this space, we will be able to provide support for Summer Session II/III.

Faculty, staff and students affected by this relocation have been communicated to directly by e-mail.

Administrative staff have been assigned temporary ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary telephone numbers. Currently, these telephones are only a line out/line in configuration with no voicemail capabilities. If you wish to leave a message, we recommend you send an email. The numbers are as follows:

Lorne Williams: 403-210-9353
Dana Corbin: 403-210-9356
Kristin Galicia: 403-210-9363
Sydney McNally: 403-210-9358
Krista Strome: 403-210-9357
Tracy Fairs: 403-210-9372
Mark Matias: 403-210-9378

On behalf of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, I would like to extend gratitude to the faculty and staff who have been working very hard to accommodate this challenging situation. I also want to express appreciation to our students for their patience and understanding. Finally, I want to thank the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary for welcoming us to their campus and for the outstanding support they have been providing to us.

Lorne Williams
Asst. Dean, North Campuses

Connecting experts with stakeholders

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:50:55 +0000

"The U of L is an institution with a global reach," says Chris Horbachewski, Vice-President (Advancement), whose department sponsored the project. "The new database will serve many purposes by making expertise publicly accessible to communities near and far."

The U of L Experts Database allows users to find researchers through a number of search criteria including research expertise, name, faculty, department and spoken language. Further, it allows users to browse for experts by specific topics. The database provides contact information for the expert and in many cases provides a link to the researcher's website.

Vice-President (Research) Dr. Dan Weeks says the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, as a comprehensive research institution and leader in many research disciplines, is now better able to share its expertise. He says the database will be an important tool to connect researchers with industry, policy makers and community members.

"Ensuring that new knowledge and university expertise is available for public benefit is important for our society," says Weeks. "Our office has focused on ensuring that our community is aware of the research that is taking place at the U of L. This new database will make important connections between our researchers and many other stakeholders."

In addition to its mandate from the Government of Alberta to conduct pure and applied research in a wide range of disciplines, the U of L has a comprehensive teaching mandate that offers a full range of graduate programs.

Dr. Robert Wood, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, says the new experts database will be a valuable tool for matching potential graduate students with faculty supervisors.

"Our graduate programs emphasize faculty mentorship, and for many of our programs it is necessary for prospective students to identify a supervisor at the time of application," says Wood. "This product will certainly help prospective graduate students to gain a better understanding of our faculty members' research and creative activity."

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Experts Database can be found at http://www.uleth.ca/experts-database.

U of L launches Experts Database

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:34:43 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge launched a new experts database today that will link the U of L's world-class expertise with journalists, academia, government, industry, students and members of the general public from around the world.

"The U of L is an institution with a global reach," says Chris Horbachewski, Vice-President (Advancement), whose department sponsored the project. "The new database will serve many purposes by making expertise publicly accessible to communities near and far."

The U of L Experts Database allows users to find researchers through a number of search criteria including research expertise, name, faculty, department and spoken language. Further, it allows users to browse for experts by specific topics. The database provides contact information for the expert and in many cases provides a link to the researcher's website.

Vice-President (Research) Dr. Dan Weeks says the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, as a comprehensive research institution and leader in many research disciplines, is now better able to share its expertise. He says the database will be an important tool to connect researchers with industry, policy makers and community members.

"Ensuring that new knowledge and university expertise is available for public benefit is important for our society," says Weeks. "Our office has focused on ensuring that our community is aware of the research that is taking place at the U of L. This new database will make important connections between our researchers and many other stakeholders."

In addition to its mandate from the Government of Alberta to conduct pure and applied research in a wide range of disciplines, the U of L has a comprehensive teaching mandate that offers a full range of graduate programs.

Dr. Robert Wood, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, says the new experts database will be a valuable tool for matching potential graduate students with faculty supervisors.

"Our graduate programs emphasize faculty mentorship, and for many of our programs it is necessary for prospective students to identify a supervisor at the time of application," says Wood. "This product will certainly help prospective graduate students to gain a better understanding of our faculty members' research and creative activity."

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Experts Database can be found at http://www.uleth.ca/experts-database.

U of L celebrates its Calgary presence at Bow Valley College

trevor.kenney — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:28:01 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is celebrating the new location of its Calgary Campus with its post-secondary, community, alumni and government partners, as Bow Valley College officially opens its South Campus today.

In addition to the introduction of a beautiful building that will be utilized by four of Alberta's post-secondary institutions, a new partnership between Bow Valley College, Olds College, Athabasca ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is being celebrated in front of dignitaries that include Premier Alison Redford, Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

Since 1996, the U of L has served a critical role in Calgary by offering university degree level programming through its Faculty of Management in the evenings and on weekends.

"By meeting the needs of busy, working adult learners, U of L students can earn a degree in a manner that accommodates their busy lifestyles," says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President, Dr. Mike Mahon. "This niche, combined with our Campus Alberta partnership with Bow Valley College, Olds College and Athabasca ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will create new, important laddering opportunities for Alberta's students."

The U of L's original Calgary Campus was located at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Significant student growth occurred from 1997 to 2001, primarily due to the post-diploma program offered in Calgary. Today, the U of L's Calgary Campus is home to approximately 700 students in Calgary.

"The success of the programming we offer in Calgary can be attributed to the quality of a U of L degree, but also to the efforts the U of L has made in making a university degree accessible to adult learners," says Dean of the Faculty of Management, Dr. Bob Ellis.

When combined with the many students from Calgary who choose to attend the U of L's Lethbridge campus, Calgary and its surrounding areas become the U of L's most significant source of students. Calgary students make up 38 per cent of the U of L's total student body.

Since its inception, more than 1,460 students have graduated from the Calgary Campus. Overall, Calgary and area is home to more than 7,000 U of L alumni.

"The U of L is very proud of the role it plays in creating access for Alberta students, whether they attend our Lethbridge, Calgary or Edmonton campuses. Further, we are extremely proud of the role our alumni are playing in building communities across Alberta, Canada and internationally," says Mahon.

Mahon speaks to proposed budget reductions

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:50:59 +0000

April 23, 2013

In addressing the budget reductions imposed on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge through the 7.3 per cent reduction in the Campus Alberta Operating Grant, a framework of values was developed to guide the Budget Advisory Committee in developing the 2013/14 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge consolidated operating budget. The 2013/14 reductions require us to find $11.8 million. Assuming no increases in the Campus Alberta Grant for the following two years as has been suggested by Enterprise and Advanced Education, this number grows to $20 million by 2015/16.

The approach committed to by our community was to, "maintain the forward vision of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge" and to not compromise our future through shortsighted reaction. "Our strategic priorities remain priorities independent of the financial challenges our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ encounters. To take us to our desired future the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will pursue its established strategic directions and identified priorities." The values, which were reaffirmed by both the General Faculties Council and the Board of Governors, are that:

Our people define our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and are our greatest strength

People are the essential resource of our institution and as such the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will strive to preserve employment. All ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ employee groups will be treated with fairness and with respect in all that lies ahead in our work to maintain our student centred focus and to ensure the continuing financial sustainability of our institution.

High quality is central to all that we do

Our commitment to maintaining high quality undergraduate and graduate academic programmes is key to our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ mission to build a better society. High quality instruction and teaching are essential to this commitment. Research and creative activity are also key to our mission and their vitality and vibrancy serve as a differentiating feature of our institution and a central part of our culture as a comprehensive academic and research institution. High quality facilities and services support our mission and best serve our students, staff, and academic staff.

Access to our university is a foundational value

As a Comprehensive Academic and Research ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, dedicated to liberal education, that was born out of the needs and aspirations of our local communities, we are committed to providing student access to our high quality academic programs throughout the province without creating unnecessary financial barriers. Community engagement with our university and community use of our facilities play a role in defining us as a public institution.

I am committed to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ quickly achieving as much of the targeted reductions as possible without compromising the long-term prospects of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and without making decisions that lack adequate data or debate to support those decisions. While there is much more work yet to complete, the recommendations put forward to date look to achieve a balanced budget by the 2015/16 fiscal year if not sooner. The following outline the initial recommendations of the Budget Advisory Committee to bring forward a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge 2013/14 consolidated operating budget.

Academic Staff Voluntary Retirement Plan

The Academic Staff Voluntary Retirement Plan was introduced to help address budget issues at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ at a time when we were anticipating a 2% increase in base grant funding. The plan was voluntary and faculty members were provided a three-year window to transition to retirement. A total of 34 faculty members have decided to participate. For the most part, these faculty members will not be replaced. In the situation where the continuance of a program is predicated on the replacement of a faculty member or where the quality of a program will be severely compromised, the Dean of the Faculty and Provost of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will develop a plan for replacing the member.

This program will enable the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to save approximately $4.2 million by 2015/16.

Ancillary Services

Additional revenue will be provided from Ancillary Services operations to the operating budget of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Currently, Ancillary Services contributes $150,000 per year, in addition to covering all of the expenses associated with their operations. This will rise to $500,000. To support this, Ancillary Services will reduce the contributions it makes to their respective capital reserves and maintenance funds and will explore additional, new revenue opportunities.

Lifecycle Equipment Annual Allocation

Annual funding for the replacement of equipment will be reduced by $1 million on a continuing basis.

Research Enhancement Fund

The Research Enhancement Fund of $300,000 per year will be discontinued. This fund is used differently by each Faculty to enable research initiatives.

Student Administrative Fee

An increased Student Administrative Fee will be assessed. This fee will be used to preserve services offered to students that would otherwise have to be reduced and maintain student-centered projects already in progress as identified in our Comprehensive Institutional Plan (CIP). With the increase in this fee, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Student Administrative Fee will remain the lowest in the Comprehensive Academic Research Institution (CARI) sector. As well, the combined tuition and fees for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will still remain the lowest in the province of Alberta among the CARI sector.

International Student Differential Fee

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge currently has the lowest differential fee assessed on International Students in the CARI sector. This fee will be increased. With this increase, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will still have the lowest International Student Differential Fee among the CARI sector.

Executive Compensation

Salaries for the President and the four Vice-Presidents of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will be frozen at the 2012/13 levels.

Employment Costs

Salary and economic benefits negotiations are on going with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty Association (ULFA). The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) is in the final year of their contract. A commitment has been made that all employment groups will be treated respectfully and fairly through the reduction process. Employment costs and entitlements are subject to negotiation with the relevant bargaining unit and as such, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Administration will not publicly discuss anything related to the negotiations or suggest anything publicly that would compromise those negotiations.

Infrastructure Maintenance and Renewal

Projects funded from the Infrastructure Maintenance Program (IMP) grant provided to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ by Enterprise and Advanced Education will continue as planned. All additional infrastructure maintenance and renewal projects that are funded from operating funds have been suspended or cancelled.

Additional Reduction Strategies

The Budget Advisory Committee has struck a number of committees to explore opportunities for reductions, structural change or revenue that will require more time than the current budget process allows for. The committees will present their recommendations to President's Executive by July 31, 2013. The committees will be reviewing communications and marketing, information technology, recruitment, finance, faculty work assignments and Faculty program costs, collaboration with other institutions, and opportunities for new revenue generation.

I am grateful to the members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community who have submitted ideas or suggestions through the online budget feedback forum. Many of those suggestions have been incorporated into the proposed reductions. Others will be addressed by the work of the noted committees.

We are also exploring other opportunities for greater efficiency that could result in reductions that would impact the budget of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. These include reducing the number of computer labs on campus, a review of the library acquisition budget, an employee voluntary reduced workload program and increasing fund-raising and sponsorship activities to help offset operating budget support for initiatives that would be attractive to external funders such as scholarships and bursaries.

These recommendations represent the initial work of the Budget Advisory Committee. It is worth noting that there were many ideas vigorously debated that were rejected as it was decided they were not compatible with our values or long-term plans, or they would too severely compromise the student experience or programs of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. While these recommendations get us a significant way toward achieving our budget reduction targets, there is still a projected deficit for the 2013/14 year. This deficit will be addressed through the continued work of the Budget Advisory Committee and the committees noted earlier.

The budget reduction recommendations will be reviewed by the Budget Priorities Advisory Committee and ultimately incorporated into the 2013/14 consolidated operating budget of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. General Faculties Council (GFC) will review the budget at the May meeting and the budget will then go to the Board of Governors for approval at its May meeting. The budget will be submitted to Enterprise and Advanced Education as part of the CIP that is due by May 31, 2013.

Once again, I want to thank the members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community for their engagement in this process and their continuing commitment to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mike Mahon
President and Vice-Chancellor

Jurkowski named Dean of Faculty of Fine Arts

trevor.kenney — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:37:48 +0000

The Faculty of Fine Arts will be under the stewardship of a new Dean after the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge appointed Dr. Ed Jurkowski to the role, succeeding Dr. Desmond Rochfort.

"It is always exciting to announce the appointment of a new Dean, and it is especially gratifying to be able to promote someone from within the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community," says Dr. Andrew Hakin, provost and vice-president (academic). "Dr. Jurkowski has been with the U of L for 17 years now and brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience and a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face the Faculty of Fine Arts."

Jurkowski has been at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge since 1996 when he began a term appointment as an assistant professor of music in the Faculty of Fine Arts. During his tenure here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, he has continually progressed, earning tenure as an associate professor of music in 2001 and then full professor of music in 2007.

He most recently served as the Chair of the Department of Music (2003-2009) and has been in the role of Associate Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts since 2011.Jurkowski earned his bachelor's degree in music (composition) from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba before completing his master's and PhD designations at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Rochester in Rochester, NY, where he was also a teaching assistant and instructor from 1989 through 1996.

A visiting exchange professor at Hokkai-Gakuen ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Sapporo, Japan in 2006, Jurkowski has published four books, including his latest, The Collected Works of Eduard Tubin: Double Bass and Balalaika Concertos (Series II, Volume 3) in 2013.

"I want to thank Dr. Rochfort for his fine work within the Faculty of Fine Arts over the previous five years," adds Hakin.

Jurkowski's appointment is effective July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2018.

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Nicol appointed ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian