Open Mike — Community Update casts eye to the future of ULethbridge

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 23:04:46 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is on the cusp of an era of great change and similarly, an era of great opportunity that will shape the future of the institution.

Last week, we invited the campus community to take part in a Community Update where my colleagues from the senior administration team and I addressed the many changes that are coming and what opportunities these present for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend and participate in the discussion, whether you were in-person or online. I found the conversations and questions you raised to be very valuable and indicative of how invested you are in our students and the mission of ULethbridge.

Much of the change before us is in multiple leadership positions, beginning with the search for a new president. A search committee has been struck for this position and work continues on the hiring process with a new president to be named later this fall with their term beginning July 1, 2023.

A new chancellor is also being sought and just recently the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ publicly launched the search. We will be sad to see Chancellor Weaselhead leave his role for he has continued the strong tradition of contributing greatly to the growth of ULethbridge. His replacement will be chosen in the new year with their term beginning in May 2023.

Some Faculties will also see significant changeover as the Faculties of Education, Fine Arts and Health Sciences seek new deans, while the School of Liberal Education/Library is also searching for a new dean. All new deans are scheduled to be in place beginning July 1, 2023.

As well, the search for a new Provost will commence following the appointment of our new president.

As you can see, there will be an unparalleled influx of new, talented people in multiple key roles throughout the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Their ideas and perspectives will carry great influence in shaping ULethbridge for years to come, so please lend your voice in this important recruitment and selection process.

Among other issues discussed in the update, we spoke of a renewed commitment to the People Plan, something we can all agree is imperative given the difficult times we have all experienced over the past two years.

The enrolment landscape is a challenge for everyone and not being able to offer the in-person experience for which we are renowned was especially impactful on our numbers. There are some very positive signs that things are turning around, and it is through the continued dedication of our faculty and staff who recognize recruitment and retention of students as a priority in everything we do, that we will again begin to see our enrolment rise.

To that end, the recent Open House was the most successful event in our history, generating the largest number of attendees as well as a flood of applications in the ensuing days. As well, international students continue to choose ULethbridge as a preferred destination for their studies. We have an excellent opportunity to realize continued growth in this area. Recently, a proposed partnership with Navitas was discussed at General Faculties Council and by the Board of Governors. With the approval of the Board of Governors, we are working in earnest toward a contract with Navitas that will enhance international student enrolment pathways and support further recruitment of international students.

It is time to look ahead and in the coming weeks, please take note of engagement opportunities with the People Plan renewal, the early stages of development for our next Strategic Research Plan (2024-29), and discussions about the exciting opportunity to shape the development of our South Campus area. These significant changes will define our university for years to come and it is you — our ULethbridge community — who can help us build and grow together.

Mike Mahon, PhD
President & Vice-Chancellor

Open Mike — Welcome to the Spring 2021 Semester

trevor.kenney — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 23:07:35 +0000

Happy New Year! It is my sincere hope that you had a joyful and restful holiday season.

As the new term gets underway, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous amount of work and planning it has taken to prepare for another primarily online semester. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our students and our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

As Albertans and Canadians are beginning to receive vaccinations, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ continues to plan for various scenarios with the goal of having a more open environment at our Calgary and Lethbridge campuses. A special task force has begun its work looking at creative ways to return to the vibrant in-person experience for which the U of L is known for future semesters. We know many variables will impact a full reopening (speed of vaccination, new variants of the virus, etc.) but we are working hard to ensure we are able to operate in the most substantial ways while keeping our community safe and within provincial health guidelines.

Our role in Alberta’s recovery is important and the impact of our collective efforts will reach communities throughout our province. I am confident the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will rise to the challenges and opportunities ahead. By working together, we will continue to advance teaching, research and creative achievement while ensuring our undergraduate and graduate students have one of the top educational experiences in Canada.

From once again cheering on the Horns, to celebrating Spring 2021 Convocation, whether in person or virtually, to seeing the vibrancy of our campuses restored and working with our students and colleagues in person again, we have much to work toward and aspire to in the coming months, guided by public health requirements.

Please stay safe and healthy, and as always, be there to support one another as we navigate the road ahead.

Mike Mahon, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

UNews - Open Mike

Open Mike — Community Update casts eye to the future of ULethbridge

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Open Mike — Welcome to the Spring 2021 Semester

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