UNews - Alberta's Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

U of L signs collaboration agreement with Mexican university

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 20:26:56 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has signed a collaboration agreement with the Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo in Mexico that will develop academic areas of mutual interest.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon and Dr. Francisco Javier Rosado May, Rector and President of the Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo, signed the agreement at the Canada-Mexico Round Table on Aboriginal/Indigenous Higher Education held June 21 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The round table, which included participation from nine Canadian universities and eight indigenous universities in Mexico, focused on improving Aboriginal educational experiences and research collaboration.

The agreement focuses on the development of study abroad programs, student and faculty exchanges, cooperation of academic activities, and is open to other emerging opportunities.

"There is tremendous value in cooperating with other institutions and we saw that value at the recent round table that was held at our university," says Mahon. "This agreement will provide many opportunities for our faculty members and students in the near future."

Mahon added that some ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge faculty members have already identified potential collaborations to explore with Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo researchers, including one in the area of alternative and complementary medicine.

Expanding the internationalization of the U of L is a key strategic direction that can be found in the 2009-13 strategic plan. Also, in an open letter released last year to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community entitled the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – Alberta's Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Mahon reconfirmed internationalization as a key priority for the U of L.

Additional information is available at this website: http://www.uleth.ca/president/canada-mexico

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ welcomes Canada-Wide Science Fair participants, organizers

trevor.kenney — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:06:56 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is excited to welcome the country's top young scientists to campus, May 11 to May 18, as the 52nd annual Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) 2013 comes to Lethbridge.

Approximately 1,100 students, chaperones, judges, sponsors and dignitaries are expected to attend CWSF 2013, an event that will award close to $1 million in cash, prizes and scholarships to the best students.

There are public viewing days scheduled, along with school visits, and many innovative, hands-on activities designed for the science fair participants that have been created and organised by undergraduate and graduate students and faculty members at the U of L, Lethbridge College, and other partner groups throughout the city and region.

Featuring the top 400 science projects by students from Grades 7 to 12 in the country, CWSF 2013 is a showcase of Canada's top young scientific minds.

"As Canada's Research ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of the Year 2012 (undergraduate category), we are uniquely suited to host this event and could not be more excited to open our doors to these bright young scientists," says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President, Dr. Mike Mahon.

As the host venue, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's faculty, staff and students will play a major role in the success of CWSF 2013.

A total of 78 of the Fair's 300-plus judges are U of L faculty and staff members, while more than 150 people from throughout the community are acting as volunteers in helping to create a lifelong memorable experience for the participants and their families.

In addition to the display and judging of projects, CWSF 2013 offers participants exciting opportunities to experience all that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and southern Alberta has to offer.

As well, the fair provides local area school children the chance to view and interact with the projects on display as over 2,700 children will visit the U of L through school tours.

Discovery Day, Monday, May 13, is an opportunity for the finalists and delegates attending the CWSF to learn about the exciting multidisciplinary research activities at the U of L.

From 1:30 to 5 p.m., participants will be able to choose two activities from a total of 25 being offered that showcase everything from physics, chemistry and biochemistry to new media, fine arts and neuroscience.

"We're pleased to be able to show off some of the research activities that are taking place here at the U of L every day and in a variety of disciplines," says Mahon. "We expect this will give our guests a real taste of the student experience here at the U of L and what makes this Alberta's Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ."

Throughout the week, the general public is encouraged to view the projects on display in the 1st Choice Savings Centre Gymnasium. Public viewing times are available Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday and are listed below.

Public Viewing Times (1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness Gymnasium)
Free admission / Free Parking in Lot E

Sunday, May 12 -- 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday, May 13 -- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Thursday, May 16 -- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Friday, May 17 -- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge explores partnerships with universities in Mexico

trevor.kenney — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:12:29 +0000

Trip also explores research and graduate student opportunities

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon will travel to Mexico to further dialogue with indigenous universities and to explore opportunities for partnership with CONACYT (Mexico's National Council for Science and Technology) February 11 to 14.

"Working with indigenous universities in Mexico will help the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ better serve its aboriginal student body," says Mahon. "Strategic research opportunities, student/faculty exchanges, the sharing of best practices and planning successful strategies to better serve aboriginal communities are just some of the outcomes that are possible by working in tandem with our Mexican counterparts."

Mahon will also meet with CONACYT senior executives. CONACYT's mission is to promote and strengthen the scientific and technological modernization of Mexico, through the formation of high-level human resources, promotion and support of specific research projects and dissemination of scientific and technological information.

The trip also includes a meeting with officials from the Federal Ministry of Education.

In March 2012, Mahon travelled to Mexico with representatives from eight Canadian universities (including six Presidents) to hold an inaugural meeting with 10 indigenous universities. Initiated by Dr. Brian Stevenson, the President of Lakehead ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Ontario, the meeting included several other university presidents who had a prime focus on aboriginal education or a long-standing commitment in this area.

The meeting was targeted to university presidents and rectors due to the importance of a high level, bilateral discussion regarding indigenous education. Roundtable discussions were held and led by panelists of both nations to create a foundational understanding of the challenges in aboriginal higher education in Canada and Mexico.

Expanding the internationalization of the U of L is a key strategic direction that can be found in the 2009-13 strategic plan. Also, in an open letter released last year to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community entitled the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – Alberta's Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Mahon reconfirmed internationalization as a key priority for the U of L.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has a long-standing commitment to Blackfoot and other First Nations Metis and Inuit (FNMI) education that is articulated in the many programs and services across its campus. It the first university in Canada to establish a Department of Native American Studies and President Mahon has made a strong commitment to furthering aboriginal education in southern Alberta. Further information on strategic initiatives at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge may be accessed at http://www.uleth.ca/president/fnmi

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge to strengthen research, partnerships in Ukraine

trevor.kenney — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 22:44:53 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Vice-President (Research) Dan Weeks is participating in a mission that includes Canadian ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Deans that will formalize linkages between Canada and Ukraine, and their post-secondary sectors.

The mission, which takes place from Feb. 11 to Feb. 14, includes universities in all regions of Canada and aims to increase higher education co-operation, increase student recruitment and two-way student exchanges, position higher education collaboration for possible funding and sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ukrainian Rectors and the CBIE.

Canada's Ambassador to Ukraine, His Excellency Troy Lulashnyk, will launch the mission during a seminar hosted by the Union of Rectors of Higher Educational Institutions of Ukraine.

During a series of workshops at the Taras Shevchenko National ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Kyiv, Weeks will moderate a discussion between members of the Canadian delegation and Ukrainian universities to determine future areas of academic and research collaboration.

"The international relevance of the research conducted at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge increases every day," says Weeks. "This is due to individual efforts and interests of our researchers, but also as a result of the increasing importance the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is placing on creating and nurturing international partnerships. Ukraine provides key opportunities for Canadian universities."

Current linkages the U of L has with Ukraine include the work of Dr. Olga Kovalchuk, who has been involved in the detailed analysis of the genetic consequences of the Chernobyl accident. Also, last year Fine Arts Faculty member Taras Polataiko's exhibition, Sleeping Beauty, at the National Art Museum in Kyiv, Ukraine, generated worldwide media interest. The U of L attracts students from about 90 different countries worldwide and is currently home to both undergraduate and graduate students from Ukraine.

Several Memoranda of Understanding will be signed during the mission, including an overarching agreement between CBIE and the Union of Rectors of Higher Educational Institutions of Ukraine.

Expanding the internationalization of the U of L is a key strategic direction identified in the 2009-13 strategic plan. U of L President Mike Mahon reiterated that message in an open letter to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community released last year, entitled the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – Alberta's Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

CBIE's news release regarding the Ukraine mission can be found athttp://www.cbie-bcei.ca/?p=11515.

An opportunity to contribute to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ vision

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:34:04 +0000

Fall is always such an invigorating time at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and I'm excited to welcome everybody to campus to begin another academic year. Whether you are a new student, staff or faculty member, or are returning from a summer break, it's great to have the campus bustling with energy again.

As you make your way around the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, you'll no doubt notice many of the physical changes that have taken place over the summer as well as some of the ongoing projects that continue to reshape and redefine our culture.

Now in our 45th year, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has grown and matured dramatically since its inception, and with a rapidly changing post-secondary landscape, must continue to evolve to meet the needs of our students and society as a whole.

President Mahon encourages everyone to take some time think about how they can contribute to the vision of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

In the spring, I released an Open Letter to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community that began the discussion about the future direction of the U of L. It was a means to introduce some initial thoughts on our strategic goals and priorities and to bring forth questions related to our future direction. Now, it is time to hear from you.

What do you think about the future of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge? What does it mean to you that we are Alberta's Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and how does that shape the work you do for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ today and in the future? What is your vision in terms of continuing to grow as a comprehensive university and how do you see the future structure of our university reflecting our academic and research aspirations?

I encourage you to take another look at the Open Letter (www.uleth.ca/president/presentations-communication) and to think of the themes introduced. There will be various opportunities for your feedback and your ideas will help shape the future direction of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The first such opportunity is the Sept. 27 Fiat Lux Address (3 to 4 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre), which will be given by Provost & Vice-President (Academic), Dr. Andrew Hakin. The theme of his presentation is liberal education, how we now define it at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and what it means to us going forward.

This is an excellent opportunity to not only hear Dr. Hakin's interpretation, but it is a forum at which you can bring your ideas to the fore in an open discussion.

On Oct. 1 (8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Students' Union Ballrooms), a Strategic Priorities Forum will present another opportunity for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community to engage in the decision-making process. Born out of the President's Task Force on Budget Process, this forum is designed to create greater transparency around priority setting from senior leaders across the institution.

Look for further communication in the UWeekly newsletter, on campus web pages and on digital signage for times and locations of upcoming forums as these are a valuable opportunity to give a voice to your ideas – the people who make the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge such a wonderful and unique community.

This story first appeared in the September 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Open Mike - September 2012, Key opportunities to contribute to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ vision

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:28:25 +0000

President Mahon encourages everyone to take some time think about how they can contribute to the vision of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

This is an excellent opportunity to not only hear Dr. Hakin's interpretation, but it is a forum at which you can bring your ideas to the fore in an open discussion.

This story first appeared in the September 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Open Mike - June 2012, positioning the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:55:26 +0000

It is hard to believe that another year has passed and this is the final Open Mike column until September.

In this issue of the Legend, you'll notice several pieces speaking to our strategic planning process at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, including my Open Letter to the community on pages 8 and 9.

I want to put great emphasis on the wording chosen for the name of this document. I specifically used the term 'open' to represent the intention of the letter, that it is both an opening of a process and a process that is open to your input and feedback.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ looks ahead to its next Strategic Plan, positioning itself as Alberta's Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

This letter is a starting point and by no means an end point or declaration of what we are planning to do as we enter the strategic planning process. Rather the items raised in the letter are touchstones of issues raised in various discussions both on and off campus over the past year. I urge you to not only consider the points brought forth in the letter but to look at other things you feel would help position the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as we move forward into the strategic planning process for our next five years.

This letter opens that conversation and it is my intention to continue with an open mind as we form our next strategic plan.

One of the more important projects I will be undertaking this summer is the creation of a process of engagement for faculty and staff that does not overburden people with more work. I understand that planning can be very time consuming and we are all very busy with the day-to-day tasks that define our roles and power this institution. At the same time, I am mindful of the fact that it is essential we engage our community in the strategic planning process. It is my goal to define a process by which the community can engage in the planning exercises without being overwhelmed with additional duties.

As we head into summer, I want to look back on the recent Spring Convocation ceremonies, Chancellor's Dinner and related alumni festivities. What really struck me about these events was how much they reflect the progress we have made as Alberta's Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

From our honourary degree recipients to our gold medal-winning students to the many alumni I had the pleasure of speaking with, I met people from all walks of life and all areas of the globe who had chosen to receive their education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Our honourary degree recipients alone represented the breadth of communities we connect with locally and internationally, while our convocating students included those who grew up minutes away from the U of L to those from the Republic of Congo and Ukraine.

The entire week was a celebration of the U of L as a destination university and I look forward to growing that reputation as we move into the next phase of our strategic planning process.

I want to thank everyone for their dedication to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ over the past year and the exceptional work you have put in for our students. Have a wonderful summer.

This story first appeared in the June 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the entire issue in flipbook format, follow this link.

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