UNews - Department of Advanced Education and Technology

Mahon pushes for bold approach to future

trevor.kenney — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:45:23 +0000

President Mike Mahon speaks to the Alberta budget and the formation of a discussion paper that will address the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's approach heading into a new strategic plan

The Government of Alberta released the 2012 Provincial Budget late last week, and while we are still learning more details about the budget and how it will affect the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, we are encouraged by the government's introduction of predictable, three-year funding for the post-secondary sector.

The modest operating grant increases of 2 per cent per year for the next three years is also welcome, especially in light of the 0 per cent we have received for the last two years. While we are grateful for the increase, it is important to note that this will not fully offset the cost of increases we will face this year and beyond, including a rise in cost of living, utility prices and other associated items.

President Mike Mahon advocates a nimble and bold approach to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's future.

There will be no new capital projects funded for 2012 but the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will continue to benefit from previously approved projects. These include the construction of the new residence building, significant renovations to existing structures and upgrades to the overall campus environment. In addition, the planning funding we received last year for a proposed 300,000 square foot academic complex is secure and that planning process will continue.

Further announcements about a new CAIP Chair program are also expected. This will provide the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ an opportunity to compete for funding in areas that are still to be determined.

The budget speech also referenced enhancements to student financial assistance programs. We welcome any effort made to change and ease the process by which students can qualify for financial assistance. We are keenly aware of the challenges students face, and are constantly working to enhance our own scholarship and bursary funding programs. To see the government make a commitment to contribute to this process is commendable.

Again, much more will become clear in the coming weeks. Financial Planning is working hard to determine the impact of the budget on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and we look forward to having further discussions with the Minister and the Department of Advanced Education and Technology.

Over the past 18 months I have spent a lot of time talking with and listening to many people in our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. As we process the announcements from the provincial government in relation to the budget, look ahead to our own budget planning process and begin work on the next iteration of our Strategic Plan, I believe it is important to look at where we have advanced in the framework of our current plan and consider the aspirations of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as we move forward.

I am beginning to work on drafting a discussion paper that will speak to some of the intentional directives that can help drive the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ forward within the context of our strategic directions. This paper will serve as a catalyst for future conversations on our next Strategic Plan. While our current Strategic Plan speaks to broad aspirations and potential strategies, it is time to build upon these strategies with concrete initiatives that support our goals.

Already, these conversations have yielded intentional strategies such as the Recruitment, Retention and Integrated Planning team and enhanced support for our First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.

There is much more to talk about as we seek to move forward as a destination, comprehensive university, such as what it means to be a liberal education-based institution focused on increasing graduate education and research, our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ structure and how it can be maximized to aid in our progression and the opportunity to develop an international strategy. These and other questions will be on the table and open for discussion as we look ahead.

If we are going to be successful in moving forward, we need to be nimble and we need to be bold in our thinking and planning. As I begin to craft this discussion paper, I look forward to hearing from those who have thoughts about the future of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. This paper will commence a conversation that will carry on throughout our strategic planning process, offering many opportunities for input.

Boere, Gonzalez receive CFI funding

trevor.kenney — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:54:17 +0000

Federal, provincial and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge officials have delivered more than $700,000 for new equipment to two research groups on campus.

Through the Canada Foundation for Innovation Leaders Opportunity Fund and matching support from the Province of Alberta Small Equipment Grant Program administered through the Department of Advanced Education and Technology, the researchers will receive a combined $547,778.

Additional support from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and industry partners brings that total to more than $700,000.

Dr. Rene Boere (chemistry and biochemistry) lead a group application to fund specialized imaging equipment that will be used to examine the fine details of nanomaterials ($352,008).

Dr. Claudia Gonzalez (kinesiology and physical education) will receive funding to obtain equipment that she will use to monitor in greater detail how the brain processes motor skill signals that control such activities as hand and eye movement ($195,770)

"Supporting science is key to Canada's future economic growth," says Rick Casson, MP for Lethbridge.

"Our government's commitment to helping universities attract and retain world-leading research talent will lead to discoveries that improve the quality of life of Canadians and create new jobs. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has been making creativity and innovation household words in southern Alberta and beyond, and this funding today reinforces that process."

The federal government recently announced $61 million through the CFI Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF) to support the work of 339 leading researchers and 245 projects at 48 Canadian research institutions.

Additional funds were received through the Province of Alberta's Small Equipment Grant program, which funds projects that meet a high degree of research excellence and alignment with Alberta's research and innovation priorities.

"The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is building a reputation for research excellence," says Greg Weadick, MLA for Lethbridge-West. "The Government of Alberta is very proud to be a part of this success and to help support brilliant researchers like Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Boere."

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Mike Mahon says that investment from the federal and provincial governments, working in partnership, are critical in ensuring that researchers have the tools they need to answer the important questions facing communities in Alberta, Canada and beyond.

"It cannot be understated how important a strong research program is to the health of an institution that serves undergraduate and graduate students. Our student-first approach is strengthened because our students are able to interact with talented, supported researchers like Dr. Gonzalez, Dr. Boere, and their colleagues," says Mahon.

Mahon adds that research investments are also critical in ensuring that Alberta and Canada are able to recruit and retain talented faculty and students from across the globe.

"The U of L is in a fortunate position. Researchers, graduate and undergraduate students from jurisdictions where funding to post-secondary sector have been drastically cut are surveying the landscape. When they see the Governments of Canada and Alberta investing in a knowledge economy -- as they are today -- they are compelled to consider if their research program or educational experience is better suited at a comprehensive, destination university like the U of L."

President Cade addresses economic climate

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:14:29 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade discusses the uncertain economic climate in relation to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community

Dr. Bill Cade

We are all aware that we are living in very uncertain economic times. There are daily stories about businesses scaling back budgets, laying off workers and even closing their doors. I want to assure you that our Board, Senior Administration and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Budget Committee are planning very cautiously for next year with the assumption that our provincial operating grant funding will increase by 6 per cent and our enrolments will remain stable.

The Department of Advanced Education and Technology has informed us that we should plan with this budget increase in mind until, and if, we are informed otherwise. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Budget Committee has also considered other funding scenarios and we are, of course, monitoring closely the Alberta provincial government budget and the anticipated funding announcements to post-secondary institutions. The 6 per cent increase depends on the provincial economy and how that translates into the overall Government of Alberta budget. We will learn more about this in the coming weeks and keep everyone informed.

The overall economy is something that we have little control over, but our ability to meet and maintain our enrolment is very much in our hands. We can ensure we have the right number of students in the right programs come September. I understand that applications are fewer in number from graduating high school students for post-secondary education at many institutions, including the U of L.

This is where we can actively influence the future of our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. It is important we focus on our recruitment practices and continue to enlighten high school graduates about all the opportunities the U of L provides. We must also concentrate on retaining the students we have and continue to provide them with the highest-quality education possible. This means that everybody, our entire staff and faculty, has the opportunity and responsibility to enhance the student experience even more so.

There are many factors that play into the enrolment scenario; among them is the growth of other degree opportunities within Alberta. As we all know, our students are our ambassadors, both within the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and beyond. They will decide individually whether to follow their degree path to its conclusion here, and they influence their peers about the U of L experience.

I believe we do a very good job of engaging our students already and I am confident in the quality of our faculty members and our program offerings, but there is always room for improvement. All of us have worked to better the U of L continually over our 42-year history. In my opinion this has resulted in the creation of one of the best comprehensive and student-oriented university environments. Recently released data from CUSC affirms that our students believe this too.

We have carved a unique identity here at the U of L and it is one that connects with its students as well as the southern Alberta community. The recently held Donor Recognition Gala showcased the new Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building. This event once again highlighted the valuable relationship that exists between the U of L and the community and allowed us to thank our donors for their commitment to supporting our students and faculty and furthering research.

We have so much to be proud of here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and by always searching for innovative ways to engage our students and connect with the community, we will ensure the continued growth of the institution.

Please remember, "quality will prevail," especially during times of economic uncertainties.

We have a very high quality ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, but we must never rest on our laurels.

Again, please stay tuned and we will keep you informed of funding and enrolment issues as we receive the information.

This column originally appeared in the February 2009 issue of the Legend

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ steadfast in uncertain economic times

trevor.kenney — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:12:04 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what's happening in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community

We are all aware that we are living in very uncertain economic times. There are daily stories about businesses scaling back budgets, laying off workers and even closing their doors. I want to assure you that our Board, Senior Administration and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Budget Committee are planning very cautiously for next year with the assumption that our provincial operating grant funding will increase by 6 per cent and our enrolments will remain stable.

Please remember, "quality will prevail," especially during times of economic uncertainties.

We have a very high quality ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, but we must never rest on our laurels.
Again, please stay tuned and we will keep you informed of funding and enrolment issues as we receive the information.

UNews - Department of Advanced Education and Technology

Mahon pushes for bold approach to future

Related Topics

Boere, Gonzalez receive CFI funding

Related Topics

President Cade addresses economic climate

Related Topics

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ steadfast in uncertain economic times

Related Topics

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ steadfast in uncertain economic times