UNews - L's

Combined degrees introduced

trevor.kenney — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:58:34 +0000

Three ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge faculties are collaborating on two new, innovative combined degree programs that will bring a management focus to Health Sciences (Public Health) and Fine Arts (New Media).

Open to all current or incoming students beginning in September, 2012 these first-in-Canada degrees are designed to bring the best of all three groups' academic and career-related processes together so students can earn a Bachelor of Management and either a Bachelor of Fine Arts, New Media or a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Public Health.

Graduates would be granted two degrees after meeting the requirements of both programs.

"This is a great example of our faculty members recognizing an opportunity, driven in part by requests from our students, to bring added value to three completely different degree programs," says Dr. Andy Hakin, the U of L's Vice-President, Academic and Provost.

"Cross-campus collaboration happens in many places at the U of L, formally and informally, and these new combined degrees show the type of creativity, innovation and co-operation that helps our students achieve their full potential. I commend the Management, Fine Arts and Health Sciences teams that put these programs together."

Co-operative and applied study opportunities are available in all three faculties so students can further enhance their skills and work experiences in Canada or internationally.

As well, merit-based and entrance scholarships are available in Management, Public Health and Fine Arts.

For Dr. Bob Ellis, the Dean of the Faculty of Management, the chance to work with his colleagues in two different degree streams was an opportunity that further reinforces his interest in collaboration.

"We have excellent programs in our respective Faculties, and graduates of these dual degree programs will possess exceptional knowledge and skills that employers will seek out," says Ellis.

FINE ARTS/MANAGEMENT

The dual Fine Arts/Management degrees combine new media, film and video production, art, drama, and music with marketing, information technology, and management practice.

"The B.F.A. (New Media)/B.Mgt. combined degrees makes graduates even more competitive in the marketplace, giving them skills in interactive technologies, marketing in digital media and social networking sites, as well as business and people management," says Dr. Desmond Rochfort, the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

"This unique combination of business and new media expertise opens up more professional opportunities for our fine arts students, and also for those management students who are looking to add the creativity of new media to their degrees."

HEALTH SCIENCES/MANAGEMENT

The combined Public Health/Management degree will see students taking courses in ethics, psychology, ecology of health and disease, human geography and addictions, combined with finance, organizational behavior, global management and labour relations, among other courses.

"Given that policy and administration are key streams of Public Health, an option to combine the B.H.Sc. (Public Health) degree with a Management degree provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain knowledge in both areas," says Dr. Christopher Hosgood, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

"By focusing the skills of management in the field of public health, graduates will be able to seek opportunities in administrative positions in a variety of areas of public health practice. Our program is developing a good track record of placing students with employers upon graduation, in public, private, and not-for-profit sectors that require specialists in public health who know how to manage people and resources and understand strategic and policy issues."

Williams earns interim appointment

trevor.kenney — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:43:22 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors has confirmed the appointment of Lorne Williams as the Interim Assistant Dean of Northern Campuses, effective May 1.

Reporting to the Vice-President Academic and Provost, and working closely with the faculties and the School of Graduate Studies on campus, Williams will provide a voice at Dean's Council and a perspective on the U of L's presence in Calgary and Edmonton.

Currently, more than 1,000 students are enrolled in the two locations, which have been in operation since 1996. Courses are taught primarily in the evenings and on weekends and geared to working professionals.

"We are pleased to have Lorne move into this new position, given his long-term service to the U of L, and his excellent work as a past director and current faculty member of our Calgary campus," says Dr. Andy Hakin, the U of L's Vice-President, Academic and Provost. "The U of L is committed to serving students in Calgary and Edmonton, and this new position will provide more resources for those campuses as we move to take advantage of future opportunities."

Williams moves to this new position with more than 20 years of U of L experience, including more than a decade of work in the Calgary market as a director, instructor and co-ordinator at the U of L Calgary campus. During his time there, he won six teaching awards.

As well, Williams has served on the Faculty Association executive, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate, the executive of the Alumni Association, and was recently inducted into the U of L Alumni Honour Society.

Williams spent nearly 15 years in managerial positions in the housing and hospitality business units at the U of L and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary, while furthering his education with four degrees: A Bachelor of Arts, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary; a Bachelor of Management, U of L; a Master of Arts, Leadership and Training, Royal Roads ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ; and a Master of Education, U of L.

He also consults widely on team building, leadership and corporate culture for public, private and not-for-profit organizations of all sizes. Personally, he invests volunteer time with the Calgary Board of Education, Kamp Kiwanis and Scouts Canada.

Before arriving at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Williams helped administer the Olympic Village during the 1988 Winter Olympic games and worked in the political arena for several years, serving two Prime Ministers and a provincial Premier in Calgary and Ottawa.

"I'm excited to work with the Directors, staff and faculty members in Calgary and Edmonton as we move ahead," says Williams. "We have a number of opportunities to take advantage of as we reinforce our presence in Calgary and Edmonton, and I am looking forward to bringing more of the U of L further north."

Lobbying Act Sees Significant Change

trevor.kenney — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:55:40 +0000

At one time, the federal Lobbying Act seemed geographically removed from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Most of the individuals the U of L was required to report its lobbying interactions with were located in Ottawa or, to a lesser extent, other major Canadian cities.

With a new regulation in place that brings Members of Parliament and Senators into the rules that govern lobbyists, it is particularly important that the broader U of L community become aware of how the landscape has changed.

The Lobbying Act dictates that organizations must report specific lobbying encounters when speaking with Designated Public Office Holders (DPOH). Up until last month, these individuals included cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, associate deputy ministers and their exempt staffs. The federal government has now broadened this list of individuals to include, among others, MPs, Members of the Senate or any exempt staff working in the offices of these members.

The U of L is required to update its lobby registration on an ongoing basis. This registry contains general information about the institution, the grants it receives, the individuals that act in a lobbying capacity for the institution and the subject matter upon which the U of L intends to lobby the federal government. The U of L is also responsible for reporting its "oral and arranged" communication after a listed employee advocates for a benefit (whether financial or to influence policy or legislation) for the institution. These monthly communication reports must be submitted by the 15th day of the following month from when the interaction occurred. This is done through the U of L's Government Relations Office.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ faculty members have the academic freedom to speak to members of the federal government as persons with expertise. If faculty members lobby for a benefit for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, they, and their subject matter, must be included in the U of L's registry. However, if an employee or faculty member is advocating for the greater public good (and not a specific benefit), they are not required to register or report their interaction.

At various times, individuals throughout campus are involved in projects that involve interacting with the federal government. The Government Relations Office can help to ensure you are fulfilling the legal requirements of the federal Lobbying Act.

For more information on this issue, check it out online at www.ocl-cal.gc.ca/eic/site/lobbyist-lobbyiste1.nsf/eng/home

Richard Westlund is the U of L's director of government relations and can be reached at 403-332-5251 or at richard.westlund@uleth.ca

Lobbying Act Sees Significant Change

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:48:48 +0000

At one time, the federal Lobbying Act seemed geographically removed from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Most of the individuals the U of L was required to report its lobbying interactions with were located in Ottawa or, to a lesser extent, other major Canadian cities.

With a new regulation in place that brings Members of Parliament and Senators into the rules that govern lobbyists, it is particularly important that the broader U of L community become aware of how the landscape has changed.

The Lobbying Act dictates that organizations must report specific lobbying encounters when speaking with Designated Public Office Holders (DPOH). Up until last month, these individuals included cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, associate deputy ministers and their exempt staffs. The federal government has now broadened this list of individuals to include, among others, MPs, Members of the Senate or any exempt staff working in the offices of these members.

The U of L is required to update its lobby registration on an ongoing basis. This registry contains general information about the institution, the grants it receives, the individuals that act in a lobbying capacity for the institution and the subject matter upon which the U of L intends to lobby the federal government. The U of L is also responsible for reporting its "oral and arranged" communication after a listed employee advocates for a benefit (whether financial or to influence policy or legislation) for the institution. These monthly communication reports must be submitted by the 15th day of the following month from when the interaction occurred. This is done through the U of L's Government Relations Office.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ faculty members have the academic freedom to speak to members of the federal government as persons with expertise. If faculty members lobby for a benefit for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, they, and their subject matter, must be included in the U of L's registry. However, if an employee or faculty member is advocating for the greater public good (and not a specific benefit), they are not required to register or report their interaction.

At various times, individuals throughout campus are involved in projects that involve interacting with the federal government. The Government Relations Office can help to ensure you are fulfilling the legal requirements of the federal Lobbying Act.

For more information on this issue, check it out online at www.ocl-cal.gc.ca/eic/site/lobbyist-lobbyiste1.nsf/eng/home

Richard Westlund is theU of L's director of government relations and can be reached at 403-332-5251 or at richard.westlund@uleth.ca

Fall numbers hit record high

trevor.kenney — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:39:12 +0000

There are a few hundred more students buying pizza, renting apartments and contributing to the Lethbridge economy thanks to an increase in attendance at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

With all final enrolment numbers confirmed, the student tally rests at 8,243 students, a 3.5 per cent increase (or 284 students) over last year's 7,959 headcount. This sets another record attendance standard which, for U of L officials, is both a milestone to be celebrated and a future challenge.

"There is no question that we find an increase in the number of people who return to school when the economy is tough," says U of L's Vice-President, Academic and Provost,
Dr. Andy Hakin.
"We believe that number for us, is small compared to the number of students who have chosen to transfer to the U of L, who have entered degree programs straight out of high school, or who are joining our School of Graduate Studies as either master's or doctoral candidates to work with our world-class researchers. U of L recruiters and student support personnel have done a tremendous job of attracting new students and making the U of L a comfortable and satisfying experience."

Hakin adds the future holds many student recruitment challenges.

"We don't stop here. We are working on ways to tell the U of L story to people outside Alberta, and outside Canada. We've developed specialized programs in areas such as public health and the fine arts that are attracting people from coast to coast. The word is spreading and, as we continue to evolve into a comprehensive academic and research university, we fully expect our master's and doctoral programming to grow as well."

Indeed, the big recruitment success story this year is enrolment in the School of Graduate Studies, which experienced a dramatic 33 per cent increase over last year (347 in 2008 vs. 519 in 2009, or 172 additional students).

Dr. Jo-Anne Fiske, the Dean of Graduate Studies, says the increased enrolment reflects a new direction prescribed in the U of L's strategic plan of continuing to grow a comprehensive university.

"We are seeing master's and doctoral degree candidates come to Lethbridge from literally around the world," Fiske says. "They are attracted by our researchers, who are working in every type of research area imaginable, from anthropology to zoology. Our research environment offers them a lot of personal attention, freedom and the chance to teach and build their skills in many different ways."

Additionally, Fiske says that a big benefit to U of L undergraduates looking to continue their education is they can see their futures as graduate studies candidates quickly, and close to home.

"With the quality and diversity of researchers and professors here who supervise master's and doctoral candidates, we have an increasing number of U of L undergrads who choose to follow through with their graduate education here, rather than having to leave the community. We are committed to building the knowledge-based economy that the province of Alberta aspires to and deserves."

Enrolment numbers a positive sign

trevor.kenney — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:03:58 +0000

There are a few hundred more students buying pizza, renting apartments and contributing to the Lethbridge economy thanks to an increase in attendance at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

With all final enrolment numbers confirmed, the student tally rests at 8,243 students, a 3.5 per cent increase (or 284 students) over last year's 7,959 headcount. This sets another record attendance standard which, for U of L officials, is both a milestone to be celebrated and a future challenge.

"There is no question that we find an increase in the number of people who return to school when the economy is tough," says U of L's Vice-President, Academic and Provost, Dr. Andy Hakin.
"We believe that number for us, is small compared to the number of students who have chosen to transfer to the U of L, who have entered degree programs straight out of high school, or who are joining our School of Graduate Studies as either master's or doctoral candidates to work with our world-class researchers. U of L recruiters and student support personnel have done a tremendous job of attracting new students and making the U of L a comfortable and satisfying experience."

Hakin adds the future holds many student recruitment challenges.

"We don't stop here. We are working on ways to tell the U of L story to people outside Alberta, and outside Canada. We've developed specialized programs in areas such as public health and the fine arts that are attracting people from coast to coast. The word is spreading and, as we continue to evolve into a comprehensive academic and research university, we fully expect our master's and doctoral programming to grow as well."

Indeed, the big recruitment success story this year is enrolment in the School of Graduate Studies, which experienced a dramatic 33 per cent increase over last year (347 in 2008 vs. 519 in 2009, or 172 additional students).

Dr. Jo-Anne Fiske, the Dean of Graduate Studies, says the increased enrolment reflects a new direction prescribed in the U of L's strategic plan of continuing to grow a comprehensive university.

"We are seeing master's and doctoral degree candidates come to Lethbridge from literally around the world," Fiske says. "They are attracted by our researchers, who are working in every type of research area imaginable, from anthropology to zoology. Our research environment offers them a lot of personal attention, freedom and the chance to teach and build their skills in many different ways."

Additionally, Fiske says that a big benefit to U of L undergraduates looking to continue their education is they can see their futures as graduate studies candidates quickly, and close to home.

"With the quality and diversity of researchers and professors here who supervise master's and doctoral candidates, we have an increasing number of U of L undergrads who choose to follow through with their graduate education here, rather than having to leave the community. We are committed to building the knowledge-based economy that the province of Alberta aspires to and deserves."

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has the ability to prosper in times of change

trevor.kenney — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:28:37 +0000

By DR. ANDY HAKIN

Although change is a relatively simple word, it carries with it a context that so often leads to hesitation and unease. What must not be forgotten is that change, while moving us out of our routine, can be both positive and rewarding.

Our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will negotiate many changes over the next several months and indeed years and with these changes will come fresh perspectives and new opportunities to further establish our credentials as a comprehensive ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

A very significant change will be the appointment of a new President in the summer of 2010. Seeing Dr. Cade step down from office after 10 years of service will be difficult for many people at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ but I believe we must approach this with the same spirit in which Bill has, as an invigorating opportunity.

Dr. Cade leaves our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in a position of strength and with a blueprint, the 2009-2013 Strategic Plan, for continuing success. With each semester we are further establishing our reputation as a first-rate teaching and research university, graduate programming is blossoming throughout our faculties, we have just opened the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building and the Sports Field Complex, campus day care and Markin Hall are all in progress.

We are already showing our abilities to meet and address significant challenges. One example is how the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ took an aggressive approach to a recent decline in application numbers for the Fall 2009 semester.

Against a backdrop of difficult economic times, applications dipped dramatically early in 2009. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's application numbers were off 18.2 per cent from the previous February. We took that as a challenge, looked at our recruiting practices from new perspectives and with the leadership of key personnel within the Registrar's Office and Student Services, we put into place a new marketing approach. As of the end of March, we'd boosted those numbers by 10.6 per cent and are now in a much healthier position to maintain our current enrollment levels.

The new ApplyAlberta online application is a Government of Alberta initiative in which the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has played a leadership role. The U of L has supplied people, time and much effort to see the pilot project through to successful completion. We were the first post-secondary institution in Alberta to successfully test the system and the first person in the province to apply using the new ApplyAlberta system is a future U of L student.

Looking forward, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has submitted a proposal to the Government of Alberta that requests planning money for a new science building. The science teaching and research laboratories in ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall have served us well but the time has come to move to a purpose-built facility. If we are successful with this funding request we will be returning to our community and asking for volunteers to help move the project forward.

In addition, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has recently requested infrastructure funding from the federal government for the construction of Phase 2 of the Water and Environmental Science Building. The current state of the economy does not provide a great deal of assistance for our funding requests but our position is clear. We are a university that is moving forward, a university with new goals to achieve.

We have the people and the resources here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to embrace the challenges that change produces. Others may have some say but our community will be the architects of the major changes ahead. We will not be passengers.

Dr. Andy Hakin is the U of L's Vice-President Academic and Provost. This column originally appeared in the April issue of the Legend.

Markin Hall receives $2 million boost

trevor.kenney — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:44:39 +0000

As Markin Hall continues to rise out of a former athletic field at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, so too grows the list of organizations partnering in its construction.

On Monday, officials from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and representatives of the Chartered Accountants Education Foundation of Alberta (CAEF) were pleased to announce $2 million worth of contributions to Markin Hall, the new home for the Faculty of Management and the Faculty of Health Sciences.

"Markin Hall will stand as a great symbol of partnerships between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, the Government of Alberta and organizations such as the Chartered Accountants Education Foundation of Alberta," says Dr. Andy Hakin, the U of L's Vice-President, Academic and Provost.
"We would like to thank them for their significant investment in students, which is a phenomenal demonstration of the commitment that accountants have to education and supporting the next generation of professionals."

Through innovative matching programs, a $625,000 contribution from the CAEF has leveraged $625,000 from CA's and their firms and has enabled the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, through the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund, to raise another $750,000 for the facility.

In recognition of this significant gift, a major public lecture space on the main floor of the building will be named for the Chartered Accountants of Alberta.

"In just over a year, we anticipate that Markin Hall will be complete and will provide space for an additional 450 students – the very people who will be leaders in our province and nation in years to come," says Hakin.

An 80-seat classroom, the Chartered Accountants Room, will be available to the entire ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community and will provide valuable community lecture space in Markin Hall, a $65-million facility that opens in 2010.

Jane Halford CA, Executive Secretary of the Foundation, says, "Through the Foundation, Alberta's Chartered Accountants are delighted to contribute to this project. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has a distinguished record in the field of accounting education, and Markin Hall will help further enhance that record."

"For quite some time we have been planning, looking at blueprints and imagining what Markin Hall will be like, but now we are really beginning to see the building come to life, and it is very exciting," adds Dr. Murray Lindsay, the Dean of the Faculty of Management.

"The building will provide much-needed student space and will improve our teaching, learning and research facilities among other services for students. Without a doubt, our accounting program is also going to be enhanced. We fully expect to have even more students graduate with the skills, knowledge and confidence to move into positions in the accounting and finance professions. The support from the Chartered Accountants Education Foundation of Alberta reinforces those efforts."

Gordon Jong, a Chartered Accountant and the Vice-Chair of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors, said support from groups like CAEF play a crucial role in preparing students to serve their communities.

"Speaking on behalf of the Board, and personally, I am very proud to be a part of both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community and the CAEF – a group of professionals who are actively giving back to the next generation of leaders."

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has the ability to prosper in times of change

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:47:43 +0000

Although change is a relatively simple word, it carries with it a context that so often leads to hesitation and unease. What must not be forgotten is that change, while moving us out of our routine, can be both positive and rewarding.

Our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will negotiate many changes over the next several months and indeed years and with these changes will come fresh perspectives and new opportunities to further establish our credentials as a comprehensive ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

A very significant change will be the appointment of a new President in the summer of 2010. Seeing Dr. Cade step down from office after 10 years of service will be difficult for many people at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ but I believe we must approach this with the same spirit in which Bill has, as an invigorating opportunity.

Dr. Cade leaves our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in a position of strength and with a blueprint, the 2009-2013 Strategic Plan, for continuing success. With each semester we are further establishing our reputation as a first-rate teaching and research university, graduate programming is blossoming throughout our faculties, we have just opened the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building and the Sports Field Complex, campus day care and Markin Hall are all in progress.

We are already showing our abilities to meet and address significant challenges. One example is how the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ took an aggressive approach to a recent decline in application numbers for the Fall 2009 semester.

Against a backdrop of difficult economic times, applications dipped dramatically early in 2009. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's application numbers were off 18.2 per cent from the previous February. We took that as a challenge, looked at our recruiting practices from new perspectives and with the leadership of key personnel within the Registrar's Office and Student Services, we put into place a new marketing approach. As of the end of March, we'd boosted those numbers by 10.6 per cent and are now in a much healthier position to maintain our current enrollment levels.

The new ApplyAlberta online application is a Government of Alberta initiative in which the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has played a leadership role. The U of L has supplied people, time and much effort to see the pilot project through to successful completion. We were the first post-secondary institution in Alberta to successfully test the system and the first person in the province to apply using the new ApplyAlberta system is a future U of L student.

Looking forward, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has submitted a proposal to the Government of Alberta that requests planning money for a new science building. The science teaching and research laboratories in ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall have served us well but the time has come to move to a purpose-built facility. If we are successful with this funding request we will be returning to our community and asking for volunteers to help move the project forward.

In addition, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has recently requested infrastructure funding from the federal government for the construction of Phase 2 of the Water and Environmental Science Building. The current state of the economy does not provide a great deal of assistance for our funding requests but our position is clear. We are a university that is moving forward, a university with new goals to achieve.

We have the people and the resources here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to embrace the challenges that change produces. Others may have some say but our community will be the architects of the major changes ahead. We will not be passengers.

Dr. Andy Hakin is the U of L's Vice-President Academic and Provost

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