UNews - Michelle Helstein

Annette Fox-BruisedHead assumes role of Vice-Provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations

trevor.kenney — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:50:36 +0000

Accomplished educator, administrator and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumna Naato’saaki (Sunwoman) Annette Fox-BruisedHead (BSc ’00, BEd ’02, MEd ’10) has been named ULethbridge’s new Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations.

Fox-BruisedHead has spent more than 24 years as an educator, including more than a decade in school leadership and five years as a central office administrator. From the Kainai (Blood) First Nation, she recently completed a two-year term as principal of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI).

Annette Fox-BruisedHead joins the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as the new Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations.

“We are very fortunate to find someone who so adeptly weaves teaching experience, mentorship, administrative and curriculum work grounded in Blackfoot ways of knowing that guide her practice,” says Dr. Michelle Helstein, ULethbridge’s Provost & Vice-President (Academic). “Her perspective, understanding and collaborative spirit will only enhance the excellent work this office has been leading. She will continue to shape the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s commitment to reconciliation and advance Indigenous engagement and achievement through facilitating student support, initiatives, programs, curriculum and research.”

Fox-BruisedHead is excited for the role she’ll assume at ULethbridge, acknowledging that leaving LCI was a difficult decision.

“I am so honoured to be offered the opportunity to be part of the ongoing work of reconciliation at Iniskim. It is with mixed emotion that I am leaving a wonderful place of learning to one that has a reputation of innovation and enlightenment,” she says. “It is with humility and awe to work alongside strategic visionaries. I acknowledge all those who have shaped and been part of my journey as an educator including my large and extended family, my many colleagues past and present, and my mentors.”

Raised in a home centered in Blackfoot language, ceremony and worldview Fox-BruisedHead says it has guided her throughout her journey as a student and then as an educator.

“I learned from my grandparents the values of humility, reciprocity, collective responsibility and lifelong learning. These teachings guide my leadership style and my understanding of how institutions must support Indigenous students, staff, faculty and communities,” she says. “Across my career, I have worked to build systems that honour Indigenous knowledges, uplift student voices and remove barriers that hinder Indigenous achievement.”

Fox-BruisedHead earned a diploma in Renewable Resource Management from Lethbridge Polytechnic, before completing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Bachelor of Education in Secondary Science Education and a Master of Education in General Education from ULethbridge.

Her professional work has included teaching positions in the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, the Kainai Board of Education and Lethbridge School Division, both as a teacher and in multiple administrative posts. She has also worked at the post-secondary level, co-facilitating Niitsitapi Pre-Service Teacher Education Program evaluation seminars (a ULethbridge and Red Crow College initiative), taught Niitsitapi teacher education courses through the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, instructed Aboriginal Health 1000 and since 2020, taught multiple iterations of the FNMI Leadership course in the ULethbridge Master of Education program.

Fox-BruisedHead will begin her role as Vice-Provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations on July 1.

Dr. Jennifer Copeland appointed Acting Associate Vice-President (Research)

trevor.kenney — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 23:15:13 +0000

Dr. Jennifer Copeland is stepping into a new role and has been appointed Acting Associate Vice-President (Research) and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. Copeland will assume the role beginning July 1, 2026, as Dr. Jackie Rice, who served in this capacity since 2020 and was renewed for a second term in 2024, is commencing a one-year planned Administrative Leave.

Dr. Jennifer Copeland

“I am very pleased Dr. Copeland will be assuming the responsibilities of these important portfolios, and I want to thank Jackie for her excellent service over the last five-plus years,” says Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost & Vice-President (Academic). “Dr. Copeland is a respected faculty member and researcher who has also done outstanding work in her administrative appointments, spanning extensive work in both graduate studies and research across disciplines. Dr. Dena McMartin, Vice-President (Research) and I look forward to continuing to work with her in those capacities.”

Copeland has been with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge since 2003 as a professor in the Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education and is currently an Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. She previously served as Interim Associate Vice-President (research) in 2019-20. Dr. Copeland earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Mount Allison ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ before completing an MSc and PhD in Exercise Physiology at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of New Brunswick.

Her lab, the Healthy Active Healthy Aging Lab, examines how physical activity and sedentary behaviour influence health across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on functional capacity and healthy aging in older adults. Her program prioritizes community-engaged research and knowledge translation through collaborations with community partners and stakeholders.

“The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is home to excellent graduate programs and a remarkable breadth of world-class research and creative activity,” she says. “I am excited to collaborate with faculty, institutional leadership, and the dedicated teams in ORIS and SGS to support and advance the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s research and graduate education priorities.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge hosting third annual International Women's Day Leadership Conference

caroline.zentner — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:15:46 +0000

On March 11, an impressive roster of leaders will be at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus for its 2026 ULethbridge International Women’s Day Leadership Conference.

The conference aims to bring people together for a day of conversation, networking and inspiration for International Women’s Day. This year, the keynote speakers are Jully Black, Canadian R&B artist and Juno Award winner and Dr. Malinda Smith, Associate Vice-President (Research EDI), ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary.

Black is an award-winning singer, actress, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and philanthropist and fitness guru. She is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ2S+ community, and in 2022, she founded the Jully Black Family Foundation, which offers scholarships to help women pursue education.

Smith is a distinguished scholar and leader with a PhD in political science from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and multiple degrees from Western Michigan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, including an MA, MDA, and a BA magna cum laude in political science and criminal justice.

“This event is about connecting and learning from inspiring individuals who have been change makers and leaders in their communities,” says Martha Mathurin-Moe, vice-provost, Accessibility, Belonging & Community at ULethbridge.

“We want to continue to shift the conversation around leadership and representation and celebrate International Women’s Day, a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.”

This annual one-day event will bring together a diverse audience to learn from world-class leaders in research and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, business, politics and Indigenous education and outreach.

The 2026 conference theme — Disrupting the Superwoman Narrative, Embracing the Power of Rest — will examine how the superwoman archetype is not always empowering but full of hidden expectations, unseen emotional and mental labour. The keynotes and panellists will explore how to navigate opportunities, expectations and outcomes as women in leadership and community, stay grounded and authentic and how rest and self-care is resistance.

The panel of prominent local leaders sharing their insights during the Lethbridge Leaders Forum includes the following:

Whitney (BMgt '06) and Kirby Maronda – The Property Twins Real Estate
Iitoomsaokaa’sii, Diandra Bruised Head (BSc '17), Indigenous Learning and Impact, Manager, Iniskim Indigenous Relations, ULethbridge
Jenn Schmidt-Rempel (BA '93) - Councillor, City of Lethbridge

“Year after year, this conference inspires us to continue breaking barriers and creating opportunities for one another. We look forward to learning from these thought leaders and to providing exceptional professional development opportunities right here in Lethbridge,” says ULethbridge’s Vice-President (Research) and event co-host, Dr. Dena McMartin.

Hosting this annual event demonstrates ULethbridge’s commitment to providing intentional spaces for empowerment, ingenuity, and knowledge-sharing, says event co-host Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), ULethbridge.

“Empowered women empower communities,” says Helstein. “This panel of esteemed local leaders demonstrate how our Lethbridge community is full of individuals shaping the future with resilience, creativity, and courage.”

Tickets are limited and on sale now. Early bird pricing is in effect until Jan. 30, 2026. Exclusive sponsorships are also available until Feb. 13, 2026. For more information, visit go.uleth.ca/womensconference.

Career outcomes the focus as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge launches Experiential and Career Education Plan

trevor.kenney — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:01:31 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s commitment to supporting students as they explore career pathways through experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities is at the heart of the new Experiential and Career Education Plan — Kakó Stamistotsit.

The plan, which will be launched Wednesday, April 9, 11 a.m., in the Markin Hall Atrium, is the result of a year-long comprehensive planning process for career education and experiential learning, with a specialized focus on work-integrated learning (WIL).

Experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities at the heart of new plan.

“One of the key activities in this process was to get a sense of our WIL programs and career education initiatives and how they were perceived and utilized by students, faculty and the broader external community,” says Mark Slomp, executive director, Student Services. “We found some real positives, such as a 95 per cent employment rate within one year for our graduates, with 41 per cent of them having participated in a work placement during their time as ULethbridge students.”

Slomp says there were also areas they needed to improve, including reaching the significant proportion of students (69 per cent) who when surveyed responded they were unaware of Career Bridge services, as well as finding ways to better facilitate faculty involvement and better communicate opportunities to community partners.

“Our faculty have demonstrated a strong interest in integrating WIL opportunities into their courses and we need to find ways to lower barriers to achieve that. As well, our community partners are enthusiastic supporters of applied learning opportunities and it’s important we are able to provide clearer pathways for those collaborations,” says Stacey Gaudette-Sharp, assistant dean, Career Bridge.

The plan is rooted in the Blackfoot direction of Kakó Stamistotsit, which means “Go ahead — Experience it” and reflects the moment when an individual seeks guidance from a trusted loved one, Elder or advisor before embarking on something new. The acronym Kakó reflects the strategic pillars of Knowledge, Actionable Inclusion, Advancing Indigenization, Key Partnerships, and Optimized Outcomes, creating a culturally resonant framework that aligns with institutional values and priorities.

“The Experiential & Career Education Plan is deeply aligned with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Strategic Plan, which was just recently launched,” says Michelle Helstein, provost and vice-president (academic). “This ensures that career development and experiential learning continue to play a central role in shaping student success, institutional priorities and community impact.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge hosting second annual International Women’s Day Leadership Conference

trevor.kenney — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 20:58:45 +0000

* This event is at capacity *

On March 12, an impressive roster of leaders will once again grace the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus for its second annual International Women’s Day Leadership Conference.

Featuring keynote presentations by international bestselling author, obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter, and Dr. Ranjana Sharma, NRCan Chief Scientist and senior-most scientific authority in Natural Resources Canada, the conference aims to bring people together for a day of conversation, networking and inspiration.

“This event is about creating spaces of engagement with phenomenal individuals who have been changemakers and have shifted the conversation around leadership and representation,” says Martha Mathurin-Moe, vice-provost, Accessibility, Belonging & Community.

Under the theme — Leaders Who Change the Conversation — this conference will foster welcoming spaces of belonging for all voices, as well as share in the possibility and celebration of excellence as women and gender diverse individuals. This annual one-day celebration of success, community and solidarity will bring together a diverse audience to learn from world class leaders in education, arts, athletics and manufacturing who will inspire and uplift the change and thought leaders of tomorrow.

In addition to the keynote speakers, a panel of prominent local leaders will share their insights during the Lethbridge Leaders Forum.

The panel includes:

Kacie Bosch (BA ’20) and Paige Crozon, Canadian 3x3 basketball Olympians
Staahtsisttayaaki Dr. Genevieve Fox (BA/BEd ’03, MEd ’12), Education Director, Blackfoot Confederacy Council
Su Ying Strang, Executive Director, Maansiksikaitsitapiitsinikssin Southern Alberta Art Gallery
Simarjit Bains, Vice-President Manufacturing, Triple M Housing

“Once again, we have brought together thought leaders and innovators to offer an exceptional professional development experience right here in Lethbridge, and we look forward to continuing to provide these exceptional opportunities to our community,” says ULethbridge’s Vice-President (Research) and event co-host, Dr. Dena McMartin.

“Hosting this annual event demonstrates ULethbridge’s commitment to fostering strong connections with the Lethbridge community. This year’s conference offers a valuable platform to engage with our alumni, strengthen ties on and across our campuses, and deepen our community relationships,” says event co-host Dr. Michelle Helstein, provost and vice-president (academic).

Tickets are limited and on sale now. Early Bird pricing is in effect until January 15, 2025. Exclusive sponsorships are also available until January 31, 2025. For more information, please message m.nichol@uleth.ca or visit go.uleth.ca/IWD-conference.

Dr. Matthew Letts appointed to second term

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:06:01 +0000

Respected academic, researcher, and administrator, Dr. Matthew Letts has been appointed to a second term as Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Letts, who first assumed the role in 2020, will begin his second term on July 1, 2025.

Dr. Matthew Letts, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, is a respected academic, researcher and administrator.

Letts is a professor of geography and environment, and holds a BA and BSc (Honours) from Queen’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, a MSc in geography from McGill ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and a PhD from King’s College London. An ecologist with international experience, he served as a lecturer at Trent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ before joining the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2003.

Prior to taking on the role of dean, Letts was interim dean from July 2019 and had previously served as associate dean since 2012. During this time, he also acted as interim associate vice-president (research) from 2014 to 2015. From 2016 to 2019, Letts served as the academic program director for the Destination Project, playing a key role in the creation of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Science Commons (Isttaniokaksini).

As dean, Letts applied a collaborative approach to effectively navigating budgetary challenges and the impacts of the pandemic. He champions innovative programs across the humanities, social sciences and sciences, from certificates to post-diploma and dual degree options and new transdisciplinary degree programs and is always keen to support experiential learning. His detailed knowledge of the Science Commons was instrumental in supporting the effective operationalization of the new facility for faculty and students. Looking forward, one of his main priorities will be to work with faculty, students and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community on creating a strategic plan for the Faculty of Arts & Science.

"Dr. Letts has been a key figure in elevating the impact and reputation of the Faculty of Arts & Science and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," says Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “He is a collaborative leader who cares deeply and advocates strongly for his Faculty, while also making significant contributions to larger institutional initiatives. I am thrilled to reappoint him for a second term, allowing us to sustain the forward momentum he has generated through his work with his arts and science colleagues."

“I also want to thank the Review Committee for its important work in the reappointment process,” says Helstein. “Today’s reappointment was only made possible through community feedback and committee contributions, and I appreciate all who were a part of the process.”

Rural Medical Education Program Training Centres one step closer with Memorandum of Understanding

trevor.kenney — Fri, 17 May 2024 16:07:31 +0000

The next step in expanding health-care capacity in southern Alberta was formalized today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary's Penny Werthner, left, and ULethbridge's Michelle Helstein sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

Early last month, the Government of Alberta announced operational and capital funding to establish Rural Medical Education Program Training Centres to enhance physician training across the province. One of two centres will be located on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus. Through this innovative partnership, aspiring medical professionals will have the opportunity to complete the entirety of their ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary medical degree at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

“One of the great challenges for families in small- to mid-sized communities in southern Alberta is accessing a family physician. This includes rural and Indigenous communities that struggle with health care capacity,” says Dr. Michelle Helstein, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “Through this partnership we will see local students recruited and trained across southern Alberta, greatly increasing the probability they will continue to practice in these underserved communities for years to come.”

The formalizing of the partnership through the MOU is an important next step in the process of developing the framework that will deliver this crucial programming. The institutions will now work on an agreement to jointly deliver the medical training program.

“Expanding physician training capacity in Alberta post-secondaries can lead to a significantly healthier population. We are excited to work collaboratively with our colleagues at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge with the support of the Government of Alberta as we create the future of health together to better serve the diverse health needs of the people of southern Alberta,” says Dr. Penny Werthner, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary Interim Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

The Rural Medical Education Program Training Centres will use a distributed medical education model, whereby the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta (in cooperation with Northwestern Polytechnic) and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary (in cooperation with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge) partner with local institutions to develop the regional training campuses. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge training will occupy a major portion of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Centre for Community Wellbeing facility.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge hosting inaugural International Women’s Day Leadership Conference

trevor.kenney — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:33:45 +0000

An impressive roster of leaders will grace the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus for its inaugural International Women’s Day Leadership Conference on March 13.

Featuring keynote presentations by Manjit Minhas, CEO of Minhas Breweries, Distillery and Winery and CBC’s Dragons’ Den co-star, and Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Regina, the conference aims to bring people together for an afternoon of conversation, networking and inspiration.

“This event is about creating spaces of engagement with phenomenal individuals who have been change makers and have shifted the conversation around leadership and representation,” says Martha Mathurin-Moe, Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Regina.

Under the theme — Telling Our Stories: Embracing Excellence — this conference will foster welcoming spaces of belonging for all voices, as well as share in the possibility and celebration of excellence as women/trans/queer or two-spirit individuals. The day promises to be a celebration of success and solidarity, and support and inspiration.

In addition to the keynote speakers, a panel of prominent local leaders will share their insights, formally establishing the ULethbridge Inspiring Leaders Forum. The panel includes:

Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), CEO of Lethbridge and District Chamber of Commerce
kii Nitsikainaakii (Sunwoman) Annette Fox-Bruised Head (BSc ’00, BEd ’02, MEd ’10), Indigenous Education Consultant at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge
Adriana Mercader, CEO of Flexahopper Plastics Ltd.
Olutoyin (Toyin) Oyebola (BHSc ’18), co-founder of Genesis Exotic Market

“We have brought together thought leaders and innovators to offer an exceptional professional development experience right here in Lethbridge, and this is just the beginning,” says ULethbridge’s Vice-President (Research) and event co-host, Dr. Dena McMartin.

Manjit Minhas, CEO of Minhas Breweries, Distillery and Winery and CBC’s Dragons’ Den co-star.

This year’s conference will focus on the importance of representation, safety, sponsorship and trust. These renowned speakers will delve into how to become a successful leader in a highly complex and rapidly changing space and share key leadership advice and insights on staying true to one’s values, story and identity.

The opportunity to bring this event to the ULethbridge campus will be pivotal, says event co-host Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

“As a destination university, we continue to uphold our commitment to building bridges to the Lethbridge community and this year’s conference provides us with the opportunity to connect across our alumni networks, campuses and communities.”

Tickets are limited and on sale now. Sponsorships are also available. For more information, please email edi.office@uleth.ca or visit go.uleth.ca/IWD-conference.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ welcomes Dr. Rebecca Schiff as new Deputy Provost

trevor.kenney — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 17:13:19 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is excited to introduce Dr. Rebecca Schiff, a transdisciplinary scholar and administrator whose research spans the fields of health sciences, social sciences, humanities and environmental sciences, as its new Deputy Provost.

Dr. Rebecca Schiff comes to ULethbridge from an appointment as Dean of the Faculty of Human and Health Sciences at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Northern British Columbia (UNBC).

Schiff comes to ULethbridge from an appointment as Dean of the Faculty of Human and Health Sciences at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). In that role, she led the Schools of Education, Nursing, Social Work and Health Sciences, as well as the Department of Psychology. Prior to her time at UNBC, she held teaching and administrative positions at Lakehead ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, including Professor of Indigenous, Rural and Remote Health and Chair of the Department of Health Sciences in the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences.

“Dr. Schiff is a highly respected researcher and administrator whose scholarly work over the course of her career aligns closely with the values of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge,” says Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “Her research interests have focused on the public good and specifically on rural and northern health and health care, while her administrative work champions themes of equity, inclusivity and collaboration. We see her as an excellent addition to our senior leadership team who will offer a valuable perspective to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.”

Schiff is a graduate of McGill ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, first earning a Bachelor of Music and then earning a Diploma of Environment with a graduate thesis from the McGill School of Environment. She completed her doctorate at the Institute for Sustainability and Technology Policy at Murdoch ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Australia.

She describes her disciplinary expertise as broad and embracing a liberal education approach to learning.

“My doctoral program was interdisciplinary, with intersections across numerous disciplines,” says Schiff. “Upon returning from Australia, I was based in Western Canada, where I worked extensively with diverse urban, rural and Indigenous communities around issues related to poverty, homelessness, food security, women’s health and social service systems.”

Schiff would go on to work as a faculty member at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Regina, with positions in the Department of Geography and Department of Justice studies. Her career would then take her to Memorial ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ where she worked in Indigenous Health with the Faculty of Medicine, based out of Memorial’s Labrador Institute. In 2014, she began her term at Lakehead ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in the Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences. She has been at UNBC since 2022.

Schiff’s research work has included funding from a wide array of sources, including the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). She has been a principal or co-applicant on 50-plus research projects totaling over $12.5 million in grants and has authored/co-authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications. She has also produced two books, with her most recent — Health and Healthcare in Northern Canada — considered a major contribution to scholarship in this field.

“Her inter- and transdisciplinary approach to scholarship in the field of public health, coupled with a strong record of leadership success in a variety of administrative roles is a great addition to our team,” adds Helstein.

The Deputy Provost supports the Provost in establishing innovative initiatives to further the goals of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and to provide assistance to the team of vice-presidents, deans and other direct reports to support programming and activities that further strengthen the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s student-first culture. Schiff’s five-year term begins May 1, 2024.

Respect at ULethbridge program launches important initiative

trevor.kenney — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:47:44 +0000

An important journey is beginning for ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge employees with the launch of the Respect at ULethbridge program.

As part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, as well as an ongoing investment in the value everyone brings to campus, Respect at ULethbridge is the first foundational step in a series of many steps ULethbridge is taking to foster a better place to work, learn and come together as a campus community.

“We have heard your perspectives, and we want to respond in a meaningful way,” says Dr. Digvir Jayas, ULethbridge President & Vice-Chancellor. “We welcome everyone on this journey, one we will take together to further our learning, foster empathy and better understand each of our roles in supporting a campus community that is welcoming to all.”

People have long been considered ULethbridge’s greatest asset, and it is imperative the institution and the campus community as a whole continues to put the work in to maintain and grow that strength. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is not immune to issues of workplace conflict and the recent Employee Diversity Census indicated that work needs to be done to ensure employees are coming to a safe and respectful environment.

“Experiences of bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination have a significant negative impact on employees — in their performance and engagement with their work, as well as their physical and mental health,” says Heather Takahashi (BA ’04), Associate Vice-President, Human Resources. “The census showed us that workplace conflicts, bullying and microaggressions are an ongoing concern here at ULethbridge and we must work together to address them.”

All employees will be expected to complete a virtual course that addresses these issues and how to recognize and respond to instances of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination. With engaging and thought-provoking lessons, questions and scenarios, the course provides information on anti-racism, unconscious bias and microaggressions, and shows how to model positive change and promote physical and psychological health.

“At the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and belonging is a collective responsibility that we must all work towards. To do so, we must be clear on our values, and respect is a key value that allows us to work together in a good way,” says Martha Mathurin-Moe, ULethbridge’s Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

“We want a campus that is representative of the communities we serve. One that is built on the values of inclusive excellence that is demonstrated in work, teaching, research, school and our interactions with each other.”

The Respect at ULethbridge program is supported by a website (employee access only) that contains resources, supports and toolkits for leaders and employees to help foster a respectful campus environment and support each other in the process of reporting experiences of harassment and discrimination. Jayas says this will be an ongoing focus for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community and become a cornerstone upon which an enduring environment of respect will be built.

“This is just the first of many steps we here at ULethbridge plan to take on this journey to fostering a better place to work, study and thrive,” he says. “There will be future opportunities for learning, sharing experiences and perspectives, and actively engaging in the collaborative work of ensuring a respectful campus culture.”

Dr. Michelle Helstein, ULethbridge Provost and Vice-President (Academic), adds that everyone will prosper in a supportive environment.

“We are excited to be on this journey with you and are committed to lead by example in fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful campus for all.”

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