Colleagues,
Thank you to all those who came out to support our 452 graduating students at convocation earlier this month. The ceremony was particularly special, as it marked our first graduating class of Bachelor of Public Health students, as well as the first graduating students from the Master of Health Evaluation program. Congratulations are extended once again to all those who received degrees or honours at the ceremony (listed in last month’s update), and also to Clare Cummins, our 2017 valedictorian.
In news this month:
- On July 8, the Faculty will welcome more than 120 new incoming students to campus for AHS 101. Now in its third year, the day-long event is designed to introduce students and their parents to life in Applied Health Sciences. In addition to a lecture and program-specific session, participants have the opportunity to meet upper-year students and members of the AHS community to help facilitate a smooth transition to campus in September.
- The AHS Advisory Committee on Health and Wellbeing held its first meeting earlier this month. Chaired by Chris Perlman, the committee will begin by focusing on mental health promotion and supports within the Faculty. Perspectives from AHS students, staff, and faculty will be gathered to develop recommendations for creating a supportive and safe community. More information on the committee’s initiatives as well as opportunities for participation will be available in the coming weeks.
- Congratulations to Diana Parry, who has been appointed Associate Vice-President, Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion, commencing July 1. Diana formerly held the role of Special Advisor to the President on Women’s and Gender Issues. She will continue to act as lead for the UN Women’s HeForShe/IMPACT 10x10x10 campaign, a global solidarity movement that unites people around the world in advancing gender equity.
- Construction continues in the Faculty, including renovation work on the first floor area behind 1005 and 1016 to accommodate Kinesiology undergraduate support activities, which is expected to be completed by mid-July. In the RLS space on the second floor, the external consulting firm is currently reviewing all areas containing asbestos and determining the best protocol to ensure safe removal. This assessment is scheduled to be completed next week. A reminder that RLS has temporarily relocated to the first floor of the Mathematics and Computer Building (MC) during this time.
- Thank you to all who participated in our design charrette on June 5. The event was a tremendous success, with twenty participants drafting five creative designs for our courtyard legacy project (see picture below). Special thanks to Rick Haldenby and the four architecture students who led the exercise. The next step will include a review of the designs by senior administration and Plant Ops to determine logistical and budgetary feasibility. Two or three options will then be presented to the AHS community to vote on the winning project.
- Congratulations are extended to Mark Ferro, who recently received an Early Researcher Award from the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science for his work focusing on the determinants and outcomes associated with psychiatric hospitalization of youth. Mark is also the recipient of the 2017 Early Career Award from the Canadian Society of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
- This fall, Applied Health Sciences will produce a special anniversary edition of News To You under the theme of “AHS leading a new conversation.” The issue will highlight pioneering advancements in research and knowledge translation from AHS over our first five decades. All faculty, staff and students are invited to share content ideas by connecting with Wanda Deschamps, Director of Advancement. Please also consider sharing your favourite AHS story or photo for our 50th anniversary stories project.
- Congratulations to Elena Neiterman, recipient of the 2017 AHS Teaching Award. Elena received glowing nominations from students across three different courses, recognizing both her innovative teaching style and commitment to student success. Students can nominate instructors for the 2018 award beginning this term by visiting the AHS teaching website.
Wishing you all a safe long weekend and Happy Canada Day,
Jim
James
W.E.
Rush,
PhD
Professor
and
Dean
Faculty
of
Applied
Health
Sciences