Colleagues,
Ruben Bellan was an economist at the University of Manitoba. He was known for being rather sanguine about government debt and deficits. As a high school student, I recall trying to argue this position with my father. My father had lived through the Depression, and was unimpressed with Professor Bellan’s theories. As I’ve grown older, I find that I’ve gravitated to my father’s position that we all need to try to live within our means.
As has been widely reported, as a Faculty and as a University, our “means” have recently become much more constrained. In past years, our University has been able to rely on modest tuition fee increases to help us keep up with rising expenses. However, with the recent announcement of a 10 percent cut in domestic tuition fees (and the loss of any tuition increase we might have anticipated), we have now entered a period where we will need to keep an even closer eye on our budget.
I say “closer” because I think our Faculty has always kept a pretty close eye on its revenue and expenses. But we might find an even closer look to be worthwhile. We might find ways to conserve resources or minimize costs that don’t adversely affect our ability to achieve our core objectives. And as we go through our strategic planning exercise, we may find ways to increase our impact, while also bringing in additional resources. As just one example, there are many conversations going on around campus about how our University could expand its role in lifelong learning. Our Faculty already provides training programs for working professionals (the MPH program, for example), and we are in a good position to build on that record of success – perhaps through workshops, summer institutes or other mechanisms. So while operating in a more resource-constrained environment will certainly be a challenge, it does give us an opportunity to take a closer look at what we’re doing, and how we might do it better or more efficiently. I look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions.
Ruben Bellan might not have cared, but I think my Dad would have approved.
Best,
Paul
Paul Stolee, PhD
Professor and Interim Dean
Faculty of Applied Health Sciences
AHS this month I Events I Tips for you
AHS THIS MONTH
New Dean to be announced
This week, the University will be announcing the appointment of Lili Liu as the next Dean of 
Applied Health Sciences. She is currently chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta. AHS community members had a chance to engage with her during a visit last January, when she displayed a thoughtful and collaborative approach to leadership. Her five-year appointment will begin July 1.
Three years running
For the third year in a row, the University's Recreation and Leisure Studies program has placed first in Canada in the Hospitality and Leisure Management category in Quacquarelli Symond's (QS) World University Rankings, and remains in the top 50 internationally. Troy Glover, chair of Recreation and Leisure Studies, said, "I’m truly delighted to know our ongoing and persistent efforts to create, explore and push boundaries position us as one of the world’s top universities in our growing field of inquiry."
Strategic Plan consultations continue
The Dean's Advisory Committee on Strategic Planning is reviewing the responses from the online open-ended survey that was distributed last month, and will prepare other consultation opportunities before setting goals and priorities over the spring and early summer. The committee expects to develop the plan over the fall term.
AHS Let’s Talk
The AHS Advisory Committee on Health and Well-being hosted a successful event 
for this annual fundraising day for mental health initiatives. More than 250 students stopped by the AHS booth to write messages of support, be photographed and grab a snack. The event created awareness and community, allowing students to connect with with peers, staff and faculty on the issue. Also, the Dean's Office donated $1 for every tweet (673 in total), which will go toward student-led initiatives in the Faculty. Many thanks to Molly Furness and Caroline Dack for organizing. See the AHS Let's Talk photo album on Facebook.
Three-minute Thesis (3MT) winner to represent AHS
Can Ergen (Recreation and Leisure Studies) earned the right to represent AHS in the University Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition with his presentation, “Choir Participation, Social Identity and Psychological Wellbeing.” Nathalie Oomen (Kinesiology) and Robert Gauthier (SPHHS) were the runners up in the AHS heat yesterday. Cheer Can on at the University-wide finals on March 20 at 3 p.m. in the Theatre of the Arts. The winners go on to provincials and possibly nationals.
New undergraduate scholarship
A new AHS scholarship, the Ronald George, Florence Elizabeth and Ronald Thomas Bolce Scholarship , valued at up to $3,000, will be awarded annually to a full-time, first-year undergraduate student. Selection will be based on academic excellence (minimum 85 percent admission average) and extracurricular involvement as assessed through the Admission Information Form. This award is made possible in loving memory of Ronald George, Florence Elizabeth Bolce and in honour of Ronald Thomas Bolce.
UPCOMING EVENTS
AHS Grad Formal: March 2
Thank you to everyone who claimed a complimentary ticket for the Grad Formal. 
Having a staff and faculty presence at this event helps demonstrate the Faculty’s pride in our students’ hard-work and accomplishments. We're looking forward to celebrating with you.
March Break Open House: March 9
To help prospective students discover if AHS is the right fit, the Faculty is holding information sessions, sample lectures, and tours at March Break Open House. Students can also tour the campus and residences, and even Grade 11 students are welcome to attend to discover more about Waterloo and AHS.
Recognition Reception: March 11
The Recognition Reception is an annual event held by the Faculty to celebrate both graduate and undergraduate students who have received awards over the past year, as well as the generous donors who make the awards possible. This year, more than 300 students have been invited to attend the event and to be recognized for their successes.
Understanding Student Accommodation: March 21
At this Teaching Fellows Monthly Meet-up, a representative from AccessAbility Services will join us to share answers to some frequently asked accommodation questions, as well as address questions from the audience. Look for your Outlook invitation. Lunch will be served.
Grad Class Send-off: March 27
Faculty and staff are invited to celebrate the Class of 2019 at our annual send-off event. Mingle with graduating students, faculty members and other special guests. Enjoy celebratory remarks and a champagne toast to the graduating class. If you plan to attend, please complete the RSVP form by Friday, March 15.
UW KINnection: March 30
If you know someone with osteoarthritis, low bone mineral density or osteoporosis, let
them know about this interactive event with kinesiology students at the CCCARE facility. A kinesiology student will assess physical function and teach new strength and balance exercises over a two-hour period. See the KINnection web page for registration and details.
TIPS FOR YOU
How to enjoy healthy eating
March is Nutrition Month and a great time to check out the newly updated Canada’s Food Guide. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains and hydrate with water. To make healthy choices in the supermarket and at restaurants, check out food labels and be wary of marketing. Beyond the foods you choose, healthy eating is about being mindful of and enjoying eating. Try a new recipe or enjoy a meal with others!
Do you have a wellness tip or a news item to share? Please email it to Eugenia Xenos Anderson.