Dear AHS staff, faculty, and graduate students,
The Strategic Planning Advisory Committee and I would like to thank you, members of the AHS community, for participating in the strategic plan survey in November, and for engaging in the forum on December 11.
We met in mid-January to incorporate data and feedback gathered from these sources, and we will have one more meeting to synthesize it all. We look forward to sharing with you the updated Vision and Mission statements, and our Values, Priorities, Goals and Objectives after that.
The Advisory Committee also unanimously approved in principle the idea of changing our Faculty name from Faculty of Applied Health Sciences to Faculty of Health. Since our inception in 1967, the Faculty has evolved from “the world’s first department of kinesiology into a multidisciplinary incubator for innovative programs and educational resources dedicated to human health and well-being." We are known for advancements in both fundamental and applied research.
The rationale is that ‘Applied’ has non-academic connotations from a recruitment perspective, resulting in confusion and questions about what the word means. The name as a whole also doesn’t fully represent what we do, and moving to a one-word Faculty name would align with the rest of the Faculties. The three academic units are also taking this opportunity to evaluate their names and how they represent their strategic directions. If you have any comments about changing the Faculty name, please contact a member of the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee or your Chair/Director so they can bring it up at a council meeting.
Best,
Lili Liu
AHS this month I Events I Tips and reminders
AHS THIS MONTH
Stuart McGill named to Order of Canada
Kinesiology Professor Emeritus Stuart McGill was named a member of the Order of Canada over the holiday break. He was recognized for his contributions to understanding the biomechanics of the spinal column and to the development of rehabilitation programs. Three others with ties to the University were also appointed: Donna Strickland, Anne Dagg and Paul Born.
Partnership with two Ontario hospitals
The School's Mark Ferro and his research team have partnered with Grand River Hospital and McMaster's Children's Hospital to better understand the impact that hospitalization for mental health has on the long‐term quality of life for youth and their families. A custom-made app will gather information about mental health service contacts post-discharge, how these services impact quality of life and the extent to which such services prevent readmission to hospital. This partnership will generate novel information, which can then be used to help youth and their families.
New mental health initiative
We have launched a new undergraduate course this term on mental health literacy: AHS 105. The course, taught by Christine Zaza, is open to all undergraduate students on campus, and had maximum enrolment in its first offering. Final group presentations, which will address mental health literacy, will be on display in the AHS Expansion Building in late March.
What's in a territorial acknowledgment?
Do you have questions about why territorial acknowledgments are made before most meetings these days? Lori Campbell, director of the Shatitsirótha' Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, wrote this opinion piece on territorial acknowledgments that sheds some light.
Coronavirus update
The risk of being infected by the coronavirus still remains low in Ontario, but the University is taking precautions by setting up a working committee to monitor the situation and coordinate with groups such as Public Health, Health Services and Campus Wellness. All updates will be posted on the Campus Wellness website.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Walkabout Wednesdays: January to April 8
Staff, faculty and students are invited to join Kinesiology faculty Robyn Ibey and Wade Wilson as they lead a ring-road walkabout every Wednesday this term. Come out when you can for some community building, exercise and fresh air — and dress for the weather. Meet every Wednesday at noon (except Reading Week) outside AHS 1689. Please let your undergraduates know!
CTE teaching awards deadline: February 7
The Centre for Teaching Excellence is rewarding exceptional teachers through two awards. Please nominate outstanding AHS instructors for the Distinguished Teacher Award, or if you know outstanding students with a formal teaching role at the University, please nominate them for the Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student. The nomination deadline for both is February 7.
GARLS call for abstracts: February 14
Recreation and Leisure Studies graduate students interested in presenting at the May 1 Graduate Association of Recreation and Leisure Studies (GARLS) Symposium have until mid-February to submit their abstracts. It is a unique opportunity for networking and scholarly and professional growth.
Grade 10 Family Night: February 20
Grade 10 students and their parents are invited to visit campus on Thursday, February 20 to learn more about preparing for university, student life, admissions and financing a university education. Know someone who is interested? Have them register for Grade 10 Family Night. This event is being held in Hagey Hall and the Humanities Theatre. There will be booths with representatives from all Faculties and many student services from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a presentation with Q&A from 7 to 8:30 p.m. If you can't make it, but want to watch the webcast, register for the event to get the link.
Hallman Lecture with Jane Philpott: February 27
Using her experience as medical doctor and special advisor on health for Nishnawbe Aski Nation, former Member of Parliament Jane Philpott will examine some causes and consequences of the main health issues in Indigenous communities. Waiting list registration only at this point.
TIPS AND REMINDERS
Updated research application process
Please note that the Research Application Process - Instructions for completing a cover sheet web page has been updated. Researchers need to complete cover sheets to start a research account through the Office of Research for grants, contracts, awards and prizes. Please submit cover sheets at least five business days prior to the deadline to ensure that signatures can be secured. Questions? Contact Carol West-Seebeck, Sandy Heise or Denise Hay if they relate to your academic unit, or Catherine Maine if your questions relate to the Dean.
Electronic IP disclosure form
The Office of Research would like to remind faculty to complete the Electronic IP disclosure form to disclose intellectual property and commercialization activity in accordance with the requirements of Policy 73. The form should be completed by March 31.
Work shouldn't hurt
You've probably heard it before: Work shouldn't hurt. Here are some tips on how to make your desk safer and more comfortable from Steve Fischer in Kinesiology.
Reduce your laundry footprint
How can you help the environment at home? Save money and water by using the eco or quick wash cycle on your washing machine. Don’t forget to wash in cold water as well — many detergents are made specifically for cold water washing.
Do you have a news item to share? Please email it to Eugenia Xenos Anderson.