🇨🇦 · UOttawa Richard L ’Abbé Makerspace · Anonymous
uOttawa tackles the Anthropocene age Anonymous Wed, 03/15/2023 - 13:58 home University of Ottawa uOttawa tackles the Anthropocene age June 15, 2022 The University of Ottawa is offering the first program in Canada on the Anthropocene, to prepare tomorrow’s leaders to understand today’s issues in an interdisciplinary setting. These unique undergraduate and master’s paths offer courses in English or in French. Humans are now the main force transforming the Earth. The impact of our activities exceeds that of geophysical forces and the natural world. It’s the Anthropocene age, the age of the human and all our planetary mess: climate change, loss of biodiversity, urbanization, technological acceleration... The University of Ottawa is offering the first program in Canada on the Anthropocene, to prepare tomorrow’s leaders to understand today’s issues in an interdisciplinary setting. These unique undergraduate and master’s paths offer courses in English or in French. An emerging field of study in a high-impact research environment The University of Ottawa is the ideal place to study the Anthropocene. Our members work within a very large pool of governmental and non-governmental organizations with major influence on our society. The University also holds a Research Chair on the Urban Anthropocene jointly with the Université de Lyon’s École urbaine. The Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate microprogram and a science master’s with a concentration in the Anthropocene (with a research or internship option). These programs are adapted to this complex field of study and offer combinations to cover its various aspects. Students are invited to reflect on current issues, such as global environmental challenges and the human and political dimensions of environmental change. What does studying the Anthropocene prepare you for? Our programs on the Anthropocene will educate those who’ll help us to rethink our social responsibilities in terms of the environment, politics, the economy and more. "We are called to regulate and modify our behaviour for the common good more than any previous generation has had to. Learning to do this as an individual is essential to becoming a good citizen. Learning to do this as a society is essential for us to live fulfilling lives, and our children as well." ― Anders Knudby, chair, graduate studies, and associate professor, Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics Discover the new undergraduate microprogram in Anthropocene and the MSc concentration in Anthropocene .
🇨🇦 · UOttawa Richard L ’Abbé Makerspace · Anonymous
Going to university was a source of hope for this Fall 2020 graduate Anonymous Wed, 03/15/2023 - 13:58 home University of Ottawa Going to university was a source of hope for this Fall 2020 graduate November 25, 2020 After sustaining serious injuries from a car accident in high school, Jesse Lesniowski is now a proud uOttawa graduate and an advocate for the environment and for self-care, especially for students living with disabilities. This is his story. If there’s one thing Jesse Lesniowski learned after surviving a brutal car crash in high school, it’s that advocating for yourself is crucial. Because of the injuries he sustained, it took Jesse a few more years than expected to graduate high school and complete his undergraduate degree in environmental science at uOttawa. “But that’s okay,” he says. “I went at my own pace, I learned to fight for what I needed in order to succeed and I made room in my life for the things that make me happy.” Despite the lasting trauma from his accident, Jesse will graduate on Sunday, November 29 with an Honours BSc in Environmental Science, Geochemistry and Ecotoxicology from the Faculty of Science. He recently got accepted into a master’s program in environmental sustainability at uOttawa’s Institute of the Environment . Lucky to have survived On his way back to Ottawa from Toronto in July 2011, two months after Jesse turned 16, he and his girlfriend at the time were sitting in the backseat of a car that crashed on the highway near Belleville. There were no casualties, thankfully, but the pair sustained severe injuries and were hospitalized for several months in Kingston, Ontario. “I was in the ICU, getting surgeries every few days, you know, just trying to put myself back together,” says Jesse. “My digestive tract was severely damaged because the seatbelt cut into my body. A lot of muscle got cut, my rib and sternum broke, my lung was punctured and I had to get about two metres of my small intestine removed. Basically, any organ that wasn't necessary to keep in my body, is gone now. So that’s what led to my disabilities.” To this day, Jesse lives with chronic pain and fatigue. Eating causes him tremendous pain and he has severe digestive issues. He carries pain pills with him wherever he goes, and he has to manage his time effectively, so he doesn’t overexert himself. Thinking of going to university kept him going To finish high school, Jesse took most of his classes from home and his physiotherapy sessions counted towards his gym credits. One of his favourite online subjects was environmental science, which was only offered to students learning remotely. He enjoyed it so much, in fact, that he applied to uOttawa’s Faculty of Science to continue studying it. “When I was in the hospital in Kingston, my bed was right beside the window and Queen's University was one of the few things I could see,” he says. “Seeing the campus was a source of hope for me. I thought, if I was able to make it to university, maybe I would have a chance at living a normal life. That idea gave me hope and made me excited for my future again. I think it really helped me heal and get through that tough time.” Jesse also reflected on how lucky he was to have an occupational therapist assigned to his case. Throughout high school and university, she helped him access the services he needed to do well in school, including uOttawa’s Academic support . She showed him the importance of advocating for himself, something he was determined to pay forward through awareness and student advocacy. A voice for LGBTQ+ people with disabilities “I’ve heard from students that it can be really challenging to advocate for oneself without support, or the feeling of support,” says Jesse. “Students who don’t have the same kind of help I did risk getting overwhelmed and might end up giving up, especially if they don’t look like they’re entitled to special accommodations. My disability is invisible. You wouldn’t know that something was wrong unless I was to take off my shirt. Most people are kind and understanding, but there have been times where I’ve had to deal with people’s disbelief and their hostility. I just wanted to be there for other students like me, let them know that it’s not a weakness to be vocal about their needs, and show them that they’re not alone.” Jesse regularly contributed to the online magazine Her Campus, where he wrote about his disability, body positivity and accessing important resources. He also fundraised for CHEO, Shinerama (Canada’s largest postsecondary fundraiser in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada) and Egale Canada, an advocacy organization for LGBTQI2S people and issues. “There are a lot of LGBTQ+ people who have disabilities who aren’t being recognized or represented within the community,” says Jesse. “So, no matter what I’m a part of, I make a point of talking about my disability and sharing my experience with others in order to remove the stigma that exists around that topic.” An active member of the uOttawa community Jesse was vice-president of philanthropic activities for the Science Students’ Association (SSA) and acted as the student representative for his department. He created the Environmental Science Association, a club under the SSA that brought students from his department closer together. He also organized and hosted several drag shows, performing under the name Saltina Shaker, to raise money for the SSA. “I have to choose my activities wisely because I have to rest up and ice my body the whole next day to recover,” he says. “Performing with a disability can be very taxing, but I enjoy it so much that I give myself the time and space to be a part of that community. I took three courses per semester because I know my limits. I knew anything more would burn me out, especially if I wanted to take part in extracurricular activities that would make me happy and enrich my university experience. I had to make sacrifices in order to make room for what I love, and that’s fine, because the connections I’ve made along the way are priceless to me.” uOttawa Fall Convocation 2020 Jesse will be one of 894 undergraduate students graduating at Fall Convocation on November 29. For more information about the ceremonies, to find resources to customize your online convocation experience or to register to receive your degree, go to the 2020 Convocation page.
🇨🇦 · UOttawa Richard L ’Abbé Makerspace · Anonymous
Marleau Signature Lecture Series on Economic and Monetary Policy: Q&A with Renowned MIT Financial Economics Professor Andrew Lo Anonymous Wed, 03/15/2023 - 13:58 home University of Ottawa Marleau Signature Lecture Series on Economic and Monetary Policy: Q&A with Renowned MIT Financial Economics Professor Andrew Lo March 15, 2021 The Marleau Signature Lecture Series on Economic and Monetary Policy hosted renowned financial economist and distinguished MIT Sloan School of Management Professor Andrew W. Lo. Mr. Lo used his Adaptive Markets Hypothesis (AMH) to analyze current markets and suggest what stakeholders need to watch for in the coming months and years. The pandemic has created uncertainty in every aspect of our lives, from the way we work to the way we care for our families. In the business realm, this uncertainty extends to supply chains, economies, and general investment practices — creating a financial world that is just as unpredictable as the physical world in which we currently live. To help provide some clarity on the pandemic’s influence on the economy, last December the Marleau Signature Lecture Series on Economic and Monetary Policy hosted renowned financial economist and distinguished MIT Sloan School of Management Professor Andrew W. Lo. In a lecture entitled “Financial Market Dynamics and Systemic Risk in a Post-COVID World”, Lo used his Adaptive Markets Hypothesis (AMH) to analyze current markets and suggest what stakeholders need to watch for in the coming months and years. In this Q&A, Professor Lo answers a few questions from guest interviewer Mike Heffernan, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Software Architect at OpusEdge Inc. This interview has been edited for brevity. Mike Heffernan: Considering the Adaptive Market Hypothesis (AMH), in which you stress the need to adapt, I've certainly been feeling disoriented by the stock market’s apparent disconnection to the underlying economy. I need to recalibrate because anything that I've used for metrics in the past has gone out the window. Is there a metric that matters in the Fed’s balance sheet now? What is the recalibration required in today's environment? Andrew Lo: The approach that I prefer is trying to understand why the traditional metrics aren't working and to figure out whether or not there’s a way to adjust them. It is conducive to being able to come up with insights that pass the smell test. The bottom line is: how do businesses generate cash flows? Ultimately, that’s how you create value for investors, right? That process has changed because of what generates value for businesses, and therefore, investors. It’s become much more related to information provision and social interaction. If you think about the multi-billion-dollar businesses that have been created over the last decade, apart from the usual suspects like real estate and pharmaceuticals, the vast majority of the value that’s been created has been in the technology space, and it’s been created by way of information processing or information provision. That, I think, is the key to understanding why these valuations look so crazy: it’s because we're not really valuing information in the way that that we ought to. If we think about altering the metrics to include some kind of information technology impact or value, the traditional methods of thinking about discounting cashflows will work again. A good example is the typical Internet business that focuses on retail interactions. We know that market share is very important. Burning tremendous amounts of cash, in the case of this business, may seem crazy, but if you are able to establish a reasonably loyal base, that will generate profitability going forward manyfold. Additionally, the data that you collect from your client base can be used to reposition the business in a very profitable manner. If you include clickstreams and client data in your calculations, then your earnings and your price-to-earnings ratio start to look very different. Mike Heffernan: Does AMH imply that we’re constantly fighting the last war? Always, to some degree, behind the environment? Andrew Lo: I forget who said “Nature is red in tooth and claw” (Ed. Alfred, Lord Tennyson), but we're always fighting. We’re always bleeding and we’re always adapting, unless you get to a very rare situation where the predators and prey are exactly in the right balance, so that you live in a stable environment. In economics, we call this stationary processes. But equilibrium is a really unusual situation in nature. Either you’re growing or you’re dying. The Zen Buddhists have an even more succinct way of putting it: “To live is to suffer”. It’s a constant struggle — life is short and then you die. Mike Heffernan: Maybe one way to measure empirically the AMH is to actually track the genome. You look at who the players are in the market, which “species” are succeeding or failing. As time goes by, you see newcomers emerge and others fall off. Andrew Lo: If you take a look at the companies and sub-industries that have succeeded over the last seven months, and those that were hit hard, it really looks like an evolutionary winnowing. COVID-19 may well be the kind of catastrophic event that ultimately wipes out some dinosaurs, metaphorically. It was the death of this species that gave rise to mammals. When you focus on the evolution of these different business lines, it’s very much like the kind of dynamic that we’ve seen in other catastrophes. Mike Heffernan: Did you have, as a result of the COVID-19 shock, new insights about how things transpired? Andrew Lo: Virtually everything that I do now I do through the lens of adaptive markets. Once I realized that we’re not in equilibrium most of the time and that we are all competing for our own little niche, it really changed the way that I view everything, whether it’s investment strategies, risk management policies, or government policy and intervention. All of us have had to adapt quickly to these changing economic conditions. In this context, AMH is a framework that is much more useful than the traditional rational expectations of a neoclassical economic framework. But at the same time, there is a lot more work to be done. The efficient markets hypothesis and more generally, neoclassical economics, is not wrong, it’s just incomplete. By thinking about the economy as an ecosystem, we have a much better chance of developing more consistent theories that can explain phenomena like a pandemic or a recession or a financial crisis. Mike Heffernan: In closing, if you had something to say to a general university readership about COVID-19, about financial markets, about the state we’re in, what would that be? Andrew Lo: The pandemic is a very finite event. It will be over in a few months. But during that time there’s tremendous risk — financial risk, but more importantly, health risk to individuals as well as to the community. I want students to remember that their actions have tremendous implications that go far beyond the next six-to-nine months. If we can stay safe and healthy, and can look forward to the time when we’re all vaccinated and can gather together without endangering lives, that’s something we ought to strive for. The dividends will last a lifetime if we can stay safe. I think there is a lot to be optimistic about. I think that we’re going to see an unprecedented period of economic growth and prosperity over the course of the next five to seven years. So much so that I worry about the next financial crisis. In the meantime, it’s going to be a lot of fun getting there. There’s going to be a lot of partying, a lot of celebrating. I just hope someone will be wise enough to take the punch bowl away before the next reckoning. Our next lecturer in the Marleau Series will be Dr. Emi Nakamura on April 30. Dr. Nakamura is the Chancellor’s Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley. She is an award winning and highly cited researcher in Inflation and Price Dispersion, Monetary and Fiscal Policy. More details can be found on the Marleau series webpage.
🇨🇦 · UOttawa Richard L ’Abbé Makerspace · Anonymous
How Canada can lead — and uOttawa can support — the post-COVID economy Anonymous Wed, 03/15/2023 - 13:58 home University of Ottawa How Canada can lead — and uOttawa can support — the post-COVID economy January 11, 2022 As the world emerges from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many are asking how Canada can use its recovery as a catalyst to build a more resilient, green, and equitable economy. This was the topic of discussion at the Chancellor’s Debate on December 1. The event was hosted by Chancellor Calin Rovinescu and featured Stéphane Brutus, dean of the Telfer School of Management, and Monique Leroux as the guest of honour. Leroux is a Canadian Business Hall of Famer, former CEO of Desjardins Group, and chair of the Industry Strategy Council, a group of business leaders tasked with gathering national perspectives about the impact of COVID-19 on key sectors of the Canadian economy. The conversation touched on a range of topics, from Canada’s rising inflation rates to how the private sector can bridge social inequalities to the opportunities brought by new technologies. Here are some of the key ideas shared. Industry insights: Canada’s global strengths The conversation began by discussing the advice that Leroux and other members of Canada’s Industry Strategy Council gave to the federal government during the pandemic. What became apparent from the council’s nationwide conversations was that Canada needs a long-term, well-defined industry strategy, similar to other countries worldwide. Creating such a strategy requires collaboration between the private and public sectors and, as Rovinescu put it, a philosophy that we can create industrial champions who can take their rightful place on the world stage. In consulting with business leaders, academics, and communities across Canada, Leroux and the Industry Strategy Council identified three areas of strength where the country could lead. The first relates to Canada’s natural resources, and how to grow or transition using an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) lens. “ESG is very powerful. It’s about creating a roadmap for businesses and governments that is long- term and able to provide prosperity,” explained Leroux. “Prosperity is not just wealth creation., iIt considers the environment, the people, and the impact particular organizations have on the community and various stakeholders.” A second area of strength is the potential to pair Canada’s highly educated workforce with digital tools and training in a way that benefits the economy. The final area of strength Leroux highlighted is Canada’s capacity for cutting-edge manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace, automotive, life sciences and humanities sectors. “These are sectors where we have the ability to be front runners, but in some cases, they don’t have the critical mass to compete as global players. How can we promote the growth of those businesses so they take on an international scope, promote economic growth in Canada, and provide great jobs for our graduates?” she asked. The opportunities for uOttawa Both Rovinescu and Leroux emphasized the role post-secondary institutions can play in Canada’s economic recovery. “The whole mindset and mentality of an entrepreneur is so important for our students, whether you work for a small business or a huge corporation,” said Rovinescu. “It’s about being courageous, not being risk averse, and being able to deal with failure.” Rovinescu’s comments prompted Brutus to mention the Telfer School of Management’s significant focus on entrepreneurship . This focus is consistent across uOttawa, where initiatives such as the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Engineering Design (CEED) and various accelerator programs spark innovation and creative problem solving. Leroux further discussed how uOttawa can foster multidisciplinary thinking and build supportive ecosystems for entrepreneurs and business leaders.: “Universities need to be careful about not putting students in silos. Collaboration between faculties will naturally bring students to understand the connection between computer science, marketing, finance, and other areas of study.” Gone are the days of being able to think of problems “vertically,” Leroux noted. Future leaders — be it in the private or public sector — must value different areas of expertise and work with people from various backgrounds. This spirit of integration can be further nurtured in universities through private sector partnerships that provide students with real-world perspectives. Overall, the discussion’s message was one of optimism and hope. “If I look at it from a political, geo-economic, and democratic point of view, Canada has a lot of advantages,” Leroux concluded. “From natural resources to education to social programs, we have everything we need to be ambitious, bold, and to provide prosperity to all.”
🇨🇦 · UOttawa Richard L ’Abbé Makerspace · Anonymous
Rainbow Haven: Helping LGBTQ+ refugees in Ottawa Anonymous Wed, 03/15/2023 - 13:58 home University of Ottawa Rainbow Haven: Helping LGBTQ+ refugees in Ottawa March 29, 2022 “What can be better than advancing social justice while making friends?” says Professor Patti Tamara Lenard. With the help of many, including uOttawa colleague Emily Regan Wills, she founded Rainbow Haven, a local group that supports the resettlement of LGBTQ+ refugees in Ottawa. The idea came from a panel discussion in early 2015 during Welcoming Ottawa Week, a series of events and activities for newcomers. When a panellist talked helping LGBTQ+ refugees, Lenard saw her opportunity to “walk the talk” as a researcher focusing on challenges faced by precarious status migrants. She refers to the result, Rainbow Haven, as her “non-hypocrisy project,” allowing her to help offer refuge to those in need. Welcoming Ottawa Week is a week-long series of events and activities to convey the genuine welcome and hospitality of Ottawa to newcomers. LGBTQ + Refugees’ specific needs “Resettlement as a gay refugee is very challenging. Canada has a reputation for being welcoming, but there is still homophobia and discrimination. Rainbow Haven works to prepare refugees for this new reality,” says Lenard. “We work with them on a much more intimate level than other refugee groups might need.” Rainbow Haven and its partners identify LGBTQ refugees needing sponsors and then raise funds and prepare for their arrival. From the moment the refugees land at the Ottawa airport, they are surrounded by an inclusive Rainbow Haven group, with around 60% of members from the LGBTQ+ community and of all ages. This serves to present a warm, diverse and accepting community to the newcomers and make them feel welcomed. In research, Lenard asks: “What is our responsibility towards people fleeing danger?” She is currently focusing on their challenges and proposing real-life solutions to them. With Rainbow Haven, she is also taking action. To date, the group has welcomed 10 newcomers from around the world. It also helps LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in Ottawa to prepare their claims. The group hopes to welcome an Afghan couple the fall 2022. “Rainbow Haven has been part of my journey from the moment I was accepted as a refugee. They became the family I didn’t have and had a huge impact in my settling down. They supported me financially, morally and emotionally.” - Fatou Joof, a refugee sponsored by Rainbow Haven who arrived in Ottawa in May 2017 If you want to help Lenard would be more than happy to mentor anyone interested in creating a group to sponsor refugees. Members can help in their own ways, according to their own needs and availability, whether to help a sponsored family get public library cards or to spend time with them on a regular basis.
🇨🇦 · UOttawa Richard L ’Abbé Makerspace · Anonymous
Remembering Alex Trebek: A proud and lifelong Gee-Gee Anonymous Wed, 03/15/2023 - 13:58 home University of Ottawa Remembering Alex Trebek: A proud and lifelong Gee-Gee November 11, 2020 Some memorable moments from our time with Mr. Trebek, whose generosity, kindness and school spirit will live on at the University of Ottawa. For more than 30 years, Alex Trebek was a steady weeknight presence in the living rooms of many North Americans. Hosting the popular trivia program Jeopardy! , Mr. Trebek became a dear friend to many – even to those who never had a chance to meet him. That’s because there was an undeniable warmth and generosity about Mr. Trebek. At the University of Ottawa, we had the good fortune to experience this first-hand. As an alumnus, Mr. Trebek was a proud supporter of his alma mater. Generously donating more than $10 million and many hours of his time to campus events and causes, Mr. Trebek was a Gee-Gee to the core and wore his uOttawa colours with pride. In the hours following Mr. Trebek’s death on November 8, 2020, hundreds of people reached out to the University of Ottawa through social media to express their grief and to celebrate the impact Mr. Trebek had on their lives, this institution and the community at large. “We have lost a dear friend and an exceptional alumnus who was an incredible driver of positive change,” said Jacques Frémont, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Ottawa. “Alex Trebek’s important legacy will live on at the University of Ottawa, and we will be eternally grateful to him.” Remembering his time at the uOttawa After completing his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at uOttawa in 1961, Mr. Trebek began his career in broadcasting, during which he covered national news and special events for radio and television. He was named host of Jeopardy! in 1984, a position he held for more than three decades. Alex Trebek received an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa in 1997 and was awarded the Meritas Tabaret Award for Alumni Achievement, the highest award of excellence given to a uOttawa graduate, in 1998. These two honours are awarded to outstanding individuals who make a significant contribution to the University of Ottawa, to their profession and to society. He was also the honorary chair of the Campaign Cabinet. The Alex Trebek Innovation and Challenge Fund, established in 2011 helped members of the uOttawa student community improve society in Canada and around the world. On May 5, 2015, the Alex-Trebek Alumni Pavilion was unveiled. The Pavilion is a meeting place for alumni and was made possible by a generous donation from Mr. Trebek. That same year, the Alex-Trebek Lecture Series was created and quickly became a hallmark event during Homecoming. This series, created thanks to a gift by Mr. Trebek, enlists renowned speakers to discuss important issues related to public policy, social action, entrepreneurship, science and technology, and health and wellness. In 2016, he established the Alex Trebek Leadership Award, which is open to all undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and have distinguished themselves through volunteering and community service activities or initiatives. In 2017, a $5 million gift from Mr. Trebek allowed for the creation of The Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue , which aims to enrich and broaden public debate in Canada and shape public policy through research and outreach Opinion leaders, CEOs, government officials, foreign dignitaries and heads of state join tomorrow’s leaders to discuss substantive public policy issues. In 2019, additional funding from Mr. Trebek expanded the work of the Forum for Dialogue and provided 12 uOttawa Centres and Institutes with the opportunity to examine public policy, help update or create new laws and regulations and to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of citizens. Mr. Trebek’s last visit to campus was during Homecoming in October 2019. He attended the Panda Match, the lecture series which bears his name, and the Transformation 2030 gala. As we say our goodbyes to Mr. Trebek, we cannot thank him enough for his faithful commitment to our community. Please visit our Tribute to Alex Trebek page.
🇨🇦 · UOttawa Richard L ’Abbé Makerspace · Anonymous
The University of Ottawa names a new dean for the Telfer School of Management Anonymous Wed, 03/15/2023 - 13:58 home University of Ottawa The University of Ottawa names a new dean for the Telfer School of Management November 11, 2020 Professor Stéphane Brutus, an accomplished academic with a longstanding legacy of leadership at Concordia University, will begin his new role at uOttawa in early March 2021. The University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019, will begin a new chapter in its rich history this winter with Stéphane Brutus as its new dean. Stéphane Brutus holds a BA from Simon Fraser University and an MA and PhD from Bowling Green State University. His academic interests lie in the areas of feedback processes in organizations and, more recently, in the use of innovative pedagogical approaches in business curricula. He is currently a professor in motivation and employee performance at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University, where he served as interim dean from 2015 to 2017 and as associate dean of graduate professional programs from 2013 to 2015. “I have no doubt that Stéphane Brutus is the right candidate to lead the Telfer School of Management. On behalf of the University, I would like to offer him my warmest congratulations and best wishes for success in his new position,” said University of Ottawa President and Vice-Chancellor Jacques Frémont. Professor Brutus previously chaired the Department of Management at Concordia (2009-2012), where he was also director of the Bell Research Centre for Business Process Innovations (2006-2009). While at Concordia, Professor Brutus also co-chaired the President’s Task Force on Anti-Black Racism. Prior to that, he was a visiting professor at the Universidade Federal da Bahia in Brazil, and at the Instituto de Empresa in Spain. Throughout his career, Stéphane Brutus has served in a number of regional and national associations, including the Canadian Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, the Academy of Management, and L’Ordre des Conseillers en Ressources Humaines du Québec . He also serves on several committees, including the Comité-conseil sur le racisme et la discrimination du Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion , and, from 2015 to 2018, he chaired the board of the KANPE Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that brings support to the most vulnerable communities in Haiti to help them achieve autonomy. “To be in a position to shape the future of the Telfer School of Management is a privilege. I really look forward to meeting Telfer Nation and the broader uOttawa community,” said Professor Brutus. “When I think about my new academic home, I know we have many things to be excited about – thanks in large part to the strong foundation created by my predecessor.” The Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa is the proud academic home of some 4,300 students, 200 faculty members, and over 25,000 alumni. Everything they do, from teaching, to research, to policy advice, is firmly aligned with helping Canada reach its potential. Professor Brutus will replace Professor François Julien, who served as dean for two terms, from 2010 to 2020. Professor Wojtek Michalowski has been interim dean of the Telfer School of Management since summer 2020. Professor Brutus’ term as dean will officially begin on March 9, 2021. The Gazette looks forward to introducing Dean Brutus to the uOttawa community by writing a more in-depth profile on him this winter.
🇨🇦 · UOttawa Richard L ’Abbé Makerspace · Anonymous
Residence move-in: What our volunteers have to say Anonymous Wed, 03/15/2023 - 13:58 home University of Ottawa Residence move-in: What our volunteers have to say July 26, 2022 Moving into residence can be either exciting or stressful, both for those settling in and those helping them. The Residence Life team helps students and offers them a healthy environment throughout their stay. Starting with move-in weekend, the team, assisted by volunteers (professors or support staff, along with several Gee-Gees athletes), is there to lend a helping hand to those arriving. This year, the fall move-in will take place from August 31 to September 4, and the Housing Service needs your energy and enthusiasm to welcome over 3,000 new students. Want to help make their experience memorable from the time they arrive? Join the uORes volunteer team . The testimonials below will definitely make you want to! Back to school, then and now “I first experienced residence in 1990, when only five residences were available (the new Brooks Residence, and Thompson, Leblanc, Stanton and Marchand). At the time, the move-in was done through a half door on the third floor of Brooks. Imagine the students arriving in residence having to line up on the stairs from the first to third floors of Brooks with all their luggage, plants and furniture, etc. during the weekend to pick up their physical keys hanging on these huge panels on wheels that we were handing out. “In 2022, with a pool of 11 residences available (with 90 University, Hyman Soloway, Henderson, Mann, Friel, Rideau and the Annex added), the residence move-in has become a real extravaganza. All this is thanks to a team of over 150 student volunteers, support staff and different residence teams working very hard together to welcome and help residents to move into residence over a week. “Back to school is an overwhelming experience! Getting to know our students living on campus is key to their academic success and growth within the University community.” Monique Boucher , project coordinator, client relations Responsible for move-in for 32 years Adding a human dimension “As an international student, I know just how difficult it can be to move from home to a new city or country. I became a volunteer for the residence move-in in 2019 to be able to help and also reassure students, who had to adapt to their new environment like I had done. I was also there for the parents, who were seeing their children start a new chapter in their lives. “After having been responsible for two consecutive years, I can say that it was an experience rich in encounters and adventures. How we laughed like crazy! The students and volunteers are outstanding. I’ll definitely return and I invite everyone to have this experience!” Aïda Tchacorom , student, volunteer and zone manager Has taken part in move-in weekend since 2019. Reassuring parents “I’d always wanted to be part of the campus move-in, but my annual vacation never allowed me to ... until this year! “Starting university is a real transition! It’s even more so for those who can’t live with mom and dad during their studies. Moving into residence is a time of much stress and emotion for students, as well as for their parents! As a volunteer, I want to be part of that frenetic energy surrounding the arrival on campus by helping out those who are the reason we’re here, and also by reassuring parents a little.” Sophie Wauquier , development officer, External Relations Taking part as a first-time volunteer in 2022 Breaking the isolation “Since my arrival in Canada, I’ve taught at the University of Ottawa and have tried to volunteer to meet other colleagues and better integrate. As I’d always volunteered in Brazil, I knew that by helping others, I could develop my social skills, stimulate my brain and even reduce the feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness so common among newcomers. “For me, the biggest advantage is the type of connections I make with students who have the opportunity to meet me in a role other than that of professor. This change in our mutual perceptions strengthens relationships, promotes a much better learning environment and, ultimately, increases student retention.” Gustavo Freire , part-time professor, volunteer and zone manager Has taken part in move-in weekend since 2017 To volunteer, register directly in InitLive or email the uO Residence Team .
🇨🇦 · UOttawa Richard L ’Abbé Makerspace · Anonymous
Become a leader for mental health on campus Anonymous Wed, 03/15/2023 - 13:58 home University of Ottawa Become a leader for mental health on campus October 7, 2020 To empower our University mental health leaders, we have compiled the following list of resources and training to improve mental health literacy and provide guidance on responding to students in distress. This article was updated on October 6, 2021 October 10 is World Mental Health Day, an important date any year but even more so now that our lives have been considerably changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Professors and employees play an important leadership role in creating a culture of wellness at uOttawa. To empower our University mental health leaders, we have compiled the following list of resources and training to improve mental health literacy and provide guidance on responding to students in distress. Download our guide to helping yourself or someone in distress (PDF) The guide to helping yourself or someone in distress, available in several languages, will help you recognize unusual behaviours, respond to them with concern and empathy, and refer students to available resources. Get some training Training on mental health awareness and intervention will help you learn to identify and respond to those experiencing distress. Here are a few training recommendations , free for uOttawa professors or employees: Mo re Feet on the Ground : a mental health online education program that helps you learn how to recognize, respond to and refer students experiencing mental health concerns in Ontario universities. It takes just 90 minutes to complete this training and receive a certificate. Mental Health First Aid : a uOttawa employee training program to help you better recognize the symptoms of mental health problems and increase your confidence in guiding others towards appropriate resources for care. Get to know the resources available on and off campus The new Health and Wellness website contains a wealth of resources and support for both students and staff. Did you know? The University added a case management team to its services for students. The goal of the new Student Support team is to help students manage their complex academic, medical or personal needs. Any member of uOttawa community can refer students to this service. Wellness activities and workshop take place every week The University has set up a quick resources list of mental health support available 24/7. The University of Ottawa works with the Royal on student referrals for a one-hour consultation with a psychiatrist. Resources for professors and employees Your own mental health is also a priority. During these challenging times, all employee groups have access to short-term counselling through our Employee and Family Assistance Program. The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a confidential and voluntary support service that can help you find solutions to all kinds of challenges related to work, your health or life in general. Do you have an idea to improve mental health on campus? Leave a comment for the President’s Advisory Committee on Mental Health and Wellness.
🇨🇦 · UOttawa Richard L ’Abbé Makerspace · Anonymous
uOttawa signs Joyce's Principle Anonymous Wed, 03/15/2023 - 13:58 home University of Ottawa uOttawa signs Joyce's Principle June 9, 2021 uOttawa joins the signatories of the Joyce’s Principle, which aims to guarantee all Indigenous people the right of equitable access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services. uOttawa joins the signatories of the Joyce’s Principle, which aims to guarantee all Indigenous people the right of equitable access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services. The tragic loss of 37-year-old Joyce Echaquan, an Atikamekw Nehirowisiw woman who suffered racial discrimination and abuse in the moments before her death on September 28, 2020, has led to the drafting of a principle designed to guarantee “all Indigenous people the right of equitable access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services, as well as the right to enjoy the best possible physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.” After lengthy consultations and engagement with health-related academic programs and the Indigenous community on our campus, the University of Ottawa enthusiastically commits to adopting Joyce’s Principle. In so doing, uOttawa acknowledges its particular responsibility to educate students and future professionals about the issues of systemic and institutional racism, to promote cultural safety, and to support the revitalization of Indigenous knowledge in all of its programs. We remain committed to deepening our engagement with Indigenous health research and community-led health initiatives. At the same time we understand that this principle cuts through all of our faculties, disciplines, and programs. This commitment is aligned with the University’s Indigenous Action Plan, launched on National Indigenous People’s Day, June 21, 2020, the aim of which – in part – is to “Mobilize the university community in creating an environment that reflects, enhances, includes and supports Indigenous culture and peoples on campus.” Our country – and especially our Indigenous brothers and sisters – is still reeling from the shocking discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children at a former residential school site in Kamloops, B.C. In light of this distressing news, and the continuing discrimination faced by Indigenous peoples across Canada today, the need for the widespread adoption and implementation of Joyce’s principle could not be more urgent. As our President and Vice-Chancellor Jacques Frémont stated last week, it is time for all Canadians to acknowledge the historic harms caused to Indigenous Peoples and to increase our efforts in the pursuit of a full and just reconciliation. Our hearts go out to the children and family of Joyce Echaquan, and we are resolved to ensure that they and future generations of Indigenous people can access quality health care services with the respect and dignity they deserve. Jill Scott, Provost and Vice-President, Academic Affairs