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WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY
Waterloo | Brantford | Kitchener | Toronto
Photo: John Ternan
APRIL 2015
Laurier’s March Break Open Houses brought prospective students and their families to the Brantford and Waterloo campuses for tours, information sessions and a taste of life as a Laurier student. See page 8.
Former Ontario cabinet minister joins WLS and Laurier John Milloy — former Ontario cabinet minister, member of provincial parliament for Kitchener Centre and senior adviser to former prime minister Jean Chrétien — has accepted a position as assistant professor of public ethics and co-director of the Centre for Public Ethics at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, and a position as the inaugural practitioner-in-residence in applied political science at Wilfrid Laurier University. Milloy will bring a practical political perspective to his roles at the Seminary and Laurier, gained from more than a decade in the Ontario government. Milloy served as the MPP for Kitchener Centre from 2003-14, and held various cabinet positions during his tenure including government house leader; minister of training, colleges and universities; minister of community and social services; and minister of research and innovation. In his two-year appointment at the Seminary, Milloy will teach various courses to undergraduate and graduate students, and serve as co-director of the Seminary’s Centre for Public Ethics alongside
Photo: Mirko Petricevic
John Milloy accepts appointments at Seminary and in Department of Political Science
Former MPP and cabinet minister John Milloy will begin his post at the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary May 1 and at Laurier July 1.
David Pfrimmer, principal-dean of the Seminary. Milloy’s one-year term as practitioner-in-residence for Laurier’s Political Science program will include: public lectures; four practical-politics skills-building workshops for undergraduate and graduate students leading to a certificate in practical politics;
guest lectures in graduate and undergraduate courses; mentoring sessions with students; and participation in supervisory committees for graduate students completing policy analysis, public opinion or major research projects in the Master of Applied Politics program. Pfrimmer, who says many Canadians have become disillu-
sioned with the practice of politics, seeks to renew the art of politics and the common good through his work with Milloy at the Seminary. “We are committed to a public ethic that renews our political imagination and challenges another generation to see public service as a way to realize the dream of what Canada can be,”
said Pfrimmer. “John Milloy’s vast political experience, his recognized integrity, and his belief that our highest values and deepest convictions can play a role in public life, are qualities that make him a welcome addition to the Seminary’s and the Political Science department’s project to renew the way politics can be done.” Debora VanNijnatten, chair of Laurier’s Department of Political Science and North American Studies Program, said Milloy’s presence will greatly enhance the pedagogical and professional activities associated with the department’s growing “practical politics” curriculum. “With John Milloy serving as practitioner-in-residence, we will be able to broaden students’ scope by giving them access to the experience he has gained through a long and distinguished political career,” said VanNijnatten. “Having access to a politician like John, who is well respected among
Milloy see page 2
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Basketball player Lee Anna Osei wins 10th-annual Oustanding Women of Laurier award.
Meet Michael Faulds, head coach of the Golden Hawks’ men’s football team.
Laurier Social Work researchers unveil findings of The Change Report.
Inside
APRIL 2015
president’s message
A time for constructive goodwill The past few weeks have been difficult for the Laurier community. The very real budget challenges that we face — challenges that have been building for years and which affect the entire university sector — necessitated a reduction in the Laurier workforce. The loss of work is very painful for those affected. And the departure of respected colleagues is hard on the entire university, especially given our strong identity as a community that cares deeply about one another. I assure you that the decision to eliminate jobs was difficult and based on a great deal of discussion and analysis of options. Those responsible for guiding the university’s finances worked very hard with individual budget managers to find less disruptive ways to cut costs. These measures ranged from reducing non-salary operating expenditures to offering a voluntary retirement program and a voluntary reduction in work hours. Nonetheless, we cannot avoid the fact that nearly 80 per cent of the university’s operating budget is spent on salaries and benefits. This means that when we need to significantly reduce spending, as we must, we have no choice but to consider a reduction in staffing levels.
Milloy continued
Photo: Mirko Petricevic
his peers, will allow students to learn first-hand what will greet them when they leave university, at the community and at the provincial or federal political level.” In his work at the Seminary, Milloy said he can be an ambas-
Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Max Blouw at a news conference where Faculty of Social Work researchers unveiled the findings of The Change Project.
A lot has been said about Laurier’s financial challenges, but in the end they boil down to this: costs are rising faster than revenues. This leads to annual deficits, which are increasingly difficult to offset with rising
enrolment as we have done for many years. The softening university-age demographic combined with a shift in the choices that students make for their studies means we are spending more money than we
sador from the political class to faith communities and, as a practising Roman Catholic, he can highlight the importance of bringing faith communities to the table when governments try to solve complex challenges in society such as poverty, climate change and caring for an aging population. “After 20 years in politics I see a real value that faith communities bring to the political process and that people of faith bring to the political process,” said Milloy. “At the same time I’ve seen misunderstanding, on the part of the political class, of how faith intersects with public policy.” “I am also looking forward to being the first practitioner-inresidence in Laurier’s Political Science program,” Milloy added. “I hope to bring a behind-thescenes perspective on the realities
of politics and public life to better prepare students for a career in public service.” Before running for office, Milloy worked as the director of public affairs for the Centre for International Governance Innovation, as an assistant to former prime minister Jean Chrétien, and assistant to former cabinet ministers Stéphane Dione and John Manley. Milloy earned an honours bachelor’s degree in history and economics from Carleton University, a master’s degree in international history from the London School of Economics and a PhD in modern history from Oxford University. Milloy’s two-year appointment at the Seminary begins May 1. His one-year term at Laurier begins July 1.
InsideLaurier is published by Communications, Public Affairs & Marketing (CPAM) Wilfrid Laurier University 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5
InsideLaurier Volume 9, Number 7, April 2015 Editor: Justin Fauteux Contributors: Tomasz Adamski, Erin Almeida, Kevin Crowley, Adam Gagnon, Jamie Howieson, Kevin Klein, Mirko Petricevic, Shawna Reibling, John Ternan
InsideLaurier welcomes your comments and suggestions for stories. Tel: (519) 884-0710 ext. 3830 | Fax: (519) 884-8848 Email: jfauteux@wlu.ca InsideLaurier (circ. 2,100) is published eight times a year by CPAM. Opinions expressed in InsideLaurier do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the university’s administration.
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take in, which must be addressed. If we do nothing to reduce spending, and/or increase revenues, our projected deficit is $25 million in the coming year and as much as $50 million over the next five-year period. Financial challenges of this scale will require the university to continue making difficult decisions. As I stated in a recent open letter, each of us at Laurier shares in the responsibility to do what is best for students, for scholarship, for faculty and staff, and for the reputation and well-being of our university. There will always be differences of opinion about what is “best.” Similarly, there will always be differences of opinion about how to do what is “best.” Therefore, in the interest of determining what constitutes “best,” we embrace debate and we respect the right to protest. I know that emotions are running high and that a great deal of anger and frustration has been expressed as a result of the layoffs. However, if we are to make progress toward returning Laurier to a sustainable financial footing, then we must engage in dialogue that is frank but also honest and respectful. I have offered to meet with any and all groups and individuals
for discussion on these difficult matters, and I reiterate that offer here. Constructive and forwardlooking dialogue will strengthen our community and lead us more quickly to identify and implement what is “best” for Laurier. Despite our current financial challenges, I urge you to remember that Laurier has worked through difficult times in the past and has always emerged a stronger university, thanks to our dedicated staff, faculty, managers and administrative leaders. Let us all take a lesson from those who went before us and, in a spirit of constructive goodwill, build on the legacy that has been given to us and that we will inevitably hand on to others.
To read Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Max Blouw’s open letter to the Laurier community, visit legacy.wlu.ca/openletter.
Max Blouw President and Vice-Chancellor Wilfrid Laurier University
Call for applicants: Edna Staebler Laurier Writer-in-Residence Laurier’s Faculty of Arts is seeking submissions from Canadian writers for the Edna Staebler Laurier Writer-in-Residence position for the Winter 2016 term. The writer-in-residence will receive $25,000 for a three-month residency from Jan. 18 to April 8, 2016 on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. All Canadian writers of established literary reputation are encouraged to apply. The full-time position (40 hours/week) requires 40 per cent of the author’s time to be spent on planning and facilitating community programming, leaving 60 per cent of the work week available for the writer’s
own creative projects. Community programming can include: reading manuscripts and consulting with students and the public, visiting classrooms, giving readings and lectures and leading workshops. For the duration of the residency, the author will live in Lucinda House, a century home close to Laurier’s Waterloo campus. Applicants should be in the midst of a new writing project intended for book-length publication and be active participants in the writing community. Applications must be received by 4 p.m., May 31, 2015. Further questions can be addressed to Tanis MacDonald at tmacdonald@wlu.ca.
Send us your news, events & stories Email: insidelaurier@wlu.ca All submissions are appreciated, however not all submissions will be published. We reserve the right to edit all copy for accuracy, content and length.
APRIL 2015 Inside NEWS
What’s new and notable at Laurier
Deborah MacLatchy receives prestigious national award The Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada (SWAAC) has awarded Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier’s vicepresident: academic and provost and acting vice-president: research, with its 2015 Recognition Award. The award is given to a SWAAC member who has demonstrated innovative leadership in advancing the mission of, and achieving outstanding contributions to, their institution. During her tenure at Laurier, MacLatchy has played a lead role in many initiatives, including the establishment of new undergraduate and graduate degrees, development of the multi-campus governance framework, the launch of the Laurier Institute for Water Science and the Laurier Centre for Women in Science, and the advancement of the university’s research agenda. MacLatchy was recently named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women for 2012 in a Top 100 list compiled by the Women’s Executive Network, and is past chair of the science directors of the Canadian Rivers Institute.
Laurier alumnus Shadrach ‘Shad’ Kabango named host of CBC Radio’s Q Laurier alumnus Shadrach Kabango (BBA ’05) has been named the full-time host of CBC Radio’s flagship show, Q.
The Juno Award-winning rapper, better known as Shad, was named to the high-profile position following a weeklong guest hosting stint in January. During his time studying in Laurier’s business program, Shad was working on his budding rap career, performing and writing songs. He recorded his first album, When This is Over, in 2004 while in his final year at Laurier after winning a cash prize at a local talent competition. In 2011, Shad was named one of Laurier’s 100 Alumni of Achievement. Shad will host his first episode of Q April 20.
Logan Townsend, a master’s student in Kinesiology, won the 2015 Laurier Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. The annual 3MT competition challenges graduate students to present their research and its significance to a panel of non-experts in just three minutes. Townsend’s presentation, “Weight Loss in Females”, was selected as this year’s winner, qualifying him for the Ontario 3MT competition at Western University April 23. The panel was comprised of Peter Braid, Member of Parliament, Kitchener-Waterloo; Gary Edwards, chief customer officer, InMoment; Megan Harris, director, communications and marketing, City of Waterloo; and Tamas Dobozy, associate professor of English at Laurier and award-winning author of Siege 13. Doctoral psychology student
University Faculty Association (WLUFA). The three-year agreement covers the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017. WLUFA represents approximately 580 full-time faculty and librarians at the university.
Sudoku
bronze medal game to finish third overall. The Hawks, led by skip Carly Howard, went 5-2 through the round robin before losing to the University of Alberta Pandas in the semifinals. The Laurier teams qualified for the CIS finals by sweeping the provincial championships, each winning gold medals, earlier in the month.
Laurier program helps get young people active A new program run by Laurier’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education is looking to get kids and teens “movin’ and groovin’.” The program, aptly named Movin’ and Groovin’, is open to
Kinesiology student wins ThreeMinute Thesis competition
University, WLUFA approve new agreement Wilfrid Laurier University is pleased to announce that a new collective agreement for full-time faculty members and librarians has been approved by the university’s Board of Governors and ratified by members of the Wilfrid Laurier
Lucia Zivcakova’s presentation “Multitasking: Strategy or Obstacle?” won the runner-up prize while an honourable mention went to doctoral geography student Lori Stahlbrand’s “The ivory tower and the farm gate: how universities are shaping local and sustainable food systems”. The participant’s choice award, voted on by the presenters, went to doctoral history student Matthew Wiseman for his presentation, “Aboriginal History in Canada: Only Half of the Story”.
adolescents, aged 10 to 18, of all abilities and is aimed at helping young people lead active lifestyles through fun activities. The classes are free and run for 10 weeks, starting April 8, at the KidsAbility gym, 500 Hallmark Drive in Waterloo. Movin’ and Groovin’ will incorporate many different types of movements, from dance and yoga to cooperative games and fitness exercises. The idea is to encourage active, healthy lifestyles and develop fitness knowledge among youth by getting them involved in a fun, engaging way. For more information, contact Kinesiology professors Pamela Bryden at pbryden@wlu.ca or Paula Fletcher at pfletcher@wlu.ca.
Celebrating donor generosity Golden Hawk curlers win medals at nationals Laurier’s men’s and women’s curling teams both came away with medals from the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) championships, which Laurier hosted at the K-W Granite Club in March. The Golden Hawks’ men’s squad won the silver medal after losing to the University of Alberta Golden Bears in the national championship game. Laurier skip Aaron Squires led his team to a 6-1 record in the round robin and a 9-2 victory over the St. Mary’s Huskies in the semifinal. The women’s team defeated the University of P.E.I Panthers in the
In March, Laurier celebrated Tag Day, recognizing the university’s supporters by placing tags on areas of campus made possible through donors’ generosity.
CN donates $500,000 to Laurier CN recently announced a $500,000 donation to support research and education programs at the Centre for Supply Chain Management (SCM) in the School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University. “Laurier’s SCM plays an important role in training and preparing students for careers in supply chain management, a growing occupational field,” said Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of CN. “CN’s donation will support internships and a cooperative education program, providing experience and summer employment to students
studying supply management. CN managers will also work with instructors and researchers to provide an industry perspective, and the company will help organize annual conferences attended by international experts.” Max Blouw, president and vice-chancellor at Laurier, felt the donation was an endorsement of the work being done by Laurier in the SCM field. “The campaign to Build Canada’s Best Business School is about enhancing Laurier’s successful approach to business education,” said Blouw. “This donation from CN recognizes the strength of our supply chain
management activities. We are very grateful for their support. Partnering with CN, an organization that plays such a significant role in business in Canada and internationally, will significantly enhance our SCM offerings.” The Laurier Centre for Supply Chain Management is an awardwinning research centre based in the School of Business and Economics. The centre facilitates and coordinates reserach in SCM and ensures regular and useful communication between researchers and practitioners including strategic decision makers in supply chain management.
Religion and Culture commemorates 40 years Laurier’s Department of Religion and Culture celebrated 40 years with a public conference on the Waterloo campus in early March. The conference featured discussions led by current and former faculty and students and covered the history of religion and culture, as well as the past, present and future of religious and cultural study.
See solution on page 4.
Photo: Tomasz Adamski
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Inside
APRIL 2015
Veteran basketball player wins 10th-annual OWL award By Jamie Howieson Lee Anna Osei, a fifth-year guard with the women’s basketball team, received the 2015 Outstanding Women of Laurier award as the annual honour celebrated its 10th anniversary with a dinner event at the Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel. Osei was one of three nominees for this year’s award, joining teammate Sam Jacobs and women’s soccer forward Emily Brown. “Lee Anna embodies everything that this award represents,” said Peter Baxter, Laurier’s director of Athletics and Recreation. “Over the course of her three years with the Golden Hawks, she has excelled on the court, in the classroom and in the community and is a very deserving recipient of this honour.” Originally recruited to the NCAA, Osei returned to Canada to join the Golden Hawks for the 2012-13 season and quickly
established herself as one of the top point guards in the province. The two-time CIS Academic All-Canadian concluded her career this season by being named an OUA Second Team All-Star and also captured the OUA nomination for the Joy Bellinger Award, presented to the student-athlete who excels in academics, athletics, and community service. “I’m ecstatic,” said Osei who received her award in front of 330 people, the largest crowd to attend the event since 2008. “It still really hasn’t hit me yet. I’m honoured to have been standing up there with Samantha Jacobs and Emily Brown, they’re awesome student-athletes. There’s dozens of other females who could have been up there with us tonight. I’m so thankful for the turnout, and I think this is just a blessing from God. This is something I’m going to remember for the rest of my life, and something I’m going to take
with me moving forward in life.” A coach for the past eight years at various levels, Osei has worked with youth at all ages and skill levels, including coaching and training current NBA players Andrew Wiggins and Nik Stauskas. She also created the website “Get Recruited Canada”, an outlet whose sole purpose was to promote and endorse female athletes across Canada. Laurier launched the Outstanding Women of Laurier award in 2006 to recognize female students who combine athletic and academic achievement with an active commitment to the community through volunteerism. The event, which included an inspirational keynote address from Olympic gold medallists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, raised approximately $25,000 to help support women’s athletic initiatives, scholarships and the mentoring program at Laurier.
Presidents battle in the kitchen
Sam Lambert, president and CEO of the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union, and Max Blouw, Laurier president and vice-chancellor, took part in the annual Iron Chef Battle of the Presidents, hosted by Laurier Food Services. After a busy few hours in the kitchen, Lambert’s pulled barbecue chicken sandwich with smoky sweet potato bacon hash was voted the winner, beating out Blouw’s slow-cooked Memphis ribs with Asian coleslaw.
Photo: Adam Gagnon
Photo: Justin Fauteux
OWL award winner Lee Anna Osei (centre) with Olympic gold medallists Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue. Virtue and Moir delivered a keynote speech at the event, which raised over $25,000 in support of women’s athletic initiatives.
people at Laurier
For a complete list of appointments visit www.wlu.ca/hr
New appointments: Catherine Chisholm, intermediate administrative assistant, Kinesiology and Physical Education (Waterloo campus). Justine MacNeil, coordinator: external programs, Faculty of Education (Waterloo campus).
Amanda GulkaArmstrong, acting manager: non-secondary school admissions, Recruitment and Admissions (Brantford campus).
Sherrie Steinberg, mental health/ student support coordinator, Student Wellness Centre (Waterloo campus).
Changes in staff appointments: Holly Cox, manager: Centre for Public Safety, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences (Brantford campus).
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This is the latest in the Outlander series. This historical fiction continues the saga of two extraordinary people, James Fraser and Claire Randall, and their adventures through the American Revolution in the late 1770s. The characters are addictive and historical facts are woven seamlessly throughout a gripping story line. One of my favourite lines is: “‘Here I stand on the brink of war again, a citizen of no place, no time, no country but my own… and that a land lapped by no sea but blood, bordered only by the outlines of a face long-loved.’”
What are you eating?
Carolyn Ray, senior administrative assisstant: Facilities Operations, Physical Resources (Waterloo campus).
Kimberly Elworthy, communications and public affairs officer, Communications, Public Affairs and Marketing (Waterloo campus).
Name: Jeanette Wilson Job Title: Development Assistant, Brantford campus Book Title: Written in My Own Heart’s Blood Author: Diana Gabaldon
Name: Shannon Pennington Job Title: Coordinator: Community ServiceLearning, Waterloo campus
Located walking distance from Laurier’s Waterloo campus (55 Erb Street East), Teremok Café truly is a hidden treasure. I have been coming to this quaint café since 2000 and have enjoyed every meal I have eaten there. Known for their delicious borsch and homemade perogies, this family owned café will keep you coming back for more.
Sudoku solution from page 3.
APRIL 2015 Inside
WLU Press to integrate with Laurier Library to help us realize the vision of a WLU Press will be integrated into Culture and Learning Commons at the administrative structure of Laurier,” said Gohar Ashoughian, the Wilfrid Laurier University Laurier’s university librarian. Library. The change was approved “Our ultimate goal, articulated in by the university in March, with the Library Strategic Plan, is for the transition to the new organian environment that connects zational structure beginning research, learning and cultural immediately as details of the engagement.” implementation are worked out. The integration of the WLU “I am very pleased that this Press with the Laurier Library integration will allow us to followed a proposal prepared by preserve this important feature a committee led by Ashoughian; of the Laurier community and Donna Kotsopoulos, associate its intellectual and cultural heritage,” said Deborah MacLatchy, vice-president: Research (acting); and Brian Henderson, director the university’s vice-president: of the WLU Press. The proposal academic and provost. involved significant research and “The change follows a number of drew on consultations with Laurier similar mergers at major Canadian administrators and team members and American universities and is in as well as library and university harmony with Laurier’s integrated press administrators at major postand collaborative approach to secondary institutions in Canada scholarship and learning. I am and the United States. confident we have found the best “WLU Press has a long and way forward in terms of both fiscal valued reputation at our instiresponsibility and preserving and cementing Laurier’s tradition of tution, nationally and beyond,” cultural and scholarly leadership.” said Kotsopoulos. “It is renowned Under the new structure, the across Canada, and I am excited to director of the WLU Press will see the possibilities for the Press report to the university librarian, going forward.” with the Press becoming an “Partnering with the Library will integral part of a new vision for enhance our mutual abilities to a Library Cultural and Learning pursue new models of scholarly Commons, along with the parallel communication, engage with the goal of developing a financially challenges of the digital inforsustainable press without subsidy mation environment, and support from the university, given the the research enterprise through challenging fiscal times. the publication process,” said Several North American instituHenderson. “We will continue to publish tions have undertaken library-press books in our areas of strength, integrations as a response to a tightly focusing our list to most rapidly changing and increasingly effectively engage with both open scholarly ecosystem. These the scholarly community and institutions include MIT, Stanford, the marketplace, while actively Purdue, and the University of pursuing innovative approaches to Michigan, among others. “This is an incredible opportunity publishing and new partnerships.”
“ Partnering with the Library will enhance our mutual abilities to pursue new models of scholarly communication ”
Seminary hosts ‘Day of Dialogue’
More than 40 people participated in the “Day of Dialogue: Truth and Reconciliation After the TRC” event held in the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary’s Keffer Memorial Chapel on March 30. The event was co-sponsored by the Seminary and Wilfrid Laurier University’s Office of Aboriginal Initiatives. Photo: Mirko Petricevic
Ministry approves game design and development degree program By Kevin Klein Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus will offer a new Game Design and Development degree program this fall following the recent approval from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The new Bachelor of Fine and Applied Arts is a partnership with Conestoga College, where students will take courses from both institutions on campus in Brantford. The program will allow students to develop skills in game design, storytelling, project management and entrepreneurship, in addition to developing a variety of games, video, flash, board and live-action, which can be used in entertainment and other industries. Even beyond the growing entertainment and video game industry, gamification is becoming a widely used tool in training professionals
in aviation, medicine, education and a number of corporate environments. “We are incredibly excited to launch this program in the fall and continue our partnership with Conestoga College,” said Kathryn Carter, associate dean: academic coordination. “This innovative program will prepare students to solve problems using games in a variety of settings and find their niche within a rapidly growing area with both entrepreneurial and research opportunities.” In the program’s first year, successful applicants will explore the fundamentals of game design and be introduced to both the theory and practice of creating games from scratch. They’ll learn why and how people are motivated to play games, the history of video games, board game design, sound design, and storytelling in a converged media environment.
In their second and third years, students will continue to develop their skills in gamification, problem solving, and game design, taking courses in the history of cartoons and comics, human-computer interactivity, 3D animation, film studies, and organizational leadership. After completing the third-year course in project management, students will be ready to write the exam to qualify for project management certification. In their fourth year, students will be required to design and develop their own game, and then work with entrepreneurial mentors in Laurier’s highly acclaimed LaunchPad program in Brantford to develop the game as a viable project for partners outside of the classroom setting. For more information about the program including how to apply, please visit wlu.ca/programs.
Photo: Justin Fauteux
Acknowledging the importance of our most precious resource
Attendees of the Water Innovations Walk, hosted by Laurier and REEP Green Solutions, learn about underground cisterns and other innovative features of the Centre for Cold Regions and Water Science on Laurier’s Waterloo campus.
Laurier joined with the University of Waterloo to celebrate World Water Day on March 23, hosting a variety of events, including a graduate fair, keynote speakers and a screening of the award-winning documentary, Watermark. The following day, Laurier’s Sustainability Office and Office of Aboriginal Intiatives co-hosted a Water Innovations Walk with Kitchener-based nonprofit organization REEP Green Solutions. The March 24 event opened with a Sacred Water Circle ceremony and song led by special guest Dorothy McCue Taylor and territorial welcome from Jean Becker, Laurier’s senior advisor: Aboriginal Initiatives. Following presentations on
water sustainability at Laurier from REEP Green Solutions and representatives of the university, attendees were given a walking tour of six sites on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. The tour touched on different ways in which Laurier is being innovative when it comes to water sustainability, showcasing initiatives such as: underground cisterns at the Centre for Cold Regions and Water Science, the university’s salt management plan, natural landscaping and low water use planters at MacDonald House Residence, green roofs at the Fred Nichols Campus Centre and the rain garden and rainwater harvesting system at Laurier’s Aboriginal Student Centre. 5
Inside
APRIL 2015 A look at staff and faculty across campus
coffee with a co-worker
What do you like to do in your spare time? These days, I do not have much spare time. I am the proud father of an 11-month old daughter named Chloe, so when I’m not on campus, my time is spent with her and my wife Stacey. When we do have some spare time, we enjoy taking family trips to the Caribbean, Boston, New York, etc.
Name: Michael Faulds Title: Manager: football operations and head coach Where you can find him: The Classen House, 79 Seagram Dr., Waterloo Campus
How long have you been at Laurier? It’s been just over two years since I joined Laurier. Previously, I was the offensive coordinator for the football team at York University, and prior to that, I completed a five-year career in CIS [Canadian Interuniversity Sport] football with the Western Mustangs as the team’s starting quarterback. What is your typical workday like? Well, there are two sides to my role. During football season, you will find me arriving anywhere from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. each morning. While the players are in class, the rest of the coaching staff and I prepare for our next opponent. At the end of the academic day, the team meets to watch film, discuss the game plan and strategy, talk about our previous game and what we did well and how we can improve for the next game. Then we head to the field and practice from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Photo:Erin Almeida
Drink of choice: “Tassimo on my desk, regular or flavoured, especially during football season.”
Michael Faulds, head coach and manager of football operations of Laurier’s men’s football team, is a former star quarterback and the youngest of five siblings.
There are a lot of members that belong to a football team. The Golden Hawks comprise of nearly 120 people. There are approximately 90 players, 10 on-field coaches, five to seven scouts, three to four athletic therapists, one or two equipment managers, four to five video production staff and one or two strength and conditioning coaches. When it is not football season, I spend a lot of my time making sure the players are working extremely hard in the weight room. I will meet the players at the gym and personally take attendance at 6 a.m. Outside of the gym my time is spent
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Heard on Twitter Check out what the Laurier community has been tweeting about at twitter.com/lauriernews. Laurier also has official sites on Facebook at www. facebook.com/WilfridLaurierUniversity and YouTube at www.youtube.com/LaurierVideo.
@CBCTWTW @Priyalalala hopes after @LaurierNews her volunteer experience will pay off. Today, a look at 2015 grads & jobs. @snicholson @LaurierNews I’m looking forward to joining your faculty as a professor of games in the new Game Design program! youtube.com/ watch?v=ePce6S… @NativeEarth Introducing #TheUnplugging Panelist: @LaurierNews’s Dr Ute Lischke talks Role of Aging Women in FREE panel Wed Mar 25 ow.ly/KImgx @jeffhenrykw Clean water: we take it for granted, but so many can’t. #WorldWaterDay events today @UWaterloo @LaurierNews: uwaterloo.ca/news/ news/univ… @equitablelife @LaurierNews Congratulations Kaitlin Ouellette-Matthews the first recipient of the Equitable Life of Canada Student of the Year Award. 6
managing administrative duties, such as catching up on emails, coordinating the next year’s winter and spring camps, fundraising, meeting with alumni, but most importantly we recruit future Golden Hawk student athletes. When we are not out scouting all over the province, we are inviting potential student athletes to come to Laurier for a day. The recruiting visit day typically begins at 10:30 a.m. with an academic appointment usually with the dean of the program of interest. After our meeting, we meet for lunch followed by a fully detailed campus tour.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? People that know me understand how important family is to me. But what may surprise people is that I am the youngest of five siblings — I have four older sisters. Growing up, sports were a big deal in my house. My sisters were also very athletic and two of them, as well as myself, won the athlete of the year award at our elementary school in Rockwood, Ont. near Guelph. After high school, I moved to Ohio and attended the University of Toledo on a full football scholarship. I spent two-years at Toledo and really enjoyed my time there. However, I did not play as I was stuck behind Bruce Gradkowski, a future NFL quarterback with the Buccaneers, Rams, Browns, Raiders, Bengals and Steelers. My passion remained football and when my best friend DJ Bennett, who’s now on Sportsnet, told me I could join him at Western and probably be the starter, I just couldn’t pass up on
the offer. I left the U.S. and moved to London where I spent five years. I graduated with a BA in Geography and continued on to do a master’s in Kinesiology with a specialization in coaching. What do you like most about working at Laurier? I’m sure many people say this, but honestly it is the people and our strong sense of community. I’ve spent the last number of years on university campuses: the University of Toledo, Western, York and now Laurier. We may be a smaller university comparatively, but our spirit is large and everyone wears the purple and gold with pride. What are your plans for the future? The past two years, I’ve spent a lot of time and effort building a team with a strong staff and strong student athletes. It’s important for a football team to work well together and stay committed to the team, throughout their time at Laurier. And this year, I believe we have that team. We have a great blend of senior and junior players who are committed to bringing home the Yates and Vanier Cups. I’d like to see us get back to where we were in 1991 and 2005 and to have continued success and be on top. It’s an ambitious goal, but I know we can achieve it. By Erin Almeida
For a complete list of events visit www.wlu.ca/events
Waterloo Wellness Fair When: April 15, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where: Paul Martin Centre, Waterloo campus Cost: Free This event provides an opportunity to gather information from health and wellness organizations, interact through demonstrations and have fun while learning. Sessions include: “Work-Life Integration”, Success in a Snap” and “Move More...Sit Less”. Brantford Wellness Fair When: April 23, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Where: Dalhousie Centre, Brantford campus Cost: Free
Help support and celebrate the Golden Hawks football program. All funds are directed into enhancements and team support, such as equipment, academic assistance, coaching support and facilities. Developing a Teaching Dossier and Philosophy Statement When: April 24, 9 a.m. - noon Where: R207, 202 Regina St., Waterloo campus Cost: Free Each year, the Centre for Teaching Innovation and Excellence offers a three-hour workshop for faculty and post-doctoral fellows designed to support the development of a teaching dossier and philosophy statement. For more information, contact edev@wlu.ca.
This event provides an opportunity to gather information from health and wellness organizations, interact through demonstrations and have fun while learning. Sessions include: “Healthy Sleep Habits”, “Chinese Medicine Practices” and “Healthy Gaming”.
Course (Re)Design Institute When: April 28 - May 1 Where: CIGI Campus, 67 Erb St. West, Waterloo Cost: $40
Friends of Football dinner and reception When: April 23, 5 p.m. (reception), 6:30 p.m. (dinner). Where: Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel, 475 King St. North, Waterloo Cost: see laurierathletics.com/ footballdinner for tickets.
Whether you are looking to create a new course, renovate an existing one, or slowly remodel key lessons or core curriculum over time based on a blended learning model, this institute is for you. Even if you just want to learn the basics of good course design, but are not yet ready to move to a blended approach, the investment of your time will be well worth the effort. For more information, contact Mary Neil (mneil@wlu.ca).
Integrated and Engaged Learning Conference (IELC) When: May 6- 7 Where: Waterloo campus Cost: $50 (Laurier faculty and staff), $10 (students) IELC 2015 brings together various partners involved in providing an educational experience that engages students deeply in their learning. The conference will explore: how community impacts higher education; enhancing and transforming teaching and learning through meaningful conversation; and building awareness of community engagement’s power. Empty Bowls 2015 When: May 14, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Where: Senate and Board Chamber, Waterloo campus Cost: $40
Enjoy a delicious lunch of gourmet soups, served in hand-crafted bowls. Hosted in conjunction with the Waterloo Potters’ Workshop, all proceeds will go to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, and you get to keep your bowl! Holistic Practices Conference When: May 21 - 22 Where: Halton Region Museum, 5181 Kelso Road, Milton Cost: $350
The Faculty of Social Work professional development program is hosting a holistic practices conference that will bring together over a dozen experts from the field and academia to discuss and demonstrate a range of holistic practices. Attendees will learn about various approaches to holistic healing from theoretical, research and practice perspectives. For more information, contact Lauren Price (lprice@wlu.ca).
Spring Convocation, Waterloo When: June 8 - 12 Where: Athletic Complex, Waterloo campus Cost: Free Celebrate with the newest graduates of Wilfrid Laurier University! For a full schedule of ceremonies, visit legacy.wlu.ca/convocation. Spring Convocation, Brantford When: June 16 - 17 Where: Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, 88 Dalhousie St., Brantford Cost: Free Celebrate with the newest graduates of Wilfrid Laurier University! For a full schedule of ceremonies, visit legacy.wlu.ca/convocation.
APRIL 2015 Inside research file
Encouraging change in campus culture By Kevin Crowley
Photo: Justin Fauteux
A Laurier research team recently unveiled the findings of a new evidence-informed report into gendered violence that makes 11 recommendations for changing the culture on campus by enhancing prevention programs and support services. Called The Change Project, the research involved quantitative and qualitative research undertaken on Laurier’s campuses over a two-year period and includes an environmental scan of promising practices at other universities. The research involved a survey of 570 students, as well as qualitative data collected from interviews, conversations and engagement with another 51 students, staff, faculty and community partners. The Change Project was led by members of the Social Innovation Research Group in Laurier’s Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work, in partnership with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region. The project received funding from Status of Women Canada, the Laurier
Student Life Levy, and Mitacs. The research explored existing efforts to address gendered violence against students on campus, as well as the gaps, barriers and challenges that need to be addressed. The goal was to provide sound evidence to inform the development of strategies to change the culture that enables gendered violence to persist, and to improve prevention programs and support services for survivors. “We live in a violent society,” said Principal Researcher Ginette Lafrenière. “It is therefore important to understand that there is a context that we must unpack: the gendered violence that we see on campuses is a microcosm of the violence perpetuated towards women within our larger community and society.” A key finding was the importance of language, definitions, and the micro- and macro-aggressions that constitute a spectrum of “gendered violence.” “While it is hugely important to pay attention to the issue of sexual violence,” said Lafrenière, “it is equally important to pay
Laurier Vice-President: Student Affairs David McMurray speaking at a news conference unveiling the findings of The Change Project’s research.
Photo: Justin Fauteux
Social Work researchers discuss findings of The Change Project
Change Project Principal Researcher Ginnette Lafreniére (right) and Project Coordinator Jay Harrison (left) explain their findings at a news conference in the Senate and Board Chamber on Laurier’s Waterloo campus March 10.
attention to defining the idea of ‘gendered violence,’ including cat calls, derogatory name calling, homophobic statements, and racial slurs. All of these practices and behaviours establish, exploit and reinforce gendered powerinequities that result in physical, sexual, emotional, economic or mental harm.” Although the research was not designed to make general claims about the prevalence of gendered violence at Laurier, the trends in the types of gendered violence experienced by students generally reflect the findings of published research on gendered violence against students in Canada and the United States. While this may be expected, the survey of Laurier students enabled the researchers to identify important trends in the types of gendered violence experienced by students. “The qualitative methods corroborate the finding that gender discrimination and sexual harassment may be some of the most frequent types of gendered violence that students experience,” said Project Coordinator Jay Harrison. “Further, the
gendered violence that students experience is fairly ubiquitous in that it happens wherever students are gathering on campus, in the community and online.” The Change Project report commends Laurier for its longstanding efforts to address issues of safety, awareness and support involving gendered violence. But it also identified areas that need improvement and it makes 11 recommendations grouped in four areas: prioritizing prevention; creating a coordinated, studentcentred response; committed, accountable and transparent leadership; and improved collaboration between the university and the community. Laurier’s vice-president of Student Affairs, David McMurray, welcomed the recommendations. “As the report states, the Laurier community has been active for many years in addressing the spectrum of issues associated with gendered violence,” said McMurray, who also serves as lead advocate for Laurier’s initiatives to end gendered violence. “However, it also identifies areas where the university needs to do better. The evidence-informed
nature of The Change Project recommendations provides excellent guidance for Laurier as we continue to move forward as an institutional leader in developing inclusive, equitable and compassionate campus communities.” McMurray said Laurier’s existing Gendered Violence Steering Group and associated Task Force of over 200 faculty, staff, student, and community volunteers, is well positioned to build on The Change Project recommendations and on existing Laurier programs and other proven best practices to shape a distinctive Laurier Gendered Violence Action Plan going forward. The Laurier action plan is grouped into seven pillars: leadership; enhanced communications; clear policies, protocols, and practices; more education, training and prevention initiatives; enhanced support and services; continued community partnerships; and improved reporting and assessment practices. The full Change Project report and more details on Laurier’s Gendered Violence Action plan can be found at www.sascwr.org/ the-change-project.
Building community through online social interactions By Shawna Reibling Laurier researcher Sandra Annett’s latest book, Anime Fan Communities: Transcultural Flows and Frictions, uses anime fan communities to explore how people make connections online across distances and cultures. “Working through the friction of communicating online is the first step towards joint understanding,” said Annett, an assistant professor of Film Studies at Laurier. “Creating connections is the first step towards potential love.” Annett’s book uses There She Is, a story of interspecies love between
a rabbit and a cat, as an example to explore these ideas. The cartoon was created by South Korean artists known as “SamBakZa.” Fans of the story used SamBakZa’s online message board to talk about their experiences watching the cartoon. After spending three months in Japan working with other scholars through the Japan Society for Promotion of Science to hone her ideas, Annett came to understand how changing technologies have opened new avenues for audiences to connect with each other. “It is possible to build community in both physical and online places,
as transnational anime fans often do,” she said. “Works like There She Is are often a starting point for dialogue.” An excerpt from Annett’s research, including a video clip of the There She Is web cartoon, is featured on the Council of Ontario Universities’ Research Matters website: http://yourontarioresearch.ca/2015/02/cat-rabbitflash-story-forbidden-love/ Annett’s book is published by Palgrave Macmillan and is available on Amazon.com. For more information about Annett and her research, visit her profile on the Laurier website. 7
Inside
APRIL 2015
Prospective students get a taste of Laurier
All Photos: John Ternan
Waterloo and Brantford campuses welcome students, families at March Break open houses
in the classroom
Understanding the business behind filmmaking Instructor: Wendy Donnan Class: FS 209A – The Business of Film A newly developed course, FS 209A – The Business of Film teaches students the background business knowledge and practical skills necessary for entering into the contemporary film and media industries. This course is all about the practicalities of financing and producing films, covering topics such as understanding legal affairs, financing film development; sourcing and applying to funding agencies; negotiating co-produc8
tions and private production financing; applying for tax credits; and knowing the requirements of the Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office. “This is a course that all film, TV, production, and business students should take,” said Wendy Donnan, the course’s instructor. “University normally teaches students film theory and history, but this course is essential for learning to develop and sell your own media project in today’s competitive world. Students get a thorough overview of this business environment, and after taking this course, they will be ready to
manage a production from start to finish.” Students also learn the importance of marketing and selling their production once it is made, looking in detail at all types of film and TV marketing including social media and online distribution; film festivals and other markets; and how to find a distributor. The course culminates with an oral and written group project, in which students pitch a development project for financing, creating marketing materials, as well as a development budget and kickstarter campaign, and presenting these to the class.
FS 209A instructor Wendy Donnan speaking to her class before a presentation.