News from University of Calgary Graduate Students' Association

Nominations are now open and will remain open until 4:30 pm on Monday, April 18, 2016 to fill the vacant board positions of VP Academic & VP External

GradFest 2016 - Join us for an end of semester BBQ at the LDL

Wednesday, April 13, 4-8pm

Come join us at the Last Defence Lounge on Wednesday, April 13, between 4-8pm to celebrate the last day of classes. Drop by for a BBQ (hot dogs, veggie dogs, sides, and desserts - all you can eat!), one drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), prizes, and a chance to unwind with some other grad students.

Come by yourself or as a department. The department with the most grad students attending will receive some great prizes - so organize a group of friends and come on down!

Tickets ($5 each) are limited and can be picked up at a first come, first serve basis at the LDL (11am until 11pm Monday to Friday) or the GSA Office (MT 214) between 10am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday. There is no limit to the amount of tickets one person can purchase! For questions, please e-mail gsasesc@ucalgary.ca

(Part 2 of 2)

Muhammad Khan and Muhammad Omer are brothers-in-law from Pakistan, both studying at the University of Calgary and next-door neighbours in the university family housing. They are both very engaged in the University community and each has received several prestigious academic awards.

K: You are both obviously very successful. Do you motivate each other?

MK: I try my best. Whatever awards I apply for, I inform him about them and encourage him to apply. And if he finds out about an opportunity, he tells me. We both push each other and guide each other.

MO: When you first come as a grad student there are so many things to take care of that applying for a scholarship is the last thing you think about. Now that we have gone through these experiences we mentor others about the importance of these scholarships and how to apply.

MK: So that "push" goes beyond the two of us. We are pushing other people around us as well to apply for scholarships and come to do grad studies here.

MK: When you get these scholarships people in your department become more motivated to apply for them. I am the first Vanier Scholar from my department. People in my department are realizing they have to make a conscious effort to communicate their research in an effective way.

K: You talked about needing a career trajectory for these scholarships. What are your career trajectories?

MK: I want to do a combination of things. I do love academia - I love teaching. I won the University teaching award for TAs. The plan is to do something that combines an academic appointment with industrial partnership and also to develop an effective program for mathematical outreach. It's not just about myself; it's about the community and spreading the word about how much mathematics really matters. I am already doing it as the co-chair of the Canadian Mathematical Society Student Committee.

MO: I am very comfortable in academics and teaching; it's second nature to me. I recently won the Schulich School of Engineering Teaching Assistant Excellence award. I would also like to apply my past experience in academic standardization and accreditation to engineering programs at Canadian universities. At the same time, I want to be involved in industry, which in my case is biomedical engineering firms.

K: What are some roadblocks that you have faced with your research?

MO: A roadblock for me was shifting the application area of my research. I didn't have a medical background, so I had to take courses to catch up on the medical nature of my research. I took some courses at the Foothills campus on medical imaging and this gave me the relevant background information for studying biological tissues.

MK: I haven't really faced any roadblocks to be honest. Before you start a doctoral program, if you have a well-defined research objective, and you have already done some research towards that, then you are unlikely to face any major obstacles. Of course, sometimes you are trying to achieve something and it doesn't quite work out and you have to change your direction a little bit, but in my case I had a clear understanding of what I was going to do in my PhD. I'm in the middle of writing a book with my supervisor on the analysis of geometric arrangements. The reason my supervisor involved me in this project is that I have done quite well in my research.

K: In your time in grad school, what is something you have learned about yourself?

MK: I have learned that I can communicate mathematics pretty effectively in writing and in speaking and that my choice of career trajectory in mathematical outreach is the right one for me.

MO: This is the same for me. I put my communication skills to test by participating in the regional and national awards competitions. Having got success in all of them really encourages me to keep pushing myself and never stop! I also see now that I have an ability to motivate and encourage others in an effective way. Whatever I have achieved myself, I help others emulate it.

K: Who has been your greatest support on your academic journey?

MK: Outside the university, I would say our families. I have three kids, so my wife has to put up with a lot because I'm not there to help out as much as I should. She takes care of everything: from groceries to taking the kids to school, looking after their education and the list goes on. So her support is pivotal for my success. My family has adjusted very well in Calgary. They have a very nice social circle and the life at the U of C family housing is great.

MO: Academically my brother-in-law has been a huge support. I owe all my success to him for his mentorship and advice. I am also very lucky to have the support of my wife who takes care of everything at home and outside, including our newborn daughter so that I can dedicate all my time to my studies.

K: What is your favourite thing about Calgary?

MK: Calgary provides you with a cosmopolitan atmosphere but at the same time it has a very welcoming nature, which is usually not found in big cities.

MO: I used to hear that Canada was very cold. When I came here I expected the worst. But I like the fact that I have been able to participate in outdoor activities throughout the year.

Adult Only Night - Telus Spark: April 14 (The Final Frontier)

Discounted Tickets: $10 (Regular: $19.95)

We'll be blasting forward into the final frontier. Take a closer look at space from the silver screen to the Big Freeze; a vision of the "end" of the universe where matter and energy is so far apart it can't interact anymore. Sounds like a barrel of laughs, right?

Let us know if you're interested in getting tickets to Telus Spark Adult Only Night on April 14th (NOTE: This does not include tickets to Body World Vitals). Send a message to gsasesc@ucalgary.ca by noon on Friday, April 8 letting us know how many tickets you'd like.

*LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE! SIGN UP ASAP

April 8, 9pm - 12am

$25 includes park pass, trampoline socks, and late night snack

Please indicate if you will require transportation.

Follow the link to watch a short movie about the Neon Lights night hosted by Flying Squirrel

GSA organized transportation to and from the university main campus will be provided.

The bus will leave the university at 8:30pm

Trivia Night at the LDL!

April 11, 6pm

Come join us at the Last Defence Lounge every second Monday at 6:00pm for some fun, some snacks (1 appetizer per team), great prizes, and bragging rights!

Register your team (of up to 4 players) for one night or the entire semester. To sign up your team or for more information, e-mail gsasesc@ucalgary.ca.

Limited spaces are available so registrar ASAP.

Self-defence Workshops

The GSA will be offering self-defense workshops at various times on the main campus and, if there is interest, on Foothills Campus

MAIN CAMPUS:

Sat. April 9, 1pm - 5pm (Ground Fighting - women only)

Each session can only take 20 people and spots will fill up quickly!

Please e-mail gsasesc@ucalgary.ca to register

Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Group Volunteer Shift

Thursday, April 21, 9am - 1pm

Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta is a non-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe, affordable place to live. Join the GSA Community Engagement team for a group volunteer shift at Habitat for Humanity's Sunridge ReStore facility. ReStore sells new and used furniture, appliances and building materials to fund the construction of local, affordable housing for families in need. Please contact engage.gsa@ucalgary.ca for more information and to register.

Mindfulness Training

May 19, 26, 5-6 pm

J oin us for a double-session of mindfulness training offered exclusively to graduate students!

In these two interactive sessions, students are invited to learn about mindfulness theory and participate in meditative practice. The first session will provide an introduction to the science and practice of mindfulness, and explore exercises to cultivate mindfulness in daily life. The second session will follow up with week 1 exercises, discuss additional practices, and provide resources to further explore mindfulness.

Healthy snacks will be provided!

When: Session 1: May 19
Follow-up Session: May 26
Time: 5 - 6pm
Location: Wellness Centre Classroom (MSC 370)

Getting a Good Night's Sleep

May 4, 4:30-5:45 pm

Graduate school is demanding and as the pressures grow, the quality of your sleep can be impacted. This workshop will provide time for you to increase your understanding of the mechanics of sleep and common causes of insomnia. You will strengthen your self-awareness as you learn strategies to help address your sleep challenges and improve your overall energy and well-being.

Wednesday, May 4, 4:30-5:45

Wellness Centre Classroom (MSC 370)

Open to University of Calgary Graduate Students

Light, healthy snacks will be provided

Please register at: https://www.ucalgary.ca/wellnesscentre/node/672

Discounted Movie Passes - $25

The GSA is offering discounted movie passes to Cineplex Theatres. Passes include 2 adult admissions, 2 regular soft drinks, and one regular popcorn and is valid for a year.

Passes can be picked up at the GSA office (MT 214) on a first-come, first-served basis.

The GSA office is open from 10am until 4:30pm Monday to Friday and only cash or cheque payments can currently be accepted.

Please note: There is a limit of 2 passes per graduate student.

Call for Applications to Become Graduate Scholars or Post-Doctoral Scholars at the University of Calgary Graduate College

The University of Calgary's Graduate College Steering Committee is pleased to announce its second annual call for applications to become Graduate Scholars or Post-Doctoral Scholars at the University of Calgary Graduate College (The College) for 2016-17. Graduate scholars are degree-holding students studying in Masters, Doctoral, JD, MD, or DVM programs at the University of Calgary. 2016-17 will mark the second year of the pilot project of The College, which bases its activities out of the 11th floor of the new Crowsnest Hall graduate residence, and brings together a community of like-minded scholars interested in joining a novel and exceptional environment and motivated to pursue the College's vision, exemplified by its three foundational themes: Connect, Enrich, and Energize.

The College is currently inviting applications for 2016-17 membership from graduate students and postdoctoral scholars interested in taking on a role as either a resident or non-resident scholar. Both incoming and in-program graduate students and post-docs are eligible to apply. All graduate and postdoctoral scholars will receive College Scholarships, with resident scholars living on the 11th Floor of Crowsnest Hall and non-resident scholars living elsewhere on campus or in the city, but maintaining full membership in the College, access to its facilities, and participation in its programs. Applications for 2016-17 Scholar positions in The College (pilot project, Year 2) are due April 29, 2016.

Full information about The College and its application process, timeline, criteria, and requirements are provided on The College website: http://grad.ucalgary.ca/future/grad-life/graduate-residences/college. Questions about The College and/or the application process may be directed to gradcollege@ucalgary.ca.

UCalgaryStrong Festival

Wednesday, April 13 12pm-4pm

Staff, students, faculty and community are invited to join us for the second annual UCalgaryStrong Festival on Wednesday, April 13 from 12pm-4pm in the Jack Simpson Gymnasium.

A celebration on the last day of classes, the Festival celebrates our collective accomplishments, resiliency, leadership capacity and well-being.

This year, the event features live musical performances with free coffee, compliments of the Bookstore, and Jelly Modern doughnuts, food trucks, a vendor fair and various activities such as an interactive Beakerhead installation as well as the return of the very popular balloon and caricature artists. The newly opened Vitruvian space will host the Labyrinth and other contemplative activities, for those attendees that would like to rest, relax and reflect.

Staff and students are encouraged to join in the Festival fun by:

Attending activities on the day of, see a full schedule here: http://www.ucalgary.ca/currentstudents/ucalgarystrong/festival

Promoting in advance with the Facebook event and #ucalgarystrong hashtag

Signing up to volunteer. Organizers expect upwards of 3,500 visitors and the committee relies on the support of volunteers to make the event a success. Volunteer roles include set-up, take-down and staffing a variety of activities.

Patient-Oriented Research Training Program

Session #3 - Engaging Vulnerable Populations in POR

Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 4:30-6:00pm

The Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit Career Development Platform offers free monthly sessions on various topics related to Patient-Oriented Research (POR).

Session #3 will introduce the foundations of Engaging Vulnerable Populations. An overview of the principles of engaging with vulnerable populations will be presented as well as Guest Speakers whose research provides examples of how to engage with vulnerable communities.

Guest Speakers:

Rebecca Haines-Saah PhD, Presenting on cross-disciplinary approaches, methods, and ethical implications through the application of a critical social lens and visual media

Jean Harrowing RN PhD, Presenting on global health and HIV populations.

Judith Kulig RN PhD, Presenting on rural communities.

https://sportrainingprogram3.eventbrite.ca for information on how to attend and to register for your free ticket.

RWRD Program
@ Student Success Centre

The RWRD Program (Read, Write, Review, Develop) at the Student Success Centre is an intensive language support resource for international and ESL students.

Graduate students are invited to apply now for Spring session, beginning May 4.

For more information and to register: https://www.ucalgary.ca/ssc/rwrd

Grad Student Survey Has Been Extended!

You could still win a $300 Bookstore gift certificate!

Check your UCalgary inbox for a link to the grad survey in a message dated Mar. 24 from the Office of the Vice Provost (Graduate Studies). Have your say in the future of your graduate program and you can win one three, $300 Bookstore gift certificates. Learn more about it here.

Graduate Student Speaker Series: Excited about your research?
Come talk about it!

The Graduate Student Speaker series is geared to get your research out to the community in a fun, engaging, and understandable way - think about developing your knowledge translation, communication, and presentation skills! You provide the talk, and we provide an awesome downtown venue, food, and advertising.

For more information, contact Amy Noël at acnoel@ucalgary.ca .

Graduate Support - Student Success Centre

BOOT CAMPS

Sign up for a Writing Boot Camp session and draw on the collective energy of other grad students as you toil away together in a quiet, (gently) supervised, and sunny space in the Taylor Family Digital Library

Tuesdays, 9 am-12 pm

Thursdays, 1-4 pm

INTERNATIONAL CONVERSATION GROUPS

Building Your Speaking Skills

Mondays, 3 -4:30 pm. TFDL 355D

https://www.ucalgary.ca/ssc/learning_support/grad_student

Call for Submissions
Submission deadline: Friday April 15

The Journal of Comparative Media Arts is calling for artworks, long papers, short papers and photo essays on the theme of BARE LIFE OR BEAR LIFE. Forward-thinking submissions that take up contemporary culture and the fine arts will be carefully reviewed by our Peer Review Committee. We select works for publication based on their importance and originality, along with their quality of presentation and relevance to the community and to the remit of the Journal. Your submission must not have been published elsewhere.

Submission deadline: Friday April 15, 2016 23:59 PST.

More information can be found in the journal's Call for Submissions online.

Previous Newsletters

March 29, 2016

Feb. 16, 2016

Jan. 19, 2016

Resources

UofC Teaching and Learning Centre
Faculty of Graduate Studies
SU Wellness Centre

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We provide a strong foundation for our members and community by offering valued services and programs that support and empower graduate students during and after their academic endeavors. We create an environment built on fiscal sustainability, social engagement, and effective representation.

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