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Laurentian top 10 in Maclean's 2015 university rankings

Laurentian top 10 in Maclean's 2015 university rankings

Laurentian University has climbed four spots in the Maclean’s annual university rankings, the biggest jump recorded among all Canadian universities.

November 3, 2014 – Laurentian University has climbed four spots in the Maclean’s annual university rankings, the biggest jump recorded among all Canadian universities.  Laurentian is now ranked 10th among all universities in the primarily undergraduate category. 

 

Since 2009, Laurentian’s overall ranking has moved up 8 positions, with most significant improvements with regards to Medical/Science Grants, Faculty Awards, Library Acquisitions, Student Awards and Student Services.

 

“It is certainly encouraging to see Laurentian University climbing in the rankings,” said Dominic Giroux, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.  “We have reached milestones in a number of indicators this year, and they are in areas that we have designated as priorities in our 2012-2017 Strategic Plan.”

 

As well as the increase in the overall ranking, Laurentian recorded increases this year on most indicators, and is now ranked among Maclean’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities for:

  • Library Acquisitions (3rd);
  • Scholarships and Bursaries (4th);
  • Medical/Science Grants (5th);
  • Total Research Dollars  (7th);
  • Awards per Full-Time Faculty (7th);
  • Student Awards (8th);
  • Student/Faculty Ratio (9th).

 

Laurentian’s biggest increase this year was for Medical/Science Grants, from 9th position to 5th in its category.
 

“We have been steadily building our profile in areas of research strength, in keeping with our Strategic Plan outcomes,” said Acting Vice-President, Research, Dr. Anne-Marie Mawhiney. “It was extremely gratifying to see Laurentian’s funding from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) rise by 22% in 2013-2014 while funding declined nationally. We congratulate our faculty and increasing number of graduate students for their impressive research achievements.” 

 

Competitive research funding increases were seen this year in 15 distinct research subjects, in particular in Earth Science, Inorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Psychology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Engineering and Philosophy.

 

Laurentian continued to show progress in the Student Services category, one of the areas identified in the Strategic Plan.  Student Services have been enhanced with the opening of the Centre for Academic Excellence in 2012. The university’s on-going Sudbury campus modernization to be completed by Fall 2016 will support the delivery of services in a convenient, ‘one-stop’ service hub.

 

In addition to what is measured by Maclean’s, Laurentian graduates have consistently had the highest employment rates in the Ontario university sector. Since 2009, undergraduate applications at Laurentian have increased by 26% compared with 10% in other Ontario universities and students’ average entry grade has increased from 79% to 81%.

 

“What is important is that we remain focussed on our key goals here at Laurentian,” said President Giroux.  “That means we continue to work every day on student engagement and satisfaction, national recognition, being a university of choice, community responsiveness and organizational excellence. Rankings do not tell the whole story, and can fluctuate from one year to the other. We are nonetheless very pleased to see this year’s rankings from Maclean’s.”  

Laurentian honours two leaders with doctorates at Fall Convocation 2014

Laurentian honours two leaders with doctorates at Fall Convocation 2014

A renowned First Nations political leader, and a veteran Sudbury politician were awarded Honourary Doctorates at Laurentian University’s Fall Convocation ceremonies.

Laurentian coat of arms

NOVEMBER 1 , 2014 – A renowned First Nations political leader, and a veteran Sudbury politician were awarded Honourary Doctorates at  Laurentian University’s Fall Convocation ceremonies held at the Sudbury campus on Saturday, November 1, 2014. 

 

Long-time Sudbury mayor and former MPP for the Sudbury riding James K. (Jim) Gordon was awarded a Doctorate of Laws (honoris causa) at the Convocation ceremony.  Mr. Gordon was Mayor of Sudbury from 1976 to 1981, and again from 1991 to 2003.  He served as MPP for Sudbury from 1981 to 1987, and held the position of Minister of Government Services in 1985. 

 

“I am honoured by this recognition from Laurentian University, an institution that has enriched our community and enhanced its international profile,” said Mr. Gordon. 

 

Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine was also awarded a Doctorate of Laws (honoris causa) at the Convocation ceremony at Fall Convocation.  During his three terms as National Chief, Mr. Fontaine facilitated negotiations in the settlement of the 150-year Indian residential school tragedy, and became the first Indigenous leader to address the Organization of American States (OAS).

 

“Laurentian has a leadership role in strengthening and expanding indigenous education in Canada, through its commitment to aboriginal students and faculty,” said Mr. Fontaine.

 

“Both of our honourary doctorate recipients have devoted their lives to public service, and both have built a lasting legacy in their respective communities,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.

 

Approximately 300 students received their degrees at Laurentian’s Fall 2014 Convocation.  In its history, Laurentian has graduated more than 50,000 alumni.

New opportunities for French-speaking students

New opportunities for French-speaking students

Laurentian University, the University of Sudbury and Collège Boréal sign articulation agreement

October, 28, 2014 – Laurentian University, the University of Sudbury, and Collège Boréal have signed a framework agreement defining the recognition of university credits in order to support College Boréal graduates in continuing their education at a university level. The articulation agreement applies to all programs offered in French at Laurentian University and the University of Sudbury. Credits earned in the programs offered at all seven of Collège Boréal’s campuses across Ontario will be transferable to approximately 40 university degree programs. Laurentian University graduates who hold a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in chemistry, can also transfer two years’ worth of credits to Collège Boréal’s three-year Chemical Engineering Technology program.

 

Dr. Denis Hurtubise, Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs at Laurentian University, stressed the importance of this collaboration between post-secondary institutions, “With this innovative agreement, Laurentian University, the University of Sudbury, and Collège Boréal are helping French-speaking students pursue different levels of postsecondary education and, at the same time, are encouraging them to do so in French. By formally recognizing their academic credentials, our institutions are helping students transition to another level of postsecondary education and consolidating the curriculum continuum in French Ontario.”

 

According to Daniel Giroux, Vice-President of Academics at Collège Boréal, “We are particularly proud to build on the strong existing relationship between Collège Boréal, Laurentian University, and the University of Sudbury in order to meet the legitimate expectations of Francophone students in Ontario. This framework agreement allows us to bring ongoing improvements to services and programs offered to French-speaking students across Ontario while maximizing their prospects.”

 

 

“The quality of post-secondary programs offered at the University of Sudbury, Laurentian University, and Collège Boréal allows students to consider transferring from one institution to another with ease,” said Pierre Zundel, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sudbury.  “Furthermore, our graduates will have the advantage of entering the labour market with additional skills and expertise while having saved time and money.”

 

This new framework agreement between Laurentian University, the University of Sudbury, and Collège Boréal echoes the provincial councils’ recent announcement facilitating credit transfer activities in Alberta, BC, New Brunswick, and Ontario in order to further develop student pathways and reduce barriers for students who transfer among Canadian colleges and universities. The Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) works with 44 publicly funded postsecondary institutions and is co-chaired by Glenn Vollebregt, President and CEO of St. Lawrence College and Dominic Giroux, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

Laurentian University awards campus modernization contract

Laurentian University awards campus modernization contract

University Board of Governors approves $34M tender for Phase 2 of renewal

October 24, 2014 – Laurentian University’s Board of Governors has unanimously approved the tender for the historic Campus Modernization project, awarding the contract to Cy Rheault Construction. 

 

The modernization project represents a major renewal for Laurentian’s Sudbury campus. The project will entail new construction as well as upgrades and renovations to nine campus buildings over the next two years, with scheduled completion by December 2016.

 

Major work to be carried out under the Campus Modernization program includes:

  • Renewal of the Alphonse Raymond building
  • Improvements to more than 20 classrooms and 10 teaching labs
  • Construction of a “front-door” Welcome Centre
  • Re-design creating centralized ”One Stop” Student Services
  • Construction of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre
  • Construction of University Club (Fraser Building)
  • Creation of the Executive Learning Centre (Fraser Building)

 

The contract for the Campus Modernization project is valued at $34M.  Timmins-based Cy Rheault Construction has previously carried out work on the first phase of the Laurentian University School of Architecture (2013) and renovations to Single Student Residence (2014).

 

The preliminary phase of Campus Modernization was carried out earlier this year by Sudbury-based Prosperi Construction Company Ltd. with renovations to the Science Building, which included construction of the new DNA lab, as well as renovations to the School of Education. 

 

Work will begin immediately on the renewal of the Alphonse Raymond building, which has been closed since September.  The building, which houses the University’s École des sciences de l’éducation, will be given a new entrance as well as new classrooms and offices.  The building will also be made fully accessible. The Alphonse Raymond work is expected to be complete in the summer of 2015.

 

"We’re going to see construction trailers and fencing on campus for the next couple of years, but by managing the project in stages we’ll be able to work through it," said Brad Parkes, Executive Director of Facility Services. "The work schedule will allow us to maintain our critical mass of classrooms and offices while parts of campus are under renovation."

 

"We are looking ahead to the next fifty years, and we are excited about the scope and the vision of this transformative program," said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  "We are confident the planned projects will serve to enhance the student experience at Laurentian, while achieving several of the targeted outcomes in our Strategic Plan."

 

"All of the projects under Campus Modernization go toward making our facilities better for students, faculty and staff," said Vice-President, Administration, Carol McAulay. "With the classroom  improvements, for example, we will be re-designing some of the old lecture-theatre rooms to create more ‘flat-floor’ classrooms.  This will give us more flexibility to accommodate diverse modes of teaching and learning."

 

The Campus Modernization program will also create new social spaces and gathering hubs for members of the university community across campus.  For more information on the project, please visit https://laurentian.ca/campus-modernization.

Toronto Celebrates Sudbury …to the tune of $100,000

Toronto Celebrates Sudbury …to the tune of $100,000

Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord (HSN) and Laurentian University are $100,000 richer, thanks to Toronto Celebrates Sudbury.

 

Today in Sudbury, organizers of the annual fundraising event held in Toronto presented a $100,000 cheque to be shared equally by HSN and Laurentian University. The proceeds from Toronto Celebrates Sudbury will be used to support research at each institution.

 

Toronto Celebrates Sudbury  was launched in 2011 by a group of professionals in Toronto with personal connections to Greater Sudbury. The Co-Chairs of the event are Perry Dellelce, Jamie Lamont, Kevin O’Brien, Nathan Wright and Liana Flabiano. The event brings together Toronto residents with ties to the Nickel City to raise money for a Sudbury charitable organization. The evening also promotes Sudbury in Ontario’s capital.

 

On hand for today’s presentation were Perry Dellelce and Jamie Lamont. ’“We’re very pleased and honoured to raise money for Greater Sudbury,” says Perry Dellelce, Managing Partner at the law firm of Wildeboer Dellelce.

 

“Greater Sudbury has been very good to us and we want to give back to our hometown, plus it’s great to bring together so many people in Toronto who have ties to Sudbury,” added Co-Chair Jamie Lamont.

 

“I want to thank the organizers of Toronto Celebrates Sudbury for their work in supporting and promoting the activities of HSN and AMRIC, “ notes Dr. Denis Roy, HSN’s President and CEO. “World class research and health care is being done here in Sudbury and we’re delighted that people are taking note of this in Canada’s largest city.”

 

“We are proud to be part of this exciting fundraising intiative, and we appreciate the hard work and the vision of Toronto Celebrates Sudbury in supporting research at Laurentian,” says Dominic Giroux, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University. 

 

The Sudbury Community Foundation (SCF) acts as the administrator and distributor of the proceeds from the annual event. The Board of the SCF noted the collaborative relationship between HSN and Laurentian University and praised the leaders’ institutions for working together in support of research. They also acknowledged the tremendous work of the organizers of Toronto Celebrates Sudbury.

 

“SCF is happy to be a conduit to bringing these important research funds to our community,” said Carmen Simmons, Executive Director of the Sudbury Community Foundation.  “Toronto Celebrates Sudbury has been a brilliant collaboration by an energetic committee of Sudbury expats in support of our community.  Well done!”  

 

Contact: 

Dan Lessard

(705) 523-7118, ext. 4

(705) 507-4031 c

dlessard@hsnsudbury.ca

Laurentian University awarded patent for RNA Disruption Assay

Laurentian University awarded patent for RNA Disruption Assay

Technology developed by L.U. professor Dr. Amadeo Parissenti aids in cancer treatment

October 10, 2014 – Laurentian University has been awarded a patent for the RNA Disruption Assay (RDATM), a technology that aids in the treatment of breast cancer.  The test was developed by Laurentian University professor Dr. Amadeo Parissenti and by his research associate Dr. Baoqing Guo of Health Sciences North.  The patent was issued in September by the Australian Patent Office.

 

The University has licensed the technology exclusively to Rna Diagnostics Inc., a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops diagnostic tools to improve chemotherapy management. In addition to other patents currently pending through its licensing arrangement with Rna Diagnostics, Laurentian has a number of patents pending worldwide on discoveries made at the University. 

 

“We are immensely proud of the pioneering work of Dr. Parissenti and his research colleague Dr. Guo, and we are honoured to be holding the patent for a discovery that helps people by improving our understanding of cancer treatment,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux. “We have enjoyed an exceptional relationship with Rna Diagnostics and we believe our collaboration will continue to produce significant advances for cancer patients everywhere.”

 

Dr. Parissenti is a professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Laurentian, as well as a faculty member at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and an affiliate scientist with the Advanced Medical Research Institute of Canada (AMRIC), the research arm of Health Sciences North. He is also Chief Scientific Officer for Rna Diagnostics Inc.

 

The RNA Disruption Assay (RDATM) helps oncologists to measure a breast cancer patient’s response to chemotherapy at an early stage of treatment.  The technology can be used after one or two cycles of chemo, and the results can determine whether patients would do better with another therapy.

It is anticipated that the knowledge generated by this patent and others currently pending will change the current treatment landscape for breast and other types of cancer.   Rna Diagnostics currently has ongoing clinical trials and collaborations with healthcare leaders in Germany, Italy, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.

“Congratulations to Laurentian University on this patent, and to Professor Parissenti and Dr. Guo on the acknowledgment of their key discovery,” said Dr. Ken Pritzker, President and CEO of Rna Diagnostics Inc.  “RDA will assist cancer clinicians in personalized treatment decisions, save healthcare systems significant costs and most importantly, improve outcomes for breast cancer patients. Rna Diagnostics looks forward to our continuing collaboration with Laurentian University to bring RDA, a significant advancement in cancer chemotherapy practice management, to global markets.”

 

About Rna Diagnostics Inc.

Rna Diagnostics, a Canadian molecular diagnostics company, is developing diagnostic tools to improve chemotherapy management. The company’s first product, RNA Disruption Assay™ (RDA™), determines early in a woman’s breast cancer treatment how she is responding to chemotherapy. If the chemotherapy is not working effectively she can be switched quickly to other treatment, avoiding the harmful side-effects of ineffective chemotherapy and thereby improving her outcome. For more information on Rna Diagnostics, please visit www.rnadiagnostics.com

Official opening of Laurentian University's Speech and Language Teaching Clinic

Official opening of Laurentian University's Speech and Language Teaching Clinic

The Clinic will strive to meet the recognized needs and high demand of Greater Sudbury and Northern Ontario.

Laurentian University today officially opened its Speech and Language Clinic, in the presence of dignitaries and health sector professionals. The clinic will offer optimal training conditions to students of the bachelor’s (B.Sc.S.) and master’s (M.Sc.S.) programs in Speech-Language Pathology. It is open to the Greater Sudbury community, thanks to the support of the Office of Francophone Affairs at Laurentian University and the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS).
 

“Laurentian University is very proud of this new clinic that will allow our 120 students in Speech-Language Pathology to benefit from quality facilities that meet our exceptional faculty’s high standards of teaching,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux. “Opening this clinic is timely and significant considering the shortage of Speech-Language Pathologists in the community.  The Clinic will strive to meet the recognized needs and high demand of Greater Sudbury and Northern Ontario.”
 

During the event, Laurentian University’s Speech-Language Pathology program coordinator, Michèle Minor-Corriveau, also launched a new online exchange platform for professionals in the field.  “At a time when information technology presents us with a suitable way to share our resources and best practices, we hope that this forum – the only one of its kind in Ontario – will allow professionals in the field of voice, swallowing, speech, and language disorders to share their knowledge and exchange tips and tools to further advance innovation and research in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.”
 

The field of Speech-Language Pathology covers a wide range of specialists including clinicians, professors, managers, administrators and researchers working in rural and urban settings. These professionals aim to prevent, identify and treat disorders of speech, language (oral and written), voice, fluency (stuttering), and swallowing in people of all ages.
 

The Speech and Language Clinic is located on the sixth floor of the Parker Building, on Laurentian University’s Sudbury campus. Clients should call 705-675-1151, ext. 4122 to book an appointment. For more information about Laurentian University’s Speech-Language Pathology programs and teaching clinic, please visit www.laurentienne.ca/orthophonie. You can also follow Laurentian University’s Speech-Language Pathology program on Twitter @LULorthoSLP and like its Facebook page at facebook.com/LULorthoSLP.

Laurentian hosts second annual Leadership Summit

Laurentian hosts second annual Leadership Summit

Conference aims to build ‘Culture of Collaborative Leadership’

October, 9, 2014 – The City of Greater Sudbury and Laurentian University, with the sponsorship of Canadian Government Executive magazine, have announced the schedule for the second annual Leadership Summit to be held October 16th and 17th in Sudbury.
 

The goals of this summit are to build an innovative and collaborative leadership network, to present the latest research on leadership development, and to lay the foundation for the development of a new Leadership Institute.
 

“We built up some extraordinary momentum with last year’s inaugural Leadership Summit, and we are delighted to see that energy moving us forward,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  “This is a truly collaborative undertaking and all of the partners have a real commitment to working together to grow our leadership potential.”
 

The Summit will begin with an opening reception at the Vale Cavern of Science North on the evening of October 16th.  After an official welcome from Laurentian University Chancellor Steve Paikin, keynote speaker Stephen M. R. Covey will deliver a presentation entitled “The Speed of Trust.” Covey is the New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of “The Speed of Trust—The One Thing that Changes Everything.”  He is the former CEO of Covey Leadership Centre, and led the strategy that propelled his father’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” to become one of the most influential business books of the 20th century.  Covey co-founded CoveyLink, a learning and consulting practice focused on enabling leaders and organizations to achieve superior performance. 
 

On October 17th, the Summit moves to the campus of Laurentian University for a full day of interactive discussions, round-table conversations and a summit keynote. 

The forum will provide an opportunity for leaders from the private, public and non-profit sectors to share their perspectives on leadership.  The Summit is also sponsored by the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) and by Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines.
 

Other featured speakers at Leadership Summit 2014 include:
 

Kerry Pond, Assistant Deputy Minister, Centre for Leadership and Learning, Ontario Public Service (OPS);


Jennifer J. Deal Ph.D., senior Research Scientist at the Centre for Creative Leadership (CCL) and an Affiliated Research Scientist at the Center for Effective Organizations at the University of South Carolina.
 

Dr. Rosie Steeves, founder and President of Executive Works, an organization dedicated to helping leaders transform their organizations through effective leadership.
 

Registration details can be found at: laurentian.canadiangovernmentexecutive.ca/

Laurentian University names new Director of Development

Laurentian University names new Director of Development

Kristy Rousseau to lead University’s Development team

September 30th, 2014 – Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristy Rousseau as the new Director of Development.  As Director, Rousseau will oversee and direct all development programs and fundraising activities. She will provide strategic vision, overall direction and guidance to the development team on all fundraising programs.

“We are thrilled to have Kristy in this role,” said Chief Advancement Officer Tracy MacLeod. “She brings professional fundraising experience and leadership abilities that will be extremely valuable to our team, as we continue to build key relationships for the University. We are confident in her ability to take University development to new heights.”

Rousseau has served as Acting Director of Development since May 2014 and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive with nearly 10 years of professional fundraising experience. She has worked collaboratively with various academic and administrative departments to maximize fundraising opportunities in support the university’s strategic priorities.

Before becoming Acting Director of Development, Rousseau served as Manager of Individual Gifts for Laurentian’s Development Office starting in 2011.  Rousseau played a key role in The Next 50 Campaign, which helped to raise over $65M for the University’s strategic priorities. Previously, Rousseau worked as a Development Officer at the Sudbury Regional Hospital Foundation.

Kristy Rousseau is a recipient of a Sudbury Top 40 Under 40 Award. She has also won a CCAE Prix d’Excellence; a Bronze Medal for the Best Development Event, in June 2013.

Rousseau is completing her Masters of Business Administration at Laurentian University and received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Management Economics at the University of Guelph.

 “Being a first-generation university graduate and a Métis Canadian, I am passionate about Laurentian University and its unique position among Canadian universities,” said Rousseau. “We have a great team, and I’m delighted to be leading our work in Development.” 

Laurentian University and Faculty Association reach tentative agreement

Laurentian University and Faculty Association reach tentative agreement

A tentative agreement on a new contract covering the 372 full-time faculty and librarians and 200 part-time sessionals working in Sudbury and Barrie has been reached.

September 29, 2014 - Laurentian University and the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract covering the 372 full-time faculty and librarians and 200 part-time sessionals working in Sudbury and Barrie. 

“I am pleased that both bargaining teams reached an agreement without any disruption of the academic year. Should it be ratified, this agreement will allow the University and its faculty to continue to build Laurentian’s momentum with exciting plans for the coming years,” said Laurentian President and Vice-Chancellor, Dominic Giroux. 

“This was an intense process. With much hard work, both bargaining teams were able to find ways to address issues of mutual interest in a very collegial manner. This tentative agreement is a positive step forward for the University and LUFA,” added Dr. Anis Farah, President of LUFA. 

The University and LUFA want to thank members of the bargaining teams, led by Dr. Hermann Falter for the University and Dr. Rizwan Haq for LUFA, for their dedication and commitment to a positive organizational culture. 

A ratification vote by LUFA members will be held as soon as possible. The contract is also subject to ratification by Laurentian University’s Board of Governors. As is standard practice, the terms of the tentative agreement will not be disclosed until it has been ratified by both parties. 

It is therefore “business as usual” at Laurentian’s Sudbury and Barrie locations, and for its distance education programs. 

The current collective agreement expired on June 30th. The two parties have held numerous bargaining sessions since April, including one day with a conciliator, and four days with a mediator. 

LUFA had been in a legal strike position and the University had been in a legal lock-out position since September 25th. Parties had agreed to not initiate such measures until September 30th, after completion of scheduled mediation. 

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