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University prepares for Open House, March 12, 2022

University prepares for Open House, March 12, 2022

Liaison leaders Stéphanie Ménard and Caleb Piché-Larocque make a positive impact in the student journey

(March 3, 2022) - As Laurentian University welcomes back students with the resumption of in-person classrooms this week, the university community is also preparing to welcome many more future students at the March 12th Open House. 

Laurentian’s Liaison Services delivers the event and supports the future student journey towards post secondary education. Liaison is the first point of contact for all persons interested in programs and services offered by Laurentian, and team members are dedicated to guiding those considering the University as their post secondary destination of choice. 

Stéphanie Ménard, a third year Psychology student and Caleb Piché-Larocque, a fourth year Business Administration student, are Liaison’s current Senior Student Ambassadors. Both are francophones and expect to graduate with certificates of bilingualism. 

“We provide guidance to the many student ambassadors who work in Liaison. We also support the organization and smooth execution of events,” said Ménard. While Ménard has worked with Liaison since the first semester of her undergrad, Piché-Larocque joined the Liaison team in his second year. Speaking about his passion for student recruitment, Piché-Larocque said as follows: “I’ve enjoyed my student experience, and sharing that experience with future students is very rewarding.” Ménard agrees and outlined that a reason why she loves her job so much is because it enables her to “make a positive impact.” As she described: “The Liaison team is amazing. Everybody is passionate about their work, and we do our best to ensure that each and every prospective student experience to Laurentian, is unique.” 

According to Liaison’s Events and Communications Coordinator, Danielle Yasko-Pellerin, “student ambassadors like Stéphanie and Caleb are inspiring. They come to work every day ready to help students from around the world.”
       
While Liaison Services regularly offer information sessions and campus tours to showcase Laurentian’s beautiful campus, the current focus is this year’s March Open House event, on Saturday, March 12, 2022, 10am - 3pm. This in-person event will include an academic and services fair, as well the opportunity to participate in a personalized campus tour. 

Registration for Open House is available online. 

Laurentian University celebrates the achievements of three outstanding women

Laurentian University celebrates the achievements of three outstanding women

Nasim Yavari, Dr. Elizabeth Wenghofer and Suzanne Pharand recognized for their efforts towards gender equity

(March 3, 2022) - To celebrate International Women's Day, Laurentian University's Presidential Advisory Committee on the Status of Gender Equity along with the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office’s Consent is Simple Team will honour the achievements of three Greater Sudbury women during its annual awards ceremony. This event will be held on Tuesday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m., via zoom.  

To be honoured at the ceremony are Nasim Yavari, Dr. Elizabeth Wenghofer and Suzanne Pharand. These role models are recognized for their work in promoting women within the University, and the community of Greater Sudbury. 

Nasim Yavari is being honoured for her activism in education, especially as it relates to young women.

Dr. Elizabeth Wenghofer is being honoured for her mentoring of female students, especially in the field of human kinesiology.

Suzanne Pharand is being honoured posthumously for her unrelenting dedication and discrete devotion to the University community.

For more information, please contact Bettina Brockerhoff-Macdonald, Interim Chair of Laurentian University's Presidential Advisory Committee on the Status of Gender Equity, at bbrockerhoff@laurentian.ca. 
 

Independent Operations and Governance Review Sets Roadmap for Transformation of Laurentian University

Independent Operations and Governance Review Sets Roadmap for Transformation of Laurentian University

(March 2, 2022) - Laurentian University takes an important step in its restructuring with the release of two reports following an independent review which includes recommendations that will transform the operations and governance of the University.
 
Conducted by Nous Group, under the direction of Laurentian’s Chief Redevelopment Officer and the court-appointed Monitor, the reports deliver a transformational roadmap and detailed recommendations that will pave the way for a stronger, financially viable Laurentian that students and all stakeholders deserve. Details of the review and recommendations can be found here.
 
“We are confident that implementing these recommendations will allow the University to make the necessary changes to ensure the appropriate governance and operational frameworks are in place to best serve the needs of Laurentian’s future students,” says Lou Pagnutti, Chief Redevelopment Officer.
 
“While there will be challenges as Laurentian executes this ambitious and long-term transformation, the University is focused on whatever needs to be done to make Laurentian the best environment it can be for its students. The report serves as a roadmap to success – and the University is dedicated to renewing Laurentian as the proud institution our community deserves,” he adds.
 
As a next step, Laurentian will be discussing the recommendations with stakeholders including determining the source of funding to execute the transformation.  As Laurentian moves through this process in collaboration with key university and community stakeholders, including its faculty and employees and creditors and in partnership with the Ontario Government, it will provide regular updates on progress.

 

Key recommendations
 
Governance: 37 recommendations to improve the university’s governance at the Board and Senate, including adjusting its bicameral model to improve information flow between the two bodies. Additional recommendations call for each governing body to establish a clear mandate and set of accountabilities, ensure the right composition and capabilities are in place, and adopt appropriate structures and processes, including establishment of a professional secretariat.
 
Operations: A transformation program to improve operational efficiency focused on seven core areas including strategy, service delivery, financial performance, structure, processes, technology and digital platforms, as well as capability and capacity.
 
Within those areas, recommendations call for development of a new strategic plan;  consolidation of all student services to improve student satisfaction and retention; implementation of new financial planning, budgeting and reporting practices; restructuring of administrative functions with clear lines of authority and accountability; simplified, standardized and automated processes and new enterprise processes for risk and records management; priority investments in digital tools and capabilities; and attracting new capabilities by drawing from a broad talent pool and addressing understaffed units.

 
 
About the Operations and Governance Review
 
As a critical key step in the CCAA process, Laurentian announced in October 2021 it had engaged Nous Group to make recommendations for improving the operational structure and function of the University, as well as governance at the Board and Senate. In keeping with Laurentian’s commitment to conduct the review in an independent manner, Nous reported directly to the Chief Redevelopment Officer and the court-appointed Monitor throughout the process.
 
The process involved a thorough review of materials; interviews with staff, board and senate members, union leaders, and students and community members; and analysis of need and opportunities based on extensive knowledge of best practice in the Canadian university sector.  

Laurentian celebrates le Mois de la francophonie

Laurentian celebrates le Mois de la francophonie

French language and culture remain at the core of the University’s priorities

(March 1, 2022) - Mars est le mois de la francophonie! While francophone culture is celebrated at Laurentian University all year long, March provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the importance of our francophone community. 

“Our bilingual mandate is core to Laurentian’s identity. It is what makes us distinct,” said Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University. “We are very proud of our francophone community, and we remain committed to attracting French language students by offering degrees that are relevant to them, learning life and work skills employers seek.” 

The University is pleased with the recent creation of the Francophone Advisory Committee, whose mandate is to provide guidance on francophone matters and offer recommendations on the implementation of strategies to ensure the successful delivery of French-language programs and services. It brings together community leaders from industry, health, arts and culture and other sectors, to focus, guide and advise on the great passion and pride in the francophone nature of the university.

In his position as special advisor of Francophone Affairs, Roch Gallien described that ultimately, “our goal is to remain the destination of choice in the North for students looking for a quality French language education in a bilingual and tricultural environment.” Gallien is educated in Ontario to teach French, History and Political Science, and he received an undergraduate degree and an Ontario Teacher’s Certificate from Laurentian University’s French-language school of education. 

Laurentian University is Canada’s only university with a tricultural mandate, offering a post-secondary education to a diverse student body championing a brain gain for the North, for Ontario, and beyond. “Being a bilingual university in a tricultural environment is something we cherish,” said Dr. Haché. 
 
The Laurentian community is encouraged to engage in opportunities this month for learning and reflection about the importance of francophone language and culture.
 

Laurentian Relay for Life to raise hopes and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society

Laurentian Relay for Life to raise hopes and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society

Campaign aims to add $35,000 to a total of over $250,000 since 2015.

(February 28, 2022) - On March 11 and 12, 2022, Laurentian Relay for Life will host its eighth annual event. Relay for Life raises awareness and funds in support of the battle against cancer. Fundraising efforts are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society; the nation’s largest cancer charity and charitable funder of cancer research. The campaign has raised $266,818.73 since 2015 and hopes to raise $35,000 this year. 

The Laurentian Relay for Life will be preceded by March 6th’s virtual Hope Ceremony that honours cancer survivors, those living cancer-free or those living with the disease. Ceremony participants will engage in storytelling with their peers, and will have the opportunity to compete and win prizes in Nickel City Trivia. 

Natalie Crepeau, a second year Master’s student in the pratique infirmière avancée program, is one of seventeen student volunteers on the organizing committee. Crepeau graduated in 2020 from the sciences infirmières program, and is a registered nurse at Health Sciences North in Orthopaedics Neurosurgery. 

“It’s more important now than ever to fundraise for this campaign,” urged Crepeau. “Relay for Life offers the opportunity to not only support a good cause, but to bring the community together and raise hope for those who are fighting cancer.” Notably, Relay for Life also celebrates those who no longer have cancer, and those who have heroically battled the disease and tragically lost their lives. “It’s about recognizing all those who have been affected by cancer. Let’s work together to make a difference; to make an impact”  said Crepeau. 

To stay informed and register for the Hope Ceremony or Relay for Life campus event, all are encouraged to follow Laurentian Relay for Life’s Instagram and Facebook channels. 
 

Laurentian University an ambassador campus of the Moose Hide Campaign

Laurentian University an ambassador campus of the Moose Hide Campaign

February 25th campaign seeks to end violence against women and children.

(February 17, 2022) - The Moose Hide Campaign is a reconciliation movement that seeks to end violence against women and children. Since its inception in 2011, it asks for communities and campuses to stand together in unity towards collective action and healing. 

Leading up to the Moose Hide Campaign, moose hide pins are distributed across the community to be worn by those who seek to end violence against women and children. About this, Paskwa Lightning, Laurentian’s Indigenous Student Affairs (ISA) Community and Student Engagement Coordinator, who also serves as the unit’s Social Media and Events Coordinator, attested that “it’s up to all of us, not just men and boys, but as a society, to participate in these types of campaigns that help us bring awareness to this issue.” Moose hide pins encourage dialogue on the topic of violence against women and children, and according to Lightning, “the data that we have is that every pin sparks about ten conversations.” 

Laurentian’s ISA office will honour the campaign with a virtual event on February 25, 2022. This event has as confirmed guest speaker, Chief of Serpent River First Nation, Brent Bissaillion. Describing more about this year’s campaign, Lightning provided that: “We’ll have one or two other speakers as well, and we are trying to get some drummers onboard. We will also do an honour song for the women and children. The honour song is basically a prayer for them.” A sacred fire will also pay tribute to persons who have been victimized by acts of violence.

Dr. Susan Manitowabi, Interim Associate Vice-President, Office of Academic and Indigenous Programs added: “The Moose Hide campaign is one way that the Laurentian community can contribute to raising awareness about ending the violence to Indigenous women and children. Perhaps, each and everyone of us can take a few moments to reflect on what we can do personally to stop the violence towards Indigenous women and children. For example, having the moral courage to say or do something when we witness acts of violence.”

Laurentian staff, faculty and students are encouraged to participate as are community members across Greater Sudbury and surrounding regions. While February 25, 2022 is the date that the University will honour the campaign, the National Moose Hide Campaign day is planned for May 12, 2022.

A commitment to the campaign can be made by making a pledge to take a stand against violence towards women and children via the National Moose Hide campaign website. 

Students unite in support of Black History Month

Students unite in support of Black History Month

The Laurentian University African and Caribbean Student Association offers opportunities to celebrate and learn about Black history.

(February 15, 2022) - At Laurentian University, there are many student-led clubs, organizations, and associations. When like-minded students share a common interest, they are encouraged to organize. This helps foster an enhanced sense of community amongst students. The Laurentian University African and Caribbean Student Association (LUACSA) is one such association making a tremendous contribution to Laurentian’s student body, as well as to the Greater Sudbury community.

According to LUACSA’s President, 3rd year Business Administration student, Isaac Kouadio, “the mission of our association is to gather African and Caribbean students who share cultures and values”. To Isaac, members of LUACSA seek to bring attention to the diversity of students and cultures present on campus. “I feel as though it is important for us to be recognized and to be valued.” Taking action towards this recognition, LUACSA organizes events and opportunities for cultural learning, for students and wider reaches of the Sudbury community. With February marking the celebration of Black History month, LUACSA members, who Isaac described form “more than an association, more than a group, but a family,” unite.

“We believe that Black History Month is an important month for the Black community because it allows us to share our history, to talk about our fights, achievements [and] accomplishments.” Black Canadians and their communities have contributed substantially to the prosperous nation that Canada is today, and Black History Month brings attention to this. Every Friday in February, LUACSA has organized opportunities for members to connect, play games, win African cultural prizes, and learn from the “many Black personalities who make Black history great.” LUACSA is also planning a blood donor clinic, in partnership with Canada Blood Services. For LUACSA members, giving back to the community is important, and what better way to serve the community than to donate blood.

LUACSA encourages Laurentian students, staff, and faculty to participate in as many initiatives and events connected to Black History Month as possible. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook, where this month, their social channels regularly feature the profiles of inspirational Black personalities.

Bringing awareness to murdered and missing Indigenous women

Bringing awareness to murdered and missing Indigenous women

The Red Dress campaign honours the staggering number of Indigenous women no longer with us.

(February 3, 2022) - Since the 2010 inception of Métis artist Jaime Black’s ongoing art series, The REDress Project, heightened awareness has been brought to the staggering number of murdered and missing Indigenous women across Canada. The Red Dress campaign that stems from Black’s art series, has been honoured by Laurentian University since 2016. This year, Laurentian’s Indigenous Student Affairs (ISA) office will recognize the campaign with a virtual event on February 14, 2022. 

Laurentian’s ISA Indigenous Counselor, Cynthia Belfitt, described that historically and disproportionately, Indigenous women are affected by violence. They are also over-represented in statistics of Canadian women that are murdered and missing. To bring awareness to this, the Red Dress campaign involves the hanging of red dresses to symbolize the many Indigenous women victimized by violence who are murdered and missing. Volunteers hang red dresses across campus in solidarity. “They [the red dresses] deliver a strong message,” said Belfitt. “Those dresses represent the spirit of that murdered and missing individual. So it really brings this information to the forefront….There are families and communities still really hurting that their loved ones are missing so when people come together to bring awareness to this, there is healing….The hanging dresses can be very moving and emotional.” 

Belfitt provides counselling services for those participating in events connected to the campaign. “In case someone is feeling triggered or having difficulty, I’m there as support.” 

While the Laurentian community and visitors to campus can expect to see hanging red dresses on campus about a week prior to the campaign’s memorial date, the virtual event on February 14 will welcome a variety of guest speakers, dancers and singers. Amongst speakers who will honour the spirits of Indigenous women include Interim Associate Vice-President, Office of Academic and Indigenous Programs, Dr. Susan Manitowabi, jingle dress dancer and Indigenous birthworker, Brianna Olson Pitawanakwat, and artist and cultural advocate, Osauskwasis Roan. Dr. Emily Faires will guide attendees in an opening prayer. A pre-recorded drive around Laurentian’s campus will enable all in attendance to be moved by the many red dresses hung on campus. 

Speaking to the importance of the campaign, Dr. Susan Manitowabi added that: “The Red Dress campaign brings public awareness to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Each red dress represents the multitude of Indigenous women and girls lost to violence. The hanging of the red dresses reminds us to pause, reflect, grieve and commit to working together to end the ongoing violence toward Indigenous women and girls and 2SLLGBTQQIA to ensure a safer world for all.”

The Laurentian community and wider reaches of the Greater Sudbury community are invited to attend this Red Dress Campaign event. Individuals interested in participating in collective activism may choose to hang in their own homes or yards, red dresses, in memory and solidarity to the many Indigenous women whose lives have been affected by violence. These murdered and missing Indigenous women cannot be forgotten. We remember them in spirit. 
 

Laurentian Research highly ranked by Research Infosource

Laurentian Research highly ranked by Research Infosource

LU ranked #1 in total sponsored research income for the 5th year in a row

(February 2, 2022) - Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities were recently unveiled by Research Infosource and Laurentian University’s researchers earned the top rank for undergraduate research revenue for the fifth year in a row.

The annual rankings are based on the total amount of sponsored research income obtained in 2020. In addition to this top ranking, Laurentian University featured prominently in multiple categories including: 

  • second in graduate student research intensity (research funding per graduate student)
  • fourth in faculty research intensity (research funding per faculty member)
  • 11th in Ontario overall
  • 28th out of 50 in Canada

“I am so proud of the faculty, student scholars, and research staff at Laurentian University who are core to Laurentian’s research strengths. Throughout most of 2020, our researchers persevered through the pandemic and continued their important work despite the challenges. We acknowledge that the University underwent dramatic change in 2021, however, the knowledge generated by our researchers and opportunities provided to our graduate students will continue to be an important part of the identity of Laurentian University.” - Tammy Eger, Vice-President of Research, Laurentian University.




 

Does vegetation make rivers bend?

Does vegetation make rivers bend?

A study led by Laurentian University professor sheds light on the stability of river channels with and without bank vegetation

(January 25, 2022) - Dr. Alessandro Ielpi, an Associate Professor of Sedimentology at the Vale Living with Lakes Centre and the Harquail School of Earth Sciences of Laurentian University, has recently published a paper in the Earth and Environment category of Nature Reviews. The study takes a new look at the role of vegetation in controlling the shape of river channels. It was developed in collaboration with Dr. Mathieu G. A. Lapôtre and Dr. C. Kevin Boyce of Stanford University, and Dr. Martin R. Gibling of Dalhousie University. 

The study takes a detailed look at meandering rivers - a type of river characterized by curvy bends that often develop in nearly flat, fertile plains rich in vegetation. These plains have offered good sites for human settlement for centuries, such that the history of human civilization and meandering rivers have been intimately intertwined. Understanding how vegetation along banks helps rivers bend is an often debated problem that has important implications for flood control and river management in a changing climate. 

To understand how vegetation - or its absence - influences the shape of river channels, Dr. Ielpi and colleagues have canoed through thickly vegetated watersheds, have crossed on foot through barren deserts looking for otherworldly ephemeral streams, and have even looked at the surface of other planets like Mars, where the deposits of billions-year-old meanders are visible through its thin atmosphere. Their results demonstrate that although river meanders can form without vegetation, the latter reinforces channel banks, modulating floods and restraining erosion. 

“These results allow us to look at Earth’s history with new eyes, but also to predict how rivers will behave in a near future if vegetation is continually removed from watersheds through wildfires, aggressive timber harvesting, or urbanization”, said Dr. Ielpi. Results also contribute to the timely and necessary understanding of how changes in our ecosystem impacted by factors such as climate, have widespread environmental and social effects. Especially in light of recent outcomes of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), research about the environment and its sustainability has immense value for people, places and resources. 

Said Director of the Harquail School of Earth Sciences, Dr. Douglas Tinkam: “This paper is an example of the scientific, social, and environmental relevance of the study of Earth Sciences on a planetary and interplanetary scale. The authors have published a work that will help scientists and governments to better understand and predict river behaviour, offering valuable research that could help prevent or mitigate flood damage.” 

Added Laurentian’s Vice-President of Research, Dr. Tammy Eger: “This paper by Dr. Ielpi and colleagues underscores the importance of international collaborations in scientific discoveries which highlight the healing power of nature. We commend Dr. Ielpi for this work and his commitment to building national and international teams of graduate students and scientists who are providing answers to critical questions helping our global society address issues related to climate change.”
 

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