You are now in the main content area

Laurentian Announces Senate Sub-Committee Decision on Program Admission Suspension

Laurentian Announces Senate Sub-Committee Decision on Program Admission Suspension

Academic Planning Subcommittee received, considered supporting information relating to each individual program

(September 25, 2020) Laurentian University today announced the outcomes of the work of the Academic Planning Subcommittee of the Senate which met late last week to discuss a memo communicated to the committee by the Provost on the suspension of admissions to 17 programs announced by Laurentian at the end of July, and following the September 15th decision of Senate. 

At its meeting of last Friday, the Academic Planning Subcommittee received and considered the supporting information relating to each individual program. After deliberations, the Academic Planning Subcommittee approved the following motion:

“That the VPAP (Provost and Vice President, Academic) contact the units listed on the memorandum of July 30 2020 where there is not a major modification as per our IQAP (Institutional Quality Assurance Process), and invite them to provide some insight into their program.”

Based on the motion made by the Academic Planning Subcommittee for the programs in question, it was determined by the University administration that new admissions to the 17 programs should remain suspended until brought back to the Academic Planning Subcommittee.

This collegial governance process to which Laurentian is committed, is one which provides the highest quality of programming for all Laurentian University students. We commend the Academic Planning Subcommittee in its mandate to provide students with an exceptional academic experience.

LU Researchers Receive Federal Award for Climate Change Project

LU Researchers Receive Federal Award for Climate Change Project

CFI to support analysis of changing permafrost and carbon cycling

(September 24, 2020) Laurentian University is proud to announce that three of our community members received federal support for a timely project. The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has awarded a share of this year's John R. Evans Leaders Fund to Nathan Basiliko, Pascale Roy-Léveillée, and Nadia Mykytczuk.

The new funding will allow the researchers to carry out critical work on how climate change affects permafrost in Canada, and understanding what this means for the massive amount of carbon stored in these perennially frozen soils. Cutting edge research requires cutting edge tools. The funds will give the team access to an electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) system, as well as a field-portable H-nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR) spectrometry system.

One of the team's major goals is to categorize frozen soils and substrates as they warm. This will allow for the prediction of carbon and pollutant responses to climate change. It will also yield valuable information about how these physical changes to frozen ground may affect physical infrastructure, including difficult-to-manage industrial (mine, forestry) wastes in colder climates.

As part of our #imagine2023 strategic plan, Laurentian University is dedicated to seeking out compelling solutions for society’s complex challenges through interdisciplinary knowledge. This work will support advances in geocryology, biogeochemistry, environmental microbiology, and geotechnical investigations, all of which build directly on Laurentian’s research strengths.

QUOTE
"We are excited and grateful for the funding from CFI. It provides a major investment into infrastructure and research on frozen ground. As the temperature of frozen soils and substrates warms up, the amount of unfrozen water increases. Even at below-zero temperatures, a fraction of unfrozen water supports biological activity responsible for movement of carbon and pollutants. The amount of below-zero-Celsius liquid water also has important implications for ground stability and physical infrastructure in permafrost environments." Nathan Basiliko, Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2 Environmental Microbiology) at the Vale Living With Lakes Centre of Laurentian University

Sudbury 2050 Architecture Competition Jury Announced

Sudbury 2050 Architecture Competition Jury Announced

Illustrious panel will select short-list for public presentations and competition winners this fall

(September 18, 2020) The McEwen School of Architecture (MSoA) is proud to announce the jurors of the Sudbury2050 Urban Ideas Competition. A roster of experienced local, national and international jurors will evaluate entries on their visionary, phased, and integrated thinking, as well as their ability to provide a visual language of their process through design. The initial design brief stated:

This competition challenges entrants to create a new vision for the urban core of the City of Greater Sudbury. A 2050 vision that is far-reaching and one that will serve the city well in a rapidly changing global environment.

The competition drew to a close on August 28, 2020, with submissions from all over the world, in both the Open and Student categories. The jury will soon have a clear picture of the rich tapestry of creativity that competition entrants have provided.

The Sudbury 2050.ca jury is composed of internationally recognized architects, designers, academics, politicians, entrepreneurs, and community representatives. 

Local political figures on the jury include Hon. Brian Bigger, Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury and City Councillors Geoff McCausland and Deb McIntosh, while members from the McEwen School of Architecture in Sudbury include professors Shannon Bassett, David Fortin (MSoA Director) and Ted Wilson, along with Graduate students Britney Ottley-Perrotte and Tristan O’Gorman. Victor Kolynchuk, a practicing architect with Architecture49 Inc., based in northern Ontario, rounds out the local jurors.

Notable international jurors include: 

  • visionary architect Jason McLennan, originally from Sudbury, author of the Living Building Challenge that posits Regenerative Design as our environmental responsibility and architect for Seattle’s new net zero ‘Climate Pledge Arena’; 
  • graphic design guru Bruce Mau, also originally from Sudbury, Co-Founder of the Massive Change Network (MCN) and recent author of MC24: Bruce Mau's 24 Principles for Designing Massive Change in your Life and Work with global influence design education and innovation; 
  • architect Marianne McKenna, whose Canadian architectural firm KPMB has received over 300 design awards and received 16 Governor General Medals in Architecture, including one for the Royal Conservatory, TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning in Toronto; 
  • Lisa Rochon, award-winning journalist for the national Globe and Mail newspaper, architecture critic and author, and founder of CityLab in Toronto. 
  • architect Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, design advocate who leads a high-end practice of architecture, interior design, and product design in both Toronto and New York

Along with Mau, McKenna, McLennan, Rochon and Taylor, who are all members of the McEwen International Advisory Board, other jury members from the Advisory Board include philanthropist and entrepreneur Cheryl McEwen and Dr. David Fortin, Director of the McEwen School of Architecture (MSoA). The MSoA is the major sponsor for the competition.

The full Sudbury 2050.ca jury includes:

  • Shannon Bassett, MAUD, BARCH, MRAIC, McEwen School of Architecture (Laurentian University) (Sudbury, ON)
  • Brian Bigger, Mayor of Sudbury (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada)
  • David Fortin Ph.D., Director, McEwen School of Architecture (Laurentian University) (Sudbury, ON)
  • Victor Kolynchuk, MAA, OAA, LEED AP, Architecture49 Inc. (Winnipeg)
  • Bruce Mau, Massive Change Network and Chief Design Officer, Freeman (Chicago, USA)
  • Geoff McCausland, BMus, ARCT, IBDP, Pro.Dir., City of Greater Sudbury Councillor (Sudbury, ON)
  • Cheryl McEwen, Make My Day Foods Inc. and McEwen International Advisory Board (Toronto)
  • Deb McIntosh, City of Greater Sudbury Councillor (Sudbury, ON)
  • Marianne McKenna (OC), Partner, Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg (KPMB) Architects (Toronto)
  • Jason F. McLennan, McLennan Design and author of the Living Building Challenge (Bainbridge Island, USA)
  • Tristan O’Gorman, Graduate Student, McEwen School of Architecture (Laurentian University) (Sudbury, ON)
  • Britney Ottley-Perrotte, Graduate Student, McEwen School of Architecture (Laurentian University) (Sudbury, ON)
  • Lisa Rochon, Architectural Critic, Urbanist, Design Strategist, Citylab (Toronto, ON)
  • Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, OAA and Founder, Taylor Hannah Architect Inc. (Toronto ON and New York, USA)
  • Ted Wilson, OAA, McEwen School of Architecture (Laurentian University) (Sudbury, ON)

To read about the jury, click here.

The jury process will be coordinated by Jury Facilitator Toon Dreessen, OAA, FRAIC, President of DCA Architects in Ottawa and past-President of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). The Professional Advisors for the competition remain Terrance Galvin, MRAIC and Founding Director of the McEwen School of Architecture and Blaine Nicholls, FRAIC, retired OAA member and Chair of the original Steering Committee for the School of Architecture.

The winners of the Sudbury2050.ca competition, including the People’s Choice Award, will be announced later in the fall of 2020, following full jury deliberations. This phase of the competition promises to have excitement and creativity written all over it.

Laurentian recognize four professors for their excellence in teaching

Laurentian recognize four professors for their excellence in teaching

LU’s Teaching Excellence Award and Teaching Fellowship Recipients

(August 25, 2020) It is with great pleasure that the Senate Committee on Teaching and Learning and the Centre for Academic Excellence of Laurentian University announce this year’s recipients of the Teaching Excellence Awards and Teaching Fellowships. Join us in congratulating Dr. Tammy Gaber, Dr. Diana Urajnik, Dr. Jorge Virchez, and Dr. Robert Schinke. 

McEwen School of Architecture (MSoA) professor Tammy Gaber is the recipient of this year’s Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Gaber was one of the founding faculty members at the MSoA and recently finished her term as Graduate Coordinator. Dr. Gaber believes challenging the canon, by including diverse perspectives, is fundamental to preparing students for the global reality of architecture in a more empathetic and relevant  manner. Dr. Gaber says, “it is with great pride I see the trajectories of my former and current students.”

Sessional Instructor for Psychology; Human Kinetics; NOSM; School of Rural and Northern Health, Dr. Diana Urajnik, is the recipient of the Part-time Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Urajnik. She has been described as someone who “provide[s] unparalleled guidance and support.”

Full Professor in the Department of Geography, Dr. Jorge Virchez is the recipient for Laurentian’s Teaching Fellowship Program. In his role as teaching fellow, Dr. Virchez hopes to support faculty members, administrative staff, and students to have a better understanding of internationalisation, cultural diversity, religions and teaching techniques regarding international issues. “I give my 100% during each class by creating ways of keeping the desire of the student to listen to me by enjoying the class while learning” says Dr. Virchez in a recent interview. 

Human Kinetics Professor, Dr. Robert Schinke, is the recipient of the Laurentian Teaching Fellowship Program.“What I share with students is value-based, content-based, and grounded in practicality,” saids Dr. Schinke in a recent interview. “Working selflessly to move further forward brings meaning in our work and hopefully to our students.”

“These awards celebrate teaching that has lasting, positive effects on students and deepens their learning” Serge Demers, former Interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost of Laurentian University. “It is a pleasure to give these remarkable educators the recognition they deserve.”
 

Laurentian Residences Adapt to COVID-19

Laurentian Residences Adapt to COVID-19

On-campus accommodation will be available for the Fall 2020 semester

(August 6, 2020) For over 50 years, Laurentian Residences has provided safe housing accommodations for students. We recognize many students will prefer to be on campus this fall and Laurentian University has implemented plans to provide the best possible accommodations. In the interest of limiting risk, we have taken the following measures:

Reduced Occupancy
All residents will be housed in single rooms, with no more than two people sharing a bathroom. Residences will operate at 35% capacity to ensure physical distancing and the safety of residents. 

Staggered Move-in Dates and Times
Extended move-in dates to allow physical distancing. Move in will begin on Monday, August 31st and run until Tuesday, September 8th. A maximum of 4 residents will be permitted to move in per hour in each building. Move-in appointments will only be permitted between 8am-8pm when additional cleaning staff are on site.

Increased Cleaning 
Our cleaning staff will increase cleaning in public areas, particularly "high-touch areas" like door knobs. This will continue throughout the academic year to ensure that we protect residents on an ongoing basis.

Support for International Students Arriving from Outside Canada
Laurentian Residence is offering all international students a safe place to stay during their mandatory 14 day quarantine period. They will receive food deliveries, along with support from staff and health services on campus.

Activities
Residence Life staff will provide resident support and build community connections through virtual and in-person activities. Campus life is guided by the Okaganan Charter, which emphasizes the promotion of healthy communal living on campus. Allowable gatherings will have to meet Ontario Public Health guidelines. Staff organizing these activities will be provided with Personal Protective Equipment, sanitizer, and disinfectant. 

Contingency Plans
Laurentian Residence has worked closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD) to prepare for many eventualities. We currently have both an outbreak and a quarantine plan, as well as the flexibility needed in order to meet PHSD's guidelines.

CONCLUSION
The decision to allow for a significant number of scholars to return involved the close cooperation of many departments. The Return to Campus Committee, which is made up of over 50 campus leaders representing students, staff and faculty, worked closely with Residence Life to make it happen. Health and safety remains our first priority and we continue to work closely with the public health authorities. 

QUOTE
“Laurentian Residence has always been a safe place to live. We are confident that the safety measures we are preparing for our fall intake will significantly reduce the risk to students, staff, faculty, and contractors entering the buildings this fall." Joseph McGibbon, Manager of Residence Life, Laurentian University

LU Gears Up for a Fall Semester Unlike Any Other

LU Gears Up for a Fall Semester Unlike Any Other

Campus puts emphasis on protocols, online learning to keep community safe

(July 29, 2020) Laurentian University is preparing for a return to campus unlike any other in its history. With unprecedented emphasis on keeping everyone in our community safe, we are pleased to announce today that Laurentian is gradually moving to the next phase in our Return to Campus Plan. A series of resources, policies and measures are ready to ensure that all students, staff, and faculty members have the tools at their disposal to maximize safety. 

RETURN TO CAMPUS - THE NEXT PHASE
Laurentian University is moving to Phase 2 of our Return to Campus Plan. Access to campus will be granted, but controlled. As of August 12th, on-campus student services (myLaurentian hub, some study spaces, residences, etc.) will be re-introduced in a gradual and safe manner. While many employees will continue to work remotely, some student services will be delivered using a mixture of both remote and face-to-face interaction.

In mid-August, students will start coming back to campus in the run-up to the first day of classes. N.B.: the first day of classes is Wednesday, September 9.

NEW SAFETY MEASURES
We are committed to community health. Though less than one percent of courses will be delivered in class, masks will be mandatory on campus in the fall semester. Hundreds of new signs have been placed throughout campus, as physical distancing requirements will be in place, requiring individuals to stay at least two metres apart. 

CHANGES TO STUDENT RESIDENCE
We are expecting to host almost 500 students in the fall semester, and we have enacted a series of policies and safety measures to ensure their security. Double rooms will be converted to single-occupant rooms. Staff will enact a vigorous cleaning regime, and extra sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the building. 

Food services will once again be available to students on campus. A flexible take-out menu will take the place of our more traditional buffet style layout.

STUDENT SUPPORTS    
As we all adapt to these times, it is essential that we help each other out. Maamwi, ensemble, together, we have vital resources to help everyone adjust. We are ready and excited to support our students with innovative approaches.

For new students, our Orientation to university and academic life will include a dynamic list of remote activities and on-demand resources. Students and parents are invited to learn more about Orientation here. 

The Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE) and our Information Technology departments are working closely to provide educators with a suite of tools and supports for course delivery. More than 200 faculty members have met one-on-one with our team members to customize their courses.

***

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with numerous challenges, we continue to rise to them. Each initiative has been overseen by a committee of leaders from across the university, working in lockstep with Public Health Sudbury and District, as well as provincial guidelines. We will continue to follow their lead.

LU Professors Net International Award

LU Professors Net International Award

Rosanna Langer, Moira Ferguson recognized by US-based network for research on mental health support

(July 17, 2020) Laurentian University is pleased to announce that two of our professors have been recognized for their vital research on mental health services. Entitled “Stigma, Discrimination, Resilience, and Support in Members of a Mental Health Consumer Peer Support Organization,” the paper has been granted the 2020 International Award for Excellence for The Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Journal Collection. The announcement was made recently by the organization's headquarters in Champaign, Illinois.

The award, which was supported in part through a Laurentian University Research Fund grant, is shared by two individuals: Dr. Rosanna Langer, professor in the Law and Justice program and Chair of the Laurentian University Research Ethics Board; and Dr. Moira Ferguson, a seasoned frontline worker in addition to teaching in the Departments of Sociology and Labour Studies. We congratulate them both for their efforts.

QUOTE
'I'm pleased to see our researchers recognized in this way. Laurentian University has a proud tradition of delving into complex issues with real-world impact. Professors Langer and Ferguson's work is part of a growing call for recognizing the need to improve mental health support.' Joël Dickinson, Dean of the Faculty of Arts of Laurentian University

About the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Journal Collection: 
Consisting of eleven journals, The Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Journal Collection explores disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches, within and across the various social sciences, and between the social, natural and applied sciences. Established in 2005, The Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Collection is indexed by Scopus, EBSCO, The Australian Research Council, and Ulrich’s Periodicals Directory. The journal offers both personal and institutional subscriptions and is published electronically and in print. For more information, please visit https://thesocialsciences.com/journals/collection.

New look at an old mineral nets LU researcher an academic hat trick

New look at an old mineral nets LU researcher an academic hat trick

In the academic equivalent of a hat trick, Dr. Andrew McDonald of Laurentian University's Harquail School of Earth Sciences has been awarded this year's Hawley Medal for the third time in his career. Alongside former student Elliot Wehrle, Dr. McDonald co-authored a paper which was selected as the best to be published in The Canadian Mineralogist throughout 2019. The internationally respected journal is a publication of the Mineralogical Association of Canada.

Though academic prizes are often rewarded for breakthroughs involving the discovery of things that are new to human understanding, this award-winning research centred on one of the most thoroughly studied materials in mineralogy: quartz. This common mineral turned out to be the key to solving a puzzle that is 1.85 billion years old.

As quartz changes very little, even over such a monumental timespan, McDonald and Wehrle helped develop a clearer picture of how rock and mineral formations in the Sudbury Intrusive Complex took shape over time. On a practical level, it could aid mining companies in finding more ore; on a deeper level, the research gives us a better understanding of the land on which we find ourselves.

We congratulate Dr. McDonald and Mr. Wehrle for their award and wish them continued success.
 
QUOTE

“This paper was going to toe-to-toe with others produced by experienced, highly knowledgeable mineralogists and geologists. I think the end result speaks highly to the high quality of the students and the research being conducted at Laurentian.This is the third Hawley medal that my students and I have been awarded. Many researchers go their entire careers without an accolade like this and I feel myself incredibly fortunate that my students and I have been involved in three of them. It is a strong testament to the exceptional quality of the research that is being conducted in the mineral sciences at Laurentian and in a broader sense, Earth Sciences.” Andrew McDonald.

LU Selects Top Talent to Fill Two Vice-President Roles

LU Selects Top Talent to Fill Two Vice-President Roles

Dr. Tammy Eger and Dr. Marie-Josée Berger announced as VP Research and VP Academic, respectively.

(July 7, 2020) Laurentian University is pleased to announce that Dr. Marie-Josée Berger has been appointed Provost and Vice-President, Academic and that Dr. Tammy Eger has been appointed Vice-President, Research. 

“We found two ideal candidates and I am very much looking forward to seeing their contributions at Laurentian over the years to come.” said Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University as he announced who would fill the University’s two vacant vice-president positions. 

Dr. Berger has been in various leadership positions throughout academia for over 20 years. Most recently, she held the title of Dean, School of Education as well as Associate Vice-President of Continuing Education at Bishop’s University. Previously, she served as Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa. A former professor at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, she also served the Ontario Ministry of Education in supporting the development of curriculum for elementary and secondary schools. She holds degrees from l’Université du Québec à Montréal and the University of Ottawa. She will begin her five-year renewable term on August 1, 2020. 

Dr. Eger is one of Laurentian’s most prolific researchers, having served as Interim Vice-President, Research at Laurentian during the last six months, this exciting appointment will allow Dr. Eger to continue to successfully lead the vibrant research and innovation community at Laurentian University. A Full Professor at Laurentian in the School of Human Kinetics, Dr. Eger was the inaugural Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety with the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (2015-2019). She is the co-founder of the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health and co-developer of the first mobile occupational safety and health research lab in Ontario. She is also the author of more than 50 journal papers and 100 conferences abstracts. She began her five-year renewable term on July 1, 2020.

The two appointments conclude international search processes which took place over the last year. The university would also like to thank Dr. Serge Demers who has served admirably as Interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost, since July 2017. Dr. Demers will return to continue his mandate as Registrar and Secretary of Senate.”

QUOTES:
“Dr. Berger brings a wealth of experience to our institution, and we are fortunate to have her lead our academic mission. Her leadership and vision both exceeded our expectations throughout the search process and we will greatly benefit from her appointment to this role. She is the ideal candidate and we are looking forward to having her join us in Sudbury.” - Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University 

“Dr. Marie-Josée Berger is the ideal candidate for the position of Provost and Vice-President, Academic at Laurentian University. Dr. Berger has an extensive history of leadership in academia and a history of success helping institutions navigate through difficult decisions and fostering a collegial environment. Dr. Berger is a strong advocate for students and has worked to increase opportunities for Indigenous students and international students. Laurentian University is fortunate to have the opportunity to have Dr. Berger as part of our administrative team.” - Dr. Amanda Schweinbenz, Associate Professor, School of Human Kinetics. 

“Dr Berger's depth of leadership experience both in theory and practice is what impressed me the most. I am excited about the perspectives she will bring in relation to our Tri-Cultural Mandate and am looking forward to working with her to advance Indigenous education at Laurentian University.” Shelly Moore-Frappier, Interim Associate Vice-President Academic and Indigenous Programs

“Dr. Eger’s leadership and collaboration throughout her tenure has been exemplary, even as our community has faced great challenges. Throughout the search process, we reviewed candidates from all over the world and in the end, the most qualified person was right here, in Sudbury. As a former VP Research myself, I have every confidence that she will help our research portfolio reach new heights.” - Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University 

“The research community at Laurentian will be very well served by the appointment of Dr. Eger to Vice President Research. She has the passion, drive and vision to help us make the transition to a research-intensive comprehensive university where our research will have truly global impact.” - Dr. John Gunn, Canada Research Chair in Stressed Aquatic Systems, Director, Vale Living with Lakes Centre.

LU presents phased plan to welcome back students, staff, and faculty

LU presents phased plan to welcome back students, staff, and faculty

The campus was the first in Canada to suspend in-person classes on March 11, 2020

Laurentian University has been a leader among universities in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. The first university in Canada to recognize the severity of the outbreak and suspend in-person activities, Laurentian was also the first to transition fully from in-person to remote learning.

The university is now planning a phased ‘return to campus’ approach, providing flexibility to adapt and comply with public health and government protocols. Each phase outlined on a web page allows units to permit students and employees to have a gradual, rotational, and periodic presence on campus. The dates of each phase are subject to change depending on directives from government or public health authorities.  Ensuring the health and safety of the campus community is paramount, and meeting physical distancing requirements is critical. 

Guidelines for decision making

  • Evidence Based and Informed: Follow federal, provincial and municipal government and public health directives; Rely on up-to-date data, evidence and facts
  • Responsible and effective: Keep people safe – students, staff and visitors; mitigate risks; financially responsible; sufficient resources 
  • Flexible and Gradual: Reopening must be flexible, in phases, and customized by program and department as required
  • Clear:  Communicate decisions and plans frequently and clearly 


Plan highlights

  • Less than 1% of courses will be on campus
  • Research on campus has begun as of June 8 and graduate students have returned to campus to continue major projects
  • Face to face courses are being adapted to leverage online tools. More online and remote delivery courses are available to students, providing increased flexibility in learning.
  • On campus services continue to be provided via remote delivery, allowing students to access these services in more flexible and adaptive ways. They are also being modified to follow government protocols through physical distancing, use of personal protective equipment, and online experiences
  • Residences will be open in the fall and will have single occupants in double rooms

Read more about the plan at https://laurentian.ca/covid-19/return-to-campus 

Pages