University of Guelph News

Nominees Sought for 2012 Winegard Volunteer Awards

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:25:47 -0500

The University of Guelph, the United Way of Guelph and Wellington and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington are calling for nominations for the fifth annual William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards.

Named in honour of former U of G president and Guelph MP Bill Winegard, the awards recognize members of the University community who have devoted volunteer time and effort in Guelph and Wellington County.

Current staff, faculty and students who volunteer with community organizations, including municipal boards, community fundraising, non-profits and community social health and service agencies, are eligible for the awards.

Nominators can be peers, colleagues, supervisors or organizations that benefit from the volunteer efforts of the nominee.

The deadline for nominations is March 2. Nomination packages are available online or by calling the Volunteer Centre at 519-822-0912. The awards will be presented March29 in advance of National Volunteer Week, “Volunteers: Impact. Passion. Action,” April 15 to 21.

Winegard was U of G’s president and vice-chancellor from 1967 to 1975 and served as Guelph’s MP from 1984 to 1993. Besides being named Canada’s first minister of science, he chaired the House of Commons standing committees on external affairs and national defence and external affairs and international trade. He also served as parliamentary secretary to the minister of international trade. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1998.

Seeing Things Differently at TEDxGuelphU

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:38:58 -0500

The third annual TEDxGuelphU to be held Feb. 12 at the University of Guelph will allow speakers and thinkers to challenge mainstream boundaries, beliefs, practices and actions.

“In keeping with our theme — ‘Perceiving Past the Paradigm’ — we intend to push ourselves to the next level of discovery,” said lead organizer Jaclyn Quinn, a U of G arts and science student. “We hope to put on a unique event that really brings the whole U of G community together, to encourage interdisciplinary thought from multiple perspectives. We really want people to see beyond their everyday, typical encounters, and experience something new at TEDxGuelphU. A little thought and conversation goes a long way to helping make change and improve life.”

TED (Technology Entertainment Design) is a non-profit organization devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading.” The first TED event was a four-day conference in California 25 years ago. Today, the annual conference invites thinkers from around the globe to speak for up to 18 minutes each.

The global TEDx program allows local communities to run their own events.

Organized by 15 students, TEDxGuelphU will feature 13 speakers. The event will be aired in a live simulcast on the website www.tedxguelphu.com.

“We invited an amazing lineup of speakers from all walks of life, academic and experiential backgrounds, and all ages, to provoke some interesting conversations,” Quinn said.

This year’s TEDxGuelphU speakers will include the following faculty members: Profs. Eveline Adomait, Economics; Elliott Currie, Business; Douglas Fudge, Integrative Biology; Maurice Nelisher (professor emeritus), Environmental Design and Rural Development; Ian Spears, Political Science; and Jack Trevors, School of Environmental Sciences.

Other speakers are Derek Alton, Central Student Association local affairs commissioner; Dan Dolderman, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto; Gracen Johnson, Vote Mob co-founder; Gerald Pollack, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington; Candace Sepulis, commercial artist; Adam Spence, founder, Social Venture Exchange; and Anthony Chegahno, Chippewas of Nawash.

TEDxGuelphU will take place Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Rozanski Hall. A gala from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Science Complex atrium will feature a performance by Dancetheater David Earle.

University to Run With Eight-Lane Track

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:02:24 -0500

A grassroots fundraising effort to build an international-calibre track and field facility at the University of Guelph’s Alumni Stadium has reached its $1-million goal.

The University has revised its planning for the stadium project to now incorporate an eight-lane International Athletic Federation-certified track in Alumni Stadium.

“I have been overwhelmed by the response to the call for support,” said Brenda Whiteside, associate vice-president (student affairs).

“This has become an extraordinarily exciting project. Hopefully by this fall, the stadium will have a whole new look, with a turf football field surrounded by a high-quality track. The enhancements will be a benefit not only to Gryphon athletics but also to the community. The new facility will allow the city and University to host internationally accredited events.”

Dave Scott-Thomas, head coach of U of G’s track and field and cross-country teams, said donations have come from elite athletes, community members, alumni, family, friends and businesses.

“We’ve had hundreds of different people coming together to support this; it really is a giant spectrum we’ve tapped into,” said Scott-Thomas, who also heads the Speed River Track and Field Club for student and local runners — the most successful running club in Canada.

Begun two weeks ago, the fundraising effort was headed by John Marsden, chair of the Canadian Centre for Running Excellence in Guelph. News of the initiative has spread by word of mouth and postings on running websites. Among the hundreds of donations was one from former Gryphon runner Reid Coolsaet, who pledged $10,000 of his winnings from the Scotiabank marathon in Toronto last year.

“Donations were coming in quickly at the end, and we passed the $1-million mark late yesterday,” Marsden said. “There were some who were unable to free space in their budget within our short fundraising window. We will continue to build these long-term relationships as the Guelph track project continues.”

Last month, the University announced a $1.5-million anonymous donation toward installation of a new synthetic turf field and to begin track and lighting renovations under the athletics master plan to upgrade all the University’s athletic facilities. The total estimated cost of the improvements is $4.9 million. The University said it will seek additional funding from private donors, grants and other sources to cover the remaining costs of the projects.

Tom Kendall, director of athletics, said: “This has been an outstanding fundraising effort by the track community. Their efforts over the past few weeks will ensure that they have a quality training and competition facility for many years to come."

U of G Students Hopscotch Into Record Books

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:55:51 -0500

A fundraising initiative organized by University of Guelph students and three area youngsters has set a new world record.

Hopscotch 4 Hope, an event that raised more than $22,000 last October, is now in Guinness World Records as the longest hopscotch game.

Organizers drew more than 5½ kilometres of hopscotch squares along the streets of Eden Mills, Ont. More than 850 participants raised money for Free the Children and Right to Play. Both international initiatives help children in developing countries and have U of G chapters.

U of G’s chapter of Free the Children will use proceeds to help provide water and electricity to a girls’ school in Kisaruni, Kenya. Right to Play will support sport and play programs for children in developing countries.

The U of G students were enlisted by Kory Melnick and Kamari Brown Gain, both Grade 8 students at Rockwood Centennial School, and Grade 6 student Robin Melnick. The trio has formed a charity called Step Up for Change and will spend this year helping disadvantaged children around the world.

All three girls have U of G ties. Linda Melnick, mom of Kory and Robin, is manager of business and client services for the Department of Athletics. Kamari is the daughter of Laura Brown, a special graduate clinical faculty member in the clinical psychology program.

"We’re so excited for the girls,” Linda Melnick said. “Everyone worked so hard, and the main purpose was the fundraising, but it’s great to have the recognition from Guinness as well.”

The group submitted documents, news clips, videos and photos to Guinness officials.

“They require an incredible amount of official documentation and don’t guarantee that you will even hear back from them if you haven’t met all of the requirements for proof,” Laura Brown said.

U of G student leaders were Natalie Binette, Heather Goldring and Jeffrey Friesen of Free the Children, and Erin Flaysher and Zakiya Pirani of Right to Play.

“It was a really successful day, and I think everyone learned a little more about Right to Play and Free the Children, which is just as important,” Binette said.

CIO Candidates to Give Public Talks

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:39:10 -0500

The selection committee for the University’s chief information officer and chief librarian will present three candidates to the University community in February. All presentations will take place in Peter Clark Hall in the University Centre from 9 to 10 a.m.

Each candidate will speak for 20 minutes and then answer questions.

Session audiotapes will be available from Kim McCaughan, Ext. 53846, or from the provost’s office, Room 424 of the University Centre.

Catherine Steeves, associate chief librarian and deputy CIO, will speak Feb. 13.

Rebecca Graham, associate librarian for preservation, digitization and administrative services at Harvard University, will speak Feb. 15.

Andrew McDonald, director of library and learning services and head of lifelong learning centres at the University of East London, will speak Feb. 16.

Members of the University community may attend the lectures and provide written confidential comments to the selection committee by March 12. Comments may be sent to the committee by mail or by email at provost@uoguelph.ca.

Members of the CIO search committee are: Prof. Maureen Mancuso, provost and vice-president (academic), chair; Prof. Kevin Hall, vice-president (research); Prof. Anthony Vannelli, dean, College of Physical and Engineering Science; Prof. Susan Brown, School of English and Theatre Studies; Prof. Jim Mahone, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development; Helen Salmon and Robin Bergart, librarians; David Dornan and Kent Hoeg, Computing and Communications Services; Cort Egan, library staff; and Lorna Deth, graduate student.

Prof Talks Global Food Security at U.S. Embassy

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:32:04 -0500

University of Guelph geography professor Evan Fraser will give a video conference on global food security today at the request of the United States Embassy. It will be shown in consulate offices across Canada.

Fraser and journalist Andrew Rimas will give a presentation on their book, Empires of Food: Feast, Famine and the Rise and Fall of Civilizations. The book looks at how and why human culture depends on food, what happens when a culture runs out of it and our likely future. Their talk will be followed by a discussion and question-and-answer session about the current status of our food production systems and potential sustainable food production methods.

The event will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Ottawa and broadcast across the country.

Fraser joined U of G in fall 2010 as the Canada Research Chair in Global Human Security. He has become a sought-after media expert and consultant on the global food crisis. His research focuses on food security under economic globalization and climate change, land-use change, integrated modelling and farmer behaviour.

Campaign Thanks Great Profs, Highlights Undergrad Teaching

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:58:07 -0500

Prof. Maureen Mancuso knows first-hand about the power of great teaching. As a shy university student, she was reluctant to join in discussions — until her history professor praised her writing and encouraged her to speak up in class.

A couple of decades later, Mancuso teaches political science, serves as the University of Guelph’s provost and vice-president (academic), and has received a prestigious 3M National Teaching Fellowship, Canada’s top teaching honour.

Now she and other 3M winners plan to honour college and university teachers who motivated them, and they hope to inspire others to do the same.

Under a new “Thank Your Great Teacher” advertising campaign, the 2011 3M winners will write thank-you notes to their most influential professors, to be published in Globe and Mail ads beginning this weekend.

Other students and teachers may post their own messages to inspirational college or university teachers on a new website called www.thankyourteacher.ca.

“Our goal is to draw attention to the importance of undergraduate teaching and the impact that it can have on students, both individually and collectively,” Mancuso said.

“Whether it’s through opening their eyes to new ideas or providing encouragement and motivation, a teacher can truly change the direction of a person’s life.”

In her letter, tentatively scheduled for publication Feb. 11, Mancuso thanks McMaster University history professor David Russo.

She writes: “Your comments to me when you returned our first assignment — ‘Ah, it is the quiet ones who write with the mighty pen’ — gave me the confidence to participate in class discussions. Your words have stayed with me and encouraged me to look out for ‘the quiet ones’ in all of my classes.”

The campaign is supported by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

“University professors care about teaching,” Mancuso said. “We hope that this effort starts a wave of gratitude for the importance of undergraduate learning and inspires students, parents and other teachers.”

Mancuso is U of G’s 14th 3M Fellow. Since 1986, about 250 Canadian professors have received 3M awards, including U of G president Alastair Summerlee.

Research: Target DNA ‘Shoelaces’ to Treat Cancer

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:40:20 -0500

Doctors and drug companies looking to treat cancer by targeting DNA’s “shoelaces” might gain support from a new study involving researchers at the University of Guelph.

The study shows that human tumours rely on the maintenance of shortened telomeres, or the protective ends of chromosomes — evidence that may help in developing anti-cancer drugs that target those structures, said Prof. Dean Betts, an adjunct professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Ontario Veterinary College.

The study, including key experiments done at U of G, is described in an article published online Feb. 2 in Cell Reports .

The study was conducted by Lea Harrington and other researchers at the University of Toronto and the University of Edinburgh as well as Betts and U of G adjunct biomedical sciences professor Chandrakant Tayade.

Telomeres are short DNA stretches that help protect the ends of chromosomes, like plastic tips preventing shoelaces from fraying. These stretches shorten with repeated cell divisions, leading the cell to age and eventually die.

In cancer cells, the telomerase enzyme helps to keep telomeres from shortening even more. That enables cells to divide even when the normal brakes on cell division fail, as in cancer.

Earlier, scientists had shown that telomere maintenance was needed for cancer to develop, but they had not tested whether it was needed for cancer cell growth when telomeres are long.

At Guelph, the researchers transplanted human tumour cells with longer or shorter telomeres — and with or without telomerase — into genetically engineered mice.

Human cells lacking telomerase but with long telomeres formed tumours in mice. No tumours formed when transplanted human cells had short telomeres and lacked the enzyme.

“The results help explain the better long-term prognosis of some telomerase-negative pediatric cancers and also support tumour treatment with anti-telomerase therapy,” said Betts. Several companies are working on cancer-fighting drugs that target this enzyme.

Their work also underlines the widespread role of telomeres in many kinds of cancer, he said. Anti-telomerase treatments might prove an all-purpose tool, unlike drugs tailored to specific tumour types or individual genetic differences.

Such drugs might kill certain types of normal cells with active telomerase as well as tumour cells. But radiation and chemotherapy also kill normal tissue around the tumour, said Betts, whose father recently underwent treatment for lung cancer.

“Telomerase therapy would have similar effects, but then possibly its potency will help eradicate cancer faster and reduce side effects by having patients on radiation or chemotherapy for a shorter time,” said Betts, who joined the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Western Ontario in 2008.

Tayade, who was a Guelph post-doc and faculty member before joining the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen’s University in 2009, said, “There are serious pharmacological interventions we can target.”

Community Runs to Build Track

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:12:29 -0500

A grassroots fundraising effort to build an international-calibre track and field facility at the University of Guelph’s Alumni Stadium has raised nearly $1 million in just over a week.

“We’re not quite done yet, but it’s been fantastic, a hugely unifying movement,” said Dave Scott-Thomas, head coach of U of G’s track and field and cross-country teams and of the Speed River Track and Field Club for student and local runners — the most successful running club in Canada.

Donations have come from elite athletes, community members, alumni, family, friends and businesses, he said. “We’ve had hundreds of different people coming together to support this. It really is a giant spectrum we’ve tapped into, and we want to keep the energy going.”

The goal is to raise $1 million to build an eight-lane International Athletic Federation-certified facility as part of the major multimillion-dollar overhaul of U of G’s Alumni Stadium. So far, the campaign has raised more than $800,000.

“We still have a ways to go, so I haven’t stepped back enough to have full perspective, haven’t quite realized yet how huge this is — through mostly small donations this community has raised nearly a million in a little over a week,” Scott-Thomas said.

Last month, the University announced a $1.5-million anonymous donation toward installation of a new synthetic turf field and to begin track and lighting renovations under the athletics master plan to upgrade all of the University’s athletic facilities.

The total estimated cost of the improvements is $4.9 million. The University will seek additional funding from private donors, grants and other sources to cover the remaining costs of the projects.

John Marsden, chair of the Canadian Centre for Running Excellence in Guelph, is leading fundraising to build the eight-lane track, intended to allow the city and University to host internationally accredited events.

News of the fundraising initiative has spread by word of mouth and postings on running websites. Among hundreds of donations, former Gryphon runner Reid Coolsaet pledged $10,000 of his winnings from the Scotiabank marathon in Toronto last year. Running groups and businesses have also donated, including Angus GeoSolutions Inc. in Georgetown, Ont., which recently gave $150,000.

Marsden said widely varying groups have a stake in the project. “It also helps to emphasize that the running community is not just intense and dedicated but that it has great breadth.”

Officials hope to have the new facilities ready for the fall semester, before the Gryphons’ football home opener Sept. 15.

Under its athletics master plan, U of G has installed artificial turf on outdoor playing fields — completed last fall — and is building and renovating a student fitness and recreation complex. Construction will occur in phases, depending on funding.

Tom Kendall, director of athletics, said: “The renovations to Alumni Stadium combined with the recent installation of the rugby field, soccer complex and new field house mean that U of G now has one of the best outdoor and indoor field facilities in Canada. Not only will it be a welcome addition to Gryphon athletics, but it also will benefit the community. The synthetic turf means that we can use the facilities more extensively for University and community events, regardless of weather.”

Guelph Transit Improving Service

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:53:05 -0500

Starting Monday, Guelph Transit is adjusting some of its routes to minimize the number of missed transfers and increase capacity in busy areas, including routes to and from the University of Guelph.

A new route called Route 15 will be added to serve passengers travelling in the Stone Road and College Avenue area.

In addition, Route 2 A/B will be adjusted to improve schedules and connections and provide service to ARC Industries in the city’s north end. A complete schedule is available online.

Guelph Transit will continue to review its new routes, including Route 20 and 21 in Guelph’s industrial areas. It’s also considering purchasing additional buses to service in the south end of the city.

"We recognize our new routes have involved changes for many riders and operators, and we thank everyone for their co-operation and understanding," said Michael Anders, Guelph Transit manager.

"We have listened to our riders and operators, and we are using their feedback to adjust some of the new routes."

New route information, schedules and updates are available on the Guelph Transit website, at ServiceGuelph in City Hall and on-board Guelph Transit vehicles.

Jobs Aplenty in Agri-Food, Report Finds

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:07:09 -0500

Ontario’s agriculture and food industry is booming, with more job openings than qualified people to fill them, according to a new report commissioned by the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC).

The report provides a snapshot of hiring trends and demands in agriculture and food, based on a survey of more than 100 agri-food organizations in Ontario conducted by JRG Consulting Group.

“The agri-food sector has emerged as the single most important economic driver in the province,” said Rene Van Acker, OAC’s associate dean (external relations) and a plant agriculture professor.

“We felt it important to get an assessment of the sector’s human resource needs to ensure that we are providing enough graduates and that they have the skill sets necessary to meet the challenges of current and future jobs."

Ontario has the most diverse agri-food industry in Canada — producing more than 200 commodities — and the nation’s largest food processing industry, with more than 3,000 companies. Overall, the sector contributes more than $33 billion annually to Ontario’s gross domestic product and sustains more than 200,000 jobs.

The survey examined employer demand for college and university graduates — diploma, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral — for such positions as sales and marketing, production, and financial analysis and research.

The study found that industry demand far exceeded the supply of post-secondary graduates in agri-food in Ontario, where three jobs exist for every agriculture graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

Survey respondents expected a 10- to 20-per-cent increase in the number of new hires directly from university in the coming years, the study said.

“There are unmet needs in the agri-food sector in the number of students being trained at all levels in both agriculture and food programs,” Van Acker said. “The sector is signalling that the requirement for OAC graduates is substantially larger than our current supply offering.”

Among the survey’s specific findings:

At the diploma level, industry requires about 500 new hires annually; OAC graduates about 400 diploma students each year.
At the bachelor's degree level, industry needs 250 to 330 new hires a year in agriculture and 50 to 90 in food processing. About 100 students graduate from OAC in agriculture and about 30 in food science each year.
At the graduate level, industry needs up to 100 positions a year; more than one-third of responding companies reported difficulty in finding qualified candidates.

The report said the agri-food sector looks for specific qualifications, including “soft skills” (communication, organization, teamwork) and relevant scientific knowledge and technical skills in areas such as crop science, animal science and genetics. Respondents said OAC grads measured up very well in these areas.

“The skills set aligns with the core strength of OAC in knowledge and formal training,” Van Acker said.

'RecycleMania' Sweeps U of G

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:28:36 -0500

Starting Feb. 6, the University of Guelph will join “RecycleMania,” a friendly competition among more than 500 Canadian and American universities and colleges to see which school can recycle the most waste over eight weeks.

Weekly recycling efforts will be judged in categories including “Gorilla” (most waste recycled), “Grand Champion” (best recycling rate) and the “Per-Capita Classic” (most recycling per campus community member).

This is the 11th year for the competition, which promotes environmental sustainability on college and university campuses worldwide. In 2011, more than 280 schools participated, including six Canadian schools; the University of Ottawa ranked highest in the Grand Champion category (48.5-per-cent recycling rate).

New to RecycleMania this year is the E-Waste Division for recycling of handheld devices, computers and other consumer electronics.

“U of G recycles about 28 tonnes of e-waste a year on average, so this is an opportunity to build on our basic strengths,” said Gillian Maurice, sustainability co-ordinator in Physical Resources. “U of G has been recycling for decades now, but there’s always room for improvement.”

Guelph’s annual recycling rate has ranged from 17 to 40 per cent in recent years, said Maurice. “We hope that increased participation from the competition will make 2012 one of our best years yet.”

Students can recycle small electronics in drop boxes in the library, the University Centre and the Athletics Centre. For students, faculty and staff, the University will offer giveaways to people seen recycling, games and prizes, and participatory art in the UC.

A kickoff event will take place Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. in the UC courtyard.

For more information, visit www.pr.uoguelph.ca/sustain/recycling.

Contact:
Gillian Maurice
Sustainability Co-ordinator
Physical Resources
University of Guelph
519-824-4120, Ext. 58129
sustain@pr.uoguelph.ca

Acclaimed Restaurateur Named Executive-in-Residence

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:34:17 -0500

Peter Oliver, one of Toronto’s most successful owner-operators of upscale restaurants, has been named executive-in-residence at the University of Guelph’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) for the winter semester. Oliver will share his experiences with students Feb. 7 and 8.

“Our students are looking forward to learning about Peter Oliver’s visionary approach to service excellence and the fine dining business,” said Prof. Kerry Godfrey, HTM director. “His restaurants have inspired and hired many graduates from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.”

Oliver will present three guest lectures on “Hospitality and Tourism Marketing,” “Lodging Operations” and “Policy Issues in Hospitality and Tourism Management.”

He will attend a lunch with the HTM Student Association and the Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals. The industry veteran will also be the guest of honour at a special dinner to be prepared and served by HTM students Feb. 7.

Oliver moved to Canada in 1967 from Cape Town, South Africa. He had a successful career in stock brokerage and commercial real estate before opening his first restaurant in 1978.

Today, he co-owns a thriving restaurant company running some of the Toronto area’s most popular restaurants, including Canoe, Jump Café & Bar, and Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill.

Oliver is founder and chief fundraiser of the Stephen Leacock Foundation for Children. Over the past decade, the foundation has raised $6.5 million for children’s causes and built three schools in South Africa.

U of G regularly invites industry leaders and prominent executives to speak and meet with students, assisting in their academic and career growth. In 2009, HTM celebrated 40 years of educational service to the Canadian hotel, food service and tourism industries.

Contact:
Prof. Kerry Godfrey, Director
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
University of Guelph
519-824-4120, Ext. 56118
godfreyk@uoguelph.ca

U of G Marks Black History Month

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:16:27 -0500

The University of Guelph’s C.J. Munford Centre will mark Black History Month with a series of events on campus in February.

An opening ceremony in the University Centre courtyard Feb. 1, noon to 1 p.m., will include remarks from University leaders, a video and a steel band. A panel discussion on “Embracing Diversity” from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the UC courtyard will be facilitated by Guelph faculty.

On Feb. 2, activist and educator Angela Davis will discuss “Activism and Diversity in Higher Education” at 6:45 p.m. in War Memorial Hall. This public lecture is free for U of G students, $5 to $10 for others. Tickets are available at the Central Student Association, University Centre, Room 274.

An American political activist, scholar and author, Davis emerged in the 1960s as a prominent activist associated with the civil rights movement and the Black Panthers. She is a retired professor with the History of Consciousness Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a former director of the university’s Feminist Studies Department.

On Feb. 3, “Fiesta: Culture Splash” will celebrate cultural diversity from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in East Town Hall. The event is open to the University community and general public. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Munford Centre, MacKinnon Building, Room 55, and at the door.

The 2012 Southern Ontario RACE Conference will take place on campus Feb. 4 and 5. The conference, "Racialized and Aboriginal Communities Conceptualizing Experiences," aims to create a support network for aboriginal students and students of colour in Ontario.

For more information, contact the Munford Centre, 519-824-4120, Ext. 56911, or visit http://www.uoguelph.ca/cjmunford/.

Working Group to Explore Transfer Student Retention, Accelerated Programs

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:57:39 -0500

The University of Guelph will be exploring ways to recruit and retain college transfer students and assessing student demand for an accelerated three-year honours undergraduate degree program via a new working group.

Established by Maureen Mancuso, provost and vice-president (academic), the Mobility and Pathways Working Group will focus on increasing enrolment from students transferring from community colleges inside and outside of Ontario. The group will review and recommend changes to practices and procedures affecting prospective students coming from community colleges.

It will also look at the feasibility of offering three-year accelerated honours degree programs.

“Transfer students come to university armed with previous knowledge and experiences, and their needs and expectations are often different from those of traditional students,” Mancuso says.

“Our goal is to look at how we can attract and sustain this unique student group by improving services and transparency and helping to streamline the transfer process.”

Chaired by Brian Pettigrew, assistant vice-president (institutional research and planning) and registrar, the working group will comprise program counsellors, admissions staff, faculty and administrators.

Members will consult with the campus community, in particular faculty, staff and students involved in registration, orientation, financial aid programs and academic advising.