UNIVERSITY NEWS

FACTS AND FALSEHOODS IN COVID-19 TIMES

How can media outlets balance the need for timely reporting with their responsibility to limit misinformation?

In this week's Scholarly Impact, SFU professor Juan Pablo Alperin and PhD student Alice Fleerackers share their advice on using research preprints in science reporting.

MEET LINDSAY HELLER, FELLOW AT THE SFU CENTRE FOR DIALOGUE

"Stories are central to how I learn and teach: stories that can spark and deepen authentic dialogue amongst people with different backgrounds and lived experiences."

In the latest instalment of People of SFU, Lindsay Heller shares her thoughts on Indigenous knowledge and decolonizing higher education.

MEET LINDSAY

DEBUNKING POPULAR MYTHS AND CONSPIRACIES

UFO sightings, cults, self-proclaimed telepaths, paranormal activity and miracle healers—that's how SFU psychology professor Barry Beyerstein made a name for himself—disproving popular myths and conspiracies.

After his death in 2007, his records were donated to the SFU Archives. Learn more about Beyerstein, and the process of preserving and making his archives accessible for research.

MIND THE MYTHS

VIRTUAL SUPPORTS FOR PANDEMIC PARENTING

COVID-19 has increased the demand for mental health services for youth and families. In response, SFU psychology professor Marlene Moretti and SFU Adolescent Health Lab researchers developed eConnect Online—the virtual adaptation of the 10-week Connect program—designed for parents of youth (8-18 years) at risk for serious mental health problems. The program fosters strong parent-child relationships as a pathway to resilience and better mental health. During the past two years, the program has been implemented across Canada and across the world with 250 facilitators.

RESOURCES + OPERATIONAL UPDATES

HAVE YOU MADE YOUR VACCINE DECLARATION?

If you haven’t already done so, please submit your vaccine declaration and upload an image of your B.C. Vaccine Card to the confidential Thrive website as soon as possible. You do not need to declare your booster. Vaccination is the most important thing you can do to keep yourself and others safe.

DECLARE YOUR VACCINATION STATUS

HOW TO IDENTIFY AND AVOID PHISHING ATTEMPTS

Phishing is a practice of using persuasive and realistic text messages/emails to trick victims into providing personal information or opening a document with a virus that can access resources that can be used for criminal purposes by cyber attackers. Phishing emails can target anyone with an email account and can impersonate a legitimate business, institution, human or financial institution.

Report any phishing attempts to abuse@sfu.ca and be sure to familiarize yourself with these tips and resources to protect yourself from scams and fraud.

LEARN MORE

SUIT UP FOR PINK SHIRT DAY

Get ready to lift each other up on Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 23. In support of this anti-bullying campaign, the Bookstore & Spirit Shop is taking orders of pink shirts for departments and faculties. Please contact products@sfu.ca to place an order.

LAST CALL: TOOLS FOR WELL-BEING IN THE CLASSROOM

This initiative offers quick, practical strategies to support student well-being and a forum for exchanging ideas. Instructors are invited to register by Monday, February 14 to access the toolkit of activities and become part of a community of care.

JOIN THE TEDxSFU TEAM

TEDxSFU is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join the 2022 Organizing Committee. If you would like to gain experience and develop new skills while building your personal and professional networks, there may be a position for you. Apply by Sunday, February 20.

EXPLORE AN MBA WHERE BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY INTERSECT

The SFU Beedie Management of Technology MBA is a part-time curriculum designed for those interested in leveraging business with tech or with relevant experience. Tuition is 100% waived for continuing employees (spouses & dependants under 25 are also eligible for this benefit). To learn more, please contact somi_benning@sfu.ca, book an online advising session or register for the upcoming webinar on Wednesday, February 23.

FEATURE EVENT

February 17 | Hosted by SFU History

EXPLORING THE BOUNDARIES OF RACIAL BELONGING IN CANADA AND THE US

Celebrate Black History Month by joining the second lecture of SFU History's 2021-2022 Public Lecture Series, either in-person or online.

In Homegoing: Blackness and Belonging Across the Canada/US Border, McGill University's Debra Thompson will explore the boundaries of racial belonging in Canada and the US, reveling in the resilience of freedom dreams that link and inspire Black people across national borders.