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- Glen Tibbits
June 22,2026 | Digest No. 486
📣CALLING ALL FIRST YEARS📣
Maximize your success in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) by joining the BPK Peer Mentorship Program. Benefit from a senior mentor who will provide guidance, support, and insider knowledge to ensure a smooth transition into university life. Gain valuable insights, build connections, and thrive in your academic and personal journey. Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity!
Deadline to sign up is Sunday August 16th at 12pm.
Google Form -
International Student Orientation - Fall 2026
A series of orientation events to welcome international students to SFU and get settled. Topics include immigration, work eligibility, housing, medical insurance, how to make the most of their time at SFU, etc. Here’s a snapshot:
July 9 | 8:30 – 10:30 AM: Study Permit & Travel Tips Information Session
July 17 I 8:30 – 10:00 AM: Housing Info Session
July 31 I 8:30 – 10 AM: Medical Insurance for International Students
August 14 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM: International Student Panel Session
September 9 & 10: Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinics (Burnaby & Surrey campus)
September 15 & 17: International Student Welcome Events (Burnaby & Surrey campus)
AUC School of Medicine Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Thursday, July 9th
🕕 Time: 6PM-8PM
📍 Location: Glowbal Restaurant (590 W Georgia St, Vancouver)
New Students: Join Science Peer Mentorship!
If you are starting your first semester at SFU this Summer 2026 term, sign up for Science Peer Mentorship and receive 1-on-1 support from a friendly, experienced science student! You’ll be paired with an upper-year student in your intended program who can share their experience with you and connect you to academic resources, social events, and more. From advice about courses, profs, and student life to the best places to eat and study on campus, your peer mentor will help set you up for success at university. Sign-ups are open now and will be available throughout summer!
New Student Sign-Up Link: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/B96WTLB
Questions? Email sci_engagement@sfu.ca or drop by Sci-Space (AQ 3146) to inquire!
Throwback Lunch Breaks: Magic School Bus
Take a break and join us for Throwback Lunch Break every Monday! Bring your own lunch and enjoy a nostalgic episode of The Magic School Bus with friends.
Relax, recharge, and ride along for a fun science adventure each week.
Sci-space, AQ3146
12:30–1:30 PM
Sci-Space Weekly Study Hall
Sci-Space will be extending its hours to 7:00PM every Wednesday, from May 20th to August 5th*! Come study, hang out and enjoy some refreshments.
*Note: Cancelled July 1st due to Canada Day
Undergrad Research Drop-in Chats
The Undergraduate Research Coordinator will be visiting Sci-Space biweekly on Wednesdays from 11:30am - 12:30pm to chat with students about opportunities in undergraduate research. Stop by to learn more about how you can get involved in research opportunities at SFU!
Location
In-person: Sci Space (AQ3146)
Zoom: Link
BPK 420 - Real-world skills: science communication to diverse audiences
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course teaches students how to communicate science to different audiences, including children, lay adults, undergraduate students, and scientists. Students will learn principles of data visualization, infographic design, written communication, and oral presentation skills. Prerequisites: 75 credits or higher and a major/minor in any Faculty of Science department.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:20 pm, Fall 2026
BPK 343 and BPK 482 Enrolment Information
SFU is required by law to ensure that every student registered in a practicum that involves working with children or vulnerable adults undergoes a CRRA Criminal Record Check. The University must submit consent forms with payment to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. SFU is prohibited by law to permit students to work with children or vulnerable adults without a CRRA Criminal Record Check. List of BPK Courses requiring a CRRA Criminal Record Check is as follows:
- BPK 343 – Active Health: Assessment & Programming
- BPK 482 - Ergonomics and Rehabilitation
The Criminal Record Check is coded as a prerequisite for the above courses and cannot be waived by law.
Please refer to the process for Criminal Records Check on SFU Student Service website here: https://www.sfu.ca/students/criminalrecords.html
By law, SFU cannot accept CRC's done through other agencies including the RCMP. Students with criminal record checks conducted through agencies other than the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General are still expected to fulfill this requirement. Further, the process for a Criminal Record Check must be undertaken by SFU only.
Since the document is valid for 5 years, it would be a good idea to get it done far in advance of your enrollment for any of the listed courses as the processing time can vary.
Active Health and Rehabilitation Concentration - KIN Majors
Are you an approved KIN major working towards the Active Health and Rehabilitation concentration?
Please check your Advising Transcript under Student Programs to confirm that the concentration is listed.
If it is listed: no action is needed.
If it is not listed: send your name and student number to the BPK advisor via contact the advisor form, and we will add the concentration to your student record.
Terry Fox Gold Medal Award - Applications due July 5
SFU Financial Aid and Awards is currently accepting applications for the Terry Fox Gold Medal Award. The application deadline is Sunday, July 5, 2026.
The award is granted to a student who has demonstrated courage in the face of adversity and possesses qualities becoming of a role model.
If you are interested in applying, please email a cover letter and at least one reference letter to Financial Aid and Awards at faawards@sfu.ca by the application deadline. For more information, please refer to our website.
Terry Fox Gold Medal Terms of Reference
Awarded to a student who has demonstrated those personal qualities of courage in adversity and dedication to society which have been exemplified by Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope.
What does this statement mean?
"Courage in adversity" - someone who has shown courage in dealing with a life threatening disease or a significant disability.
"Dedication to society" - that person described above who has gone on to help other people in similar situations, and serve as a role model for those people.
The application/nomination should include appropriate supporting documentation - cover letter and reference letter(s).
This award includes $5,000, a Terry Fox Medal, and a plaque.
Calling All Ergonomics Enthusiasts
The Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) is now offering FREE student memberships! 💼💡
Join ACE, the authoritative voice of ergonomics in Canada, as we unite professionals to optimize human and organizational well-being. With a thriving community of over 500 members nationwide, ACE is dedicated to fostering accountability, collaboration, competence, diversity, and integrity.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to join a bilingual, professional network and gain access to invaluable resources and connections. Seize the chance to shape the future of ergonomics both nationally and internationally!
Science and Math Peer Academic Support: Online and Burnaby Campuses
Have questions about your general 1st/2nd year science courses? Need help on your assignments and upcoming midterms? Science and Math Peer Academic Support is back both virtually and in-person to help! Check out the schedule and learn how you can enroll here: Peer Academic Support - Faculty of Science - Simon Fraser University (sfu.ca)
Ross University School of Medicine Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Thursday, July 16th
🕕 Time: 6PM-8PM
📍 Location: Glowbal Restaurant (590 W Georgia St, Vancouver)
Students will have the opportunity to:
• Network with practicing physicians & learn what medical school is like
• Understand the residency match process and pathways to practice in Canada
• Get tips on how to strengthen their medical school applications
Please note RSVP is required as seating is limited.
Research Participants Recruitment
Interested in understanding your inner experience?
Researchers at SFU are looking for participants for a Buddhist-inspired psychology study!
Participants will complete a guided self-reflection task, a short cognitive flexibility task, and questionnaires.
The study takes approximately 1 hour and participants will receive $20 compensation.
📍 SSCK K9622
Scan the QR code on the poster to sign up and learn more!
Research Participants Needed: Exploring where Kinesiology and Exercise Science Graduates are Working Now as Qualified Exercise Professionals
We want to learn more about what Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from Canadian Universities who work as Qualified Exercise Professionals in Canada do for work and what their roles consist of.
What is involved?
An online survey which will take 10-15 minutes to fill out with questions related to their degree and current role. Before the main survey, a question to determine eligibilty will be administered.
Who can participate?
Individuals who have graduated from a Canadian Undergraduate Kinesiology or Exercise Science Program.
Interested in participating?
Follow the link - https://forms.gle/hHSk1HotHp73Ucn49
Provision Athletics - Kinesiologist for Athletic Performance Assessments
ProVision Athletics is a sports performance and athlete development facility serving baseball and softball players, however this opportunity is not limited to those sports. We are currently looking to connect with a motivated Kinesiologist interested in providing athletic performance assessments and related services within our facility. Our facility includes a fully equipped weight room, indoor training space, and four VALD performance testing systems including ForceDecks, SmartSpeed, ForceFrame, and Dynamo. We also have a private treatment room that could be utilized for assessments, consultations, client meetings, or other related services.
For more information on VALD's performance testing systems, please visit:
https://valdperformance.com/
Potential services could include:
• Athletic performance assessments
• Return-to-play testing
• Strength and movement evaluations
• Injury risk screening
• Performance monitoring
• Team testing and athlete education
We're flexible in terms of how the relationship could work. A revenue-sharing model may make sense, or a facility rental arrangement may be a better fit. That's something we'd be happy to discuss with interested candidates. The successful candidate would have the opportunity to work with athletes already training at ProVision while also building their own client base, including individual athletes, sports teams, and members of the general public.
Experience with VALD equipment is certainly an asset; however, it is not required. We can provide training and support on the use of the VALD systems to help the successful candidate become comfortable with the equipment and testing protocols.
Interested candidates can contact:
Amanda Bourgoin
General Manager
ProVision Athletics
amanda@provision-athletics.com
https://www.provision-athletics.com.
Join MINDmatters!
Make a difference to the BPK community. Share your ideas and energy with the MINDMatters Committee and help create an engaged, healthy, and vibrant learning community.
The Indigenous Tutoring and Mentoring Program needs volunteer tutors, mentors, administrators, coders, and blog-writers!
The Indigenous Tutoring & Mentoring Program (ITMP) is recruiting volunteers to join our program! ITMP is a volunteer organization (https://www.sfu.ca/engagement-competition/past-projects/2021/itmp.html) that provides free 1-on-1 Zoom tutoring and mentoring to Indigenous youth (K-12) across British Columbia. It was founded by SFU students to increase educational attainment through friendly, student-focused and culturally-relevant services. Our program is expanding, and we’d love to have you on our team. Indigenous students are especially encouraged to apply, though all applications are welcome!
The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) is looking for more volunteers for their HELP (health equipment loan program) team!
Do you want to gain health-care experience, work with other like-minded students and also make a big impact in your community? - If so, the Canadian Red Cross HELP team is the place for you. As a volunteer, you will communicate with healthcare professionals (OT, PT, Doctors etc.) to help get medical equipment to those who cannot afford to buy it, or simply just want to borrow it after things like injuries and surgeries. Scheduling has lots of flexibility, as the CRC recognizes how important education commitments are. Locations include but are not limited to Burnaby and Surrey. There is currently no fixed deadline to apply.
Learn more about the HELP team at REDCROSS.CA or contact Simran (simran.virk@redcross.ca; 236-339-0224).
Fraser Health Crisis Line Recruiting Volunteer!
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? Why not start now!
The Fraser Health Crisis Line is recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people in the region who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed as extensive training and ongoing support is provided. If you are interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding opportunity, the first step is to review the information on our website and then attend a Zoom Information Session. Please go to www.options.bc.ca and click on Get Involved -> I Want to Volunteer -> Crisis Line. Here you will find the dates and Zoom links for the up-coming sessions.
Many volunteers report that their Crisis Line experience was significant in helping them reach their educational and/or career goals, including acceptance into Graduate Programs, Policing, Medical School, E-Comm 911, Social Work, Mental Health and related fields. Volunteers also tell us that they find the Crisis Line to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as they are truly making a difference.
🎓 Congratulations to Dr. Erin Williams on receiving the Dean of Graduate Studies Convocation Medal at SFU's June 2026 Convocation!
Dr. Erin Williams graduates with a PhD in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) from the Faculty of Science. During her PhD, she investigated non-pharmaceutical strategies for managing recurrent fainting across the lifespan. Her interdisciplinary work assessed the effectiveness of counterpressure maneuvers as a behavioural intervention to avert impending episodes, making significant contributions to the clinical understanding of fainting in children. Supported by the CIHR’s Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral Program, her research earned several awards, including Best Oral Presentation at the International Symposium on the Autonomic Nervous System. Beyond research, she was a leader and advocate within her community, recognized by the prestigious Bastions of BPK Convocation Award. Her dedication to academic service elevated the visibility and excellence of research in BPK, fostering collaboration and pride among trainees and faculty alike.
SFU study sheds light on clotting risks for female astronauts
The unexpected discovery of a blood clot in a female astronaut in 2019 has led space agencies around the world to initiate studies to understand this possibly serious medical condition. Dr. Blaber’s Aerospace Laboratory in BPK, received funds from the Canadian Space Agency to participate in a ground-breaking European Space Agency’s Vivaldi study on female responses to simulated microgravity. In their initial study, published in the journal Acta Astronautica (lead author Tiffany Stead, MSc. BPK, 2024), these scientists discovered how blood clots formed in microgravity become stronger and tougher to break down than the clots that form on the ground. You can find more information from SFU News. Dr. Blaber explains these results on the CBC science show Quirks and Quarks. The study and interview also inspired Bob McDonald (Quirks and Quarks host) to write a separate blog post about it.
DISCLAIMER: The Department of BPK is forwarding these opportunities as we receive them, however we strongly encourage you to research and obtain information regarding the reputation of organizations, the terms and conditions of employment or service, as well as to understand your rights and responsibilities. The Department does not endorse any specific individuals, organizations, products, programs or services. If you see any suspicious postings or hiring practices, please notify us immediately at bpk_engage@sfu.ca.