NEWS & EVENTS

October 31, 2023

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.

 

UNIVERSITY NEWS

MOBILIZING INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE TO PROTECT THE FUTURE OF FRESHWATER FISH

Zoe Todd, Canada Research Chair and associate professor in Indigenous Studies, is utilizing innovative strategies to support Indigenous sovereignty and protect threatened watersheds. As an artist-researcher, Todd uses her creative talents to incorporate science, art and critical Indigenous studies to share her research findings with a wider audience.

 

LETHAL IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS

SFU criminologist Amanda Butler and colleagues from other post-secondary institutions conducted a study revealing that recently-imprisoned people in Ontario were at a significantly higher risk of opioid toxicity death during the pandemic. The researchers recommend implementation of strategies such as drug checking services, supervised consumption settings and improved access to evidence-based treatment. These measures could reduce drug-related deaths and better address the specific needs of these individuals.

 
 

RESOURCES + OPERATIONAL UPDATES

UNDERSTANDING SFU'S BUDGET AND PROCESS

With the start of the 2024/25 budget cycle, SFU's strategic financial planning process advances an inclusive and sustainable future. This guide provides an insight into the budget process, the current financial outlook, recent achievements and plans for 2024. 

 

The parties have reached an agreement in principle, pending final signatures, as well as formal approval by the Board of Governors and ratification by SFUFA members.Thank you to the bargaining teams for their hard work in reaching this agreement. 

Earlier this month, the university launched an online course to help faculty and staff refresh their knowledge on the importance of information security. The course supports the new policies under GP 24 to help maintain a safe campus and protect assets critical to our work. Should technical difficulties arise while completing the course, please submit a service request via the client portal.

More than 280 SFU academic and administrative leaders gathered online on October 18 at the first bi-annual forum. The event featured discussions on shared challenges and goals. 75% of attendees expressed strong appreciation for its value in fostering a supportive and inclusive organizational culture.

SFU invites all employees to check out ergonomics services and resources available to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. The service increases awareness and promotes the science and application of ergonomics and human factors.

For the next two weeks, trench work on University High Street across from Cornerstone is expected to cause disruptions in the surrounding areas. Westbound traffic on University High Street will be detoured to University Crescent. Bus service to and from the east transit loop will not be impacted. Pedestrians and drivers are asked to pay attention to signage in the area.

SPOTLIGHT YOUR RESEARCH AND EXPERTISE WITH THE MEDIA

Contact us at mediarelations@sfu.ca with your idea/topic. Possible themes for November and beyond are:

  • New research and stories
  • Positive climate science stories for young/BIPOC audience (CBC, The Conversation)
  • Seasonal: Extreme weather watch, seasonal disorders, Black Friday/Buy Nothing Day (November 24), COVID/flu
  • International: COP 28 (November 30), world conflicts and protests, AI effects on workforce/economy
  • National: Remembrance Day and loss of firsthand witnesses (November 11), SOGI, Israel/Hamas stance, India relations, working from home, cost of living, real estate, Canadian news/Bill C-18
  • Local: Anniversary of the catastrophic flooding in BC (November 14), short-term rental market regulations, economy slowdown, housing initiatives, toxic drugs, labour shortages
 

FEATURE EVENTS

GAIN INSIGHTS INTO SFU'S FINANCIAL SITUATION

November 1 | Hosted by Public Square

Please register for tomorrow's session, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. The virtual session will provide detailed insights that will help members engage with their department and unit budget leaders.

 

BREWING GENEROSITY FOR A GOOD CAUSE

November 1 | Hosted by Renaissance Coffee

From 6 a.m. until noon, all proceeds from purchases at the cafe will go to the Parminder and Kamaljit Parhar Endowment at SFU, which has enriched students’ lives for seven years and counting.

 

AN EVENING WITH ALUMNI

November 3 | Hosted by School of Communication

This event includes faculty talks by professors Martin Laba and Victoria Thomas, remarks by SFU President Joy Johnson and talks by alumni. These include Global News anchor and host, Simi Sara and Canadian rapper and broadcaster, Shad.

 

EVENTS AND WEBINARS

Nov 1

Nov 2

Nov 2

Nov 2

Nov 2

Nov 8
 

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