NEWS & EVENTS

June 13, 2023

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

 

UNIVERSITY NEWS

MEET CHRIS (SYETA'XTN) LEWIS

With meaningful and enduring ties to SFU, alumnus Lewis (BA ’05) has enriched the university community in many ways⁠: from serving as a member and chair of the Board of Governors to co-leading the Aboriginal Reconciliation Council.

 

WELCOME TO THE INDIGENOUS CURRICULUM RESOURCE CENTRE

Learn about the design and organization of this newly opened space inside Bennett Library, with resources to support instructors to Indigenize and decolonize their courses.

 

The SFU community continues to celebrate new alumni who crossed the stage at convocation last week. Here are some more spotlights from various faculties:

Aleksandra Ciesielska graduates with a BA in criminology, a minor in business administration and a certificate in police studies. She is this year’s proud recipient of the Gordon M. Shrum Gold Medal, SFU's most prestigious undergraduate medal. Ciesielska is ready to embark on exciting professional and academic challenges, including pursuing graduate school and the next step in her career.

Meet three students who made the most out of their time at SFU's School of Communication. Erica Apacible’s inspiring work terms and curious mindset led to a rewarding student experience; Mark Villar’s open-minded outlook and risk-taking led to diverse work experience and a clear vision for his future; and Linda Kanyamuna’s patience and on-campus memories have set her up for success. 
 

New resource and environmental management alumnus Brennan Strandberg-Salmon has been intrepidly standing up to advocate for the environment for almost a decade. “We’re not going to solve climate change by staying in our comfort zone,” he says. He has been involved with multiple sustainability initiatives and organizations, including SFU350, a student-led climate advocacy group on campus.

Growing up in a family of business owners, Harman Chhina developed a passion for business and pursued a degree in business administration with a focus on accounting and HR. SFU Beedie provided numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. Chhina's co-op placements and leadership roles in student organizations played a pivotal role in securing prestigious internships and ultimately a full-time job at Grant Thornton.
 
 

RESOURCES + OPERATIONAL UPDATES

UPDATES FROM BOARD AND SENATE MEETINGS

To ensure that SFU employees are informed about the latest news at the university through messages from the President, Chair of the Board of Governors and the Provost and Vice-President Academic, the following reports are available: 

 

Today, SFU's independent special advisor Bob Copeland issued an interim recommendation that playing competitive exhibition football games is not feasible in 2023 due to safety and logistical concerns. SFU has reviewed and accepted his recommendation in the interests of student-athletes' safety and academic success. Copeland's full and independent assessment of the future of SFU football remains ongoing, with a final report expected this September.

 

Following continued negotiation efforts and mediated sessions with the BC Labour Relations Board, the Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU) began a strike on Monday, June 12 with a ban on overtime. The university has invoked the Strike Steering Committee and the University Strike Plan, and is focused on pursuing all avenues to restart productive negotiations and avoid escalating job action.

 

The Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office is seeking SFU students and employees to serve on the 2024 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Advisory Committee. To learn more about SAAM, this volunteer opportunity or to apply, visit the webpage. Applications are due June 26 at 4 p.m. 

 

Do you like to have Fair-Trade products like coffee, tea, bananas and chocolate on campus? Fill out the SFU Fair Trade survey, open until July 1, 2023. In appreciation, $250 will be donated towards supporting food security in SFU. 

 

FEATURE EVENTS

THE NEW DAYDREAM IMAGINARY

June 15 - June 17 | Hosted by SFU's School for the Contemporary Arts

This conference features an international group of scholars and artists who consider a variety of non-productive cognitive modes, from doodling to tripping to doom scrolling, within the genus of “daydreaming.” They ask: What role does the wandering mind play in the productive operations of cognitive capitalism, and what remains of its potential for resistance?

 

CENTERING INDIGENOUS JOY

June 17 | Hosted by SFU Public Square

In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Nathan Adler and the Word Vancouver literary festival have curated this event featuring performances by DJ KeAloha, Brad Henry, Kwiigay iiwans, Savannah Erasmus and King Fisher.

 

June 23 | Hosted by Centre for Educational Excellence

Are you interested in creating an active and engaged online learning environment in which you and your students can thrive? In this five-week program, develop engaging but manageable online courses by incorporating best practices in online course design. The program will cover a different aspect of course design each week, providing opportunities to obtain feedback from participating peers and facilitators while working through the creation of a course draft. Application deadline is June 23.

 

EVENTS AND WEBINARS

Jun 14

Jun 14

Jun 14

Jun 14

Jun 14

Jun 15

Jun 16
 

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