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. |
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CONSIDERING THE PAST TO INFORM THE FUTURE |
One of the five foundational pillars of the new medical school is Indigenous knowledge systems. Research assistant Brandi Berry investigates the school's intentions for embedding and equalizing Indigenous knowledge, as well as how partnerships and new practices can keep the school accountable to the communities it will serve. |
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NATIONAL RESEARCH TRAILBLAZER AWARD FOR HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS OF 2S/LGBTQ PEOPLE |
Health sciences assistant professor Travis Salway was awarded the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Early Career Trailblazer Award. Salway has contributed exceptionally to the field of population and public health research about Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer - or 2S/LGBTQ identities. |
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TRANSFORMING INDIGENOUS ART EDUCATION |
A ground-breaking contribution from activist collectors George and Christiane Smyth will uplift Salish art and help Indigenize art education at SFU. Their transformative gifts help to create both an academic Chair in Salish Art Practices and a full-time curator of Indigenous projects. |
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TRANS INCLUSION POLICIES DRIVE URBAN INNOVATION |
Tiffany Muller Myrdahl, a faculty member in the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies (GSWS) and the Urban Studies program, is using policy research to advocate for safer, more inclusive cities. As a researcher interested in social policy, Myrdahl characterizes trans equity as innovative because it has transformed many aspects of city work that influence how people live. |
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SFU researchers Maaike Helmus and Ashley Kyne found that according to the experiences of 282 Indigenous peoples in Canada, child sexual abuse was reported by 35 per cent of males, 50 per cent of females, and 57 per cent of transgender and gender non-conforming participants. Their recommendations include the need for more trauma-informed services to address the lasting harms of colonization, in alignment with Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations. |
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RESOURCES + OPERATIONAL UPDATES |
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SFU is currently engaged in collective bargaining with all of its employee groups, with a philosophy oriented to collaborative bargaining that meets the core interests of all parties and upholds the sustainable and best interests for the entire SFU community. The Frequently Asked Questions section of the Collective Bargaining website was recently updated with new information; visit to learn more about the bargaining process, strike action and picket lines. |
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ANNOUNCING A NEW DEAN FOR THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION |
Daniel Laitsch's scholarship and teaching are based in the role professional educators play in advancing a just and equitable society. Over his 17 years at SFU, he has served on the Faculty of Education’s executive committee and as a member of Senate and associated committees. Laitsch currently chairs the board of directors of the Institute for Public Education BC. |
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LAUNCHING THE SEARCH FOR THE FOUNDING DEAN OF SFU MEDICAL SCHOOL |
SFU Medical School will admit its first students in September 2026. As with all dean searches, the university will follow policy A13.05 to search for the founding dean. A search committee will be formed that includes elected faculty and staff members. Please see the Provost and VPA website for more information including the search timeline, the draft position description as well as candidate profile. |
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ANNUAL APPRECIATION BBQ ON JULY 26 |
SFU wants to thank you for all of the work that you do. All employees are invited to the summer BBQ on Wednesday, July 26, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the AQ pond in the Burnaby campus. Take a few hours away from work to connect with colleagues, make new friends and enjoy a delicious lunch. Deadline to RSVP is July 7. |
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LONG WEEKEND CLOSURE AND NEWSLETTER NOTICE |
All SFU campus offices will be closed on Monday, July 3 for Canada Day. Campuses will resume operations Tuesday, July 4. Please note, this newsletter will be delivered as usual. To accommodate office closures, please submit content for next Tuesday's edition by 12 p.m. on Friday, June 30. |
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SCREENCASTING WITH CAMTASIA |
July 4 | Hosted by Centre for Educational Excellence (CEE) |
Screencasting is a way to record and share narrated lecture slides. Learn the basics of Camtasia, a flexible and easy-to-use screen recorder and video editor. The session will be facilitated by CEE video production specialist Duane Woods. |
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