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| GSA News & Views | University of Calgary Graduate Students' Association
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Important Dates
GRC
Tuesday February 23
5:30 pm
ST 147
Deadline to submit nominations for the
Excellence Awards
Monday February 29
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GSA Twitter
@GSACalgary
 Follow the GSA Twitter account for up to the minute updates about important deadlines, workshop dates, giveaways and much more! We can be found at: https://twitter.com/GSACalgary
Follow us at:
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meetU App
 Download our new App to keep up with all GSA events and other events around campus! You can also create and host your own events using the App. For more information, visit the MeetU website:
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Tell me about your research.
I started this degree in 2013. I already had a Master of Planning in the Department of Environmental Design. I am now working toward a Master of Environmental Design. I am building on my course-based professional masters degree and I'm looking at how plans are actually interpreted and implemented and proposals for development are produced and then approved or not. I'm trying to look at the work process that occurs underneath a city's master plan right up until a development permit is in hand. I am exploring that using institutional ethnography. Most theories that try to describe how organizations work, or really try to analyze what's going on, they write the people out of the accounts of what's going on. So instead of you being a human, you've suddenly just become an agent that is a concept, it's a shell devoid of a person inside it. I am building on some work done by Susan Turner. She did her PhD in 2003 and looked at how residence concerns or interests about how community development is happening in their area are taken up by a process and in a sense, co-opted or filter out; not intentionally, but it ends up being that way.
What drove you to choose the University of Calgary?
There were a few reasons. I did my undergrad here. I did a first class honours in sociology and I really enjoyed it and the department and a number of the professors. I felt like I had some good mentors. I chose the Master of Planning program here because it was new for 2011 and the faculty had a very good reputation. The Master of Environmental Design grew out of that. There's a world recognized leader in institutional ethnography named Liza McCoy; she's on my committee. My supervisor, Mary-Ellen Tyler, is fantastic and has worked extensively in policy implementation and the interface between policies and plans and government bodies end and the rest of the world begins.
Who has been your greatest support on your academic journey?
My supervisor has just been a lighthouse for me especially in the last year.
What aspects of grad school do you like the most?
I don't know if it's possible to have so much autonomy doing anything else. I like the fact that not only is my schedule autonomous, but my direction is too. I feel like my success won't happen until I push it forward. Not to say that I am solely responsible for my success - we don't get anywhere without the support that we have, but I feel like I am captaining my own ship and I like that a lot.
Do you have a favourite researcher in your field?
Susan Turner's work really opened my eyes to a different way of looking at something I had a hard time finding vocabulary for.
To be continued next week...
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GSA Election 2016
March 14 - 15
According to GSA bylaw section 12.1, "A general election shall take place in the winter semester each year. The voting days of the general election shall be the second Monday in March and the subsequent day". Therefore, a vote will take place for the election of the board of directors on Monday March 14 and Tuesday March 15, 2016.
Nominations will open on Monday (February 22, 2016) and will remain open until 4:30 pm on Thursday March 3, 2016 as per section 12.4.1 of the GSA bylaws.
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GSA Excellence Awards
Deadline to apply: February 29, 2016
Excellence Awards are a great chance to nominate someone who you feel has gone above and beyond their duties in the following roles:
* Supervisory
* Teaching
* Mentorship
* Administration
* Graduate Assistant (New)
The Excellence Awards will be introducing a new award for Graduate Assistants. Nominations can be made by:
An Instructor of Record for the course in which the nominee was a GA, A student enrolled in the course in which the nominee was a GA, A Principle Investigator who employed the GA for research, A Co-Investigator who employed the GA for research, A GA who worked on the same project/course with the nominee, or A University Staff member affiliated with a Research Project/Course
The deadline for all Excellence Awards is February 29, 2016
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Professional Development Grants and Group Project Grants
Deadline to apply - Friday, March 4
Did you know that this year the GSA has increased the amount of funding for Professional Development Grants and Group Project Grants by 50%?
If you are attending professional development courses, workshops, conferences, or other activities which enhance your professional skills between January 1, 2016 and August 31, 2016 (inclusive), you may be eligible for up to $750 (consider also applying for the Margo M. Husby Memorial Scholarship valued at $1500). If your DGA needs funds for a group project, you may be eligible for up to $1500 to get your idea off the ground!
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*LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE
PhD Comics: Talk by Jorge Cham (PhD Comics creator), Movie Screening, and Book Signing
Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6pm
The GSA is very excited to announce an upcoming visit by Jorge Cham. He will be here on Feb. 25 at 6pm to do a talk (The Power of Procrastination/The Science Gap) followed by a screening of PhD Movie 2.
Tickets will be available at the GSA office (M-F 10am until 4:30pm) or at the LDL (M-F 11am until 11pm). Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and TWO tickets are available per student.
Tickets cost $5 and exact change is appreciated if you would like to pick them up at the GSA office. If you are on Foothills or Downtown campus and are interested in attending the event or if you have any questions, please e-mail gsasesc@ucalgary.ca and we will set up a time to meet with you on those campuses.
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Call to Action: The Action is Calling - 311
GSA encouraging students to address transit concerns
Has your bus driven by you and not picked you up? Is your bus consistently late? Feel there isn't enough transit between Foothills and the University Main campus? Have you experienced issues with Calgary Transit and don't know where to voice your concerns? The GSA is encouraging students to direct their transit issues and concerns by calling 311 and mentioning that they would like the issue sent their local city councillor and the mayor's office. Without calling, change will not happen. They are expecting your call. It's that easy! If you would like to direct your concern to the GSA, please send an email to Erica McLachlan at vpext@gsa.ucalgary.ca
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[GSA]2 is Going Curling!
Sunday, February 28, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
This event is a *FREE* curling event. However, there is a refundable $20 fee per person for attending. Each member may bring one guest. No curling experience required. Equipment is available (brooms, sliders, and stabilizers). You are required to wear clean, indoor shoes with flat grip. Loose fitting warm clothing, hats, and mittens are strongly suggested. There is access to the lounge, and you may bring drinks near the ice.
Space is limited. Register and pay at the GSA office by Wednesday, February 24.
Garrison Curling Club
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Trivia Night at the LDL!
Feb. 29, 5:30pm
Come join us at the Last Defence Lounge every second Monday at 6:00pm for some fun, some snacks (1 appetizer per team), great prizes, and bragging rights!
Register your team (of up to 4 players) for one night or the entire semester. To sign up your team or for more information, e-mail gsasesc@ucalgary.ca.
Limited spaces are available so registrar ASAP.
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Trivia Night at Foothills - MUST RSVP
Feb. 26, 5:30pm
Come and join us for some Trivia, pizza, and a chance to win $80 in LDL coupons (1st place) or $40 in LDL coupons (2nd place).
To reserve your spot and receive further information, please registrar your team of 4 by e-mail to gsasesc@ucalgary.ca
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Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids (BB4CK) Group Volunteer Event
February 17, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
BB4CK works in collaboration with Calgary schools to make and deliver free healthy lunches to students who would otherwise go hungry.
Join the GSA Community Engagement Committee on Wednesday, February 17 (Reading Week) for a group volunteer event with this great organization! For more information and to register, please email engage.gsa@ucalgary.ca.
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The GSA will be offering self-defense workshops at various times on the main campus and, if there is interest, on Foothills Campus
Saturday, Feb. 20 at 1pm (Personal Safety and Self-Defense advanced - 2 hours)
Tuesday, Mar. 8 at 5pm (Personal Safety and Self-Defense beginner - 2 hours)
Sunday, Mar. 13 at 1pm (Personal Safety and Self-Defense beginner - 2 hours)
Saturday, Mar. 26 at 10am (Personal Safety and Self-Defense advanced - 2 hours)
TBD FOOTHILLS CAMPUS (Personal Safety and Self-Defense beginner - 2 hours) - e-mail to fill out the Doodle Poll
Each session can only take 20 people and spots will fill up quickly!
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Mindfulness Sessions for Graduate Students
Feb. 24 & March 2
Join us for a double-session of mindfulness training offered exclusively to graduate students!
In these two interactive sessions, students are invited to learn about mindfulness theory and participate in meditative practice. The first session will provide an introduction to the science and practice of mindfulness, and explore exercises to cultivate mindfulness in daily life. The second session will follow up with week 1 exercises, discuss additional practices, and provide resources to further explore mindfulness.
Healthy snacks will be provided!When: Session 1: Feb. 24
Follow-up Session: March 2
Time: 5:00 - 6pm
Location: MSC 458 |
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Information Interviewing: A Strategic Tool For Job Searching
Wednesday, Feb. 24
Over 80% of job postings are never advertised. This workshop will focus on Field Research (also known as Informational Interviews) as a means to landing those unposted positions. You will learn how Informational Interviews allow you to: identify the kind of skill sets companies want in your field; what kind of career options are available within a certain company or profession; and allow you to build your professional network in order to tap into the hidden job market.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 - 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location to be Determined (Watch your Newsletter and confirmation email).
Limited space and registration closes on Friday, February 19, 2016
Please register with your UCID at: careers@gsa.ucalgary.ca
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Escape Capers YYC's Maxim's Dinner Party and GSA Competition
March 11-13
Escape room sessions at the Escape Capers YYC's Maxim's Dinner Party and a GSA competition to boot.
Escape rooms are games in which participants, locked in a room together, need to find clues, solve puzzles or break codes in order to break out of the room, find an object in the room, etc. Some people say they are the real-life equivalents of 'quests' type videogames. In any case it is cognitively stimulating fun!
The GSA's events committee and the Escape Capers YYC are offering an escape room adventure for $20 per person (2 participants per student) for sessions of 8 participants during the weekend of March 11-13.
Couples, or groups of less than 8 people, could sign up and join others to fill the 8 people quota.
There are 2 available sessions every day that weekend (March 11-13) at 7pm-8pm or 8:30pm-9:30pm.
Escape capers are located at 4235 16st SE (in Ogden). The place is accessible by public transit and there is free parking there as well.
If you are interested please write to gsasesc@ucalgary.ca and provide your names and preferred sessions.
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*Only 20 tickets remaining!
Calgary Flames vs. Colorado Avalanche (Limited Discounted Tickets Available) $35/ticket
Friday, March 18
We have a limited number of tickets for the Calgary Flames vs. Colorado Avalanche Game at the Saddledome on Friday, March 18 at 7pm.
Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and we only have a limited number. In order to secure tickets, please send a message to gsasesc@ucalgary.ca and let us know how many tickets you need.
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Discounted Movie Passes - $25
The GSA is offering discounted movie passes to Cineplex Theatres. Passes include 2 adult admissions, 2 regular soft drinks, and one regular popcorn and is valid for a year. Passes can be picked up at the GSA office (MT 214) on a first-come, first-served basis.
The GSA office is open from 10am until 4:30pm Monday to Friday and only cash or cheque payments can currently be accepted. Please note: There is a limit of 2 passes per graduate student.
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Volunteer - Calgary Chamber of Commerce
Looking for an opportunity to network with business professionals in Calgary? All graduate students are members of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and you can attend many of the networking events for free as a volunteer! To sign up as a volunteer, fill out the volunteer application form
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International Student Mailing List
Are you an International student?
Would you like to be kept up-to-date on all GSA events that are of interest to International students. If so, please e-mail gsasesc@ucalgary.ca and ask to be added to the list.
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Let's Talk Science - Call for Volunteers
Let's Talk Science is a national, charitable, outreach organization that engages post-secondary student volunteers at universities and colleges across Canada to turn kids on to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Volunteering for Let's Talk Science is a rewarding experience which allows you to gain valuable leadership, communication and organizational skills in addition to unique professional development opportunities. Our extraordinary volunteers visit classrooms in the Calgary area and present hands-on workshops related to STEM. We have volunteer opportunities in Calgary, rural areas, on campus (including events at the Children's Hospital and Foothills campus labs). If you are interested in volunteering please email lts@ucalgary.ca. For more information visit www.ucalgary.ca/lts. We also host The Science Engineering and Technology Challenge for grade 10-12 students, which will take place on June 11, 2016. The event will simulate the Amazing Race where challenge stations geared at learning science, technology, engineering and teamwork will be distributed throughout UofC. If you are interested in designing a challenge station for SETC or would like more information, please email Sean Baek at sibaek@ucalgary.ca.
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Graduate Support - Student Success Centre
Strategies for Writing Graduate Scholarships
February 22, 6-7:30 pm, TFDL 440B/C
Sign up for a Writing Boot Camp session and draw on the collective energy of other grad students as you toil away together in a quiet, (gently) supervised, and sunny space in the Taylor Family Digital Library
INTERNATIONAL CONVERSATION GROUPS
Building Your Speaking Skills
Mondays, 3 -4:30 pm. TFDL 355D
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| PARTICIPANTS FOR RESEARCH PROJECT NEEDED
A team of researchers in the Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary are conducting a research project regarding walkability in Calgary and are looking for participants.
Participation will be rewarded with a $25 Google Playgift certificate.
What is it?
The research team is searching for individuals who are in possession of smartphones running android software (i.e. Google Nexus, Samsung Galaxy, etc.). This study aims to use automatically recorded GPS location data from individual smartphones to determine the area of walkability around an individual's work and home residence (walkshed).
What Is The Purpose Of The Study & What Will You Be Required To Do If You Take Part?
The purpose of this study is to use GPS location information from your Android smartphone in order to understand how specific and localized aspects of urban form restrict or facilitate pedestrian mobility.
You will be required to meet with a member of the research team where you will be walked through all of the necessary steps needed to extract your smartphone's location data. We will also record a number of basic demographic details such as gender, year of birth, etc.
That being said, all personal identifiers will be removed from both the digital and physical data that will be collected to ensure anonymity for all participants.
If you are interested in participating or would like to learn more about the project...
Or
This study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Board
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| Writing Boot Camp
January 12 - April 14
Having trouble motivating yourself to write? Sign up for a Writing Boot Camp session and draw on the collective energy of other grad students as you toil away together in a quiet, (gently) supervised, and sunny space in the Student Success Centre (3rd Floor, TFDL). Sign up at www.ucalgary.ca/ssc.
Boot camps run from January 12 to April 14.
· Tuesdays, 9 am-12 pm
· Thursdays, 1-4 pm
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About Us
We provide a strong foundation for our members and community by offering valued services and programs that support and empower graduate students during and after their academic endeavors. We create an environment built on fiscal sustainability, social engagement, and effective representation.
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Contact Us
University of Calgary Graduate Students' Association
214 MLT
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4
403 220-8609
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Join Our Mailing List
The GSA News & Views is a self-managed list that allows students to unsubscribe at any time. Please note, if you do unsubscribe, you will be responsible for locating important GSA information, like bursary & award deadlines, Health and Dental Plan Opt-In/Out deadlines and volunteer opportunities, etc.
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