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| GSA News & Views | University of Calgary Graduate Students' Association
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Important Dates
*Tonight!
GRC
Tuesday, March 29
5:30 pm
ST 147
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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
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Muhammad Khan and Muhammad Omer are brothers-in-law from Pakistan, both studying at the University of Calgary and next-door neighbours in the university family housing. They are both very engaged in the University community and each has received several prestigious academic awards.
K: Tell me about your research
MK: I am working in the Centre for Computational and Discrete Geometry in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics with Dr. Karoly Bezdek. My research is on discrete geometry and applying it to other areas such as materials and computer sciences.
MO: I am in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and I work in the Tissue Sensing Adaptive Research Lab. My research aims at studying the interaction of microwaves and ultrasound signals with the human breast and integrating them for breast cancer imaging and health monitoring applications. My supervisor is Dr. Fear who has more than 15 years of experience working in microwave imaging.
K: Where are you from?
MK: Pakistan. I came to Canada in 2013
MO: I am also from Pakistan and I came to Canada a year later.
K: Did you hear about your brother-in-law's experiences at the University of Calgary and decide to come as well?
MO: Yes, I learned a lot from him about all the great resources that the U of C offers to its grad students and decided to apply here as well. My priority was to find a good supervisor in my intended area of research and my search concluded when I got chance to connect with Dr. Elise Fear who is an iCORE Chair in medical imaging.
MK: My supervisor, Dr. Bezdek is an absolute leader in discrete and computational geometry and holds a Tier I Canada Research Chair in these areas. His research profile attracted me to U of C.
K: You both have Vanier and Killam Scholarships?
MK: We both have Vanier and Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Scholarship. I have Killam and he is nominated for Killam this year.
K: Tell me about the Vanier Scholarship.
MK: First there is a preliminary application, which you need to submit almost immediately after joining your program. It is open to all disciplines. The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) then invites top applicants to submit full applications. There are several workshops run by the FGS in which previous Vanier winners mentor you and tell you what the Vanier selection committee is looking for. The number one thing is a career trajectory. So you have an aim, and to achieve that you are doing all these activities - studies, leadership, teaching etc. Of course, you also need research and academic excellence. All these things have to come together in order for you to get that scholarship. It takes about 2 months to complete the application process.
MO: After further shortlisting, the FGS forwards applications to the federal competition and the final decision is made by a committee in Ottawa. At $50,000 per annum for three years, it is one of the most highly paid scholarships in the world.
K: Tell me about the Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Scholarship (AITF).
MK: Alberta Innovates Technology Futures is an Alberta initiative to foster science and technology in the province. They have certain priorities in which they invest for example, information and communications technology, omics, and nanotechnology. They fund research in these priorities to strengthen science and technology in Alberta. There are two types of scholarships: there is one for health sciences and the one we applied for is for engineering and physical sciences. My research aligns very well with the information and communications technology theme.
MO: With my research there is a very thin line that separates it from the health sciences. When you are in the technology and development stage and you haven't started clinical trials, your research falls under AITF. This award has a value of $31,500 per year for up to four years for PhD students. But for Vanier scholars, it comes as an annual $12,000 top up.
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Event Tickets Available
March 30 - 31
- Zoo (10 adult tickets ($15 each) + 2 child tickets ($10 each))
- Comic Expo (2 Saturday Tickets ($40 each) + 4 Sunday tickets ($29 each))
- Body Worlds (4 adult tickets ($15 each))
Must be able to pick up tickets on Wednesday, Mar. 30 or Thursday, Mar. 31 before 6pm.
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Sign Up Now Open! - Sign Up Before March 23 @ 5pm
April 8, 9pm - 12am
$25 includes park pass, trampoline socks, and late night snack
Please indicate if you will require transportation.
Follow the link to watch a short movie about the Neon Lights night hosted by Flying Squirrel
GSA organized transportation to and from the university main campus will be provided.
The bus will leave the university at 8:30pm
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Board Game Night at the LDL - Free food and lots of fun!
April 4, 6pm
There will be free food and non-alcoholic drinks and a chance to meet up, hang out, and play some great games.
Bring your friends or come by yourself! Everyone is welcome.
Experience a fun evening Monday, April 4 at 6pm.
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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
MAIN CAMPUS:
Sat. April 9, 1pm - 5pm (Ground Fighting - women only)
Each session can only take 20 people and spots will fill up quickly!
Please e-mail gsasesc@ucalgary.ca to register
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Trivia Night at Foothills!
April 1, 5:30pm
 *In order for the event to go ahead we need 4 confirmed teams by Wed., Mar. 30.
Teams MUST registrar by e-mail.
Come on down for some fun, snacks, 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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GradFest 2016 - Join us for an end of semester BBQ at the LDL
Wednesday, April 13, 4-8pm
Come join us at the Last Defence Lounge on Wednesday, April 13, between 4-8pm to celebrate the last day of classes. Drop by for a BBQ (hot dogs, veggie dogs, sides, and desserts - all you can eat!), one drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), prizes, and a chance to unwind with some other grad students.
Come by yourself or as a department. The department with the most grad students attending will receive some great prizes - so organize a group of friends and come on down!
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*Time Correction
Innovative and Interactive Workshop
"Breaking it Down (BID): Dialogues on removing barriers for people with disabilities in the workplace" Friday, April 1, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), with host the University of Calgary Graduate Students' Association (GSA), invites post-secondary students and recent graduates with disabilities at all levels, career educators and representatives from federally regulated private sector employers to a one day innovative and interactive workshop "Breaking it Down (BID): Dialogues on removing barriers for people with disabilities in the workplace", to be held at the University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta in the Senate Room, 7th Floor, Hotel Alma, 169 University Gate NW on Friday, April 1 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Register online now: https://secure.neads.ca/register/en.php?id=16CA
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Multidisciplinary Conference in University of Calgary Residences
Saturday, April 2, 2016 - 10am
Your piece of the puzzle; placing your research in a broader context!
Join us for an exciting day of research presented by your fellow residence scholars. Ranging from the exploration of the symbols of the werewolves and vampires to the foreign policy in Sudan; from mind control devices to explosion of supernovas, the conference offers a wide diversity of academic discussion. As part of the day refreshments, lunch, and dinner will be provided in addition to a Keynote Speaker.
All for FREE if registered before March 28. Due to limited seats, the registration is done first come first serve basis. For more info, please contact residence.conference@gmail.com
This conference is brought to you by the University of Calgary Graduate Students' Association, Residence Services, The Crowsnest Engagement Team and The College.
Crowsnest Residence Hall, University of Calgary
Registration Deadline: March 28
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Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Group Volunteer Shift
Thursday, April 21, 9am - 1pm
Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta is a non-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe, affordable place to live. Join the GSA Community Engagement team for a group volunteer shift at Habitat for Humanity's Sunridge ReStore facility. ReStore sells new and used furniture, appliances and building materials to fund the construction of local, affordable housing for families in need. Please contact engage.gsa@ucalgary.ca for more information and to register.
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CAUSE Canada - Call for Volunteers
Tuesday, March 29
CAUSE Canada is an international development organization that strives to be a catalyst for global justice. CC provides sustainable, integrated, community development in West Africa and Central America through authentic, collaborative, long-term relationships. CAUSE Canada is hosting its International Spring Gala and Fundraiser on Tuesday, March 29 in the Safari Lodge at the Calgary Zoo! This Latin-themed, dynamic evening will be raising funds for CC's Maternal Newborn Child Health Program in Central America. The focus will be on public health and social justice with a keynote presentation by Dr. Paul Farmer, a pioneer in the field of international public health. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up/take-down, tickets and check-out, silent and live auctions, and other tasks. Please contact Grace at the CAUSE Canada office: phone 403-678-3332 or email donorrelations@cause.ca. We look forward to meeting you!
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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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Grad Student Survey Has Been Extended!
You could still win a $300 Bookstore gift certificate!
Check your UCalgary inbox for a link to the grad survey in a message dated Mar. 24 from the Office of the Vice Provost (Graduate Studies). Have your say in the future of your graduate program and you can win one three, $300 Bookstore gift certificates. Learn more about it here. |
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Calgary nanoNexus 2016
Nanotechnology networking event
March 31, 2016 from 6-9pm
The University of Calgary Nanotechnology Group is organizing a networking event to bring both academia and industry together for an evening of meet-and-greet. The night will be dedicated to create connections between all players with interest to the nanotechnology sector from academia, industry, innovators, and startups in the province of Alberta.
Date: March 31, 2016 from 6-9pm
Location: Aloft Hotel by Banff Trail station
Cost: $10, food included
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Patient-Oriented Research Training Program
Session #3 - Engaging Vulnerable Populations in POR
Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 4:30-6:00pm
The Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit Career Development Platform offers free monthly sessions on various topics related to Patient-Oriented Research (POR).
Session #3 will introduce the foundations of Engaging Vulnerable Populations. An overview of the principles of engaging with vulnerable populations will be presented as well as Guest Speakers whose research provides examples of how to engage with vulnerable communities.
Guest Speakers:
Rebecca Haines-Saah PhD, Presenting on cross-disciplinary approaches, methods, and ethical implications through the application of a critical social lens and visual media
Jean Harrowing RN PhD, Presenting on global health and HIV populations.
Judith Kulig RN PhD, Presenting on rural communities.
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Be part of Congress 2016 hosted by the University of Calgary
Volunteers Needed!
Get involved in Congress 2016, and get paid doing it!
Looking for a short-term summer job? Want to gain hands-on experience working in a professional setting and in an exciting, fast-paced environment? Apply to work at the 2016 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences!
The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is recruiting over 100 paid short-term contract workers to support the delivery of Congress 2016.The Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, to be hosted by the University of Calgary from May 28 to June 3, 2016, is the largest interdisciplinary gathering of researchers in Canada. Now in its 85th consecutive year, Congress 2016 will involve seven days of over 70 academic associations holding annual conferences, 2,000 events and 5,400 presentations. To ensure that Congress runs smoothly for the over 8,000 attendees expected to attend, we need your help! You can find all the position descriptions online at www.congress2016.ca/work. Positions will range from: - Congress Tweeters
- Event Assistants
- Registration Clerks
- Building Monitors
- Exhibitor Assistants
- And more!
Don't wait to apply! You'll have the chance to network with researchers in your field of study, and get work experience that will prepare you for your future. When not on duty, workers can attend public sessions, browse the Congress Expo and meet other Congress attendees. You'll also receive an official Congress 2016 T-shirt to keep as a memento.
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Call for Submissions
Submission deadline: Friday April 15
 The Journal of Comparative Media Arts is calling for artworks, long papers, short papers and photo essays on the theme of BARE LIFE OR BEAR LIFE. Forward-thinking submissions that take up contemporary culture and the fine arts will be carefully reviewed by our Peer Review Committee. We select works for publication based on their importance and originality, along with their quality of presentation and relevance to the community and to the remit of the Journal. Your submission must not have been published elsewhere.
Submission deadline: Friday April 15, 2016 23:59 PST.
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Health Checks
Do You Know Where You Are on the Health Continuum?
Students, faculty and staff are invited to drop in & participate in a free health check-up.
Physical fitness isn't just about working out. It's about setting goals and making an effort to live a healthier lifestyle. Our free, confidential, Health Checks will help you evaluate where you are on the health continuum, set realistic goals, and our wellness stations will provide strategies to help meet those goals!
March 29th stations include: - Active Living personal trainers and physical fitness measurements
- Staff Wellness (micro-breaks and office ergonomics)
- SU Wellness Centre (goal setting)
- Dietitian (nutrition and healthy eating)
- Be Fit For Life (physical literacy)
- Human Resources (employee wellness resources)
All fitness/wellness levels welcome! Please remember to print/bring your Health Check bookmarks
Date: Tuesday, March 29, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Main Campus, Olympic Oval, Atrium
Theme: Find Your Fitness!
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Graduate Student Speaker Series: Excited about your research?
Come talk about it!
The Graduate Student Speaker series is geared to get your research out to the community in a fun, engaging, and understandable way - think about developing your knowledge translation, communication, and presentation skills! You provide the talk, and we provide an awesome downtown venue, food, and advertising.
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Graduate Support - Student Success Centre
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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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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