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Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024

#DawsonProud, Communications Office

15,000 visitors over two Open House events

An estimated total of 15,000 visitors came to Dawson over two Open House Dates in late October. The numbers are a good indication that Dawson remains a top CEGEP choice for prospective students. The estimate is based on the number of visitor guides distributed by the welcome teams at the major entrances.

In addition to the number of visitor guides distributed, the library has a tally for visitors to the library on each day of Open House. On Oct. 20, the library team welcomed 5,476 visitors and on Oct. 27, they welcomed 4,502 visitors.

The total number of visitors is consistent with recent years. However, spreading the visitors over two events made the experience more pleasant for visitors and staff.

About 8,000 people attended the Oct. 20 event with programs present from Science, Medical Studies and Engineering and about 7,000 people attended the Oct. 27 event with programs from Creative & Applied Arts and Social Science and Business Technologies.

What did they they like best about Dawson and our Open House? Here are some survey responses received after the Oct. 27 event:

  • "Library and Labs! Great infrastructure!"
  • "Having the opportunity to talk to the teachers and the students about the programs they are teaching/attending, therefore getting a taste of what it would be like to be at Dawson."
  • "Visiting the school and the info session."
  • "I like the amount of clubs that are available."
  • "Compared to last year, this year's open house was less packed and more organized."

Photo by Benjamin McAuley, a student in the Professional Photography program

From the Director General

Invitation to Dawson Town Hall Nov. 13

Director General Diane Gauvin invites all Dawson employees to join her in 5B.16 on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 10 AM to 11:15 AM for a Town Hall meeting.

Diane will be providing information about the hiring freeze and will be available to take your questions.

#DawsonProud, Dawson Remembers, Dawson Research, Milestones

In memoriam Catherine Fichten

By now many members of the Dawson community have heard that Dr. Catherine Fichten, an esteemed member of the Psychology Department and the founder and co-director of the Adaptech Research Network, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 and her funeral took place the day after.

Visit the link for a tribute to Catherine by her longtime collaborators and colleagues Alice Havel and Susie Wileman.

Read More - In memoriam Catherine Fichten

Human Resources, Sustainability, Well-being for all

Well-being hours: employees learn about honey and how to extract it

As part of the College’s Well-Being for All initiative, the Sustainability department offered a Honey Extraction workshop Oct. 30. The initiative has been set up to allow employees to have a break from their work routine, to promote inclusivity, to build a sense of community, and to improve collaboration between employees as well as promoting learning and growth. Keeping in mind those goals, the Honey Extraction workshop really fit the bill.

Led by Jennifer De Vera, the workshop was chock full of interesting information and hands-on experience. The 12 employees in attendance learned about the life cycle of bees, jobs they do such as nurses, builders, cleaners, etc., and how honey is made and how it can be extracted. Besides all the interesting information Jennifer gave us, she also invited us to extract honey from the honeycombs. We uncapped a couple of frames then learned that the honey is extracted using a machine that uses centrifugal force. A few gave that honey a spin then a couple of people scraped the honey to the bottom, and we poured it into small jars. Each participant was able to take home one jar of honey.

Dawson recently began to raise and take care of our bees. We no longer have an outside company to do this. This means more work (for Jennifer) but the experience of doing this really has brought us closer to our bees.

It only took a mere one hour for all of us in attendance to have a newfound respect for what these small insects are able to accomplish in their short lives and really care about the thousands of bees we share our beautiful property with. A great way to learn about these amazing insects and form a strong bond with the world around us.

─Submitted by Carey-Ann Pawsey

#DawsonProud, Dawson Blues

Wayne Yearwood honoured by MNA for Westmount─St-Louis

Coach Wayne Yearwood was honoured by Jennifer Maccarone, Member of the National Assembly for Westmount─St-Louis in between two basketball games at Dawson on Oct. 25. He received a "Médaille de la Députée" in recognition for his contribution to the community.

Wayne is the Div. 1 Men's Basketball coach at Dawson. Pictured with him are Jennifer Maccarone and Dawson's Director General Diane Gauvin.

Milestones

Gabrielle Gayrard appointed Associate Director, Corporate and Legal Affairs

On Nov. 4, Gabrielle Gayrard began her new role as Associate Director, Corporate and Legal Affairs. Gabrielle is the first person to hold this position at Dawson. A member of the Bar, she comes to Dawson from the exact same position at Cégep du Vieux-Montréal. She will be working with Megan Ainscow, Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs.

Prior to working in the CEGEP network, Gabrielle practiced civil and family law. A graduate of Cégep de Thetford, she holds a Bachelor of Law degree from Université de Sherbrooke.

“I would like to invite members of the Dawson community to reach out to me if you have legal questions, especially regarding the protection of personal information,” she said. Gabrielle is looking forward to meeting new people and learning about the Dawson way of doing things.

Office of Academic Development, Professional Development, Well-being for all

Registration now open for inclusion and wellness winter retreat

Reflecting on your semester and wondering how you can improve your teaching and classroom environment next term? Upscaling UDL@Dawson is hosting its second all-inclusive two-day retreat! The theme is: Designing to the edges.

The dates are Jan. 8-9, 2025. Open to faculty and professionals; all the details are in the link.

Read More - Registration now open for inclusion and wellness winter retreat

Sustainability, Well-being for all

You are invited to Cook with Jamal on Nov. 14

Join the Zero Waste Cafe for a VERY special Thursday program after the Early Bird Breakfast, on Nov. 14 from 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM - Cooking with Jamal.

Learn to cook delicious vegan cuisine under our beloved Dawson Dinin’ head chef Jamal Spence! Students and employees are welcome to join us.

Register here for your spot to Cook with Jamal:

Should you require any accommodations to participate, please email Diana Rice, Office of Sustainability.

Academic News, Dawson Gives, Well-being for all

Help equip SCS students with supplies and medicines for Cuban partners

Ten students and two faculty members from the Social Change and Solidarity profile will be in Cuba from Dec. 27- Jan. 14.

The students are organizing a donation drive and a fundraiser to support their Cuban partners during an especially difficult time in the country.

To contribute to their Humanitarian Medical Kits, .

Drop off donations of supplies in the donation bin, which will will be set up from Nov. 7-Dec. 5 outside 4A.0.

For a list of needed items and more info about the trip, please visit the link.

Read More - Help equip SCS students with supplies and medicines for Cuban partners

Dawson Professional Theatre, Dawson Talent, Events

Idomeneus opens Nov. 13

King Idomeneus returns home to Crete after fighting the Trojan War. To save himself from drowning at sea, he makes a fateful and hubristic promise to the Gods. Idomeneus is a modern retelling of the Greek myth, where multiple scenarios are presented. Performed by the third-year graduating students of the Professional Theatre Program and directed by Leslie Baker.

Previews of Idomeneus are Nov. 11 and Nov. 12 at 7:30 PM; opening night is Nov. 13. It will be presented every night at 7:30 PM from Nov. 13-16 and Nov. 21-23. Matinées are Nov. 13, 15 and 21 at 12:30 PM.

Visit the link to get your tickets.

Student Services

AccessAbili TEA invitation for faculty

The Student AccessAbility Centre (SAAC) counsellors invite faculty to drop by the Colab (3F.43) on Friday, Nov. 15 anytime between 2 PM and 4 PM.

Stop by for tea, get to know the counsellors and learn about how you can collaborate to help students.

Decolonization, Office of Academic Development

Indigenous Perspectives: The Iroquois Great Law of Peace

In a talk by Tiio Hemlock of the Office of Academic Development, learn how five warring nations in ancient America came to become allies and developed the first true democracy in human history.

It will take place in the Co-Lab (3F.43) on Tuesday, November 12, from 2:00 PM–3:00 PM, and on Wednesday, November 13, from 10:30 AM–11:30 AM.

Academic News, Events

Do you think E.T. is here? Now?

“E.T, here?, now?” is a special session that will take place during Social Science Week (Feb. 3-6, 2025). The session focuses on recent discussions and disclosures concerning the possibility/plausibility/probability of humankind not being alone in the “here” and “now” on Earth and will be moderated by Dr. Richard Soare. Dr. Soare is a member of the Geography Department and has published over 125 articles, book chapters, extended abstracts and encyclopaedia references in his 25 years of work in planetary science, principally on Mars.

The session will comprise four brief (8-10 minutes) oral contributions from four people (two ǿմýƵ faculty members and two ǿմýƵ students) on either side of the question, i.e. a faculty member and a student on the “pro” side and the same on the “con” side.

There will be an open call for participants from Friday, Nov. 8 to Wednesday Nov. 13. If you are keen to participate, please summarize your thoughts on the session subject in 50-75 words and drop a printed copy of them into a storage bin placed outside of Dr. Soare’s office (4D-22) during the solicitation period. Please ensure that your summary includes your full name, email address and whether you are a faculty member or a student. Successful candidates will be contacted no later than Nov. 22.

Dawson Research, Office of Academic Development

Join the Dawson Research Ethics Board

The Research Ethics Board (REB) is currently looking for dedicated individuals interested in research or ethics to join their team. A background in research or ethics is an asset, but not required, and training is available.

As a member of the REB, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring ethical standards in research involving human participants. This is also a great opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of individuals and learn about the research projects that are taking place at Dawson through a different lens.

Members can expect to dedicate approximately 2-4 hours per month, which includes monthly meetings, time spent reviewing proposals, and occasional training sessions.

If you’re interested or want to learn more about the REB, please e-mail rebapply@dawsoncollege.qc.ca or contact Felicia Solomon.

Dawson Research, Office of Academic Development

PAREA Grant Reminder

Just a friendly reminder that should you wish to apply for a PAREA grant (link: ), to please let Ildikó, the Research Officer (iglaserhille@dawsoncollege.qc.ca), know by Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024.

The internal deadline is Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 at 12 PM. Please send Ildikó a submission-ready application by then. If written in English, please ensure that it is 25% less than the allowable word limit. Remember, earlier is always better.

For further information on PAREA grants, please consult the guide (link: ).

For any other information on the application process, please contact Ildikó.

Decolonization, In the news/in social media, Well-being for all

Deposit of DSU petition in favour of Indigenous students’ rights

On Oct. 30, the petition of the Dawson Student Union (DSU) asking the Quebec government to exempt Indigenous students from the harmful effects of Law 14 was officially deposited in the National Assembly.

“It was important for the DSU to stand up for our fellow students and the rights of Indigenous peoples,” said Leilah Doyle, Vice-President External Affairs. “This campaign has concluded but we will continue to advocate for Indigenous students.”

Doyle is sad that the government seems closed to really listening to the students and doing the right thing for Indigenous students.

Indigenous students in Quebec are already struggling to pursue further studies at CEGEP, and Law 14, as it is being implemented now, means some Indigenous students will not be able to graduate.

Before it closed on Oct. 25, the petition garnered 2,794 signatures from Quebecers. It was sponsored by Jennifer Maccarone, Member of the National Assembly for Westmount─St-Louis.

Office of Academic Development

Pédagogie Collégiale – Call For Proposals

The Association québécoise de pédagogie collégiale (AQPC), with the Cégep de Sainte-Foy, invites you to its 44th annual symposium, June 9-11, 2025, Québec City. This event brings together those in higher education for an opportunity to discuss, reflect and innovate on pedagogical issues.

The theme "Humanizing Our Tomorrow" echoes the changes that education has undergone recently, particularly technological disruptions and societal challenges. The question: How can we re-imagine education in order to place the human being at the centre of our mission and to form citizens who are aware of global issues, be they environmental, social or technological? Proposals deadline: January 12, 2025. Join this enriching dialogue and help humanize the future of education.

Office of Academic Development

Seeking pedagogical counsellors, teachers and managers

Understanding Competent Action in College Pedagogical Counselling that Supports Student Success. Have you heard about research on the pedagogical counselling profession? As a pedagogical counsellor, would you like to share professional situations that, in your opinion, support student success in your college?

This study is looking for pedagogical counsellors who wish to share professional situations, and teachers and managers who wish to validate these situations. This study was approved by Dawson's Research Ethics Board (REB) and the Comité d’éthique à la recherche education et sciences sociales of the Université de Sherbrooke. To express your interest in participating, complete the . Anne Noreau, M. Éd., D. Éd. (principal researcher Cégep Limoilou and Performa Universite de Sherbrooke) & Debby Ann Philie, M. A. (co-PI)

Student Services, Well-being for all

Students invited to respond to mental health survey

A mental health survey is being conducted across the CEGEP network this month.

The results will help Student Services develop and adapt services to respond to the needs of students.

Students have until Nov. 22 to respond. All participants are entered to win a gift card. Please promote the survey to your students.

Visit the link for more info and to see the survey.

Continuing Education and Community Services (CECS), Events

Next Playtest is Nov. 8

Join us on Friday, Nov. 8, from 6 PM-9 PM for an exciting evening of indie game playtesting at ǿմýƵ! You’ll get to try games from local developers and Dawson students alike! The event is open to the public, and players of all ages are welcome.

When & Where:

  • Friday, Nov. 8, 2024
  • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • ǿմýƵ, Room 3C.1 (3rd floor)
  • 4001 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest

Are you thinking about getting into game development? The Independent Video Game Design program coordinators will be available to answer questions about the upcoming Winter 2025 semester. Applications are due by Nov. 17, 2024.

We look forward to seeing you on Nov. 8!

RSVP:

From the Director General

One more day for Teaching Excellence Award nominations

Nominations are open until Friday, Nov. 8 for the Teaching Excellence Awards for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Anyone can nominate an outstanding teacher. Employees can find the nomination link in under Academic Services and students can find the link in Omnivox under My College Services.

Events, Living Campus, Promotional, Sustainability

Canada Invertebrate Expo will be at Dawson Nov. 16

Canada Invertebrate Expo: Édition Montréal 2024 will be a celebration of biodiversity, hosted by Dawson’s Living Campus on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 AM to 5 PM. There will be 35 interactive exhibitors and vendors.

The organizer is Daniel Zimmerman, a graduate of Dawson who is donating a portion of ticket sales to the ǿմýƵ Living Campus fund.

Visit the link to buy a ticket. There is a reduced admission price for Dawson students.

#DawsonProud, Academic News

Humanities & Public Life Conference – Visual Arts Panel Winners

This year's Humanities & Public Life Conference was titled  Express Yourself: The Arts & Humanities Alive at Dawson College. We had several goals: to talk about aesthetics, unite the college, and showcase student creativity. Students from across all programs and profiles were invited to submit creative work such as poetry, short stories, and visual art that incorporated philosophy or humanities course content.  Featured is a photo of the three Visual Arts Panel winners. Thanks to the hard working students and thanks to the Visual Arts Panel for their enthusiasm and hard work. The 2024 Humanities & Public Life Conference was truly a success.

#DawsonProud, Living Campus, Sustainability, Well-being for all

Dawson project featured in national sustainability report

Dawson's vermicomposting project is featured in a new report by Colleges & Institutes Canada (CICan).

The worms at work at Dawson are very busy transforming cafeteria food and campus landscape waste into rich organic soil. The project is already reducing the College's carbon footprint and still has untapped potential.

Read CICan's Campus Living Labs Report, which is found in the blog in the link. Dawson's project is featured on page 17 of the pdf or page 14 of the print version.

DawsonITE

DawsonITE Newsletter # 649

DawsonITE is your curated news related to IST and Education prepared by Dawson's Rafael Scapin.

In this issue:

  • Adapting GenAI for the next generation of learning
  • Researchers test ChatGPT, other AI models against real-world students
  • Introduction to AI tools for Lesson Planning

Submit News

Dawson Events

  • Nov 08

Last Modified: November 7, 2024

 

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