More democracy… yawn
So you think you’ve got what it takes to schmooze with university big-wigs, the media and fellow student government hacks? Maybe you think you have skills for talking all the time, but actually saying nothing? Either way, your chance to shine is approaching once again as the annual Students’ Union General Election takes place Feb. 14-16.
Nomination packages will be available Mon., Jan. 16 in the SU offices or on-line at www.su.ucalgary.ca. Available positions include president, four vice-president positions in the academic, external, events and operations and finance portfolios, four commissioners in each portfolio, faculty representatives for all faculties, one Board of Governors representative and two Senate representatives.
Voters can expect a plebiscite question asking for input on how the SU should spend $1.75 million in ‘quality enhancement’ money allocated by the U of C for next year. Also, recent discussion in Students’ Legislative Council points to the possibility that students may have a chance to vote in a binding referendum on the future of smoking in all SU-controlled indoor spaces, including the Den and concert events.
Last year, 21 per cent of eligible students turned out to vote.
New Provost to take control
University of Calgary President Dr. Harvey Weingarten announced the replacement of outgoing U of C Provost and VP Academic Dr. Ron Bond last month.
Dr. Alan Harrison, current Provost and VP Academic of Carleton University, will assume the role for Bond effective July 1, 2006. Harrison will also be a full professor in the Department of Economics. He has held positions at McMaster University as Dean of Social Sciences and Chair of the Department of Economics.
“The U of C’s record of innovation and its focus on quality is attracting the local, national and international attention it has earned,” said Harrison. “I look forward to helping to accelerate that momentum.”
Bond, who has served as VP Academic since 1997 and Provost since 1998, announced his decision to step down last May.
Haskayne power shift
Dr. Michael Grandin announced his decision to step down as the Dean of the Haskayne School of Business Thu., Jan. 5. Grandin has headed the school for the past two years and is stepping down to return full-time to his responsibilities as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Fording Canadian Coal Trust. Grandin will remain in a formal advisory role until March, and will continue informally beyond then.
Current Haskayne Vice-Dean Dr. Vern Jones has been named acting Dean effective immediately.
Teachers wanted
University of Calgary Career Services, the faculty of education and the Education Students’ Association will be hosting the U of C Education Career Fair in the upper track of the Jack Simpson Gymnasium Wed., Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The fair promises to feature over 50 school districts from across Canada, the U.S. and abroad, and will have opportunities for interviews as well as information on teaching and hiring processes. The fair is open to the public.