Dean's Office Report

As we head into the summer portion of the academic year, this will be our last Faculty Insider until the start of the new semester in September. I want to wish each of you a productive summer in addition to some down time to relax and refresh before the influx of what is looking like a new record number of FAHS students this fall (more on that later).

Spring Convocation

This year, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences' students received their degrees across four different convocation events. A total of 1 PhD, 17 MA, 8 MSc, and 554 various Undergraduate degrees were awarded across these four convocations. Here is a link to the total convocation numbers during the week: https://www.brocku.ca/webfm_send/31530

Dr. Mary Breunig also received the Faculty’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and delivered a very inspirational convocation address at the Friday afternoon event to the students. In addition, Hayley Morrison (MA – Health and Physical Education) and Andrew Male (Physical Education - Concurrent Education) received the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Spirit of Brock medals and Mark Levitan (Medical Sciences) and Gaibrie Stephen (Community Health) received the FAHS Dean’s medal for academic excellence. A special thanks to all those who attended the various convocations and helped to make convocation extra special for our graduands.

If you missed it, here is the link to this year’s Convocation:

Friday Afternoon: http://livestre.am/4S9D1

Friday Morning: http://livestre.am/4S99N

Town Hall

Thanks to all faculty and staff who attended the FAHS Town Hall event on Monday, June 2^nd. If you missed it, here is a link to the presentation: http://www.screencast.com/t/dvbnvMsj. We also distributed copies of our Annual Report (http://issuu.com/fahscommunicationsofficer/docs/annual_report_2014)

Senate Update

Senate held its last meeting on Wednesday, May 21^st before adjourning for the summer session. I would like to draw your attention to a number of important decisions from that meeting:

a)   A new policy on Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities was passed: https://www.brocku.ca/webfm_send/31550

b)   The Planning, Priorities and Budget Advisory Committee passed a motion supporting the proposed 2014/15 Budget. The budget requires final approval from the Board of Trustees' meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 26^th.

c)   The Centre for Pedagogical Innovation has designed a Fillable Course Outline Template that has been endorsed by Senate. You can access the template for your course outlines at: https://www.brocku.ca/pedagogical-innovation/publications/syllabus

Senate’s Academic Program Review Process

During the summer months, the work of the Senate’s Academic Program Review Committee (chaired by Nota Klentrou) will be continuing. In particular, Departments will be completing the assessment forms for each of their academic programs. I cannot stress enough the importance of this review process and the need for cooperation and support of your Chairs. They will be asking you for your assistance throughout the summer in completing the assessment templates. Please offer your support in any manner that you can. Our programs are strong and vibrant and at the end of the day, we want to make sure the final report from this committee is a reflection of the strength and importance of each of our academic programs and research centres.

Intake Numbers

According to the numbers available through the University’s Dashboard system as of June 11^th, 882 first year students have confirmed their intentions to major in one of our 14 undergraduate programs. Typically, approximately 95% of these students end up registering in our programs meaning that once again, our Faculty will not only reach, but likely exceed our target set at 849 this year.

On the graduate side, we have already hit our target intake for PhD students; however, we are still accepting applications for MA and MSc students.

Walk of Life Event

A reminder about the up-coming Walk of Life event. All money raised will go directly back into our new transdisciplinary centre - Brock Niagara Centre for Health & Well-Being.  

When: Saturday, June 14th
Registration Begins 8:30am -> Opening Ceremonies and Draw Prizes 10am 
Walk Begins 10:30am

Where: Glenridge Naturalization Site
Parking off of St. David’s Road in the Niagara Region Parking Lot (signs will be posted)

Some of our prizes include: 
Niagara Helicopter and Jetboat Rides, A night stay in a local Bed and Breakfast, Golf Package, Dining out Gift Certificates, Passes to the Shaw Festival.

Register or donate at: brocku.ca/health-well-being/walk-of-life

Come out and support a great cause.