President named chair of U15 group

Canada's U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities has named Feridun Hamdullahpur its next Chair for a fixed two-year term.

Hamdullahpur, who previously served as U15 vice-chair, assumes the leadership role from outgoing U15 Chair Amit Chakma, Western University's president and vice-chancellor. Chakma and Hamdullahpur are pictured above with Suzanne Corbeil, executive director of the U15.

"I am honoured to assume The U15 chair, building on the excellent momentum that Professor Chakma and our U15 team have established over the past two years. The establishment of the Canada First Research Excellence Fund earlier this year is a testament to the U15's national leadership on research advocacy and policy," said Hamdullahpur. "Fostering a deep and effective research system for Canada is essential for the country's competitiveness. Looking ahead, we are committed to further enhancing The U15's position as the sector's premier research advocacy forum, actively representing those Canadian universities at the forefront of research and innovation."

Since its establishment in the mid 1980s, The U15 has grown to include the leading research intensive universities from across Canada. Its members foster world-class scholarship that shapes and achieves Canadian and global public policy goals, informs industry partnerships, fosters social, cultural, economic and environmental innovation and advances Canada's international influence and effectiveness.

With the creation of The U15 Directorate in 2012, and the appointment of Suzanne Corbeil as executive director, a more engaged advocacy and government partnership strategy was instituted.

"The U15 has emerged as a powerful voice in Canada and around the world. By driving our research intensive universities towards greater global excellence, it enables Canada to compete with the world's leaders in knowledge creation and translation for the benefit of all Canadians," says Chakma. "It has been my honour and privilege to work with my U15 colleagues, the Government of Canada and other partners as U15 chair as we advance this important national objective. I am delighted that Professor Hamdullahpur will succeed me as chair and I look forward to his continued leadership."

In addition to developing and advocating for the Canada First Research Excellence Fund in Budget 2014, The U15 has maintained and expanded its working relationship with the government to include consulting on a multitude of policies and programs that affect Canada's research priorities.

"Our government is proud to work in partnership with The U15 to ensure our record investments in science and technology continue to push the boundaries of knowledge, create jobs and prosperity and improve the quality of life of Canadians," says Ed Holder, Canada's Minister of State (Science and Technology). "In his role as Chair of the U15, Professor Chakma's vision, leadership and grace have encouraged Canada's research intensive universities to strive for global excellence to be world leaders. I look forward to working with Professor Hamdullahpur in this tradition through our new legacy commitments like the Canada First Research Excellence Fund."

Photograph by the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.

 

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You've got until Monday to get "Fees Arranged"

Well, it's that time of year again.

Undergraduate students of all stripes will need to become "Fees Arranged" in order to gain access to course material on LEARN on the first day of lectures, which is Monday, September 8.

Being "Fees Arranged" means that students have shown Finance - Student Accounts how they intend to cover their fees for the term, and have made a commitment to pay all fees charged to their account.

Fees Arranged status is also a prerequisite for receiving scholarships, bursaries, and other awards, and to having OSAP money released.

As always, there are two ways to become fees arranged - a promissory note or full payment by certified cheque, money order or bank draft, international or Western Union wire transfer.

The Finance - Student Accounts website has more information.

 

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Walking the sustainable walk and other notes

This week's #UWCommunity blog post has been updated, and deals with the Sustainable Campus Initiative's work in establishing the sustainable pathway in the courtyard outside the Davis Centre. Read the full story on the Community Relations blog.

Can you hear me now?: Construction has begun on the campus cell tower, which the Board of Governors approved last June in an effort to address concerns about cellular phone coverage on campus. The tower is located near Health Services on the north side of the Health Services road.

The Math Undergraduate Office, located in MC 4022, will be closed for three days starting Monday, August 25, through to Wednesday, August 27. The Office will reopen on Thursday, August 28 at 9:00 a.m.

While we're on the subject of closures, here's a reminder that the entrance roadway at the Needles Hall kiosk will be closed for 3 to 4 weeks as masons install the brickwork on the northwest corner of the building addition. Access, both entry and exit, will be from the northern lane (or exit side) of the kiosk.

Renovations at the Student Life Centre Tim Hortons continue apace. Not that I'm out there lurking in the bushes muttering "soon" or anything like that. Not at all like that.

 

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