UVic hosts Saanich Cyclefest
Cyclists of all ages were treated to blue skies and warm weather as Saanich families came out in packs to the third annual Saanich Cycling Festival, held on campus April 22. The venue was fitting for the Earth Day-themed cycling celebration, as the festival transformed UVic’s parking lot 10 into a bicyclist’s paradise for kids and adults alike. Co-hosted by the University Sustainability Office, the event kicked off with two group rides for older and younger bikers, which converged on the University campus for an afternoon of music, entertainment, and education.
New research chairs tackle molecular basis of disease
Collaborative work by the University of Victoria’s two newest Canada Research Chairs may one day slow down the spread of influenza—especially when the next global pandemic strikes. Organic chemist Jeremy Wulff and biochemist Martin Boulanger are among a slate of new and renewed Canada Research Chairs across the country that were announced on March 13 by Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology.
High-ranking Chinese delegation visits campus
On March 15, Dr. Reeta Tremblay, vice-president academic and provost, welcomed Mr. Zhaoguo Wang, the Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress, to the UVic campus. Vice-Chairman Wang is one of the highest-ranking members of the Chinese government, and his visit recognized UVic’s strong and long-standing reputation in China.
UVic’s balanced budget framework addresses fiscal challenges
The University of Victoria’s Board of Governors approved a balanced budget framework for the 2012/13 fiscal year on March 27 that preserves funding in key areas such as student financial aid and library acquisitions while incorporating an across-the-board 1.5-per-cent reduction in other areas.
Talking books, or back to basics
“A human library? What’s that?” Although “Human Libraries” or “Living Libraries” have become a worldwide phenomenon, there are still many people on and off campus not familiar with it. As the chair of the UVic Libraries Equity and Diversity Committee, I was asked if the committee could organize a Human Library for 2012, following on an event held in 2010. UVic’s successful Human Library was held March 21 and 22 in the Mearns Centre for Learning/McPherson Library.
UVic Carrot Mob helps raise over $9K for green business
On March 21 downtown Victoria’s Sauce Restaurant and Lounge was the site for the second annual Carrot Mob, organized by UVic’s Business Sustainability Club and dedicated to helping local businesses become more sustainable. The day of business generated $9,084 that went into a fund to help the restaurant become a greener community member.
Symbols speak eloquently of living-with-dying
For many, living with a life-threatening illness is unimaginable. How does one garner the optimism and endurance needed to continue living while the end of life approaches? To help shed light on the experiences of people living with the uncertainties of serious illness, 32 people diagnosed with cancer, chronic kidney disease or HIV/AIDS joined forces with a group of nurse researchers to share stories and ideas about living with dying.
UVic appoints new vice-president external relations
The University of Victoria has appointed Carmen Charette to the position of vice-president external relations, effective August 1, 2012. The appointment follows a national search. Charette is currently executive vice-president of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), where she provides strategic leadership, advises the president and council on matters related to governance and communications, and represents SSHRC with senior government, university officials and private-sector and community leaders.
$1-million gift funds co-operative outreach
Central 1 Credit Union is donating almost $1 million over the next five years to the University of Victoria’s Centre for Co-operative and Community-Based Economy (CCCBE)—a gift that could increase if the province’s 1.7 million credit union membership expands as well. The financial contribution is based on a unique funding arrangement of nine cents per British Columbia credit union member. Subject to an annual review by Central 1’s board of directors, the centre could benefit by up to an additional 5 per cent per year
Public feedback informs CARSA redesign
Work on a revised design for a parkade related to the proposed Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) is under way following a series of open houses and public feedback on five options in March.
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