Farewell, Susan!

Susan Witter retired after 12 years as president of Douglas College. Last week, employees were invited to bid Susan farewell at a reception and dinner at the New West Campus. Read more...

Douglas wows prof from Argentina

By Lori Kittelberg, inside editor

September flew by for Isabel Pozzo from the University of Rosario in Argentina, who has been doing research at Douglas and other Lower Mainland post secondary schools this month. Already, she has chalked up her visit as a success.

“I feel like I need to give more back to Douglas College because I’ve received so much while I’ve been here,” says Isabel.

A professor in the Faculty of Education, Isabel develops teacher training and has a particular interest in how to teach Spanish as a foreign language in Argentina. She received a scholarship from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to research how students are taught languages in Canada.


Isabel contacted the Canadian Studies Department at the University of Rosario for contacts at Canadian post secondary schools and was referred to Margarita Sewerin (left) in the Modern Languages Department at Douglas. From there, Douglas became Isabel’s home base where she has interviewed mainly instructors and some students. She has also visited SFU, UBC and the local branch of the Canadian Federation of University Women.

“Margarita has shown me your programs dealing with diversity, including the adult literacy program I-CARE and ESL. In ESL, teaching is about more than just language – it’s about the integration of newcomers to Canada. I’ve been visiting classes, and learning about your teaching methodology and resources,” says Isabel.

She’s leaving with a positive impression. “I’ve seen so much diversity in your students and in the variety of programs at Douglas. I’m also interested in the integration of the post secondary institutions here. In Argentina, you have to start over if you transfer from one school to another. And I’m impressed with the teaching level here – student needs are taken into account while giving them a high quality of education.”

Margarita says the College benefits at least as much from having professors like Isabel visit Douglas. “It really broadens our horizons by opening a window to the world. It’s a good opportunity for exchanging ideas and experiences. It’s a two-way benefit.”

Before leaving Douglas, Isabel wanted to get out the message that in return, the University of Rosario welcomes visitors from Douglas. “Whether you want to practice your Spanish or you’re planning to visit Rosario, let me know! I’d like to give special thanks to Margarita and to the College for their support.” Read more...

And the winner is...

Aboriginal Student Services Coordinator Dave Seaweed wins the draw for two tickets to the Giants game next Tuesday. Thanks to all who entered the draw. And enjoy the game, Dave! Read more...

Douglas represents at Vancouver Triathlon

Six faculty members from the Sport Science Department lead by example, competing in two teams in the Vancouver Triathlon on Labour Day weekend. Both teams ranked in the top 10!

Team Bernoulli - Lara Duke, Val Hadd and Brian Storey - ranked 4th place out of 28 teams, clocking in at an amazing 2:15:29. Team EPOC - Ken Anderson, Kathryn Duff and Gord Sturrock - ranked 9th with an inspiring 2:32:15. Congratulations, guys! Read more...

Bats, birds ΄n bugs

Metro Vancouver kids will continue learning about the important three Bs – bats, birds ΄n bugs – thanks to a recent donation by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Foundation to the Institute of Urban Ecology (IUE) at Douglas College.

RBC’s Karen Baker-MacGrotty (centre) presented IUE Executive Director Rob McGregor (left) and Douglas President Scott McAlpine (right) with a $5,000 cheque last week. The funds will support free workshops given by IUE staff to schools and community groups across Metro Vancouver.

Since its creation in 1996, the IUE has been dedicated to conserving urban biodiversity and educating the public about the value of nature in the city. Read more...

And the winner is...

Animal Health Technology Lab Technician Kirsten Wilson is the winner of the ABBA Cadabra ticket draw. Kirsten's favourite baby names are Shayla and Latief. Thank you to all the inside readers who entered. And thanks again to Terri Rodger at the Royal City Record for generously providing the tickets.

If you're still interested in going to this fundraiser for the Canadian Diabetes Association on Saturday, September 19 at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, tickets are still available! Visit the Music for Life IV webpage for details. Read more...

Aboriginal Gathering Place gets funds

By Lori Kittelberg

The Ministry of Advanced Education has approved $600,000 in funds towards creating an Aboriginal Gathering Place.

The College is working in partnership with the Qayqayt First Nation on the project. The new space will be built on the external terrace outside of Student Services on the fourth floor of the New West Campus and kitty corner to the Aboriginal Student Services Centre. It will include a central gathering area with seating for up to 60 people, wall displays and art pieces, student lounge seating, study carrels and computer stations and offices.

The new Gathering Place will enhance the student support services available to Aboriginal students on campus, while providing a dedicated space for cultural exhibitions and ceremonial activities such as Aboriginal Awareness Day celebrations and the new student Welcome Feast, says Aboriginal Student Services Coordinator Dave Seaweed (above).

"This space will help create Aboriginal awareness throughout Douglas College. It will act as a classroom, a cultural centre and a comfortable drop-in area. It will definitely be an asset to Aboriginal student success because of the motif and the amazing view. It will also be an area where we can conduct Aboriginal Healing Ceremonies,” says Seaweed.

The Gathering Place will be used for class functions by the Aboriginal Child and Youth Care Stream and the Aboriginal Mentor Support Course. The space will also be available for booking by Aboriginal community groups for workshops and meetings.

“I am proud and thankful to have had such a caring committee who helped in solidifying this proposal,” says Seaweed. Read more...

Movers ’n shakers

Aboriginal Student Services Coordinator Dave Seaweed is joining the Aboriginal Educational Advisory Council (AEAC) of the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC). The AEAC advises the JIBC on matters relating to Aboriginal students, community partnerships and protocols.

Baby News
The Bookstore staff extend congratulations to Erica McKeddie and her husband Bryan – their son Brody Liam was born on August 8 at 8lbs 6oz.

The Centre for International Education’s Jenny Shin and her husband Vihn Truong welcomed 4-lb baby boy Bentley on August 30. Bentley’s big brothers are Bailey and Brayden.

The Training Group’s Claire Coles and her husband Josh welcomed daughter Abigail Edith, born weighing in at 7lbs 12oz on September 2.

Staff moves
In the Centre for Campus Life (formerly the Centre for Sport, Recreation and Wellness), Khalid Ahmed moves from auxiliary to regular as Activities/Athletics Coordinator.

At Finance, May Liu moves from auxiliary into the regular position of Accounts Payable Clerk.

In the Centre for International Education, Cecilia Lascano moves into the new position of International Admission and Recruitment Officer.

At Learning Resources, Samantha Bloomfield joins the Library as Cataloguing/Processing Assistant, replacing Susan Schmidt who has taken early retirement.

The Registrar’s Office welcomes two new Associate Registrars. Kyle Vuorenin has taken on the role of Associate Registrar, Recruitment and Admissions as of September 8. Anne MacMillan takes on the role of Associate Registrar, Records, Systems and Scheduling on September 30. Both Kyle and Anne move to Douglas from Langara College.

In other Registar’s Office news, Lisa Beishuizen will commence the regular position of Information Services Assistant upon her return from maternity leave in August 2010.

There have been moves aplenty in the Faculty of Science and Technology. At the David Lam Campus, Diane Oorbeek moves from auxiliary to regular as Biology Lab Technician, Kirsten Wilson moves from auxiliary to regular as Animal Health Technician and Casey Pescod joins the College as Math Assistant. At the New Westminster Campus, Paula Kozak moves from auxiliary to regular as Biology Lab Technician and Keira Gunn joins the College as Math Assistant. Lindsay Walker joins Science and Technology as Departmental Assistant II. Read more...

Week of the coach, yes…that means you!

Do you coach in your community? Alison Gill, pictured with her niece Brianna, tells you all about Week of the Coach taking place at Douglas September 21-25.

By Alison Gill, Sport Science Department

Week of the Coach is taking place at the New Westminster Campus from September 21-25. If you coach at any level of sport, the Sport Science Department and Centre for Campus Life (formerly the Center for Sport Recreation and Wellness) want to recognize you!

This week-long celebration is open to all College employees and students, with the sole purpose of recognizing, promoting and inspiring community sport coaches. The week’s events will include guest speakers, open sport practices, one-on-one live or online Q & As with student-coaches and an Investors Group Community Award.

As one coach said, “I love to see a group of kids running, learning a sport and learning how to get along with each other. I’d like to think that my role as the coach will have something to do with the adults my athletes grow up to be.”

No registration or sign up required – just bring your passion for sport for children and youth, and get involved in the week’s activities! See the Week of the Coach website for details. Read more...

30 rocks

Office for New Students (ONS) staff and Student Ambassadors had a surprise in store for ONS Manager Kyle Baillie during the busy Welcome Week at Douglas. Kyle celebrated his 30th birthday on September 8. The stealthy team managed to sneak an oversized birthday card around various College departments for signatures and kept a large cake under wraps until they unfurled a giant birthday banner in the early afternoon. inside wants to let Kyle know after 30, it only gets better! Read more...

Tackling plagiarism and cheating

By Lori Kittelberg, inside editor

Unsure of how to handle the heavy issues of plagiarism and cheating? The Centre for Academic and Faculty Development (CAFD) recently hosted professional development (PD) sessions at both campuses on Preventing Academic Dishonesty, where instructors read and discussed a letter written by a Political Science professor to his students.

“I’m deeply convinced that integrity is an essential part of any true educational experience, integrity on my part as a faculty member and integrity on your part as a student,” writes Bill Taylor of Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Illinois in “Academic Integrity: A Letter to My Students.”

“To take an easy example, would you want to be operated on by a doctor who cheated his way through medical school? Or would you feel comfortable on a bridge designed by an engineer who cheated her way through engineering school? Would you trust your taxes to an accountant who copies his exam answers from his neighbor?”

Prof. Taylor goes on to lay out terms both he and his students should meet throughout his course in several areas: class preparation; in-class conduct; exams; written assignments; final grades; and failures to live up to responsibilities.

While some participants in the Douglas PD sessions said they were looking forward to using the letter as-is in their own classes, some were concerned that encouraging students to come forward if they suspect a classmate of cheating could open the door to some students “snitching” on classmates to settle personal issues.

Decide for yourself. Read the Bill Taylor Letter in its entirety and acquaint yourself with the Douglas Academic Dishonesty Policy online. Read more...

BBQ fun

Douglas employees bade farewell to the Summer semester and said hello to Fall with barbecues at New Westminster and David Lam campuses. Mother Nature cooperated both days, with nary a rain drop during the festivities. Read more...

Meet doug

by Lori Kittelberg, doug editor

Who’s doug, you ask? In a nutshell, doug’s more a ‘what’ than a ‘who.’ doug is a place where the community - the Douglas community and the communities we serve - can come to get a peek at the fun side of Douglas College. It’s the place where students can have their say and hear about what other students - and sometimes grads and instructors - are doing.

In today’s stories: find out how Ashley-Anne Churchill went from a retail rut to studying Environmental Science; see video of opera singer and former Music student Lance Ryan in action; look at pics from the Late Summer Orientation and more.

doug is a casual community where you get the news as it is. It's a place for our students to tell their stories in their voices. If you know a student who is doing something cool, let us know or tell them to contact doug directly at douglasishere@gmail.com.

If you’re on Google, Bloglines, netvibes, newsgator or My Yahoo, subscribe to posts on doug – scroll down and to the left to do this. For more detail, have a look at How to follow blogs for an easy-to-follow video. Or bookmark douglasishere.com and check back every couple days.

Pay doug a visit today! Read more...