Weekly Update – March 5
March 5, 2021
Weekly Update – March 5
Update on Return to Campus
This week, Carleton President Bacon announced “the most likely scenario for the fall seems to be a gradual and safe return to campus, as public health regulations permit, and a course and program delivery model that allows for maximum flexibility for students. In all likelihood, large classes will continue online for fall 2021, but we anticipate that it will be possible to offer a significant proportion of smaller classes, labs and tutorials in person or in a blended format. We will be providing more specific information regarding our plans, including the development of the timetable for the fall, as the situation continues to evolve”.
CUASA is continuing to monitor the situation and will be seeking further information from the administration on what this means for our members. We have heard expressions of concern regarding workload and questions on what is to come as the University transitions back to campus. Rest assured that we will keep our members informed every step of the way.
CUASA Business
Nominations for Steering Positions
We are still accepting nominations for the following Steering positions (click on the title to read the position description):
Information on the nominations process can be found on our How to Volunteer page. The work of the Association continues, despite the current environment we find ourselves in. Remember that our Association is only as strong as its membership, so we count on the time and commitment of our members to achieve our goals. Some of these positions come with a course release subject to the availability of funds (please ask if interested).
Retired Representatives on Council
CUASA council has two positions for retired persons representatives. The terms of both positions expire on March 31, 2021 and accordingly the Carleton University Retirees Association (CURA) has been mandated by CUASA to fill these positions. It should be noted that these positions are ‘voice but no vote’. That is, one can speak to any issue but not put motions or vote for motions. This is open only to CUASA members who have retired.
It is expected that the representatives attend the usually two-hour long, monthly council meetings, this year on Zoom.
If you wish to stand for election for the CUASA rep position please send your name and former CUASA unit to the CURA president: [email protected]
Depending on the response, elections will be held. Since this is the first time this approach is being used, please inform the President of CURA before March 1, 2021 so that the next step can be organized.
Carleton Updates
“Employee Well-being in Times of COVID-19”: Overview of Key Findings
The Mental Health and Well-Being Research and Training Hub (MeWeRTH) is hosting a keynote address by Dr. Linda Duxbury. This talk reports on the key findings from analysis of the data provided by the 1,018 Carleton employees who responded to the “Employee Well-being in Times of COVID-19” study. The event will take place on March 18, from 2:30 to 4:00pm. You can register for the event here.
Achievement Award Winners
CUASA would like to extend sincere congratulations to the winners of the annual Achievement Awards, which recognize the research and teaching of Carleton’s academic staff.
More information on the award recipients can be found at these links:
Senate Standing Committees
The Carleton University Senate is calling for nominations for faculty members to serve on a variety of Senate Standing Committees. The term of office is three years, and will begin on July 1, 2021.
To learn more about the committees and their current vacancies, please review the Call for Nominations. Interested applicants are encouraged to complete the online application form on the Senate website by Mar. 31, 2021. An election will be scheduled for contested positions.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Assistant University Secretary, Kathy McKinley at [email protected].
Academic Community Updates
From across Ontario, faculty, students, and staff call on Ross Romano to provide more funding for Laurentian University
Members of the Ontario Universities and Colleges Coalition (OUCC), of which OCUFA is a member, are calling on Ross Romano and the Ontario government to provide Laurentian University with the necessary funding to secure the future of the university.
Students, staff, and faculty should not have to pay the price for the poor governance practices of an underfunded public institution. Ross Romano knew about Laurentian’s difficulties for six months, more than enough time to avoid this crisis. He knew what was coming and chose to do nothing, putting Laurentian’s future at risk.
Read the full statement here.
Make your voice heard: Click here to send a letter demanding the provincial and federal governments intervene to protect this vital public institution.
CAUT condemns Alberta Budget 2021’s further cuts to post-secondary education
Further cuts to post-secondary education announced in last week’s Alberta Budget 2021 will create long-term damage to the knowledge infrastructure of the province, says CAUT. Click here to read more.
Statement of support for Professors Jan Grabowski and Barbara Engelking
CAUT condemns the unjust conviction last month by a Polish Court of Canadian professor Jan Grabowski (University of Ottawa) and Polish professor Barbara Engelking (Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw) for their scholarship critically examining the Holocaust in Poland. Click here to read more.
Labour Community Updates
ODLC International Women’s Day Event
You’re invited to join the ODLC International Women’s Day (IWD) Virtual Event on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 6:30pm. This event is being hosted and sponsored by the Ottawa and District Labour Council Women’s Committee.
Advanced registration is required. RSVP here.
A People First Agenda: Help & Hope – An International Women’s Day Discussion with MPP Jill Andrew & MPP Peggy Sattler
On Monday, March 8 at 4:00 p.m., join the Ontario Federation of Labour for a town hall discussion with MPP Jill Andrew, NDP Women’s Issues Critic, MPP Peggy Sattler, NDP Pay Equity Critic, and Shauna Harris, Executive Member of the NDP Women’s Committee.
The discussion will cover the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on women, why Ontario needs an intersectional gender equity strategy, & more. RSVP here.
