Annual Meeting, November 12 - 14, 2009
Calgary, AB
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The
2009 CCUBC Annual Meeting was held in Calgary, Alberta hosted by Dr. Jeffrey
I. Goldberg, University of Calgary and CCUBC President. 24
Biology Oriented department heads participated and found it to be very useful
in their capacity as chairs of the department. The meeting is a good venue for
exchange of ideas as well as extremely enjoyable, as it is full of social
events. It is valuable for forward planning and finding creative solutions for
the chair of the department common/ daily challenges. It is a great resource
for new Department Heads and Chairs. The next meeting will be held in Ottawa.
Please contact Paul
Marino for suggestions regarding the 2010 CCUBC program.
View Meeting Photos
Brief Summary
Prepared by Imogen R. Coe (York), with thanks to Mark Brigham (Regina) and Paul Marino (Memorial).
Welcome by President, Dr. Jeff Goldberg (University of Calgary)
Jeff expressed thanks to Wafaa Antonious, CCUBC Secretariat, and members of CCUBC Executive for assistance in making the Annual Meeting happen.
Jeff then invited reports from all chairs present and noted the major difference from last year's meeting was the substantially changed economic state of the world which would frame a lot of discussion of the state of departments.
Reports from the Departments (24 represented at the meeting) followed.
Participants:
1) Tracey O'Connor, Mount Royal University (Calgary), Alberta
2) Jeff Goldberg, University of Calgary, Alberta
3) Judy Anderson, Univ. of Manitoba, Manitoba
4) Peta Bonham-Smith, Univ. Sask., Saskatchewan.
5) Hugh Broders, Saint Marys University, Halifax, N.S.
6) David Rose, Univ. Waterloo, ON
7) Mark Brigham, Univ. of Regina, Saskatchewan
8) Stephen Heard, UNB, Frederickton, N.B.
9) Paul Marino, Memorial University, NL
10) Lucy Lee, Wilfrid Laurier, ON
11) Soren Bondrup-Nielson, Acadia University, N.S.
12) Imogen Coe, York University, ON
13) Peter Lee, Lakehead University, ON
14) Mark Bernards, UWO, ON
15) Felix Braden, SFU, B.C.
16) Mel Robertson, Queens, ON
17) Peter Ryser, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON
18) Will Hintz, University of Victoria, B.C.
19) Pat Chow-Fraser, McMaster University, ON
20) Ed Byard, University Winnipeg, Manitoba
21) Declan Ali, University of Alberta (representing Michael Caldwell)
22) Tom McRae, Dalhousie, N.S.
23) Ian Lambert, Carleton, ON
24) Robert Ireland, Mount Allison, N.B.
Similar challenges across the country regarding shrinking budgets were noted by almost all Chairs. Effects of budget cuts on various components of departmental activities such as experiential learning, lab courses and field courses were widely reported. Other areas where actual or potential cuts were described were to administrative and other support staff. Challenges associated with growing programs in life sciences (since these programs are often seen as attractive revenue streams) while handling budget cuts was noted in many departments across a geographic spectrum. The importance of teaching-dedicated faculty who are devoted to, and experts in, the pedagogy of science was also widely noted. The value of individuals with knowledge in the teaching of science was described by several institutions as they undergo a re-vamping of curriculum and programming. It was also clear that these teaching faculty are known by different names and have different status (inside/outside faculty union for instance) at different institutions. The widespread use of part-time faculty and sessionals to teach courses was also widely described and generally not considered to be positive.
Since some departments have undergone recent strategic reviews which they have found very useful, there was a suggestion to collect Departmental Strategic Plans. In addition, some departments have written Constitutions, which department without constitutions suggested might be useful as review documents.
Presentation by Marie-Claude Caron, from NSERC
Ms. Caron provided an update regarding the current state of funding for NSERC, the recent results from the NSERC Discovery Grants competition and various changes in other programs as a results of federal decision. More information can be found at the following link:http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/_doc/Discovery-Decouverte/2009_Stats_e.pdf
NSERC review system changes and impacts were described by Imogen Coe, member of GSC 32 (Cell Biology) from 2006-2009.
Revising First Year - Heather Addy, University of Calgary
Heather described the process by which the University of Calgary, Department of Biological Sciences, revised its first year biology course. Two new courses will be introduced, which are not getting away from lecture based approach completely but which will focus much more on learning concepts. There are still three hours of lecture a week but these may be used differently, for instance, peer mentors may be involved to ensure accountability. Labs will be weekly and will focus on problem-solving skills, more aligned with how biologists ask and answer questions.Personal experiences with similar approaches in the US, were described by Paul Marino (Memorial) and in Norway, by Soren Bondrup-Nielson (Acadia). A lab-only course at UWO was described by Mark Bernards (UWO).
Discussion regarding the need for math, physics, chemistry was introduced by Jeff Goldberg, (Univ of Calgary).
Suggestions regarding useful potential websites were made and are listed below:
Relevance of math to biology: Mathmetical Association of AmericaDiscussion about relevance of biology: National Academy of Sciences
Bio2010, National Academy of Sciences
Science (a series of pdf's on the issue) - http://sciencesignaling.org/cgi/content/abstract/sci;303/5659/788
TA funding and graduate funding
Discussion was led by Paul Marino (Memorial) regarding the various funding models around the country. Various formats are clearly being used although similar overall concept in terms of mixed stipend made up from various sources.CCUBC Annual Business Meeting
Chaired by Jeff Goldberg, President
1. Advocacy
A discussion regarding advocacy was led by Jeff Goldberg (University of Calgary).
When the meeting is organized in Ottawa there is usually a trip to meet MPs.
CFBS used to organize life sciences advocacy but, as of 2009, CFBS no longer
exists. There is widespread support, including from CCUBC, that having an
advocacy organization is an important thing. CSZ discussed advocacy at their
meeting in May and agreed something is needed. A conference call of life sciences
research societies and other groups, including CCUBC, led to birth of idea
of an organization of Life Sciences Canada. This concept is still a work in
progress.
2. CCUBC Business:
Jeff Goldberg's term as "President" ended replaced
by Paul Marino from Memorial who will organize 2010 meeting
in Ottawa.
Imogen Coe "Secretary Treasurer“ going on sabbatical. Replaced by Iain Lambert from Carleton.
1st Vice President is Mark Brigham will work with Peta Bonham-Smith to organize 2011 meeting (likely in Saskatoon with a tour of Synchrotron).
2nd Vice President is Judy Anderson from U Manitoba. Likely site for 2012 meeting is Ottawa.