Queen's Gazette | Queen's University

Queen's University Queen's University
    Search Type

    Search form

    Campus Community

    Strategic Thinking among upcoming HR workshops

    Wednesday February 24, 2016
    By Communications Staff

    Queen’s Human Resources offers a variety of individual workshops as well as lunch and learn sessions. See below for more information about a few of the upcoming sessions offered in the coming weeks. Visit the HR website to view the entire learning catalogue and to sign up.

    OLAF Method of Time Management
    Wednesday, March 2, 9 am-noon,     Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Room B176

    Attend this seminar to discover the power of clear objectives and learn different styles of list making. Participants will learn how to develop strategies to help them maintain focus and build an agenda that works for them. (Departmental fee: $50)

    Strategic Thinking
    Thursday, March 3, 9 am-4 pm,     Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Room B176

    Participants will learn about the theory and techniques of strategic thinking. They will develop the skills needed to achieve strategic change, link vision and concepts to the desired outcome, and identify and influence decision-makers. (Departmental fee: $50; part of the Administrative Professionals @ Queen’s master certificate program)

    MS Excel – Advanced
    Tuesday, March 8, 9 am-noon, Jeffrey Hall 156

    Students will learn how to modify charts, use functions such as IF and VLOOKUP and create an advanced filter. They will also learn how to summarize a table using a PivotTable, a PivotChart and slicers. Students will learn how to restrict data entry, analyze data using tools such as Scenario report, Goal Seek and grouped Subtotals. This course will include an overview of macros. (Departmental fee: $50)

    Working with People on Projects
    Tuesday, March 8, 9 am-4 pm, Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Room B176

    This workshop compliments Lynda Pinnington’s “Fundamentals of Project Management” by going deeper into the practical considerations people face working together on a project. Participants will learn to clearly identify responsibilities, establish communication plans and understand the essential elements required for successful project teams. (This is a stand-alone workshop and does not require prior completion of “Fundamentals of Project Management.” Departmental fee: $50)

    Principles of Project Management
    Wednesday, March 9, 9 am-4 pm, Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Room B176

    This workshop will focus on the technical and people factors that influence project success. Participants will learn how to plan projects, monitor progress and achieve desired results using tools and techniques to develop task lists, resource requirements and realistic project schedules. In addition, there will be a discussion on some of the people issues such as gaining cooperation and commitment, and leading effective project meetings. (Departmental fee: $50; part of the Administrative Professionals @ Queen’s certificate program)

    Positive Space
    Thursday, March 10, 9-11 am, Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Room B176

    The Positive Space program at Queen’s brings visibility and support to queer communities at the university. Members of the Queen’s community can become program participants by attending a Positive Space information session. The session includes an exploration of language and discussion of scenarios, to assure a shared level of familiarity with queer issues, local resources and discrimination policies. At the end of the session, those who wish to become participants can register and receive a sticker to post.

    Tags: Campus Community

    Major decision time

    Wednesday February 24, 2016
    By Communications Staff
    [Majors Night]
    More than 1,000 first-year students attended last year's Arts and Science Majors Night at Grant Hall. This year's event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25. (University Communications)

    Choosing a major is one of the first big decisions for first-year Arts and Science students but by attending Majors Night, students at Queen’s University can make an informed choice.

    The second annual Arts and Science Majors Night is being held Thursday, Feb. 25 at Grant Hall from 4-7 pm. At the event students have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about each program within the Faculty of Arts and Science. Members from each Departmental Student Council (DSC) will be available at individual booths to answer questions about their experiences with the programs offered by each department. Last year’s inaugural event drew more than 1,000 students.

    “We want to help students find the best fit for them, and have a chance to explore the connections between academics and career options” says Cathy Keates, Director of Career Services. “This event connects students with peers and professional staff who can help with these important decisions and is an example of our ongoing work integrating career and academic advising.”

    Advisors from Academic Advising, Career Services and Peer Academic Support Service (PASS) will also be available to answer specific questions about choosing a program and where to find career resources at Queen’s, including QUIP, the year-long internship option for students after third year. Majors Night is a partnership between Career Services, the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS), the Arts and Science Departmental Student Councils and the Faculty of Arts and Science.

    Last year Queen’s also created “major maps” for all 44 of its undergraduate programs. The maps provide advice on academics, extracurricular activities, networking, international opportunities and career development, providing support before, during and after students earn their degree.

    Students can access the maps online, or get print versions at the event or through their faculty or department advisors.

    Tags: Arts and Science|Campus Community|Student Learning Experience

    Teaming up to conquer cancer

    Tuesday February 23, 2016
    By Anne Craig, Communications Officer

    Queen’s Relay for Life event raises funds to fight cancer.

    In an effort to honour those lost to cancer and those who are still fighting, Queen’s Relay for Life (QRFL) is hosting its annual event at the Queen’s Athletics and Recreation Centre.

    The event runs on March 11, starting at 7 pm, and QRFL is dedicating the luminary ceremony to first-year student Carley Elle Allison, who died of double lung cancer on March 31, 2015.

    “I will be sharing my memories of Carley and my time alongside her,” says Carley’s boyfriend Ioannis (John) Servinis (Artsci’17). “Carley fought through many adversities, from which she inspired and touched the hearts of many.”

    On the organizing team are: (l to r, back row): Anna Ploeg (Ceremonies), Christine Leung (Marketing), Lauren Wininger (Digital Media), Melanie Wightman (Co-President), Emma MacLean (Entertainment), Aleksandra Velickovic (Sponsorship), Nettie Robertson (Fundraising), Brianna Poirier (Registration). Front row: Cesur Kavaslar (Recruitment for Volunteers and Survivors), Mathieu Crupi (Co-President), Aaron Lin (Recruitment for Residences), Michael Hassar (Finance).

    The event is a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, an organization that supports investigators at the Queen’s Cancer Research Institute and the Canadian Cancer Trials Group. Participants have the option of participating in a six or 12 hour relay. At midnight, the track will be outlined with luminaries for loved ones.

    “This overnight experience gives hope to community members who have been affected directly or indirectly by cancer,” says Anna Ploeg (Artsci’19), Ceremonies Chair, QRFL. “Participants will hear stories from those who battle cancer – survivors, researchers and supporters.”

    At the event, teams will participate in fun activities, including Zumba, dodgeball, a Jello-eating contest, Harry Potter trivia, and more. While one team member walks the track with a relay baton in hand, the others can enjoy some of the activities.

    “The batons have been added this year to symbolize the teamwork required to conquer cancer,” says Emma MacLean (ConEd’17), Entertainment Chair, QRFL. “Every year, I look forward the most to the first lap of the track. The initial lap of relay is led by cancer survivors. It is an emotional and powerful celebration.”

    Two weeks after her sixth birthday, Ms. MacLean was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer that now has a survival rate of approximately 90 per cent, due to years of research and financial investments. “I went through two and a half years of intense treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but in the end my story had a happy ending.”

    At the age of three, Ms. Ploeg was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. “The tumour was the size of an ostrich egg and ate the left adrenal gland of my kidney,” says Ms. Ploeg. Fortunately, doctors were able to surgically remove the tumour from her body, and she has been cancer-free for 15 years. “The support system that the Canadian Cancer Society offers for cancer patients is outstanding, and working to help make the Queen’s Relay For Life event come to life is such a pleasure,” says the Ceremonies Chair for QRFL.

    Under the leadership of co-presidents Melanie Wightman (Sc’16) and Mathieu Crupi (PhD candidate), a QRFL organizing committee was formed in October. The committee, including Ms. Ploeg and Ms. MacLean, has organized two fundraising events per month and several awareness campaigns across campus.

    Individuals from the Queen’s and Kingston community can donate and register for Queen’s Relay For Life on the website. Every participant registered for QRFL this year will receive the chance to win tickets to see Hedley, Carly Rae Jepson and Francesco Yates in concert. 

    Tags: Campus Community|Student Learning Experience

    Feb. 23 edition of the Gazette available

    Tuesday February 23, 2016
    By Andrew Carroll, Gazette Editor

    The Feb. 23 edition of the Gazette is now available and can be picked up around Queen’s campus, as well as a number of off-campus locations.

    Read the Feb. 23 Gazette online.

    As always the Gazette is filled with interesting Queen’s-focused items including:

    • An interview with anti-stigma expert Heather Stuart (Public Health Sciences) regarding the growing global campaign.
    • An interview with Jyoti Kotecha, the new director of the Queen’s University International Centre.
    • An article on the importance of Black History Month with Carissa Gordon, president of the African Caribbean Students Association.
    • Updates on the latest research, awards and achievements of faculty, staff and students.

    The Gazette is published biweekly during the academic year; the next edition will hit the newsstands on March 8.

    Anyone looking to get a story, photo or information in the Gazette can contact the paper's editor Andrew Carroll or Senior Communications Officer Mark Kerr.

    Also visit the Gazette Online for more stories and photos and follow us on Twitter at @queensuGazette.

    Tags: Campus Community

    Paintings that change the mood of meetings

    Monday February 22, 2016
    By Wanda Praamsma

    The Artists Among Us is a series of profiles of Queen’s staff members who pursue artistic endeavours in addition to their work at the university. The Gazette will feature staff members on an occasional basis and welcomes suggestions. If you have ideas of people to profile, please contact Wanda Praamsma at wanda.praamsma@queensu.ca

    Sheena Graham’s neighbour in Gananoque inspired her to start painting almost two decades ago. Sheena would wander over to Heather’s studio for a chat and watch her paint. She admired Heather’s work and one day said: “I wish I could do something like this.”

    Heather immediately responded: “You can. Set up a vase of flowers and just paint what you see.”

    After some hesitancy, Sheena started painting at home, gathering as many tricks and tips from her neighbour, already an accomplished artist.

    Artist and Queen's staff member Sheena Graham, with one of her paintings.

    “Heather has been a huge inspiration and mentor to me,” says Sheena, who works as administrative assistant to Caroline Davis, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration).  “I never imagined I could do something like this, but when I began painting, I realized that once I jump out of my comfort zone, many things are possible. You can do a lot more than you think you can.”

    Sheena has since painted hundreds of pieces and has held shows of her work at various locations in Kingston and Gananoque. She currently has works on display at the Wellington Street Art Gallery in Toronto.

    Mostly painting in acrylics, Sheena has taken a few courses but prefers to teach herself and learn from anyone who inspires her. Much of her work is figurative – flowers, fruit and animals, often with whimsical and quirky flourishes – but in recent years, she has veered into the abstract, and deeper into her love of colour and texture.

    “People see so many different things in my abstract work, and I love that. There are so many interpretations,” says Sheena, who uses all sorts of tools and substances – knives, forks, wall putty – to build depth in her work.

    ***

    Sheena began working at Queen’s in 1997 in the Office of the Vice-Principal (Advancement). She later moved into Richardson Hall for a position with Diane Kelly, former legal counsel for the university, before taking her current role with Ms. Davis. She now provides administrative support for Ms. Davis, as well as Kim Murphy, Director, Risk Management, and others in the office.

    One of Sheena's abstract works, called Poppies in the Fields.

    With her paintings lining the walls in the VP suite, and several in and around her cubicle, Sheena has received much support and encouragement from Queen’s staff members, something she’s very grateful for and believes has helped her gain confidence in her work.

    “I’ve been told that having one of my paintings in an office can change the atmosphere of certain meetings, for the better,” says Sheena, who generally looks to create uplifting artworks, pieces that evoke a feeling of happiness. “Having so many of my paintings around my desk encourages conversation … sort of acts as an ice-breaker,  puts people at ease, and I believe makes our office more welcoming and approachable.”

    ***

    A mother of three boys, Sheena says, sometimes, it’s her insomnia at night that allows her plenty of time to paint, even with a full-time job. “Painting makes me feel alive. I never feel tired. It’s almost like something takes over,” she says.

    During the evenings, too, Sheena can lose herself in a painting for long stretches of time. Often, her youngest son, 11-year-old Noah, will come into the studio with her, and they will paint for many hours. Sometimes it’s Noah who stops to ask if, perhaps, they should go to bed.

    To see more of Sheena’s paintings, please contact Sheena directly at sgraham522@outlook.com.

     

    Tags: Campus Community

    Third-straight OUA title

    Monday February 22, 2016
    By ​Communications Staff
    [Gaels Women's Fencing]
    The Queen's Gaels women's fencing team claimed their thrid straight OUA title on the weekend. (Supplied Photo)

    The Queen’s Gaels claimed the OUA Women's Fencing banner on Sunday afternoon, finishing the weekend with a total of five medals and 294 points.

    The banner is the Gaels’ third in a row, making them the first team to accomplish that feat since RMC from 2005-08. RMC finished in second place with 289 points, while the host Western Mustangs finished in third with 227.

    The Gaels followed up their strong showing on Saturday with another on Sunday, picking up two team medals to go with their three individual podium finishes from the day before. Two of those medals were gold, with one coming in the individual foil event and the other in team foil.

    Mailys Rouganne and Jessie Pollett finished one-two in the individual foil event for Queen's while Lily Jiang had the Gaels other individual medal, battling to sabre silver behind Western's Marie Lecoq. Jiang was also part of the sabre team that claimed silver along with Francesca Pang, Sara Stonehouse, and Tina Zhang while Rouganne and Pollett teamed up with Kyra Dorfman and Nicole Turner to win foil gold.

    Men’s Hockey

    The Queen's Gaels men’s hockey team fell 4-3 to the UOIT Ridgebacks in the third and deciding game of their first round OUA Playoffs series, bringing an end to their 2015-16 season.

    The first two games were both decided in overtime with the visiting team coming out on top. In Oshawa Sunday, it was another tight matchup but the Ridgebacks prevailed with the winning goal coming with a little over two minutes left.

    Eric Ming scored twice for the Gaels while Darcy Greenaway added another.

    Women’s Hockey

    Clare McKellar registered four points helping the Queen’s Gaels women’s hockey team (13-2-7-2) finish their regular season with a 5-1 road win versus the Brock Badgers (7-3-13-1) on Sunday.

    Queen's was able to pick up an important three points, placing fourth overall in the OUA. Claire Warren was in net for her first game of the season, backstopping the Gaels to the win. The Gaels got two goals each from Jessica Wakefield and McKellar, while Kyla Crouse added another.

    On Saturday, the Gaels topped the Laurier Golden Hawks 4-1 with Courtenay Jacklin scoring a pair and Megan Farrell and Katrina Manoukarakis also finding the back of the net.

    Women’s Basketball

    The Queen's Gaels women's basketball team (14-3) extended its winning streak to five games Saturday in northern Ontario, defeating the Algoma Thunderbirds (1-18) 67-34 in their final road game of the regular season.

    Jenny Wright led all players with 16 points, shooting 7-of-15 from the field while tallying four rebounds and two assists. Marianne Alarie added 14 points to help the CIS No. 9-ranked Gaels keep pace with the No. 4 Ryerson Rams (14-3) atop the OUA East division.

    Men’s Basketball

    The Queen's Gaels men's basketball team (10-7) lost their second straight game Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie, dropping a 71-60 decision to the Algoma Thunderbirds (5-13).

    Sukhpreet Singh tallied a team-high 15 points with five rebounds and a pair of steals for the Gaels and Tanner Graham contributed 13 points. 

    The loss does not hurt the Gaels in the standings, as they have already clinched second-place in the OUA East division and cannot catch the CIS No. 1-ranked Ryerson Rams (15-2).

    Men’s Volleyball

    The CIS No. 8-ranked Queen's Gaels men's volleyball team (15-5) ended their regular season with a four-set victory (25-17, 25-7, 24-26, 25-20) over the RMC Paladins (0-20) on Saturday at the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) to secure second-place in the OUA conference standings heading into the playoffs.

    Ben Harper finished with a game-high 14 kills and three service aces while Scott Brunet added 12 kills and five blocks. Queen's now hosts the seventh-placed York Lions in the opening round of the playoffs.

    Women's Volleyball

    Shannon Neville and Shannon Hopkins each recorded a game-high 14 points, and the Queen's Gaels women's volleyball team (12-7) ended their regular season on a four-game winning streak, capped off with a straight -sets victory (25-13, 25-14, 25-21) over the RMC Paladins (1-19) Saturday.

    Hopkins tallied a game-best 12 kills for the Gaels while Neville added two aces and a block to help the Gaels clinch third-place in the OUA East division. 

    The Gaels now face the second-place Ryerson Rams (13-6) next week in the first round of the OUA playoffs. 

    Tags: Campus Community

    Flags lowered for Clifford Crawley

    Friday February 19, 2016
    By Communications Staff

    Flags on campus are lowered in memory of Clifford Crawley, a professor emeritus in the Department of Music and then the School of Music. He died on Feb. 11 in his 87th year after a battle with cancer.

    [Clifford Crawley]
    Clifford Crawley passed away on Feb. 1.

    Crawley taught composition and music education at Queen’s for 20 years from 1973 to 1993. Born in England, Crawley earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music from the University of Durham, as well as a Fellowship at Trinity College, London and he was an Associate of the Royal College of Music. He was a school teacher and Principal Lecturer in Music in the British College of Education before moving to Canada and Queen’s.

    Considered one of Canada’s best-loved composers, Crawley moved to Newfoundland in 2002, where he continued to write works for a wide range of performers, including colleagues at Memorial University, Newfoundland traditional musicians, and local school choirs.

    Along with his son and daughter, he is survived by his wife Beverley Diamond, who also taught at the Queen’s School of Music from 1975 to 1988.

    Tags: Campus Community

    Art installation examines meaning of ‘ghetto’

    Friday February 19, 2016
    By Communications Staff

    An art installation examining the historical use of the word “ghetto” and how the weight and meaning of the word have changed over time is being hosted at the Queen’s Centre starting Tuesday, Feb. 23.

    [GHETTO: A Retail Art Installation]
    'GHETTO: A Retail Art Installation' will be on display at the Queen's Centre from Feb. 23 to March 14. (Photo by University of Dayton)

    The Alma Mater Society (AMS) has partnered with ArtStreet at the University of Dayton to bring an art installation entitled “GHETTO: A Retail Art Installation” to Queen’s campus. The installation is a retail art experience that seeks to take the commercialized aspects surrounding the use of the term ‘ghetto’ and turn them into social, political and economic commentary.

    The exhibit will be housed in the Fireplace Lounge on the second floor of the Queen’s Centre through to Monday, March 14.

    A special opening night event at Common Ground Coffeehouse will offer a panel discussion featuring Rodney Veal and Brian LaDuca, two of the artistic producers for the original installation at the University of Dayton, and Alex Chung, the AMS Social Issues Commissioner. The panel will discuss the original ideas behind the installation, the importance of language and history, and the social climate at Dayton surrounding the use of the word ‘ghetto,’ as well as the parallels and contrasts it presents to Queen’s. A question and answer period will follow as well as a casual meet and greet with Mr. Veal and Mr. LaDuca afterwards. The event starts at 5:30 pm.

    Tags: Arts and Culture|Campus Community

    Fit Tips: Shoveling safely

    Friday February 19, 2016

    Shoveling is one of the most common seasonal injuries. Here are some tips to have you shoveling smart!

    • Take five to 10 minutes to get the joints moving and increase your blood circulation by walking around the house or jog on the spot before you start.
    • Keep up with the storm. If possible, removing snow over a period of hours will lessen the strain on your back and arms.
    • Push don’t lift, one of the best techniques is to push the snow from the center of the driveway to the sides and lift the snow from there. This reduces additional strain on the back from lifting and throwing.
    • When lifting the snow, keep your loads light, always face towards the object you intend to lift and avoid twisting your back to move the snow.
    • Wear breathable layers and good boots. Boots with good treads will help to minimize injuries from slipping.
    • Take lots of breaks and stay hydrated.
    Tags: Campus Community

    Student Health Services offers evening clinic

    Friday February 19, 2016
    By Communications Staff
    [Student Health Services]
    Student Health Services has introduced a walk-in evening clinic on Thursdays from 5-7:30 pm. (University Communications)

    Student Health Services has introduced a walk-in evening clinic this term to give students more options for accessing medical care on campus.

    The additional hours are Thursdays from 5-7:30 pm. Students are advised to arrive as close to 5 pm as possible because the clinic fills up quickly.  

    “We recently asked students for their feedback on our services, and the vast majority are satisfied with the care they received and their overall experience,” says Dr. Carolyn Borins, Director of Medical Services, Student Health Services. “The evening clinic responds to student schedules and will help reduce wait times, especially at this time of year.”

    Under the sick note policy, students who can’t meet their academic obligations due to a short-term illness should fill out a Self-Declaration of Illness form and take it to their instructors if they need to discuss an accommodation. Students are not expected to get a sick note from any doctor, either on-campus or in the community.

    Learn more about Student Health Services and the sick note policy.

     

    Tags: Campus Community

    Pages

    Subscribe to RSS - Campus Community