U of G News

Virtual Travels with a Nature Geek: Six Continents of Life
2024-03-04 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-03-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-03-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Arboretum Centre, 200 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
Since 1999, the Arboretum’s interpretive biologist Chris Earley has traveled the world as a nature tour leader for Worldwide Quest. Each of his six talks focus on a different continent and showcase the amazing life that is found there. You’ll meet wildlife you know such as whales, leopards and penguins, and wildlife you may not know, such as lorises, mobulas, silvereyes and geladas. Join Chris and his enthusiasm for these informative and entertaining forays into the nature of our planet.
Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session or book all 6 at once and pay $55 ($5 off the series).
Birds and Beasts Abound (Brazil and the Galapagos)
Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, noon to 1 p.m.
Today we look at the wildlife of two different places on this incredibly biodiverse continent. In Brazil, see the elusive (Jaguar) and the stranger-than-strange (Giant Anteater). We will meet the world’s longest parrot and visit a church that has befriended a wolf taller than a Great Dane. The Galapagos hosts a wide variety of inhabitants than are both accepting and entertaining.
Asia: The Land where the Leopard is King (Sri Lanka)
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, noon to 1 p.m.
If you like safaris, Sri Lanka is the place for you. With some of the world’s largest Leopards, a variety of habitats and beautiful birdlife, this “drop in the ocean” off the coast of India is an entrancing place for wildlife watching. Dancing daddy longlegs, displaying peacocks and inquisitive monkeys are ready to grab your attention.
North America: Friendly Whales (Mexico’s Baja California)
Friday, March 1, 2024, noon to 1 p.m.
Picture this: You are in a small boat in a shallow bay. You hear a puff of air behind you and turn to see a whale… but not just any whale, one of the world’s friendliest whales. And this whale lifts her baby up to the surface to meet you. For no reward and for no reason other than that she seems to want you to meet her baby as much as you want to meet her baby. These are Baja’s Grey Whales. Oh, did we mention that there are a myriad of other whales to see here, too, as well as sea lions, whale sharks, elephant seals, hummingbirds, shorebirds, gulls…
Australia: Research on the Reef and more
Monday, March 4, 2024, noon to 1 p.m.
Imagine literally living on the Great Barrier Reef. As an undergrad student, I did just that while I was studying a small bird called the Silvereye. Learn about the life of a coral cay island sitting on one of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems. Egg-laying sea turtles, 60 000 nesting noddy terns, 40 000 howling shearwaters, giant spider roommates, shark faceoffs, sandwich-stealing rails and more, all on an island less than 1 km long.
Antarctica: Amazing Animals of the Last Continent
Wednesday, March 6, 2024, noon to 1 p.m.
There be penguins! Visit the vastness that is Antarctica. Incredible vistas and frozen seas where seals, whales and seabirds converge on a food chain based on algae and krill. A stop at South Georgia reveals a Serengeti-like congregation of mammals and birds… including hundreds of thousands of King Penguins. Was that a massive Wandering Albatross that just flew by?
Africa: The Ultimate Wildlife Safari (Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia and Botswana)
Friday, March 8, 2024, noon to 1 p.m.
A trip to Africa is like stepping into a wildlife documentary… you literally don’t know which way to look or what animal to focus your attention on. The intricate patterns on the zebras and giraffes. The sounds of the hippos and hyenas. Size of the eagles and storks. Meet the largest, noisiest and jaw-droppingest collection of creatures you could ever hope to see.
Register to attend.

Procrastination Awareness Week (online)
2024-03-04 12:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-05 12:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-06 12:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-07 12:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-08 12:00 - 17:00 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
More than 30 online workshops on how to be an effective student are offered across Canada during Procrastination Awareness Week (PAW).
Universities and colleges from across Canada will host more than 30 online workshops on top time management skills and study strategies from noon to 5 p.m. EST every day this week. You can also get focused in the PAW virtual study hall, working alongside students from across the country.
More information and registration links will be provided in February 2024.
Questions? Email learning@uoguelph.ca.

Virtual Gardening Fundamentals
2024-03-04 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Arboretum Centre, 200 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
Garden Fundamentals will focus on ornamental gardens including trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and grasses. You will gain a good understanding of how these plants grow and their relationship with the soil. Robert Pavlis will cover lots of practical topics such as planting, maintenance, plant selection, sun/shade requirements, and give you some of his top picks. This course is suitable for the beginner and intermediate gardener.
Week 1: Understanding soil
Week 2: Selecting the right soil for gardens, raised beds and containers
Week 3: Perennials
Week 4: Trees and shrubs
Week 5: Spring and summer bulbs
Week 6: Ornamental grasses and garden myths
Week 7: Weeds, pests and diseases
Robert is a Master Gardener and garden writer who publishes two popular gardening blogs and has published several gardening books. He owns and operates a private botanical garden where he grows over 3,000 different varieties of plants.
Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session or sign up for all 7 and get one free ($60 instead of $70) Please note: You must sign up for all 7 at once in a single transaction to receive the discount.
Register to attend.

Decreasing Headaches
2024-03-04 19:00 - 20:30 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
More than 2 or 3 headaches a month are too many!
Learn practical strategies to decrease tension and migraine headaches, and the pain of headaches, without the use of pain medications.
This four-part skills program with Kathy Somers of the Stress Management & High Performance Clinic meets online for 90 minutes, once a week, for 4 weeks.
Full details and registration.
Fees:

$ 20 for University of Guelph students (due to a subsidy from U of G Student Health Services)

$ 57 for members of United Steelworkers Local 4120 (due to a subsidy from Local 4120)

$119 for all others

English Language Speaking Series: Communicating as a TA
2024-03-05 13:00 - 14:20 | McLaughlin Library, 480 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
This 6-week in-person program provides support for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and visiting scholars who use English as an Additional Language (EAL). You will learn and practice various oral communication skills and strategies in academic/professional settings.
Each session will be dedicated to a specific topic and will run for approximately 80 minutes. Please register for each session that you plan to attend.
Use the links embedded in each workshop title to register.

Jan. 30: Summarizing Research in Presentations
Feb. 6: Building Presentation Skills
Feb. 13: Communicating with Professors and Supervisors
Feb. 27: Participating in Discussions
Mar. 5: Communicating as a TA
Mar. 12: Practicing Workplace Speaking Strategies

Interested in more information? Can’t attend the workshops? Email writing@uoguelph.ca.

Graduate Accountability Group
2024-03-05 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-03-12 13:00 - 15:00 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
The Graduate Student Accountability Group provides a welcoming, safe and productive online space for graduate students to do their work. The group is facilitated by a learning specialist and is designed to help you identify small goals and accomplish them during short work periods.
Comments from previous participants:
“The group is a great way to work in community and accomplish tasks in a set amount of time.”
“DO IT! I was able to tackle lack of motivation and be productive in each session. The group helped me progress through the semester more than I would have on my own.”
The format for each two-hour session is:

Introductions and micro goal setting in group
25 minutes of independent work
Review micro goal with group and set goal for next 25 minutes
25 minutes of independent work
Review micro goal with group and set goal for next 25 minutes
25 minutes of independent work
Debrief and share main goal to be completed before next accountability group

Questions? Email learning@uoguelph.ca.
Please note that you are registering for the entire semester of the Graduate Student Accountability Group, which meets Jan. 9 to April 16, 2024. We encourage regular participation throughout the semester.
Once you sign up you will be invited to the weekly Teams meeting. Please use the rsvp function each week to confirm attendance.
Thank you and we look forward to working with you!

Data Skills: Data Visualization in RStudio
2024-03-05 13:00 - 15:00 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
In this workshop, we will use the ggplot2 package in RStudio to create visualizations (graphs and plots). The ggplot2 package is an excellent tool for creating customizable graphics.
Prior knowledge of R / RStudio is recommended, but not required. You must have R and RStudio downloaded to your computer before attending this workshop if you would like to “follow along” on your device (recommended).
NOTE: This workshop will be held online via Zoom. You MUST have a University of Guelph email (ending in either @guelphhumber.ca or @uoguelph.ca) to register and participate in this workshop. An email with resources and the Zoom link will be sent to all registered attendees 24 hours before the workshop, registration closes 24 hours before the workshop.
Software / Account Requirements:
Before starting the workshop, please complete the following:

Download and Install R (Windows) (Mac)
Install RStudio Desktop
Review the University of Guelph RStudio LibGuide
Review this video: What is R used for? Introduction to RStudio basics (5 min)

If you have any issues with your install, please contact the IT Help Desk.

OVC Industry Day
2024-03-06 15:00 - 19:00 | OVC Enhanced Clinical Learning, 415 Gordon St., Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Come chat with representatives from business, government and both the provincial and national Veterinary Medical Associations on March 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. in ECLA 1720. There will be swag, samples and door prizes to be had!
Learn about new products, services and employment opportunities. You can even meet veterinarians who work in some non-clinical careers. Organized by the Central Veterinary Student Association Industry Representative, this annual event features over 40 industries and associations that service the veterinary community.

Women's Only Swim
2024-03-06 15:05 - 15:50 | Athletics Centre, 150 Reynolds Walk, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Athletics is opening their Women’s only swim in March for staff and faculty to attend for free! No membership is required.
Staff should enter through Client Services to register for their free swim pass. Everyone should enter the pool through the changerooms. Locks are available for rent for $1 or you may bring your own lock. Bags are not permitted on deck and all belongings should be secured in a locked locker. For more details and swim policies see the Athletics Recreation Swim webpage.
Athletic Fee Subsidy, All Staff
Have you heard of the Athletic Fee Subsidy? This subsidy makes general recreation and fitness very affordable. With the Athletics Centre on campus, there is no initiation fee, and you can sign up month to month and pause anytime without penalty! You can also add on an NRG membership for fitness classes, the Fitness Centre and NRG Zone as part of the subsidy – so another very affordable rate for a state-of-the-art fitness centre and the best fitness classes in town! For more information, please visit the Fitness & Recreation membership page.
NRG Zone Information
NRG members have access to ‘NRG Zone’ – Athletics & Recreation’s new small-scale, sensory-reduced studio. This includes daily women’s only hours and hours specifically for staff, faculty, and grad students. View the NRG Zone website.

Take the Stress Out of IBS
2024-03-06 17:30 - 18:30 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
Learn strategies that decrease symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or a nervous/stressed stomach, by tackling the two greatest triggers of IBS symptoms…. diet and stress.
This program teaches the most effective relaxation, diet, and lifestyle strategies to improve brain-gut relationship and positively impact IBS symptoms. These approaches are helpful for those with IBS and for people with a stressed stomach who would like to better regulate their digestive system.
This practical, five-session skills program with Kathy Somers of the Stress Management & High Performance Clinic and Lindzie O’Reilly, dietitian at Student Wellness Services, meets online for an hour on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. for 5 weeks.
Full details and registration.
Fee:

$20 for University of Guelph students (due to a subsidy from U of G Student Health Services)

$47 for members of United Steelworkers Local 4120 (due to a subsidy from Local 4120)

$97 for all others

Procrastination and Perfectionism
2024-03-07 15:00 - 16:00 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
Procrastination and perfectionism are common challenges for many students. In this live online workshop, we’ll discuss the links between procrastination and perfectionism, identify strategies to decrease procrastination, and learn techniques for managing perfectionism.
This workshop is offered as part of the National Procrastination Awareness Week (PAW) programming and is offered to students at universities and colleges across Canada.
More information and registration links will be provided in February 2024. Email learning@uoguelph.ca if you would like a notification when more PAW programming is available.

2024 International Women’s Day Breakfast and Panel Discussion, Presented by GenEq
2024-03-08 08:30 - 10:00 | Waasamowin – Summerlee Science Complex Atrium, 474-570 Gordon St, Guelph, ON, N1G 1Y2, Canada
Join the GenEQ committee to celebrate women’s achievements and reinforce commitment to women’s equality at the 2024 International Women’s Day Breakfast and Panel Discussion presented by GenEq.
What to expect
Starting at 8:30 a.m.
Come grab a bite to eat and a hot drink at the Summerlee Science Complex Atrium, then find your seat for the morning’s panel discussion.
8:55 a.m.
President Charlotte Yates will offer words of welcome and remarks for International Women’s Day.
9:10 a.m.
Leanne Son Hing will moderate a panel on Inspiring Inclusion: how to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of women* are valued and included in academia, our workplaces, and our communities.
Please RSVP online by March 5 to help us minimize food waste. RSVP now.
About GenEQ
GenEQ (Gender equity at the University of Guelph) is an initiative to advance the status of women* at the UofG. We are all responsible for improving gender equity.
* The GenEQ Advisory Group use an inclusive definition of women that encompasses cisgender, transgender, intersex, and genderqueer women and encourage participation from individuals who are Two Spirit and/or gender nonconforming (e.g., non-binary, agender, bigender, and gender fluid).
Questions?
Contact the Office of Ceremonies and Events at uofgevents@uoguelph.ca.

Sexualities, Gender and Social Change (SXGN) Art Installation and Poster Competition featuring Public Lecture by Dr. Emily Ansari
2024-03-08 10:30 - 13:00 | MacKinnon Building, 87 Trent Lane, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
On International Women’s Day, the Sexualities, Genders and Social Change (SXGN) program in the College of Arts invites the campus community to attend an art installation and poster prize presentation, featuring a public lecture by Dr. Emily Abrams Ansari, assistant dean of Research and associate professor, Western University, Faculty of Music.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet the Collaborative Specialization students who created the posters in response to this year’s International Women’s Day theme, #InspireInclusion. The art installation, which will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and poster competition, which will run from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., will take place in the Arts Research Centre (ARC) lobby.
The competition will be followed by a welcome by College of Arts Dean Samantha Brennan. Guests will then be invited to listen to remarks by University of Guelph President Charlotte Yates. At 11:15 a.m., guests will be invited to the ImprovLab, room 108 in the MacKinnon building, where Ansari will discuss “Feminism, Crafting, and the Minimalist Music of Ann Southam.” Proceeding Ansari’s lecture, guests are welcome to mingle with SXGN faculty members and enjoy light refreshments in MacKinnon, room 103.

Honouring International Women’s Day Conference 2024: Refocus and Recenter
2024-03-08 10:30 - 16:30 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
The Community Engaged Scholarship Institute (CESI) at the University of Guelph is pleased to support the 7th annual free one-day virtual format conference in honour of International Women’s Day 2024, taking place on Friday, March 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.
This year’s conference highlights interdisciplinary and intersectional research addressing challenges faced by women*, girls and genderfluid communities. The theme, “Refocus and Recenter”, aims to amplify the voices, expertise, and achievements of women in research and beyond. It encourages a re-evaluation of traditional methodologies, urging participants to explore how diverse perspectives reshape our understanding.
The day will include keynote presentations from Nneka MacGregor (U of G Activist in Residence) and Layla Staats (activist, musician, film maker, change artist) and student research presentations exploring topics such as:

The impact of minority women in science, technology, arts, politics, and social movements;
Awareness about the intersectionality of feminism and womanism;
Celebration of achievements within underrepresented and marginalized communities;
Calls to action to accelerate gender parity.

“Refocus and Recenter” is more than just a theme; it’s a call to action. We invite researchers, practitioners, and participants from all backgrounds to exchange ideas that challenge the status quo, broaden our horizons, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Full program to come. Register now!
*Our definition of women encompasses cisgender women, transgender women, genderqueer women, and two-spirit, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people who are woman-aligned.

Graduate Accountability Group
2024-03-08 13:00 - 15:00 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
The Graduate Student Accountability Group provides a welcoming, safe and productive online space for graduate students to do their work. The group is facilitated by a learning specialist and is designed to help you identify small goals and accomplish them during short work periods.
Comments from previous participants:
“The group is a great way to work in community and accomplish tasks in a set amount of time.”
“DO IT! I was able to tackle lack of motivation and be productive in each session. The group helped me progress through the semester more than I would have on my own.”
The format for each two-hour session is:

Introductions and micro goal setting in group
25 minutes of independent work
Review micro goal with group and set goal for next 25 minutes
25 Minutes of independent work
Review micro goal with group and set goal for next 25 minutes
25 Minutes of independent work
Debrief and share main goal to be completed before next accountability group

Questions? Email learning@uoguelph.ca.
Please note that you are registering for the entire semester of the Graduate Student Accountability Group, which meets January 26 to April 12, 2024. We encourage regular participation throughout the semester.
Once you sign up you will be invited to the weekly Teams meeting. Please use the rsvp function each week to confirm attendance.
Thank you and we look forward to working with you!

College Royal Ball
2024-03-09 21:00 - 2024-03-10 21:00 | University Centre, 150 Research Ln, Guelph, Ontario, N1G2W1, Canada
The College Royal ball is a decades-long tradition occurring on the Saturday before open house weekend.
Get dressed up and come on out to dance the night away to the live band in Peter Clark Hall or jam out to the DJ in the courtyard, belt out some karaoke in brass taps, grab a bite to eat at the food trucks, hang out and catch up with old friends in the alumni lounge or test your euchre skills. The College Royal ball offers a fun night for all ages.
Event info:

Generously sponsored by the OAC dean’s office.
Coat check is included in the ticket price.
Absolutely no re-re-entry at any time.
No outside drinks are permitted into the ball.
Alcoholic drinks are not permitted outside of designated licensed areas.
Government identification is required for entrance to licensed areas.
We cannot guarantee immediate entrance to any of the rooms during the ball.
We reserve the right to deny entrance or extricate disorderly persons from the University Centre.

Buy your tickets by March 3.

Virtual (Zoom) Bird Sounds Series
2024-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Arboretum Centre, 200 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
Into birding but the songs have you stumped? Whether you are new to learning bird sounds or you want a good refresher, this course is for you.
Join Chris Earley, Arboretum Interpretive Biologist and author of 5 bird field guides, for a series of eight virtual noon-hour lectures that cover over 150 bird species! We will focus on songs and some common, distinctive calls and will apply different methods to remember them. Each course will start with a short intro topic about birding by ear before we dive into the bird species. Learn how to make your own calls, read a sonogram, make up your own memorable bird song sayings, and more! Each class will finish with a 10-15 minute discussion period so you can ask all your bird-related questions.
See the descriptions on the registration page to find out which bird groups are covered in each class. Each workshop is recorded and made available for a limited time after the series has ended for registered participants.
Fee: $8 (plus HST) per session, or register for all 8 workshops at once and get one free (pay $56 instead of $64!) Register early to ensure your spot!
Mondays and Wednesdays, March 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, April 3 and 8, 2024
12 noon – 1 p.m.

English Language Speaking Series: Practicing Workplace Speaking Strategies
2024-03-12 13:00 - 14:20 | McLaughlin Library, 480 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Confronting Contemporary Candian Colonialism
2024-03-12 15:00 - 16:00 | MacKinnon Building, 87 Trent Lane, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Join our guest speaker to discuss how settler colonialism remains ‘denied’ by many and how this influences mainstream political discourses.
Dr. Adam Barker speaks to how the term ‘colonialism’ seems to cause intractable conflict when applied to Canada. To some, Canada left colonialism behind with the British Empire. To others, especially Indigenous people and their allies, colonialism is very much ongoing, and settler colonialism very specifically is at the core of this.
When: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: MCKN 019
More information

START U of G: Homeroom
2024-03-12 15:00 - 16:30 | McLaughlin Library, 480 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Calling all Students! Come and join us for a casual study room sponsored by START U of G. This event is drop-in and is a great opportunity for you to explore different spots on campus, meet other students on campus, and find resources that can help you with your time at U of G.
Want to study with a friend? Bring them along. There will be study snacks and upper-year students to chat with if you want support!
For more information and additional dates and locations, visit Start U of G: Homeroom on GryphLife.

College Royal Hockey Game
2024-03-13 02:30 - 16:30 | Gryphon Centre Arena, 149 Reynolds Walk, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4Z8, Canada
It’s OAC vs Ridgetown. Come on out and see the University of Guelph Aggies take on the Ridgetown Aggies. A highly anticipated showdown with talent on both sides.
There is a minimum of $5 donation at the door, with all proceeds going to the Farmer Wellness initiative which supports farmers’ mental health.
Come out March 13th, 2024 to watch the match, entry fees will be donated to a great cause.

McCall MacBain Scholarship Information Session
2024-03-13 10:00 - 11:00 | University Centre, 150 Research Ln, Guelph, Ontario, N1G2W1, Canada
Full Scholarships for Aspiring Community Leaders
Considering graduate school for 2025 or later?
The McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s first comprehensive, leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. The program brings together students who strive to engage in positive change by taking on meaningful leadership roles.
The scholarship covers:

Tuition and fees for an eligible degree (150+ options) at McGill University
A living stipend of $2,000 per month during academic terms
A relocation grant and summer funding options
Mentors, advisors, and coaching
A leadership development program

Up to 30 full scholarships and 100 additional awards, from $5,000 to $20,000 will be offered annually for admission the following year. Two-thirds of the scholarships are available for Canadian students, and one-third are for international students in Canada and abroad.
Criteria: Character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.
Timeline: Applications will open in June 2024 for September 2025 admission.
Information Session: Join us on March 13 to learn about this scholarship opportunity! You’ll hear from a scholarship representative visiting from Montreal and a current student finalist from the University of Guelph. This one-hour information session includes time for Q&A.
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: University of Guelph, University Centre, Room 442
RSVP to attend.
