Clarification on Working Alone Check-Ins and Work-from-Home Requirements
Hello Faculty,
Several of you have raised questions regarding the Working Alone Check-Ins mentioned during recent Centre meetings. Frank Zappone has followed up with the Faculty Association and shared the following clarification:
"After consultation with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) officials, it has been confirmed that regular contact is not required if working alone is infrequent and involves minimal risk. Therefore, working late into the night, such as until 3 a.m. to meet marking deadlines, is not deemed reasonable for mandatory check-ins, as it falls outside of routine working hours."
Additionally, if you have a regular work-from-home schedule, please ensure it is communicated and approved by your Associate Dean. You may also need to complete Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) documentation to work from home for liability purposes.
If you have any further questions regarding the Working Alone Check-Ins or work-from-home requirements, please reach out to your Dean or Associate Dean for further guidance.
Cheers,
Mike Mayo
Faculty Relations Officer
Lethbridge Polytechnic Faculty Association
Welcome Back to the 2024/2025 Academic Year!
Dear Faculty Members,
As we commence the 2024/2025 academic year, we want to extend a sincere welcome back to each of you. We trust that your summer provided the necessary time to rest and prepare for the upcoming academic activities.
This year marks a significant transition for our institution. With Lethbridge College’s new designation as Lethbridge Polytechnic, we are entering a new phase of our educational journey. In line with this change, the Lieutenant Governor in Council, under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act (sections 32.1and 122), has officially renamed our association to the Lethbridge Polytechnic Faculty Association (LPFA). This name change reflects our evolving identity, but we want to reassure you that our commitment to advocating for your interests and supporting your professional needs remains as strong as ever.
As we move forward, we are pleased to inform you that the negotiating committee is preparing to resume bargaining. The initial discussions were conducted in a collegial spirit, and we are optimistic about continuing these negotiations with the aim of achieving outcomes that will be beneficial for faculty members.
In addition to our bargaining efforts, the LPFA is closely monitoring the initiatives that the administration is undertaking to enhance the psychological health and safety of all staff at Lethbridge Polytechnic. Several projects have been initiated to foster a healthier work environment, and we are looking forward to seeing these efforts translate into tangible improvements that will benefit our entire community.
Please remember that the LPFA is here to support you in any way we can. If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance with any aspect of your role as a faculty member, do not hesitate to reach out. We are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected and that your work environment is conducive to your professional growth and success.
Please refer to the link for the 2024/2025 Faculty Association Schedule.
We wish you all a productive and fulfilling academic year. Let’s work together to make the most of the opportunities ahead and continue to build on the strong foundation we have established.
Cheers,
Lethbridge Polytechnic Faculty Association
ACIFA Climate Survey Results - 2023
We reached the end of the academic year, I would like to extend my best wishes to each of you for a wonderful summer ahead.
I'm happy to share that the results of the 2023 ACIFA Climate Survey are now ready for review. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey. Your input is important as we continue to foster the growth and success of our College.
Your hard work and dedication throughout the year have been truly appreciated, and you have certainly earned this opportunity to rejuvenate. Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable summer.
Cheers,
Mike Mayo, Faculty Relations Officer, Lethbridge College Faculty Association
2024 - LCFA Election Results
Dear LCFA Members,
I am pleased to announce the results of the 2024 LCFA General Election. After a successful election process, the following candidates have been elected to their respective positions:
President (Term: 2024 – 2026):
* Dave English
Constituency Representatives (Term: 2024 – 2026):
Constituency 1 (Andrews (AN) & Phys-Ed (PE) – minus Early Childhood, Ed Assistants, CJ DLs):
* Dawn Keith
Constituency 5 (Technologies (TE) & Lakeshore Campus, including Early Childhood Education Faculty):
* Scott Lehbauer
Constituency 6 (Technologies & Trades (TT) & Construction Trades (TR)):
* Lorne Atwood
Academic Council Alternates (Term: 2024 – 2025):
* James Reimer
* Ron Papp
Board of Governors Representative (Term: 2024 – 2026):
* Sheila French
Students Appeals & Alternate (Term: 2024 – 2025):
* Deanna Forrester
* Teddi Reynolds
* Tali Neta (Alternate)
Professional Standards Committee (Term: 2024 – 2025):
* Gil Comchi
* Dorothea Morrison
Occupational Health & Safety (Term: 2024 – 2025):
* Rhys Hakstol
* Emory Hache
* Kelly Norgard
Negotiating Committee (Term: July 1, 2024, until twenty working days after the final signing of a subsequent Collective Agreement):
* Rosemary Shannon
We would like to extend our congratulations to all the newly elected members. Your commitment and dedication to the LCFA are greatly appreciated.
This concludes the election process. We thank everyone who participated and encourage all members to continue their active involvement in the association.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Mike Mayo.
Best regards,
Tim FyfeReminder: LCFA Annual General Meeting and Call for Nominations
Reminder: LCFA Annual General Meeting and Call for Nominations
Hello Faculty,
I hope you're all looking forward to some well-deserved summer relaxation after your hard work this academic year.
Just a quick reminder about the Lethbridge College Faculty Association (LCFA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) coming up. It's scheduled for Thursday, May 16th, starting at 4:15 pm, and you have the choice to attend either online or in person at the EC Fredricks Theatre. Keep an eye out for a calendar invitation for your convenience.
At the AGM, we'll cover updates on negotiations, share a financial overview, and discuss the future direction of the LCFA. Your insights and participation are vital, so we'd love for you to join us. Plus, there's pizza on the menu! If you're planning to attend in person, please accept the calendar invitation so we can make sure we order enough for everyone.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Elections and Call for Nominations
It's time to shape the future of the Lethbridge College Faculty Association (LCFA)! Nominations are still open for various roles within the LCFA. Whether you're passionate about leadership, governance, or making a difference in your college community, there's a role for you. Below is a list of current available positions and those who have put their name forward for the next election.
Check out the available positions and current nominees below:
Executive Positions (President - 2-year term)
Running:
Dave English
Constituency Reps (Constituencies 1, 5, and 6 - 2-year terms)
Running:
Constituency 1 – Dawn Keith
Constituency 5 – Scott Lehbauer
Constituency 6 – Lorne Atwood
Academic Council Alternates (Two Positions – 1-year term)
Running:
James Reimer
Board of Governors Representative (One Position - 2-year term)
Running:
Sheila French
Students Appeals Committee (Two Positions - 1-year term)
Running:
Students Appeal Committee Alternate (One Position – 1-year term)
Running:
Tali Neta
Professional Standards Committee (Two Positions – 1-year term)
Running:
Occupational Health & Safety (Three Positions – 1-year term)
Running:
Rhys Hakstol
Emory Hache
Negotiating Committee (One Position, must be continuing academic faculty - Starting July 1, 2024, for the remainder of the negotiation period)
Running:
To nominate yourself or a colleague, simply email Mike Mayo at mike.mayo@lethbridgecollege.ca. Alternatively, you can make nominations at the end of the AGM during a call from the floor. The election will run from May 17, at 9:00 am to May 21, at 4:00 pm, with the winners announced on the following business day.
We've achieved a lot this year, and we're excited to celebrate our accomplishments with you. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to Mike.
Sincerely,
Lethbridge College Faculty Association
Additional Information
Please remember that for faculty members adhering to the conventional assigned/unassigned days schedule, the final day on campus is scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2024. Regular campus activities will resume on Monday, August 26, 2024.
Please click the following link for the 2024/2025 - Faculty Assignable Work Period
AGM Announcement, Call for Nominations, and Election Notice
LCFA Annual General Meeting and Call for Nominations
Hello Faculty,
Congratulations on nearing the finish line of another successful semester!
As we wrap up the academic year, we're excited to extend an invitation to the Lethbridge College Faculty Association (LCFA) Annual General Meeting (AGM). It is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, starting at 4:15 pm, and provides options for both online and in-person attendance at the EC Fredricks Theatre. Additional information including reports and agenda will be circulated prior to the event. Keep an eye out for a calendar invitation as well.
During the AGM, we'll report on updates to negotiations, share a financial update, and discuss the overall direction of the LCFA. Your insights and participation are important to us, so we encourage you to join. We're planning to serve pizza; if you’re planning on attending in person, please accept the calendar invitation to help us anticipate attendees and ensure we order enough for everyone.
Elections and Call for Nominations
The time has come to shape the future of the Lethbridge College Faculty Association (LCFA)! We're excited to announce that nominations are now open for various roles within the LCFA. Whether you're passionate about leadership, governance, or making a difference in your college community, there's a role for you.
Below are the positions currently available for elections.
Executive Positions (President - 2-year term)
Constituency Reps (Constituencies 1, 5, and 6 - 2-year terms)
Academic Council Alternates (Two Positions – 1-year term)
Board of Governors Representative (One Position - 2-year term)
Students Appeals Committee (Two Positions - 1-year term)
Students Appeal Committee Alternate (One Position – 1-year term)
Professional Standards Committee (Two Positions – 1-year term)
Occupational Health & Safety (Three Positions – 1-year term)
Negotiating Committee (One Position, must be continuing academic faculty - Starting July 1, 2024 for the remainder of the term)
If you're interested in nominating yourself or a colleague, simply email Mike Mayo at mike.mayo@lethbridgecollege.ca to submit your nominations. Alternatively, you can also make nominations at the end of the AGM during a call from the floor. Once the floor is closed for calls, the election will run from May 17 at 9:00 am to May 21 at 4:00 pm, with the winners announced on the following business day.
We've accomplished a lot this year, and we're eager to celebrate our achievements with you. Should you have any questions or require assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Mike.
Looking forward to seeing you at the AGM!
Sincerely,
Lethbridge College Faculty Association
Additional Information
For faculty members adhering to the conventional assigned/unassigned days schedule, please note that the final day on campus is scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2024. Regular campus activities will resume on Monday, August 26, 2024.
Please click the following link for the 2024/2025 - Faculty Assignable Work Period
Engagement Strategies Toward Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment
If you are looking for PD opportunities this might be something to consider.
On Behalf of Human Resources
Creating a campus culture that promotes safety, respect, equality and the well-being of everyone in our community is a shared responsibility. As faculty, you play an important role in creating a safe and healthy campus for our students. Lethbridge College is offering all employees the chance to take part in one of three upcoming training sessions through the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services.
Engagement Strategies Toward Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment is a three-hour online workshop offered May 15, June 18 and July 11 and explores many important topics including defining what is and isn’t sexual harassment and what to do if you witness or hear about a sexual harassment incident. As the end of the semester is quickly approaching, we encourage faculty to sign up for the May session before leaving for the summer. Please use the links below to register for an upcoming workshop.
· May 15
· June 18
· July 11
Each workshop will run from 9 a.m. to noon. If you have any questions about this training, please don’t hesitate to email HR@lethbridgecollege.ca.
Faculty Vacation LOU - Transition Guidelines
Good Afternoon,
Following the March 12, 2024 communication regarding the rescission of the vacation Leave of Understanding (LOU) for faculty, please find the following guidance to help with the upcoming transition period:
Faculty intending to take time off between now and May 24, 2024, are encouraged to promptly engage in discussions with their Dean or Associate Dean (AD). Upon approval, faculty are requested to promptly submit a leave request in self-service.
The self-service leave request system will close at the end of the day May 10, 2024. Subsequently, a report will be generated and shared with each center, advising which faculty members have time to make up.
All vacation time taken during the academic year (August 28, 2023, to May 24, 2024) is to be made up by June 30, 2024. Faculty and administration are urged to work together to determine when this time will be made up.
Faculty unable to make time up by June 30, 2024, are advised to discuss options with their Dean or AD to determine alternative plans. These situations will be treated as exceptions and require prior approval. All time must be made up before the start of the next academic year.
Faculty who did not take time off during the current academic year and have not submitted a vacation request for the summer will not be required to do anything.
Faculty who did not return to campus on August 28, 2023 (off-cycle) of the current academic year, will be reviewed separately to determine the best course of action.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Human Resources if you have questions. Thank you.
Teaching Excellence Award Winners
Hello Faculty,
Each year, the Lethbridge College Faculty Association, and the Lethbridge College Students' Association team up to present awards to some of the best instructors at our institution. I am pleased to announce the recipients of this year's Teaching Excellence Awards, presented by the Lethbridge College Faculty Association (LCFA) and the Lethbridge College Students' Association (LCSA). Please take a moment to get to know this years winners.
Rookie of the Year 2023-24: Casey Bellemare
Casey completed his Masters of Education with a focus in counseling psychology at the University of Lethbridge in 2016. He has been employed by a local non-profit named Family Ties Association since 2015. His roles within the agency have evolved over the years, starting as a Youth Engagement and Family Preservation Worker, progressing to a Clinician, Behavioral Consultant, and eventually becoming Supervisor of group programs. Currently, he oversees the Abilities Services Program, which supports Family Supports for Children with Disability and Aiyiikakimaop for Children with Blood Tribe Social Development.
Family Ties Association has a longstanding and positive relationship with Lethbridge College's Child and Youth Care program. The organization consistently hosts practicum students within its programs and is aware of the high caliber of students enrolled in the program. When asked to teach in the program, he was enthusiastic about being a part of it. He acknowledges that without the guidance of an exceptional mentor at the college and the support of an outstanding Associate Dean, his success would not have been possible.
Teaching Excellence 2023-24: Karla Wolsky
Dr. Karla Wolsky, RN is deeply committed to fostering strong relationships with learners, acknowledging their pivotal role in enriching the learning process. This dedication entails being fully engaged both mentally and physically, establishing an environment where learners feel recognized, heard, and valued.
Dr. Wolsky fosters student success through a multifaceted approach, driven by genuine concern for learners' well-being, continuous professional development, and active involvement in research. Her commitment to student success is not just a professional responsibility but a deeply ingrained belief that guides her every pursuit.
Dr. Wolsky currently serves as an instructor within the Centre for Health and Wellness. Currently, she instructs in the Health Care Aide program (since 2022) and previously taught in the NESA Bachelor of Nursing program (2006-2022). Concurrently, she holds sessional appointments at the University of Calgary, instructing in the Graduate Nursing Certificate Innovations in Teaching & Learning pathway (since 2023); at Algonquin College in the Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) Pathway (BN, PN) as an online facilitator, subject matter expert, and competency assessor; and at the University of Saskatchewan, teaching in the Graduate Certificate of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) (commencing spring 2024).
Dr. Wolsky has held administrative roles as the Chair of the NESA BN programs (2013-2016) and Chair of the School of Health Sciences and Allied Health programs (2016-2019). She recently completed a graduate certificate in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) from the University of Saskatchewan (2023).
Dr. Wolsky’s research primarily centers on academic integrity in education, with publication within the Canadian Journal of Higher Education. In addition to this, her scholarly pursuits extend to various topics including student engagement, utilization of humor in the classroom, and understanding the educational needs of health care aide students.
Currently, Dr. Wolsky is collaborating on an applied research CARIF project with Rena Walker and a recent graduate in therapeutic recreation. Their project focuses on determining the optimal duration for engaging clients with dementia in preferred therapeutic recreation interventions.
Additionally, Dr. Wolsky is engaged in a SoTL project titled “Cinema Education: Utilizing Films to Teach Psychological Aspects of Client Care for Health Care Aide Students.” She will be presenting her findings at the upcoming ACIFA conference. Dr. Wolsky will also be awarded the ACIFA Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award during this event.
You are invited to join us in celebrating their accomplishments on Monday, April 15th, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Cave. This will be an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the outstanding contributions these instructors have made to our institution and its students.
We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the dedication and excellence of our faculty members.
Cheers,
Lethbridge College Faculty Association Teaching Excellence Committee
Changes To The Vacation Model
Good afternoon,
This e-mail is to advise faculty that Lethbridge College, with support from the Board of Governors, has provided written notice to the Faculty Association to rescind the Letter of Understanding (LOU) negotiated in the last round of bargaining regarding the implementation of a vacation model. Management has determined that the model is not working as intended, and as a result, effective July 1, 2024, will revert to the original provisions in the Collective Agreement affected by this LOU, specifically - Article 14 Academic Year, Article 12 Remuneration for Faculty Members and Article 16 Leaves for Faculty Members. During the first year of its implementation we have encountered many challenges, in both the administration of and application of the model, and believe the challenges outweigh the benefits we had hoped for. We have inadvertently created a complicated system to achieve our initial goal of providing more flexibility to faculty throughout the academic year. The college feels this flexibility can be achieved more easily with some simple procedures utilizing the leave system we already have in place.
As some faculty have utilized this new model to take time off during the regular thirty-eight (38) week work period, some transition work will be required between now and June 30, 2024. Human Resources will work closely with the Faculty Association to ensure the amount of assignable work time is in balance for each faculty member for the July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 work period. More details regarding process will be provided to you in the coming days and as we begin the transition.
Should you have any questions regarding the above, please contact Mike Mayo, Faculty Relations Officer, or Line Gagne, Director, Human Resources.
Thank you,
Dave English, President, Lethbridge College Faculty Association
Coreen Roth, Vice President, People and Engagement, Lethbridge College
You Are Not Alone Project - Advisory Recruitment
Hello Lethbridge College Faculty Members,
Winter is almost over; or so we hope. We've been asked to reach out to our Lethbridge College Faculty Member with an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact within our community.
ACIFA has partnered with the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC) to gain deeper insights into the experiences of discrimination faced by our members in their workplaces and union. To ensure a comprehensive and respectful approach, JHC is forming the "You Are Not Alone" ACIFA Advisory Group, and you are invited to become a part of this initiative.
As a member of the Advisory Group, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the JHC research team. Your expertise will help shape the research tools and frameworks, provide insights into the unique dynamics of your organization, contribute to outreach strategies, and offer valuable feedback on accessibility considerations.
Here are some key details about the Advisory Group:
Commitment: Four virtual meetings of approximately 2 hours each, scheduled between March and September 2024.
Recognition: An honorarium will be provided for each attended meeting, acknowledging the value of your time, expertise, and participation.
Confidentiality: Your responses to the application will be kept strictly confidential, accessible only to the JHC research team.
To express your interest and apply for a position in the ACIFA Advisory Group, please submit your application before February 29th, 2023.
Your involvement will not only contribute to a more inclusive and understanding community but also help shape the direction of the research. We believe that your unique perspectives are essential to creating positive change within ACIFA.
To apply, please click here
Thank you for considering this opportunity.
Cheers,
Mike Mayo
Faculty Relations Officer, Lethbridge College Faculty Association
ACIFA Climate Survey.
Dear Faculty Member:
Welcome to the 30th annual ACIFA Climate Survey.
Please find your electronic copy of the SURVEY FORM by clicking the link at the end of this email, after reviewing the following brief outline about the process.
The Climate Survey, which is distributed electronically through your local faculty association, is a highly valuable tool for your Association:
It enables your local FA to hear members’ views concerning working conditions and attitudes within your institution.
This knowledge provides your FA with a strong foundation to assist them in discussions with administration regarding key areas of concern.
The continuity from year to year of the 13 core questions allows associations to track changes.
A comparative, cross-institutional score chart shows system-wide results from across the province.
The survey is SECURE:
Utilizing SurveyMonkey.com, leading survey tool on the Web.
The survey is completely anonymous. IP addresses are NOT being logged nor are any personal identifiers.
The survey is SSL protected so that data is collected in a totally encrypted environment.
To operate the survey form:
Cookies should be enabled on your web browser. This is usually automatically set up on your computer. If not, and you are unsure how to do this, please visit http://www.google.com/cookies.html
The survey works with either the Internet Explorer or Firefox web browsers.
You cannot complete the survey on a public or shared computer.
Once you have begun the survey you must complete all questions, including any local association questions, in order for your responses to be counted.
Deadline:
The survey is open only until Friday, March 29th, 2024, at 11:45 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact your faculty association office or the ACIFA office at 780-423-4440.
Thank you for participating.
To complete the survey NOW please click on the link below:
Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K9G593N
Garry Wilson
Interim Admin
Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculties Association
LCFA/SA Teaching Excellence Awards
LCFA/SA - Teaching Excellence Awards:
Teaching Excellence at Lethbridge College
2023-2024
Each year, the Lethbridge College Faculty Association, and the Lethbridge College Students' Association team up to present awards to some of the best instructors at our institution. This years awards are for the 2023-2024 academic year. These awards are based on student nominations that will be collected over the coming weeks.
This years awards are for:
1) Rookie of the Year
2) Teaching Excellence
If you have any questions please reach out to Mike Mayo, Faculty Relations Officer at mike.mayo@lethbridgecollege.ca.
Nomination submissions are open from Monday February 5th, 2024 thru Friday March 15th, 2024. Winners will be announced in early April 2024.
January 2024 - LCFA General Meeting
I hope your semester has started off great and things are going well for all of you. Our January General Meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 29th, 2024, at 4:15 pm. Given that we are beginning the year preparing for another round of bargaining, we encourage all members to attend either in person at LaValley Theatre (IB 1101) or virtually via Zoom (see below for details).
We are eager to engage with our members to gather valuable feedback on the issues that should be addressed during bargaining and improving our work environment. Your input is crucial in shaping the priorities for the upcoming negotiations, and we value your active participation in this process.
Meeting Details:
Date & Time: Monday, January 29th, 2024, at 4:15 pm
Location: LaValley Theatre (IB 1101) and via Zoom
Zoom Meeting Details:
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87909522463?pwd=HrFfcVbT5ciRcfgRHTZww5yDBr8WYX.1
Meeting ID: 879 0952 2463
Passcode: FV83y0
One Tap Mobile:
+16892781000,,87909522463#,,,,*137609# US
+17193594580,,87909522463#,,,,*137609# US
Dial by Your Location:
[List of phone numbers]
Meeting ID: 879 0952 2463
Passcode: 137609
We understand the importance of flexibility in attendance, and providing both in-person and virtual options aims to accommodate the diverse preferences of our members. The agenda and reports will be circulated prior to the meeting so faculty can be prepared to discuss current events. If you have any questions or concerns before the meeting, please feel free to reach out to our office.
Cheers,
Mike Mayo
Faculty Relations Office, Lethbridge College Faculty Association
Negotiations Faculty Survey
Hello Lethbridge College Faculty,
We hope 2024 has started off exceptional. As we enter a negotiations year, we value your input and want to ensure that your perspectives and priorities are considered in the bargaining process. To facilitate this, we have created a survey to engage with you and gather feedback on the key issues that matter most to you.
The survey is now open and can be accessed at the following link: Survey Link
We kindly request that you take the time to complete the survey before 5:00 pm on Friday, February 2nd, 2024. Your responses will play a crucial role in shaping our approach and priorities during the negotiations.
We understand that your time is valuable, and we genuinely appreciate your participation in this important process. Your feedback will help us better understand your needs and concerns, allowing us to advocate effectively on your behalf.
If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding the survey, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Mike in the FA Office at mike.mayo@lethbridgecollege.ca
Thank you once again for your commitment to making Lethbridge College a vibrant and collaborative community. We look forward to hearing your valuable input and working together to achieve positive outcomes during this bargaining cycle.
Best regards,
LCFA Negotiations Committee
Professional Development (PD) - Reminder
PD Requests
Good day,
We're coming close to the end of another successful semester. The finish line is in sight.
I'd like to take a moment to remind everyone about the importance of using current and updated forms when submitting Professional Development (PD) requests.
To streamline the process and ensure accuracy, please make sure that the forms you use are the latest versions. You can find the most up-to-date information about Professional Development, including the required forms, here.
Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated, as it helps us maintain efficiency and consistency in handling PD requests. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Cheers,
Mike Mayo
Faculty Relations Officer
Call for Nominations - ACIFA Awards
ACIFA AWARDS
We are excited to announce that applications and nominations for the annual ACIFA Awards are now open! The ACIFA Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding educators and their contributions to teaching, learning, and innovation in the academic community. Lethbridge College has produced a number of award winners. I hope you take a moment to nominate a colleague; or more, to help keep a spotlight on the incredible work they do.
This is your opportunity to acknowledge faculty and their dedication by nominating them for one of the following prestigious awards:
Distinguished Instructor Award: This award honors teachers who exhibit exceptional commitment to teaching, learners, and the learning process.
Innovation in Teaching Award: Recognizes educators who have shown creativity and innovation in their teaching methods and course design.
For those of you involved in research related to teaching and learning, ACIFA also offers the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award. If your project has already received approval from your institute or ethics review board, applying for this award is a straightforward process.
To learn more about these awards, including eligibility criteria, evaluation rubrics, and access to application forms, please visit the ACIFA website.
The deadline for submitting applications for the ACIFA Awards is midnight on December 30, 2023. Award winners will be notified by February 1, 2024.
Don't miss this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding educators at Lethbridge College. Your nomination can make a significant difference in their academic journey.
Thank you for your commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Sincerely,
Mike Mayo, FRO, Lethbridge College Faculty Association.
Focus Groups - Following up on Guarding Minds at Work Project
Focus Groups
Following up on Guarding Minds at Work Project
📢 Attention Lethbridge College Community! 📢
We need your voice to drive meaningful change! Join the Guarding Minds Focus Groups and make a difference. Your participation is crucial in reshaping the culture at Lethbridge College. Together, we can address concerns and promote mental well-being in a confidential and supportive environment.
Why should you sign up? Your unique perspective matters. This is your chance to elevate your concerns and ideas to the forefront, fostering an inclusive, positive, and healthy atmosphere on campus. Without your involvement, the transformation we seek will not be possible. The focus groups are a safe space to share your observations, experiences, and feelings related to the psychological health and safety of the college community. If you are unable to attend, opportunities to connect with the facilitator will be provided. Information on how to do that will be made available at a later date.
This is your opportunity to speak up for what matters to you. To develop a more collaborative and collegial work environment. Your participation will help to define the culture within the College; this is your opportunity to create what you would like to see. Please take a moment to sign up. 💪🌟
There will be five two-hour focus group sessions that you may join between Oct. 16 and 20. Faculty can register for one of these sessions before Oct. 10 by using the link below:
Join a focus group
Welcome Back
Welcome Back Faculty
The campus is filled with activity and it's shaping up to be a great academic year! The LCFA would like to extend our warmest greetings to all faculty as we embark on this journey of higher education together once more. The start of this academic year marks the beginning of exciting times for all of us.
Our students are eager to learn, and they look up to you as mentors and guides. Your dedication, expertise, and passion make a profound impact on their lives, and together, we will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders and thinkers.
As we welcome you back to campus, let's embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Let's foster a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Let's work together to ensure that our institution remains a beacon of knowledge, discovery, and progress.
This year we will convene our Negotiations Committee and begin the process of bargaining a new Collective Agreement. These discussions will be pivotal in shaping our institution's future and ensuring that our faculty's contributions and needs are acknowledged and valued. We look forward to your active participation in this process, which will help us build an even stronger academic community. Look for more information to come in the coming weeks and months.
But beyond negotiations, the year ahead promises to be filled with innovation and collaboration. It's truly an electrifying time to be a part of our faculty community. The world of education is evolving, and our institution is at the forefront of these changes. New technologies, teaching methodologies, and interdisciplinary opportunities await us, allowing us to provide the best possible education to our students.
You can find information related to the LCFA on our website (see link below). There you will find information pertaining to our current Collective Agreement, Workload Calculator, Professional Development FAQ, and News.
Our LCFA Executive Team are:
• Dave English - LCFA President
• Kerry Edwards - VP Negotiations & Welfare
• Nichole Fox - VP Administration
• Sampath De Silva - VP Finance
• Mike Mayo - Faculty Relations Officer
We have a busy schedule of activities lined up for the LCFA. Please see the attached calendar for events.
Thank you for being an integral part of our faculty community. Your contributions are invaluable, and we are excited to see the amazing things we will accomplish together in the year ahead. Here's to a successful and fulfilling academic year!
With warm regards,
Lethbridge College Faculty Association
Faculty Work Period
2023-2024 Academic Year
With the recent changes to the Collective Agreement and removal of assigned/unassigned day; the Academic Calendar has been updated accordingly.
Please ensure that if you've made any arrangements to return to campus on a different date than August 28th, 2023, that it's recorded and approved by your Dean. You don't need to put in a leave request to take your summer holidays.
Have yourselves an excellent summer and enjoy your time with your friends, family, and loved ones.
Thank you,
LCFA Executive