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Dawson community has now identified 1,000 species on campus!

October 10th, 2024

The Dawson community has now reached the goal of identifying 1,000 species on our downtown Montreal urban campus!

One of the species identified was the Red-Shouldered Hawk, photographed by Doug Smyth (Faculty, Physical Education).

Students, graduates, faculty and staff gained so much from the project.

Dawson Environmental Science graduate Ruisi Yang said: "This project boosted my confidence in the potential of making urban environments more sustainable and friendly to both people and the local biodiversity."

Current Dawson student Graham Alain said: "This project made me realize how many species could truly make use of such a small area. I would've initially guessed that fewer than 200 species would've inhabited the campus...This project will hopefully have an impact on how I treat my local environment, such as my lawn and back yard. I'm rethinking how important these places are..."

Teacher Adamo Petosa said: "We are surrounded by something extraordinary. We simply have to take the time to explore. Taking part in this project was akin to finding the key to "a secret garden", waiting to share its secrets. We are not alone on campus. Rather, we are less than one in a thousand.

"The 1000 species project gives hope. In the midst of concrete and traffic, exhaust and bustle, a tiny campus besieged by a battalion of buildings manages to sustain life at a scale I could have never fathomed. Over 1,000 species here, within this tiny oasis - living, growing and thriving. I'm also incredibly grateful to those who made such a campus possible and to those who ensure its upkeep."

More to come on the impact of this extraordinary project that has inspired Dawson and many outside of Dawson to connect to Nature.


Petition still collecting signatures for Indigenous rights

September 26th, 2024

The Dawson Student Union's petition requesting that the Government of Quebec exempt Indigenous students from Law 14 is still open. At time of publication, the signature count was at 2,303.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, Sept. 30 is another good opportunity to share it on social media and invite people you know to sign the petition as a concrete gesture of solidarity with Indigenous peoples in Quebec.

It is expected that the deadline may be extended to give more time to widen the mobilization and get more signatures.

English petition:https://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/exprimez-votre-opinion/petition/Petition-10915/index.html

French petition: https://www.assnat.qc.ca/fr/exprimez-votre-opinion/petition/Petition-10915/index.html


Insightful mental health information on Station SME website

September 26th, 2024

We often encounter students who are in distress, but we, as staff members, don’t always know how to address them. You can find insightful mental health information on the Station SME website, which was developed as a part of the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur’s Mental Health Action Plan.

Station SME is a mental health resource divided into two sections that includes (1) mental health tools for students and (2) information for staff members on how to support student mental health. You can explore different themes, like crisis management, access toolkits and view initiatives from other higher education institutions.

Visit the link to go to the Station SME website.

─Submitted by Caroline Blouin


Read more about: Reminder about 15-minute mandatory training

Reminder about 15-minute mandatory training

September 26th, 2024

This is a reminder of the mandatory Sexual Violence Prevention Training: Systems of Oppression and Intersectionality. All employees are required to complete this 15-minute module as part of our ongoing efforts to foster a respectful workplace. Please ensure you complete the training by following the instructions below: Video Training Link: Click here to access the…

Read more about: Inclusion Kits now available for your class

Inclusion Kits now available for your class

September 26th, 2024

Contents of an Inclusion Kit Sound Blockers: noise cancelling earmuffs that improve students’ focus. Fidget Toys: a small object (preferably one that fits in the student’s hand), that can be squeezed, pulled, or moved around as a student is sitting and listening, or writing a test. Timers: visual or digital timer that helps students to…

Save lives by donating blood Oct. 1-2 at Dawson

September 26th, 2024

HÉMA-Québec will be running a blood drive on campus in 3C.1 on Tuesday, Oct.1 and Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 9 AM to 3 PM. You can make an appointment in advance by visiting the link or calling 1-800-343-7264.

Donating blood can seem intimidating, but it’s an easy and painless process that can help save someone’s life.

No reservation is necessary this time; walk-in's are welcome. Free snacks and feel-good feeling guaranteed!


Read more about: Dawson’s Well-Being for All Initiative

Dawson’s Well-Being for All Initiative

September 26th, 2024

Starting October 1, 2024, all support staff, professionals and managers can use up to four hours of work time every month for well-being and building community. This is part of the College’s commitment to our core value of well-being for all. Faculty members are, of course, welcome to participate in any activity that takes place…

Four bat species added to 1,000 species count

September 26th, 2024

Possibly Dawson’s first ever Bat Walk took place on Sept. 5, which led to a few more species being added to the 1,000 Species in 1,000 Days goal. The FUNmtl team, which led the activity, brought speakers that pick up the frequency of bat calls and can identify the species. Around 25 people came, including people from the external community and students. We were able to identify four species, the silver-haired bat, hoary bat, eastern red bat and big brown bat! A very exciting night for our biodiversity count!  The picture shows the speaker attached to an iPad so that we could see the bat calls and know when to look up to see them.

─Submitted by Narcisse Waiel Hassan of the Office of Sustainability  


332 students and staff fed by Dawson Dinin’ in first week

September 12th, 2024

There were already 40 containers dropped off for Dawson Dinin’ by 8:30 AM on Sept. 10, the first day of the free lunchtime service for this school year.

One-hundred and ninety-two free vegan meals were distributed at the two lunchtime services on Sept. 10 and 11 and another 140 people enjoyed an Early Bird Breakfast on Sept. 12.

“The DSU and the Office of Sustainability see this as simple measure of what students need to support their academic success. We had roughly 6 or 7 student volunteers who showed up to work hard and feed their peers!” reported Diana Rice of the Office of Sustainability.

“We would like to thank all of the faculty and staff members who helped spread the word to students who need this service. We appreciate you helping us to help our community! Remember, we love all our volunteers, including employees, so feel free to join the love of community and make well-being for yourself and students a part of your day at Dawson.”

Dawson Dinin’ is every Tuesday and Wednesday and is offered to all students and employees who drop off their reusable container by 11 AM at Conrod’s (2F). Early Bird Breakfast is every Thursday at 10 AM in Conrod’s and breakfast is served on a first-come, first-served basis.

To volunteer, contact Diana Rice, Office of Sustainability.


It’s Butterfly Season at Dawson!

September 12th, 2024

In offices and learning spaces across the campus, homes of employees and schools connected to the Dawson community, Painted Lady butterflies are emerging this week creating a sense of wonder and connection to Nature and strengthening the community through sharing this special experience.

After a year hiatus, Dawson’s Office of Sustainability was delighted to distribute 425 Painted Lady caterpillars. Another 325 moved into the new Butterfly Nursery built by Industrial Design students and faculty in the rooftop garden.

This photo was taken by Natalie Trepanier of Student Services, who released her butterfly on Sept. 11 in the Peace Garden. If you fostered/are fostering butterflies, please share your photos and stories with commsoffice@dawsoncollege.qc.ca and sustainability@dawsoncollege.qc.ca


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Last Modified: October 10, 2024

 

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