2024-03-28 – Newsroom

Campus Life, Communications Office, Dawson Blues, Dawson Foundation, Dawson Gives, Events, Student Services

Advance tickets only $20 for beloved Artists in Bloom event

Enjoy an evening of art with live music by pianist and Dawson student Seungbi Yoo and delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks on Thursday, April 18 at Dawson in Room 3C.1 starting at 5:30 PM. Students in Animation and CGI, Illustration, and Visual Arts will be creating works of art live, which will be auctioned off by Donna Saker of The Beat 92.5. All proceeds will benefit Dawson student athletes this year.

Your advance $20 ticket includes a selection of delicious appetizers and a free beer/wine/non-alcoholic drink. Plus- all proceeds go to support Dawson student athletes. Door ticket price is $25.

Visit the link to buy your ticket and save $5.

Awards Office

Do you know any outstanding students?

The nomination and application period is now open until Sunday, April 14 for the Winter 2024 awards. We are also seeking faculty and staff to serve on Awards Selection Committees.

Please visit the link for more information about the winter awards, nominations and applications. Please encourage your students to apply and consider nominating a deserving student.

Milestones

Jonathon Sumner is new Dean of Science, Medical Studies and Engineering

Jonathon Sumner took up his new role as Dean of Science, Medical Studies and Engineering at Dawson on March 5.

While this role is new, Jonathon has worked at Dawson for more than 18 years and has served in a variety of roles since he was first hired as a Physics teacher in 2005.

Jonathon has fully embraced the opportunities to grow as a teacher and contribute to the Dawson community. He was a fellow in Active Learning and Writing in the Disciplines, was on the executive of the Dawson AI initiative, served as the Physics department chair and as a senator.

In addition, he was Chair of Senate as well as the Coordinator of the Science program from 2017-2021. Most recently, Jonathon stepped into a management role in 2022, when he became Associate Dean of Science, Medical Studies and Engineering. In January 2024, he was appointed the Interim Dean of Social Science and Business Technologies.

Jonathon holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering Science from the University of Western Ontario. His master’s degree and doctorate in Mechanical Engineering are both from the École de technologie supérieure.

Photo credit: Zachary Mercier, a Dawson student in Professional Photography

Visit the link for a brief Q & A with Jonathon.

Dawson Foundation

Apply for your Student Academic Growth and Enrichment project

There is an open call for Student Academic Growth and Enrichment (SAGE) project proposals funded by the Student Academic Enrichment Fund of the Dawson Foundation. Staff and current students are eligible to apply. Applications for projects beginning in the Fall 2024 semester will open on Tuesday, April 2 and close on Monday, April 29.

A total of $40,000 is available for projects commencing in the Fall 2024 semester and applicants can request up to $5,000.

A webinar will be offered for students and staff to better understand the application process and to provide an opportunity to ask questions. Date and details will be posted on the page linked below, which also has more information and the application form.

Faculty Hub

Moving forward: The evolving landscape of faculty development at Dawson

In Fall 2023, a team uniting Community of Practice (COP) leads and Office of Academic Development (OAD) pedagogical counsellors received a mandate from Academic Dean Leanne Bennett to examine options for the evolution of faculty development at Dawson.

Find out more about how Dawson’s Communities of Practice are moving forward.

We want to hear your input in our first community "Open House”!

Drop in anytime between 2 and 4 PM on Wednesday, April 3
In the CoLab (3F.43)

Photo: Einat Idan (OAD), Selma Hamdani (Psychology/DALC), Julia Lijerón (OAD), Cathy Roy (Physiotherapy Technologies/UDL), Ian MacKenzie English/LCs), Jeff Gandell (English/WID), Chantale Giguère (French/E-Learning), Robert Stephens (Humanities/AI) Photo credit: Caroline Harvey (Civil Engineering)

Visit the link below for a report from the committee.

Dawson Foundation, Off campus events

Register now for the Dawson Golf Classic!

The Dawson Golf Classic, presented by the Montreal Forum, is back for its 17th Annual Golf Tournament at the historic Whitlock Golf and Country Club on June 10, 2024. We are excited to invite you to register and be a part of this event that supports our students.

Hosted by the Dawson Foundation, the tournament aims to raise funds directly benefiting students in their academic endeavours. In today's challenging economic climate, where inflation impacts every sector, student support is more crucial than ever. Last year’s tournament exceeded expectations, raising over $100,000, and this year we plan to surpass our own benchmark with a record-breaking goal of $150,000.

Admission includes brunch, access to the driving range, 18 holes of golf, cocktail reception with special guests and dinner. If golf isn't your game, but you still want to participate, join us for dinner and take part in our silent auction!

Visit the link below for the registration link and more details.

Academic News, Campus Life, Events, Faculty Hub

Call for papers and student artistic submissions for fall Humanities conference

Dawson's Humanities and Public Life Conference is slated to take place Oct. 21-25, 2024 and the theme will be aesthetics.

This annual event introduces CEGEP students to the ambiance, culture, and discovery of academic conferences. We provide a bridge between great ideas, new research, and exciting debates, as well as showcasing how the questions we tackle in the humanities are relevant to concrete, real-world situations. We invite presentations from all disciplines.

Please visit the link to see the Call for Presentations/Papers (deadline: June 21) and the Call for Student Artistic Submissions (deadline: Sept. 20).

#DawsonProud, Homepage news

Dawson’s Chris Adam received Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal

In recognition of Chris Adam’s remarkable contribution of creating a culture of sustainability and promoting the value of well-being for all at Dawson College, he received the Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada, at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on March 21.

On the Governor General’s website, Chris’ achievement is described as follows: “Chris Adam introduced the Living Campus concept that has made Dawson College a model of sustainability and well-being. A persuasive leader and educator, he has inspired staff and students to integrate social and ecological responsibility into all aspects of the school’s teaching and operations. As a result, the connection between people, community and nature has become central to Dawson’s culture, and motivated its aspiration to being carbon-neutral forever.”

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

Faculty Hub

Over at the Faculty Hub

ChatGPT Toolkit for CEGEP Teachers

English teacher Stéphane Paquet (Champlain College) has developed an interactive ChatGPT Toolkit that can help teachers navigate ChatGPT. The Toolkit was recently introduced on the Eductive website. “Essentially, the toolkit serves as an empowering guide where the teacher becomes the expert, and the AI tool is the assistant. Teachers will learn to instruct and program ChatGPT with words to make it perform a specific task adapted to their specific context.”

Go to the Toolkit…

See additional ChatGPT resources on the Faculty Hub

Campus Life, DawsonAI, Events

Dawson AI Expo is April 5

Join us at Dawson College for a student-centred expo on Friday, April 5 showcasing innovative AI and data storytelling projects.

D.AI Expo ’24 will feature presentations from Dawson students and faculty, alongside contributions from our partner organizations AI Launch Lab and Mitacs. It is a unique opportunity to explore a spectrum of AI topics undertaken by students in and out of the classroom and to expose how AI can be integrated into education.

Visit the link for more information and the schedule of the day.

New AEC in Cyber Security

Dawson is launching a new AEC in Cyber Security: Prevention and Intervention to meet the growing demand for jobs in the workforce in Quebec, Canada and the world.

Susie Bouchard of Dawson’s Continuing Education and Community Services expects to welcome the first students in the fall of 2024, probably in November.

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

Dawson Scholar Janice Harvey presents her new book

Janice Harvey taught History and Classics at Dawson from 1975 to 2021. In her retirement, she was able to take the time to develop her research into a book published this month by McGill-Queen's University Press.

Visit the link below for Janice's introduction to her book, Their Benevolent Design, as well as a link to the publisher's web listing.

Campus Life, In the news/in social media, Student Services

Experiencing the Solar Eclipse at Dawson on Monday, April 8

Montreal is in the zone of totality for the solar eclipse on the afternoon of Monday, April 8. Total solar eclipses occur when the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking out its light.

Operations at Dawson will continue as scheduled on April 8. Information to students and employees will be communicated next week.

Visit the link for more information about the time and precautions.

Dawson Remembers, Milestones

In memoriam Judy De Four

We are saddened to announce the recent and sudden passing of Judy De Four at the age of 74. She was a great friend and mentor to many in her nearly five decades of service to Dawson College.

Judy began her Dawson career in 1975. She worked in Facilities Management before moving to Continuing Education & Community Services. In 2021, Judy retired from her job in the AEC Office.

Dawson Remembers, Milestones

In memoriam Michel Pilon

The Dawson AEC Commercial Photography Facebook page shared the sad news about retired faculty member Michel Pilon on March 24:

"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Michel Pilon, a beloved former teacher in the AEC photography department. Michel was a passionate commercial photographer and an advocate for professional photographer’s usage rights. His contagious passion and love of photography and personable nature made him one of our finest teachers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. Thank you Michel."

Michel taught photography at Dawson from 2008 until he retired in 2017.

Data Challenge weekend a success

The Dawson AI Data Journalism Challenge over the weekend of March 23-24 went really well, reports Siddhika Bhandari, Coordinator of Dawson AI.

The group photo captures the energy and enthusiasm of the participants, mentors and jury members.

For more information about the theme of the challenge and project submissions, as well the winners (coming soon), please visit the link.

Academic News, Sustainability, Well-being for all, Workshops

CLÉO Pomodoro series for students and employees

Dawson’s French tutoring centre, CLÉO, has a new series this spring open to students and employees. You are invited to come work on your personal, school-related or professional French-language projects during one of CLÉO’s Pomodoro Workshops.

The Pomodoro method entails breaking up larger tasks into smaller more manageable timed units. The next ones will take place on Wednesday, April 3 at 9 AM in 3H.6, and on Friday, April 12 at 2 PM in 3F.43.

Visit the link for more information.

Sustainability, Well-being for all

Join the Active Alternative Transportation Working Group

Last week, our first bike workshop of 2024 was attended by employees and students eager to learn about getting their bikes ready for Spring. Adam Kingsland (Faculty, Mechanical Engineering) gave an introduction to proper clothing and basic tools needed to upkeep your bike. Another bike workshop is planned for May, date to be determined.

Employees and students are invited to join Dawson's Active Alternative Transportation Working Group. More details in the link below.

Workshops

CRISPESH lunch ‘n learn April 3 on students living with disabilities

On Wednesday, April 3 at 12 PM, CRISPESH is offering a one-hour free online lunch ‘n learn session that will present the sociodemographic portrait of CEGEP students living with disabilities who have not been diagnosed.

The number of students enrolled in CEGEP disability support services has grown in recent years. Very little data exists on the experiences of students with disabilities who pursue post-secondary education, and even fewer for those without a diagnosis.

These students may face numerous barriers to success because of restricted access to support services and accommodations. This presentation will provide a sociodemographic portrait of students with disabilities without a diagnosis who responded to the CEGEP Student Population Survey (SPEC 1). The challenges and difficulties encountered during their previous schooling, as well as their anticipated support and service needs for the next college year, will also be presented.

The talk will be given in French; simultaneous interpretation from French to English will be provided. To get your free ticket, visit the link below.

Dawson Gives

Women’s Day event raises over $400 for Chez Doris

The International Women’s Day book sale event organized by the Dawson unions: the Association of Dawson Professionals, the Dawson Support Staff Union and the Dawson Teachers' Union raised an impressive $415 in just two hours! These funds will be directed towards supporting the women's shelter Chez Doris.

DawsonITE

DawsonITE Newsletter # 626

DawsonITE is your curated news related to IST and Education prepared by Dawson's Rafael Scapin.

In this issue:

ChatGPT use linked to sinking academic performance and memory loss
Seven Ways to Boost Your Gmail Productivity
Here’s why AI search engines really can’t kill Google

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Advance tickets only $20 for beloved Artists in Bloom event

Do you know any outstanding students?

Jonathon Sumner is new Dean of Science, Medical Studies and Engineering

Apply for your Student Academic Growth and Enrichment project

Moving forward: The evolving landscape of faculty development at Dawson

Register now for the Dawson Golf Classic!

Call for papers and student artistic submissions for fall Humanities conference

Dawson’s Chris Adam received Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal

Over at the Faculty Hub

Dawson AI Expo is April 5

New AEC in Cyber Security

Dawson Scholar Janice Harvey presents her new book

In memoriam Judy De Four

In memoriam Michel Pilon

Data Challenge weekend a success

CLÉO Pomodoro series for students and employees

Join the Active Alternative Transportation Working Group

CRISPESH lunch ‘n learn April 3 on students living with disabilities

Women’s Day event raises over $400 for Chez Doris

DawsonITE Newsletter # 626

Dawson Events

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Advance tickets only $20 for beloved Artists in Bloom event

Do you know any outstanding students?

Jonathon Sumner is new Dean of Science, Medical Studies and Engineering

Apply for your Student Academic Growth and Enrichment project

Moving forward: The evolving landscape of faculty development at Dawson

Register now for the Dawson Golf Classic!

Call for papers and student artistic submissions for fall Humanities conference

Dawson’s Chris Adam received Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal

Over at the Faculty Hub

Dawson AI Expo is April 5

New AEC in Cyber Security

Dawson Scholar Janice Harvey presents her new book

Experiencing the Solar Eclipse at Dawson on Monday, April 8

In memoriam Judy De Four

In memoriam Michel Pilon

Data Challenge weekend a success

CLÉO Pomodoro series for students and employees

Join the Active Alternative Transportation Working Group

CRISPESH lunch ‘n learn April 3 on students living with disabilities

Women’s Day event raises over $400 for Chez Doris

DawsonITE Newsletter # 626

Dawson Events

Contact Details