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Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024

Decolonization, Homepage news, In the news/in social media, Well-being for all

DSU collects over 1,600 signatures (+counting) for Indigenous rights petition

The Dawson Student Union set up in the Upper Atrium from Aug. 26-28 to gather signatures supporting Indigenous students disproportionately affected by Law 14 (formerly Bill 96). Their petition in the Quebec National Assembly is sponsored by Westmount-Saint-Louis MNA Jennifer Maccarone, who joined the effort on campus on Aug. 27, lending her voice to the cause.

Many Indigenous students say Law 14 goes against their constitutional right to self-determination in matters of education, including the priority to continue learning in their own Indigenous languages. They say the new French proficiency requirements create a significant barrier to accessing post-secondary education and that the government is adding more bureaucratic hurdles to their success.

The petition to exempt Indigenous students from Law 14 has already reached 1,600 signatures, but the work isn’t done.

If you haven’t yet signed, there is still time to sign the petition before the Sept. 30 deadline.

Campus Life, Perks for Dawson Employees, Student Services, Well-being for all

Campus Recreation FREE for employees

Exciting news! To promote the well-being of employees, Dawson College has invested in Campus Recreation activities to make fitness classes and gym sports free for all employees!

Regular physical activity helps prevent health issues, improves mood, helps manage stress, boosts energy, promotes better sleep and provides opportunities to meet new people!  More on benefits of activity here.

Campus Rec at Dawson has something to get everyone moving. Choose from circuit training, Pilates, yoga and Kung Fu classes and drop by the gym for the weight room, climbing, badminton, basketball and volleyball. More details on the offerings can be found here.

Although it’s free, it is necessary to register by going to Omnivox and clicking on “Campus Recreation” under the “Student Services” section. Note that all charges will disappear when you get to the checkout.

For gym access, present yourself to the PARC front desk at 1H.2 to sign up for the day.

“The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.” – Anonymous

In the news/in social media

DSU petition in the news

The Dawson Student Union's petition to exempt Indigenous students from Law 14 was in the news at the end of August as the petition mobilization campaign began.

Aug. 29 in The Gazette

Aug. 28 in The Gazette

Aug. 27 Dawson Student Union news release

Aug. 27 on CBC Radio's Let's Go

Aug. 27 on City News Montreal

Aug. 26 on CTV

Aug. 19 in The Eastern Door

Campus Life, Perks for Dawson Employees

Join the DAC to have fun at work and meet colleagues

DAC stands for the Dawson Activity Club and it is a great way to meet people at Dawson College. DAC members lunch together or enjoy activities once a month while socializing with colleagues. Last week, we kicked off the Fall 2024 semester with the traditional Welcome Back Breakfast. It is never too late to join!

Upcoming events for the Fall Semester include a Pizza Lunch, a 5@7, a vegetarian lunch to celebrate October’s International Vegetarian Day, and a Trivia Night involving friendly competition and prizes. Potential events/activities for the Winter 2025 semester include a bowling evening, art class, beginners pickleball, beginners line dancing, and, of course, food.

If you have a suggestion of something we could do or have any other questions then don’t hesitate to send an email to dac@dawsoncollege.qc.ca

All employees are welcome to join DAC. It only costs $1 per pay. Where else could you get these types of free events or rabates for $2 per month? To fill out the form to join, see Gianna Smith in 2E.6 or email her at gsmith@dawsoncollege.qc.ca

#DawsonProud, Campus Life, Dawson Professional Theatre, Perks for Dawson Employees, Promotional

Professional Theatre 2024-2025 Season

Dawson's Professional Theatre Department proudly presents the 2024-2025 season!

Dawson employees, students, retirees and alumni all enjoy a reduced ticket rate of $5 for major productions! Studio productions are "pay what you can."

Visit the link for the plays and show times. The first performance of the year is The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong on at the Dawson Theatre (2000 Atwater Avenue) from Sept. 18-21.

Read More - Professional Theatre 2024-2025 Season

Sustainability, Well-being for all

Dawson butterfly news

In the outdoor courtyard beside Conrod’s on the second floor, a new butterfly nursery is being constructed by students. The first iteration of a structure was created by Adam Kingsland’s mechanical engineering class, and then another version was designed by Kim Webb’s Industrial Design class.

A prototype was constructed from cardboard first and designs reviewed by the students. Now a cedar frame is held together by laser printed custom joints made at Dawson. The students and teachers have created a truly wonderful new home for Dawson’s butterflies.

Staff are invited to participate in our Butterfly Foster Program, back this year! 750 painted lady caterpillars are being fostered by the Dawson community at Dawson in the butterfly nursery, in student spaces and offices and in homes of employees.

To get your butterfly kit:

  • Come to 4A.0 (on the fourth floor between A & B wings near the Sherbrooke St. side) on Tuesday, Sept. 3 from 10 AM-12 PM & 1 PM -3 PM
  • First come, first served
  • For more info: contact sustainability@dawsoncollege.qc.ca

To visit the outdoor butterfly nursery:

Human Resources, Office of Academic Development

Ped Day is Oct. 11

The annual Dawson Pedagogical Day, also known as Ped Day, for faculty and professionals will take place Friday, Oct. 11.

Over a day of workshops and presentations, colleagues will share their pedagogical practices and experiences in the college-level classroom.

If you wish to animate a session on college pedagogy, please complete the call for proposals form by Sept. 9 at 12 PM. Discipline and program specific workshops will take place in the afternoon starting at 1:45 PM.

For further information, please contact Azra Khan, pedagogical counsellor, OAD.

Campus Life, Warren G. Flowers Art Gallery

Cassia Powell talk and vernissage today

The Warren G. Flowers Gallery is delighted to welcome Vancouver artist Cassia Powell, whose exhibition, in between you and me, opens today (Thursday, Aug. 29) with an Artist Talk in the gallery at 4 PM., followed by the opening reception at 5 PM.

This body of work explores what Gavin Butt refers to as a “social activity which produces and maintains the filiations of the artistic community,” namely – gossip.  Using soft-sculptures and oil paintings, Powell explores intimacy, vulnerability, storytelling, and worldbuilding. Gossip is framed as a form of unconventional art history, an inescapable feature of urban artistic life, and a way of building queer and artistic communities.

-Submitted by Rhonda Meier

Read More - Cassia Powell talk and vernissage today

Campus Life, Peace Centre, Sustainability, Well-being for all

More free meals at Dawson for students and employees

The Office of Sustainability, the Dawson Student Union, the Dawson College Peace Centre and Student Services are proud to bring food justice to our community with the aim of living the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of #nohunger locally while meeting our College wide value Well-being for All.

Dawson Dinin' and Early Bird Breakfast are going to feed more people this semester with more meals! The program is aimed at feeding both students and employees.

Visit the link for all the info!

Read More - More free meals at Dawson for students and employees

Office of Academic Development

New Faculty Orientation Sept. 20

The Fall New Faculty Orientation will be held in person on Friday, Sept. 20 from 9 AM to 12:30 PM.

Dawson’s New Faculty Orientation is designed to introduce new faculty to information about college services and procedures, teaching at the college-level, and tips for engaging students.

For more details and how to register, visit the link.

Read More - New Faculty Orientation Sept. 20

Communications Office, Events

Dawson Open House will be held Oct. 20 and 27

For the first time ever, Dawson Open House will be held over two separate days this Fall 2024: Oct. 20 for all Science, Medical Studies and Engineering programs and all other programs on Oct. 27.

Participant feedback from Fall 2023 surveys showed that the high number of people in the building and difficulty moving through crowds was highly unpleasant and frustrating for prospective students and their parents.

Visit the link for all the details.

Read More - Dawson Open House will be held Oct. 20 and 27

#DawsonProud, Office of Academic Development

Four New Programs launched this Fall

The Office of Academic Development is pleased to extend our best wishes to the faculty of four new programs launching this fall:

  • Social Service Technology
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Science
  • Science, Computer Science and Mathematics

Please visit the link to see the teams that contributed to these new programs.

Read More - Four New Programs launched this Fall

#DawsonProud, Campus Life, Student Services

Record number of new students attended Welcome Days

Welcome Days occurred on August 19 and 20, 2024 with a record attendance of 2,675 students! This is an increase of 279 students over last year.

Excited students attended presentations, explored the college, and learned about opportunities to get involved in Campus Life. They also took pictures with Blue, our celebrity volunteer, who was hard at work (see here)!

One of the highlights of this year was handing out agendas to the students. This project stemmed from a months-long collaboration between Student Services and the Dawson Student Union to offer this in-demand item.

Welcome Days is a team effort meaning that it can’t be successful without the participation of multiple departments, teachers, staff and student volunteers. I’d like to thank everyone that helped make these two days possible, whether you gave a program presentation, set up one of the rooms, worked at the sign-in table, promoted your service, took students from one place to another or handed out popcorn!

-Submitted by Caroline Blouin

Academic News, Campus Life, Events

Express Yourself: The Arts and Humanities Alive at Dawson College!

Every year the Humanities Department at Dawson College hosts the Humanities & Public Life Conference. This year, the conference is slated for the week of Oct. 21 and the theme will be aesthetics: theories of art, beauty, and performance.

Express Yourself:  The Arts and Humanities Alive at Dawson College! will feature discussions and performances, in addition to highlighting the creative work of students. We are excited and proud to feature a conference that will unite the disciplines of the college and showcase the creativity of our faculty and students.

We can look forward to performances and talks about flamenco dancing, tango dancing, blues dancing, Restoration period vocal performance and Celtic music. Artists will elaborate on the ‘philosophy’ behind their work and performances.

We will also feature talks about the visual arts and poetry. For example. groundbreaking research on Montreal’s black visual artists pre-internet will be shared by eminent scholars in art history.  Most talks will be interactive, giving audience members a chance to participate in the concepts and ideas being presented. Bring your dancing shoes and notepads! More details to come soon.

-Submitted by Sean Elliott

Milestones

Bassel Atallah is new Associate Dean of CAA

Bassel Atallah who had been serving as Interim Associate Dean of Creative and Applied Arts since April 18 was officially appointed to the position on Aug. 5.

To read Bassel's appointment news from the May 9 D News, visit the link.

Photo by Dawson Professional Photography student Zachary Mercier.

Read More - Bassel Atallah is new Associate Dean of CAA

Milestones

Elias Azar is Associate Director, Projects & Renovations

Elias Azar joined Dawson’s Facilities Management team on May 6 as the new Associate Director of Projects and Renovations. His role is to evaluate the condition of buildings and make recommendations for maintenance, improvements and renovations.

“In the renovation department at Dawson, there’s a lot to be excited about!” he said. “The opportunity to transform spaces and improve the campus environment is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s modernizing classrooms, enhancing common areas, or upgrading facilities to be more sustainable and energy-efficient, each project brings its own set of challenges and achievements.”

Before joining Dawson, Elias worked for the Centre de services scolaire de la Pointe-de-l'Île as a Senior Project Manager in the facilities management department. He oversaw school renovation projects in the east and north regions of Montreal. Elias is a mechanical engineer and has 22 years of experience in high-end residential and commercial projects.

“It’s exciting to be part of a team that is dedicated to creating modern, functional, and inspiring spaces,” he said.

Photo by Dawson Professional Photography student Zachary Mercier.

Milestones

Isabelle Carrier appointed Dean of Academic Development

Isabelle Carrier, who has been at Dawson since 2004, was appointed Dean of Academic Development at the end of May.

At the beginning of 2024, Isabelle was interim Dean of Academic Development. This experience confirmed that she would like to dedicate the next phase of her career to developing and implementing a strategic academic vision through pedagogical development and innovation.

Isabelle began her time at Dawson as a teacher in the History department. While in that role, she became the Methods Coordinator and worked for Kiuna as a pedological counselor. In 2015, she became the Assistant Dean of Social Science and Business Technologies and from 2017-2023, she was the Dean of that sector.

Isabelle views her new role “as proposing a strategic vision for pedagogical excellence as well as supporting the academic sectors and the College. It is at the junction of both those perspectives that the Office of Academic Development can enrich and support the various initiatives for program and departmental quality, faculty pedagogical competence and College institutional excellence.”

Isabelle holds a Ph.D. in History from McGill University and other degrees in both education and history from Université Laval.

Photo by Dawson Professional Photography student Zachary Mercier.

Dawson Grads, Milestones

Francesca Cuffaro now Manager of Admissions & Records

Over the last 24 years, Francesca Cuffaro has worked in every department within Academic Systems at Dawson. Most recently she was the administration technician in Admissions and Records.

On July 2, Francesca was appointed to the role of Manager, Admissions & Records.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of my new role as manager and using my experience and skills to make an impact on quality higher education,” Francesca said.

Prior to working at Dawson, she studied here. Francesca graduated from the Social Science program in 1985. During her decades as an employee, she has represented the Dawson Support Staff on the College’s Board of Governors and served her former union as treasurer.

“What I like best about Dawson is being part of a community that promotes well-being, so that all students and employees are respected, valued, and supported,” she said.

Photo by Dawson Professional Photography student Zachary Mercier.

Dawson Grads, Milestones

Tommy Diamantakos is new Dean of SSBT

After serving as interim Dean of Social Science and Business Technologies since March, Tommy Diamantakos was officially appointed to the role on June 10.

Tommy’s path to this position began as a teacher of English as a second language at Vanier College. He has also worked as an Associate Academic Dean at Heritage College and as Coordinator of Continuing Education at Vanier College. Prior to the new position, Tommy was Associate Dean for Dawson’s Creative and Applied Arts sector from 2021-2024.

Tommy holds a sociology degree from Concordia University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Sherbrooke. Tommy graduated from Dawson from the Cinema | Communications profile in Arts, Literature and Communication.

Tommy’s new role includes overseeing the programs in Social Science and Business Technologies as well as Liberal Arts, Community, Recreation and Leadership Training and the Humanities Department.

“We have rolled out a new Social Science program, one of the biggest in the province,” he said. “This is very exciting! I am also eager to work with the Business Administration team as we are currently revising that program. I’m excited to start the academic year in the sector and look forward to supporting students and teachers.”

Tommy likes that Dawson is a big college but feels like a small community. He says: “Dawson offers great services to students and teachers. I love working here.”

Photo by Dawson Professional Photography student Zachary Mercier.

Dawson Grads, Milestones

Gabriel Di Lullo is new IST Associate Director

Gabriel Di Lullo joined Dawson Aug. 12 as the new Associate Director of IT Solutions (Systems and Programming). He succeeds Derek Gaucher who retired in the summer.

Gabriel is a graduate of Dawson (Class of 1988, Social Science) and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Concordia University. “As an alumnus of Dawson, I’m especially excited to return to the institution and contribute to its continued success,” he said.

In his new role, Gabriel is responsible for leading the IST team responsible for the development and implementation of IT solutions, including the website and Omnivox.

Gabriel comes to Dawson from Agropur where he worked as IST & Cyber Security program manager. Prior to that, he served as Senior Manager of Information Technologies at Bell Technical Solutions for over a decade where he successfully led a team in designing and deploying IT solutions.

Photo by Dawson Professional Photography student Zachary Mercier.

Milestones

Timothy Miller is new Associate Dean of SMSE

Timothy Miller was appointed Associate Dean of Science, Medial Studies and Engineering on Aug. 5.

“My new role is centered on supporting the faculty and staff of the sector in their delivery of high-quality programs,” he said. “Put simply, my role is to ensure that the faculty and staff have all the resources and support they need to offer the best learning opportunities and experiences for the students.”

Prior to his appointment, Tim was a teacher of Physiotherapy and Physical Education at Dawson since 2020. Over the last decade, he has held a number of roles in the college, including leading interprofessional education and working with senior management on securing and designing a new space to accommodate it. Tim has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Business Administration, both from Concordia University.

Tim is really looking forward to working with the team of teachers and staff. He says: “Even in the early days of this role, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people who are truly passionate about their work. To me, every conversation is a chance to connect, learn, and help in a meaningful way. Whether it's sharing knowledge, offering support, or just having a chat, the human connection is what I am really looking forward to.”

Tim loves Dawson and says it is a great place to work. “In my opinion, the success of our college is deeply rooted in its people,” he said. “From dedicated faculty who inspire and guide, to passionate students who bring energy and creativity, to managers, support staff, and professionals who ensure everything runs smoothly—each person's contribution is vital. When everyone works together with a shared commitment to learning and growth, this is when Dawson thrives as a vibrant, successful community.”

Photo by Dawson Professional Photography student Zachary Mercier.

Milestones

Patrick Cavanagh, new Director General of CRISPESH

It is with enthusiasm and pride that Patrick Cavanagh took up his duties as Director General of CRISPESH on August 12, 2024.

Patrick holds a master’s degree in education and training management and a coaching certification. His 25 years’ experience in the education network, including 20 years in management positions, is a valuable asset to CRISPESH as the Centre continues its work in the achievement of its mandate to advance the knowledge, development and promotion of innovative practices that target the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Most recently as director of services at CSS Sorel-Tracy and at CSS Marie-Victorin, Patrick’s set of professional experience includes a variety of positions of ever-increasing responsibility in the education network. He takes on this new challenge with a strong motivation to reinvest the experience he has acquired working with children and adults with disabilities to lead CRISPESH on the path towards forward-thinking research and practice. He is committed to empowering, mobilising and supporting the team in place in implementing research projects and innovating the Centre’s service offer.

Patrick looks forward to meeting and collaborating with Dawson community.

-Submitted by the CRISPESH team

#DawsonProud, Milestones

New retirees & employees celebrating their 25th workiversary feted

Retirees from 2023 and 2024 as well as employees marking a 25th anniversary at Dawson in those years were honoured with a lovely evening at the Recognition of Service event May 24.

To see a photo gallery, visit the link.

Read More - New retirees & employees celebrating their 25th workiversary feted

#DawsonProud, Awards Office, Communications Office, Dawson Grads

Congrats to Dawson’s Class of 2024

In June, Dawson added another 2,784 graduates to our alumni community of over 100,000.

The graduates were celebrated at two graduation ceremonies on June 25 at Place des Arts.

In addition to diplomas, 55 graduates received awards in recognition of academics, perseverance, community service and volunteer commitment. In total, the awards valued $33,100; many are made possible through donors to the Dawson Foundation.

Check out the Award Recipients celebration page in the link.

Read More - Congrats to Dawson’s Class of 2024

Dawson Foundation

Dawson Golf Classic Raises Over $42,000 for Students

The 2024 Dawson Golf Classic, held on June 10 at the historic Whitlock Golf & Country Club, successfully raised over $42,000 to benefit Dawson College students. The tournament was followed with an evening hosted by CTV’s Christine Long, filled with mingling, fun, prizes, and an impressive silent auction. Auction highlights included a vintage Forum seat autographed by Hockey Hall of Famer Patrick Roy and a Habs jersey signed by the 2023-2024 team.

Participants had the chance to golf alongside very special guests, including former Montreal Canadiens player Stéphane Richer, two-time NBA champion Joel Anthony, and three-time Grey Cup winner Danny Desriveaux.

The proceeds from the event will directly support students during their academic studies, which is especially crucial in today’s challenging economic climate marked by rising inflation.

The Dawson Foundation deeply thanks all sponsors and participants for their generous support. Their contributions help the college provide education that aligns with students’ professional and educational goals, inspiring them to make positive changes in the world.

The Foundation looks forward to the next edition of the Dawson Golf Classic, scheduled for early June 2025. Stay tuned for more details!

#DawsonProud, Awards Office

Medical Ultrasound student awarded professional order’s bursary

Before parting for the summer, the Medical Ultrasound Department gathered at our annual picnic to celebrate another year's end. At the picnic, we announced this year's bursary winner which is gifted by our professional order.

The OTIMROEPMQ bursary was awarded to Anouk Doe! Our faculty recognized one student in second-year who they felt showed exemplary hard work, dedication and improvement over their studies at the college and their excellence in Medical Ultrasound.

Anouk is now in her third and final year of the program, and currently on stage at St. Mary’s Hospital. Congratulations, Anouk on an award well-earned and best of luck to our third-year students while they are away on stage. For more information on our program and professional order, please visit: https://otimroepmq.ca/

In the photo, left to right: Diana Ranallo, Eleni Joaniddes, Melanie Nash, Anouk Doe (student), Kieran Bradshaw, Gaelle Bambi Mpiana, Jenny Mecksavanh, Dania Gonzalez Galvan.

-Submitted by Mariana Maletskas

Read More - Medical Ultrasound student awarded professional order’s bursary

#DawsonProud, Dawson Research, Off campus events

Book launch for Janice Harvey’s new book Sept. 12

The book launch for Janice Harvey’s book Their Benevolent Design. Conservative Women and Protestant Child Charities in Montreal is scheduled for Thursday, September 12 at 5 PM. It will be at UQAM, room DR -200.

Peter Gossage (Concordia) and Joanne Daigle (Laval) will discuss the book and there will be a question period. Refreshments will be served.

Janice Harvey was a member of the Dawson History-Classics department from 1975 until she retired in 2021. She is now a Dawson Scholar in Residence. Janice’s research focuses on the ideological, religious, and gendered characteristics of the social services apparatus in 19th-century Montreal.

Campus Life, Sustainability, Well-being for all

Join a campus Bat Walk on Sept. 5

As part of the 1,000 Species in 1,000 Days initiative, the Office of Sustainability is organizing a Bat Walk on Thursday night, Sept. 5 at 8 PM. The meet-up spot is in front of the main doors on de Maisonneuve Blvd: 4001 de Maisonneuve West.

If you would like to join, please email Brian Mader.

Well-being for all

Tips for public transit users

During this busy period, the ARTM (Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain) is sharing tips for public transit commuters:

  • Avoid long lines by purchasing your transit fares in advance. Use the Chrono app to buy and add fares to your OPUS card anytime, anywhere. Watch a "how to" video (in French only). 
  • Discover all the tools, such as the trip planner and the fare selector here (in French only).
DawsonITE

DawsonITE Newsletter # 639

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

In this issue:

  • ChatGPT cheating is endemic in schools, and no one knows what to do
  • How to use ChatGPT to analyze PDFs (and more) for free
  • This is what humans might evolve to look like in the year 3000

Read More - DawsonITE Newsletter # 639

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Last Modified: August 29, 2024

 

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