Among the things that we miss in this Age of Covid are the casual conversations, the serendipitous sallies of wit, the ephemeral-yet-effervescent exchanges, the diaphanous dialogues and adventitious arguments which naturally follow from the shared office spaces and hallways of the physical campus. Enter the stalwarts of Criminology, who are helping to fill this void with their “Hallway Chats” initiative… 

CRIM’s “Hallway Chats” are held every Friday afternoon on Teams with anywhere from six to twelve faculty members meeting to share ideas about online teaching.  These gatherings have been especially helpful for new faculty who are learning about KPU while working from home.  Michael Ma, who started the “Hallway Chats” initiative in his department, describes the informal Teams meetings this way:  

They simulate the ‘real’ hallway chats we’d have as colleagues pre-Covid. But they are also more than that because they are a form of ‘intentional mutual support’ during our current global crisis….They give us a chance to support each other and give each other tips about Moodle and online teaching. People take time out of their Friday to meet virtually and often we are in that Teams meeting for at least 1.5 hours. It really has created great collegiality and friendly vibes between faculty. I think it has allowed people to get to know each other better too. Experiencing a crisis together and sharing our stories and anxieties and preoccupations really is solidarity-building, and it is also clarifying.

These “Hallway Chats” sound like a best practice that may inspire other departments. 

Talkin’ Teaching – Arts Online Teaching Salon:  Continuing with the theme of “intentional mutual support,” we are introducing the virtual Arts Online Teaching Salon. The word “salon” is meant here in the “18th-century Enlightenment” sense, of course – i.e, as a space for the exchange of ideas and witty repartee! Join your colleagues on Teams on Friday Oct. 16, 1:00-2:00, to trade insights, lessons learned, anecdotes, and war stories, and generally engage in a free-flowing discussion about your adventures and misadventures in online teaching. This will NOT be a moderated discussion, let alone a formal talk. It will simply be a space to come and share your ideas and experiences about teaching online. Watch your Outlook inbox for your invitation. 

Talkin’ TED: Every Tuesday of “Thrive Month”  brings a TED Talk event.  On Tuesday Oct. 13 (11:00-12:00), join students, staff, and faculty in a virtual circle to view and discuss TED Talks on the theme of Engaging Youth and Supporting Each Other. Join via this MS Teams link.

Sharing “Hope in A Time of Climate Grief” – A Conversation with Jenna Butler: Join host Dr. Asma Sayed (Canada Research Chair in South Asian Literary and Cultural Studies and Chair of the KPU Task Force on Antiracism) and Dr. Jenna Butler, Canadian poet, essayist, editor, and professor, for a conversation about climate grief, trauma and recovery, farming, and beekeeping. This event is scheduled for October 29, 2020, 1:00-2:00. Registration details will be sent out soon. For further details, please contact Dr. Asma Sayed: asma.sayed@kpu.ca.  

Speaking Up for Integrity:  As we enter the first round of midterms, academic integrity remains a major concern. We estimate that there has been a 20% increase in offences, including an extensive network of students conspiring together which was uncovered in one department. For its part, PSYC is devoting its next internal “Teaching Excellence” session to strategies for combatting cheating, and the Dean’s Office has taken measures to streamline its handling of such cases. Please remember to report all integrity violations here. Janice Morris (KDocs) recently offered some compelling observations on this matter in an interview to News 1130. And remember, Kristie Dukewich’s invaluable presentation on preventative strategies remains available on Sharepoint here.

Voicing Appreciation for Colleagues: Nominations are now open for KPU Distinguished Awards. This is your opportunity to recognize colleagues for their exemplary contributions to teaching, scholarship, or service. More information and forms can be found here.  

Joining the Team: Have you noticed that MS Teams now has a “Together” mode for groups of four or more? Click on the ellipses in the menu bar at the top of the screen to activate it. It’s quite something… 

Leaning into Loneliness — and Knowing You’re Not Alone in It: Janice Morris also shared with us this short film from the NFB.  It captures many poignant truths about the times we’re in. And if the challenges of the day are becoming too much, please remember that – beyond family, friends and colleagues – you always have access to wellness and counselling services through KPU’s Employee and Family Assistance Program.

And with that, the long weekend beckons! We hope that it will be light on grading, and bring much time – whether spent virtually or in-person – for family and friends.

All our best,

Diane, Shelley, Wade, and Greg