Dear Faculty of Arts,
With the semester’s home stretch upon us and Donald Trump’s latest assault on our collective sanity launched, it’s time to get weird. As K.W. Jeter put it in 1987, “I think Victorian fantasies are going to be the next big thing, as long as we can come up with a fitting collective term…something based on the appropriate technology of the era; like ‘steam-punks,’ perhaps…”
Today’s Update is an homage to that most hypertrophied of fantasy forms – a form which The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences assures us “is modern technology—iPads, computers, robotics, air travel—powered by steam and set in the 1800’s.” Indeed, a certain amusement may be had by imagining what Covid would have been like in this steam-powered alternative reality. Probably it would have involved a lot more goggles.
OPPORTUNITIES – a.k.a. The Golden Compasses
HIGH PRIORITY – Building the Affinity Bridge to PACs: The Provost has made available a time release (12.5%) for Spring 2023 for a Facilitator in support of Program Advisory Committees (PACs)across the Faculty of Arts. If you’re interested in a release for Spring and eager to steam-power the PAC process in Arts , then fly your airship to this link and apply! The deadline for applications is Nov. 22.
Extraordinary Engines (of Scholarship): The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute has two opportunities which may be of great interest. One is the SCLSG Conference/Symposium Grant in support of faculty members engaging one or more-member institution(s) of SICI from India and Canada, including an alliance of subject matter experts from both countries to bring forth innovative ideas and activities. Click here for more. Second, the Student Internship in India Project offers undergraduates a three-month internship in India under the supportive supervision of SICI and Indian host institutions. SICI Canada and India offices will provide wraparound support to young Canadian students on their internship journey. Please share this info with your students.
KUDOS – a.k.a. The League of Extraordinary Faculty
Worldshaker: Kyle Matsuba (PSYC) recently returned from northern Uganda, where he led the Wang Oo Relit Project. Taking its name from traditional Ugandan fireside gatherings, the Project is funded by a $250,000 Global Mental Health seed grant from Grand Challenges Canada. Kyle trained youth mental health leaders, who will be key to reintroducing the traditional practice of the wang oo with the help of community elders. The new Wang Po gatherings will include sharing of mental health challenges, offering an opportunity to educate young people about mental health. Outstanding work, Kyle! To learn more about this superlative initiative, click here.
BioShock Infinite: In a memorable Calgary Herald op-ed, PHIL’s Mazen Guirguis considers the meaning of personal freedom in light of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s criticisms of pandemic restrictions. Well said, Mazen.
EVENTS – a.k.a. Peculiar Occurrences
20, 000 Leagues Under the River: Amy Huestis (FINA) has shared word about Birds Canada’s free screening of the documentary film, “Soul of the Fraser,” at the North Delta Centre for the Arts. The event will begin with an introduction by skipper, Hwlitsum First Nation Storyteller and Knowledge Holder, Lindsey Wilson. It will take place this Sunday, November 20, 3:30-6:00, at the North Delta Centre for the Arts.
Airborn, or, Supports for Student Success: We are delighted to announce that the Mentoring Network for Youth Aging out of Care – now rebranded as the Supports for Success Program is slated to resume operations this fall. The training for Mentors will be held on from 1 on November 24th. To register contact Tracy Sherlock Tracy.Sherlock@kpu.ca or Wade Deisman (wade.deisman@kpu.ca)
Clockwork Angels: FINA’s wonderful Ceramic and Print Media students are both holding winter sales in the Arbutus Gallery (Surrey Campus Library). It’s long overdue and worth the wait!! If you are looking for gifts or just want to buy something special for yourself, look no further. Please note that ceramic students will be taking both CASH and CREDIT, but cash is highly encouraged. Print Media Students will only be taking CASH. The sales run in Arbutus Gallery over November 23rd and 24th starting at 11 AM. See the attached posters for more details.
Raising Steam: The Arts Research Network and the Graduate Studies Policy Working Group has planned an event on Nov. 30th 3:00-4:30 called “Visioning Graduate Studies at KPU: a FoA Forum.” This virtual event will explore questions about the future of graduate studies at KPU. The Graduate Studies Policies Working Group wants to hear your thoughts and ideas about issues such as graduate admission requirements, differentiating between undergraduate and graduate courses, faculty preparation and qualifications to teach in graduate programs, and many others.The Zoom Meeting link is here.
RESOURCES – Gaslit and Steam-Powered
A Map of the Floating City: Led by Faculty Council Chair Mike Larsen (CRIM) and AD Extraordinaire Wade Deisman, Arts organized its first Governance Retreat today at 11:45 on Teams: an event designed to deepen our shared understanding of the values and processes given in faculty governance. This was well-attended and well-received. Thanks, Mike and Wade! One happy effect of the Retreat was the development of a repository of governance resources for Arts, with the fantastic assistance of Joyce Liu. Everything from a Governance Handbook to the BA Framework and the Task Force on Antiracism Final Report is now gathered there. Have a look here, and be sure to bookmark the page!
Perdido Street Station – AIVs and Distressed Students: As we enter another peak grading period, we wanted once more to share two key resources. One is the handy-dandy guide to coping with AIVs here. Please be sure to check that out, and for the love of China Miéville, please do report ALL violations. This is an obligation under Policy ST2 and can be done through the reporting portal here. If you have a very complicated case and are not able to assemble all the relevant evidence, report it anyway. The Dean’s Office now has access to special Integrity Investigators to do the spadework, and advise, on especially onerous cases. Discussions continue at all levels of the University over ways to further assist students and faculty on this vitally important (and aggravating) file.
The other key resource relates to students in Distress. Peak grading periods can also mean peak stress for students. Please see the following link regarding students in distress. The always-helpful Green Sheet is also attached to this message.
With two weeks to go before classes end on December 5, we wish everyone all success in bringing their dirigibles into the docking station for another semester. Have a wonderful weekend – hopefully without TOO much grading, and lots of fun with the Telectroscope.
Shelley, Dana, Wade, Billeh, and Greg
Cover image: “LuftFlotte Steampunk…” by Stf.O is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Comments by Greg Millard