{"id":347,"date":"2020-07-10T17:00:21","date_gmt":"2020-07-11T00:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.kpu.ca\/arts\/?p=347"},"modified":"2020-08-01T17:09:53","modified_gmt":"2020-08-02T00:09:53","slug":"arts-update-the-kids-are-alright-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.kpu.ca\/arts\/2020\/07\/10\/arts-update-the-kids-are-alright-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"The Kids Are Alright Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While this unseasonable weather is making July feel like January, the rain patters on about our unanticipated circumstances during the pandemic. The \u2018re-opening\u2019 process is gradually unfolding across the province, and there is a nascent (although undeniably fragile) sense that some things \u2013 at least – are on their way to returning to \u2018normal\u2019. In our sector, however, we know that any such return is still a long way off: the preponderance of fall instruction will be online, and the spring session is currently expected to remain similarly so. Amidst KPU\u2019s continuing online reality, many faculty and staff, in addition to working from home, are doing so while managing childcare. We would like to tip our hats to those of you with kids at home, and we would like to make opportunities for people to share some of their own activities, ideas, and resources in an upcoming section of the blog. Please feel free to send along ideas of your own, and we will gladly share these in our new section. We have already begun to amass a significant trove of activities and resources.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New\u00a0Kids\u00a0on the Block:<\/strong>\u00a0Several new part-time and full-time faculty members are joining our ranks this fall. We are looking forward to formally introducing these new\u00a0faculty –\u00a0as\u00a0we always do – at the Fall AGM. In the meantime, if your department is in the process of onboarding new\u00a0colleagues, we would encourage you to extend a\u00a0helping\u00a0hand and bid them a heartfelt welcome! Making the transition to new work environs can be difficult at the best of times. In the current context,\u00a0feeling connected may prove even more challenging.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Behold the Brainchild<\/strong>:\u00a0The\u00a0Arts Speaker Series program has\u00a0–\u00a0finally –\u00a0been\u00a0finalized!\u00a0Many\u00a0excellent talks, which\u00a0showcase\u00a0the\u00a0depth and\u00a0breadth\u00a0of\u00a0Arts\u00a0research and scholarship\u00a0activity, are\u00a0planned\u00a0for the year ahead!\u00a0The current\u00a0roster of\u00a0presentations\u00a0canvasses\u00a0racism, international students, psychological research,\u00a0co-writing with coyote,\u00a0sustainable food systems, island living,\u00a0and the INCEL rebellion. Stay tuned for scheduling information!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wizz Kids: <\/strong>For those of you who are not already aware, these two resources have been created to assist you in designing and delivering your courses: 1) The Faculty and Instructional Staff Handbook<\/a> includes many resources that can help make your academic year as smooth and efficient as possible 2) The Resources for Faculty<\/a> tab in SharePoint brings together many Faculty of Arts specific resources.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Not Child\u2019s Play:<\/strong> In late July, the University will host a Level 1 \u2013 Foundations – workshop entitled: “Having the Courage \u2013 Difficult Conversations.” The three-part course, running July 27, 28 and 30, is designed for anyone interested in building the skills to engage in challenging conversations whether it be with a colleague, a direct report, or your supervisor, to contribute to a healthy respectful workplace. Click here<\/a> for more information and booking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All Kidding Aside:<\/strong> The deadline for submitting proposals for the Arts Research courses is this Monday, July 13. These courses provide excellent opportunities for faculty and students who would like to collaborate on a faculty-led project. Please contact Anne Lin (Anne.Lin@kpu.ca<\/a>) for more information.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diane, Greg, Shelley and Wade <\/p>\n\n\n\n