Category BU announcements
 

Memorial for Zoé Fortier

Good morning community,

I would like to remind you that we are hosting a memorial service  Monday February 6th, from 11:30 to 12:30 in Centennial Lobby. Zoé’s family will be present if you wish to extend your condolences to them and we will be presenting them with the book of condolences as well.

There will be some light refreshment following the gathering.

We all process loss differently, so please be reminded that we have free and available counseling in student services.

Sincerely,

Stine

Dr. Jessica Riddell elected to American Association of Colleges and Universities

Dr. Jessica RiddellDr. Jessica Riddell, Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair of Undergraduate Teaching Excellence at Bishop’s University was elected to Board of Directors at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Colleges and Universities. As one of seven directors elected and the only Canadian, Dr. Riddell joins a high-profile board representing over 100 universities committed to a liberal education.

About AAC&U – The American Association of Colleges and Universities is a global membership organization dedicated to advancing the vitality and democratic purposes of undergraduate liberal education.

Full press release

Memorial gathering

Dear members of the Bishop’s community,

Late last week we were shaken by the tragic passing of Zoé Fortier, a first-year student in the School of Education. Zoé’s family requested that we wait until today to share her name. We understand that Zoé died of natural causes.

This Wednesday, December 14th from 11 a.m. to noon, we will hold an informal gathering in the Cleghorn room to mourn and remember Zoé. We welcome friends, professors, staff, those who knew Zoé and anyone who wishes to connect with other community members in a moment of reflection.

A book of condolences has been set up in Paterson lobby for anyone wanting to write a message that will be relayed to the family. We are also planning to hold a memorial in honour of Zoé’s life in January for those of you who are no longer on campus.

This is a very difficult time for our community and I would like to remind you of the resources available for students, faculty and staff.

 

Residence Life
The team in Paterson will have a space open today in Paterson Assembly Hall until 4:00 p.m. for reflection and grieving, with mental health support and pet support.

 

Counseling Services
Regular services will be open every day this week with drop-in appointments available every day.

Please be reminded that Indigenous students can also seek support at the Indigenous Student Support Centre (ISSC) or by emailing Shawna Jerome at schatter@ubishops.ca or Vicky Boldo at vboldo@ubishops.ca. You can also seek support from the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310.

 

24/7 Support:

  • Empower Me Health and Wellness Support: 1-833-628-5589
  • Security: Dial 711 from your Residence room phone or call 819-822-9711
  • For residents:
    • RAs: Knock on their door or call Security to reach them
    • The Spot: Use the QR code located on the back of your bedroom door

 

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee and Family Assistance Program can be reached at 1-844-880-9142 (English) or 1-844-880-9143 (French). If you would like to speak to someone about other support options please contact healthandsafety@ubishops.ca.

The University’s Chaplain Jesse Dymond can be reached at ext. 2718 or at jdymond@ubishops.ca.

 

Virtual grief support: 

  • Text 289-278-1885 or go to kemphospice.org/support-line (available 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
  • Ligne d’ecoute (available in French): 1-888-533-3845

 

Sincerely,

Michael Goldbloom, C.M.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Supports available – Supports disponibles

Dear Students,

Many of you have been deeply impacted by learning of the tragic loss of a student’s life yesterday.

I wish to remind you of the resources we have available for you this weekend and in the coming times.

Reflection and support Space:

Paterson Assembly Hall today, Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM till 5 PM

This space has been set up as a place for you to connect with other students, to speak with a counselor or reflect in silence.

BUnited:

Our Peer Support at BUnited Support Centre will be open as usual: Friday and Saturday from 6 till 10 PM and Sunday from 2 to 6 PM

Please be reminded that Indigenous Students can also seek support at the Indigenous Student Support Centre (ISSC). Contact student supports Vicky Boldo or Shawna Jerone  at vicky.boldo@ubishops.ca and shawna.chattertonjerome@ubishops.ca

 24/7 Support:

  • Empower Me 24/7 – (833) 628-5589
  • Security – 711 from Residence Room Phone or 819-822-9711
  • RAs – Knock on their door or call security to reach them
  • The Spot – QR Code Located on the back of your bedroom door.

It is important to know that grief is different for everyone, we can never predict exactly what the grieving process will look like for us.

  • Take care of yourself
  • Get help if you need it
  • Express your grief in healthy ways
  • Be patient with yourself
  • Carve out time for fun
  • Talk about it

During this difficult time, please use the resources above, take care of yourselves, each other and let us all respect the family as they grieve their loss.

Sincerely,

Stine Linden-Andersen, Ph.D.
Vice-Principal Student Affairs

Tragic news

Dear members of the Bishop’s community,

It is with shock and great sadness that I am writing to inform you that a student passed away in one of our residences yesterday.

We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the student’s family and friends.

We have not yet been informed about the cause of death and we are being guided by the family with respect to future communications.

We encourage all of you to take care of yourselves and each other. We will be providing the following supports today and will update you about additional supports in the coming days.

  • Our counseling team in Student Services (2nd floor of the Marjorie Donald building, above the bookstore) will be open for drop-in appointments all day. Drop-in appointments will also be available today in the residence counseling centre (Paterson 100).
  • Student Care staff will be on campus this afternoon to provide a space of reflection and support in Paterson 100. This space will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Students can also contact Empower Me Mental Health and Wellness Support at any time at 1-833-628-5589.

Bishop’s employees can benefit from free, confidential counseling services through the Employee & Family Assistance Program. They can be reached at 1-844-880-9142 (English) or 1-844-880-9143 (French). If you would like to speak to someone about other support options please contact healthandsafety@ubishops.ca.

The University’s Chaplain Jesse Dymond can be reached at ext. 2718 or at jdymond@ubishops.ca.

Sincerely,

Michael Goldbloom, C.M.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Appointment of Dr. Julie Desjardins as Dean of Education

Dr. Julie Desjardins

Dear Bishop’s community,

We are very pleased to advise you that the Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Dr. Julie Desjardins as Dean of Education, effective July 1, 2022, for a five-year period.

The Search Committee was chaired by Dr. Miles Turnbull and included Eva Lettner (external community member appointed by the Board of Governors), Dr. Avril Aitken, Dr. Eva Bures, Dr. Sunny Lau, Dr. Joanne Pattison-Meek, Dr. Dawn Wiseman, Dr. Gretchen Wentzell Lowerison (contract faculty), Genny Leclair, student representative, and Principal Michael Goldbloom (ex officio, non-voting participant). Dr. Trygve Ugland, Secretary General, provided support for the Committee.

Dr. Desjardins is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Education at Université de Sherbrooke, where she has been employed since 2000. She is currently on administrative leave following completion of 12 years as Vice Dean Academic. Before becoming Vice Dean, Dr. Desjardins was Chair of the Elementary teacher education program at Université de Sherbrooke. In these roles, Dr. Desjardins played key leadership roles in teacher education reform at Université de Sherbrooke and in Quebec. At the national level, she was Vice-President of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education, the most important scholarly association in education in Canada. Dr. Desjardins is an international expert in educational assessment and teacher education. She has received, alone or with colleagues, more than $1 million in research and educational development grants from a variety of provincial and federal agencies.

Committee members were impressed with Dr. Desjardin’s collegial, transparent and collaborative leadership style and her clear commitment to undergraduate teacher education and graduate level teacher and leadership development. Moreover, her knowledge of and experience with competency-based teacher education and the Quebec accreditation body was noted as a definite asset for her deanship. All of her referees spoke to her poise, inner confidence and strength, goal setting skills and well-rounded profile. Her work ethic and integrity were also mentioned repeatedly among her strongest qualities.

Please join us in wishing Dr. Desjardins the very best for the next five years as Dean of Education.

Michael Goldbloom, C.M.
Principal & Vice Chancellor

Miles Turnbull
Vice-Principal Academic & Research

Bishop’s offers alternative pathway to veterinary and medical studies for undergraduates

Partnering with Universities in the Caribbean through Adtalem

Bishop’s Universities and Adtalem Global Education have entered into a partnership making Bishop’s students eligible for direct admission and scholarships at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM).

“This partnership with Adtalem offers a great alternative for outstanding students who wish to pursue veterinary and medical studies outside of Canada, explains Dr. Kerry Hull, Dean of Science at Bishop’s University. This partnership highlights our commitment to student success both at Bishop’s and beyond.”

Bishop’s University students interested in a career in medicine may consider AUC in Sint Maarten or RUSM in Barbados. Canadian residents are also eligible for AUC’s UK Track program in Preston, United Kingdom. Seven percent of the student population at AUC and RUSM come from Canada. Since 2012, 65 RUSM Canadian students have obtained positions in residency programs across Canada, including surgery at the University of Toronto, family medicine at the University of British Columbia, pediatrics at McMaster University, and anesthesiology at the University of Manitoba.

“Adtalem Global Education is committed to opening up educational pathways for deserving and qualified students who aspire to help their communities,” said John Danaher, M.D., president of Adtalem Medical and Veterinary. “We are proud to partner with institutions like Bishop’s University who share a desire to innovate where students and communities can benefit.”

Interim Secretary General

Dear members of the Bishop’s Community,

At its meeting in March 2022, the Board of Governors struck an Ad Hoc Search Committee for a Secretary General as Dr. Trygve Ugland will conclude his mandate on June 30, 2022.

The Search Committee has begun the process of reviewing the job description and the skills and qualities required for the position.

The Search Committee has recommended that a recruitment firm be engaged to assist with the search process.

Consequently, I have asked Denise Lauzière to assume the position of Secretary General on an interim basis as of July 1, 2022.

Denise has been an important member of the administrative team at Bishop’s since 2013 and in her role as Chief of Staff has been involved with supporting the Board of Governors, Senate and the Bishop’s Council.  During this time, she has gained considerable knowledge, understanding and experience in bicameral governance.

Please join me in expressing our gratitude to Trygve for his significant contributions as Secretary General and in wishing Denise well as she takes on these additional responsibilities.

Michael Goldbloom, C.M.
Principal & Vice-Chancellor

Donations of physical supplies for Ukraine

Bishops/Champlain community:

In recent weeks, our communities have watched with horror as the humanitarian crisis unfolds in Ukraine.

There have already been a variety of responses on campus, and as the situation unfolds, we will continue to offer our support.

At this time, the local Ukrainian community has called for donations of physical materials and supplies that are impossible to acquire from within the conflict.

Some of these items are medical in nature, and we are thankful to the campus clinic and Champlain Nursing for their participation. Others items listed invite participation of the wider community.

Until March 31, we will be collecting the materials listed below.

Items collected can be dropped off at security—be sure to deliver your donations in cardboard boxes.

Following the donation period, a group of staff and students will sort the donations and deliver them for shipping overseas.

WHAT UKRAINE NEEDS:

  • Baby food (formula and jarred), diapers, bottles, pacifiers, wet wipes, baby creams for diaper rash, socks.
  • Electric jars, sleeping bags, mats, candles, matches, empty sandbags, batteries, flashlights, binoculars, night vision devices, walkie-talkies, knee pads.
  • Thermal underwear, underwear (new), socks, shoes, helmets.
  • Personal hygiene items: towels, toothpaste, solid soap, dry deodorants, towels (small).
  • Food: Tea, coffee, sugar, instant cereals, soups, jarred food, energy bars, nuts, dried fruits.

MEDICINES (ONLY PACKAGED):

Analgesics, ibuprofen, tablets for back and joint pain, patches, medicines for diarrhea, heartburn, allergies, epinephrine, medicines for children, burns; external fixation devices for traumatology; disposable scalpel blades; Ambu Bags; surgical threads + needles, kapron, nylon N2, 3, 4, 5; powders to dust wounds, such as gentasept; bandages; surgical kits; kits for the sanitary; treatment of wounds; rigid collar for fixing; decompression needles; syringes; sterile anti-burn material; defibrillators; thermal sheets; Bandages, Hemostatic bandages and dressings, Anti-burn or healing dressings, Hemostatic powder, Decompression needles, Nasotracheal tubes / Endotracheal tubes, Anti-inflammatories, LAQlicyjetics, Physical solutions, Painkillers, Supports for physical solutions (ask in pharmacy), Hemostatic tourniquet, Nasotracheal tubes, Analgesics, Antipyretic, Syringes and arterial tubing, solutions. Over-the-counter medications.

We are not accepting clothes at this time, there is no place to keep them.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Jesse

The Rev. Jesse Dymond
Chaplain, Bishop’s University and Champlain Regional College

St. Mark’s Chapel
Bishop’s University, Abenaki Traditional Territory
2600 College Street,
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1M 1Z7

Office: Student Services, room 246 | Phone (819) 822-9600 ext. 2718

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

To the Bishop’s Community,

I have watched the Russian invasion of Ukraine with profound shock and dismay. It is horrifying to witness the assault on democracy and the killing of innocent people.

I wish to express our solidarity with the Ukrainian members of our community. I know that Russian members of our community are equally distraught at the Kremlin’s actions.

I also wish to express our solidarity with our colleagues and students in Ukrainian universities.

It is vitally important that we stand united in condemning and confronting Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression.

We all hope that peace and respect for the democracy and territorial integrity of Ukraine can be restored urgently.

I know that this is an extremely difficult time for many in our community, and I encourage anyone who wishes to do so to contact our support services:

 

For students: 

If you would like to speak to someone at Bishop’s, we offer free and confidential counselling services.  Please contact studentservices@ubishops.ca or 819-822-9695.

You can also book an appointment here:
https://www.ubishops.ca/future-current-students/student-campus-life/student-services/mental-health/

If you require assistance for an emergency outside of the regular operating hours, please call Bishop’s Security Department at 819-822-9711 or from a phone on campus ext. 2711.

You can also call Info-Santé by dialing 811 or Urgence Détresse at 819-780-2222.

You can also contact Empower Me Mental Health and Wellness Support for 24 hour/7-days-a-week confidential counselling support at 1-833-628-5589.

For employees: 

Bishop’s employees can benefit from free, confidential counseling services available through the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provided by Lifeworks. 

To contact Lifework’s 24-hour, 7 days-a-week toll free telephone service please calls:

English - 1-844-880-9142
French -  1-844-880-9143

If you prefer to consult services that are available online, you can visit www.workhealthlife.com   

You can also download the Lifeworks My EAP app to access E-counselling and First Chat and many other resources.

 

Sincerely,

Michael Goldbloom, C.M.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor