December Blog

Fall has been a busy time, both at UVic and in the community! Given how closely we work in so many ways, I thought I’d provide an update on a few of UVic’s numerous community-focussed activities:

·        Bear Wear – Once again, Community Relations has contributed to Vancouver Island Children’s Health Foundation’s charming Bear Wear event at the Hotel Grande Pacific. With so many appealing bears, this event is a lovely outing – it runs until January 5, 2015. You will be eligible to win the bears that appeal to you most by buying raffle tickets. The proceeds support a wide range of activities that benefit children on the Island. Further information is available at http://childrenshealthvi.org/events/bear-wear.

·        Mapping to Improve Cyclist Safety – Finding safe routes for cycling in this beautiful region will become easier as a result of the BikeMaps initiative. You are encouraged to contribute your thoughts and experiences regarding local cycling trouble spots at https://bikemaps.org/about/ . This partnered initiative is led by UVic’s Spatial Pattern Analysis and Research Lab, under the direction of Dr. Trisalyn Nelson and as it develops, will build tools to help people plan safer routes.

·        Annual Review – With so much going on, on so many fronts, UVic’s 2013-14 Annual Review offers a wonderful overview of activity on campus in the past year. You’ll find a copy at http://www.uvic.ca/annualreview/. 

·        A Report on Community-University Engagement – the Institute for Studies and Innovation in Campus Community Engagement (ISICUE for short; http://www.uvic.ca/research/centres/cue/) has also summarized a year of remarkable community activity in its 2013-2014 Annual Review, available at http://www.uvic.ca/annualreview/.

·        Advocating for the community benefits of research – UVic’s Centre for Addictions Research (CARBC) received the first-ever Leadership Award from Research Canada for its efforts to educate policy makers, the media and the public on the social and economic benefits of research. For example, CARBC’s influence on liquor laws and pricing has made an important contribution in reducing the many alcohol related crimes, hospital visits, deaths and injuries caused by alcohol each year. More information on this remarkable award is provided at http://ring.uvic.ca/news/uvic-research-centre-lauded-public-policy-impact. 

·        Campus Planning – With so much activity on campus and in our communities, it is timely to undertake an update to the University’s Campus Plan. Consultation with the many people who have an interest in campus development is a key part of this process. You’ll find ongoing updates online at http://www.uvic.ca/campusplanning/about/campus-plan-2014/index.php. 

·        Christmas Tree Sale – as you prepare for the holiday season, you may want to search for a wonderful tree at the Christmas Tree Sale, organized by UVic’s men’s and women’s cross country teams. You’ll find more information on this annual event at http://govikesgo.com/sports/2012/11/22/GEN_1122124301.aspx.

·        Ongoing Events for Community – on any given day, something of interest is taking place on campus! Bookmark UVic’s Event Calendar at http://events.uvic.ca/index.php?view=month&cview=index to track the wealth of talks, tours, performances and exhibition activities in which you can participate.

·        Ongoing News – UVic’s online Ring is regularly updated with fascinating news on the full range of UVic campus and community activities. You’ll find it at http://ring.uvic.ca/. Alumni Week - if you are one of the 32,000 UVic graduates living in the Capital Region, you'll be interested in the events and activities scheduled for Alumni Week from February 1-7, 2015. Monitor the webpage at http://www.uvic.ca/alumni/impact/home/alumni-week/index.php for further details on this engaging week.

 

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS – My colleagues in Community Relations and across the Division of External Relations wish you all the best as this year draws to a close … and look forward to all our community connections in the New Year.

 

Joy Davis, PhD Interim Director, Community Relations University of Victoria t. 250-472-5047 | f. 250-853-3942 | c. 250-216-8716 office: ASB A113 | web: uvic.ca/external/community

"Creating Vibrant Communities Together"