Archive

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

It was my great pleasure to meet the members of UCVM’s Class of 2024 earlier today via Zoom. On Monday, August 31, this group of future veterinarians will be welcomed to the profession during a virtual White Coat Ceremony hosted by the ABVMA and the CVMA.  

We continue with many active searches to fill the new positions as part of the class expansion project. We also continue to attract highly qualified applicants to UCVM because of the outstanding programs that you all have established.

Before the new semester launches next week, I have a few updates to share.

DVM Program Office

Information sessions: Thank you to all those who attended the information session for faculty and staff on Monday, August 24. The session provided COVID-related plans for in-person instruction this fall. If you missed it or would like to review it again, the slide deck and the Zoom recording have been posted to the “DVM Program Updates” page on VETNet, under the “Resources” section. The page is being populated with relevant information and links. Please check it going forward for updates. Information sessions for each class in Years I – IV were held on August 26 and 28. The recordings of these sessions will be posted on VETNet for staff and faculty, as well as on D2L’s “DVM Current Students” site.

Study Spaces: Bookable study spaces will be made available to students both at CSB and TRW-2. These will provide quiet study space between classes/labs. They will also help deal with connectivity issues for attending online classes. We are working on a tool for making bookings and checking the availability of individual study spaces and expect it to be available later in September. In the interim, students can book whole rooms through the usual UCVM booking process (email UCVMrmbk@ucalgary.ca). We ask that faculty and staff take note of the rooms allocated for this purpose as listed below. These rooms will not be available to faculty and staff for bookings.

CSB Room Number Number of study spaces 101A 18 104 18 101L 2 108 6 110 6 160B (Student Wellness) 4 101 (PSkills Rooms) 6 161E (Fishbowl) 4 Foothills Room Number Number of study spaces 2E16 2 2E18 4 2E19 4 2E20 4 2E21 4 2E24 4 2E25 4 Student Lounge 8 Student study 5 Reminder: AHS parking fees to be reinstated on August 31

On Aug. 31, Alberta Health Services (AHS) will reinstate parking fees for faculty and staff who park in AHS owned lots.

• If you’re working from home and wish to cancel your parking, please complete the Parking Cancellation Form and return it, along with your parking permit, to the Parking Services Office located at the Foothills Medical Centre. Please note that your physical parking permit must be returned in person to the Parking Office located on Ground Floor of the Central Parkade. Fifteen-minute parking is available in front of the office.
• If you’ve been paying for parking through payroll deduction, please also complete and return the University of Calgary Staff Parking Notification Form. If you pay via pre-authorized debit withdrawal, you’ll receive a separate communication asking you to complete and return a Pre-Authorized Debit Cancellation Notice. Parking charges will continue to apply until all forms, permits and access cards are returned to AHS Parking Services.
• If you cancel your parking and later decide to reinstate it, please contact AHS Parking Services to do so. All faculty and staff who cancel and reinstate their parking will be assigned to Lot 6.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please email AHS Parking Services at Dechen.Kunga@ahs.ca.

Parking in University of Calgary lots (including TRW parkade and Spy Hill): As noted in previous updates, fees for parking in UCalgary lots were reinstated on August 1.  If you hold a permit for a UCalgary lot and are returning to work on campus, you have the option to reactivate your permit and pay the monthly fee or pay the daily rate for parking by using the pay stations. Permit fees for those who continue to work from home will be waived until you return to campus.

Quick Start Training Module for employees returning to campus during COVID-19

Human Resources has launched a “Quick Start” training program for employees and managers to ensure those who are returning to campus can do so safely.  (Employees who can work productively and safely from home should continue to do so.)

The new training program includes a brief online learning module to orient all employees about the return to campus protocols, the role of their leaders, employee responsibilities, and how to find additional resources. I’d encourage you to view this module PRIOR to returning to campus.

This information, together with other resources, can be found on UCalgayr’s COVID-19 webpage. If you have questions or concerns about this program or the return to campus protocols, please reach out to the Integrated Service Centre or send an email to campus.reentry@ucalgary.ca

Please watch for an email in the coming weeks asking employees who are planning to return to work for any length of time to acknowledge a workspace safety plan.

In closing, I thank the UCVM community for their dedicated work in ensuring launch of 2020-2021 academic year.

Thank you.

Balijt
Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

As we get closer to welcoming our students back, I have a few updates on DVM class preparation, research and parking to share with you.

And as many people will be returning from summer vacation, we will be sending out an additional update on Monday, August 24, which will highlight important developments over the summer and provide links to key information you may have missed.

DVM Program Office - Preparing for classes this fall

A working group consisting of the ADA and the UCVM managers related to the DVM Program Office has been created to prepare for the classes this fall. The group is meeting every day to consider and address the many questions about welcoming students back to the faculty and running in-person classes this fall. The working group is continually collecting questions/concerns/issues which need to be addressed. Please reach out to your manager, associate dean, or department head to make sure your questions/concerns are on the list. A survey of staff who support the clinical/discipline teaching was conducted and results were shared with the group. Additional feedback has been collected from the Emergency Response Group.

The managers' group will develop answers and make decisions about actions that need to be taken to deal with the evolving COVID situation. With every decision, the group will determine who needs to be informed and how the answers can be quickly communicated to all affected. A convenient summary will be located on VETNet,  on a new page “DVM Program Updates” under the “Resources” section.

A session for faculty and staff will be held on Monday, August 24 to provide COVID-related plans for in-person instruction this fall. Please stay tuned for a calendar invite. Information sessions for each class in Years I – III have been scheduled for August 26 – 28.

The timetables for Years I – III have been published on D2L on the following sites:

• UCVM Class of 2024 Timetable (Year 1): https://d2l.ucalgary.ca/d2l/le/calendar/321647
• UCVM Class of 2023 Timetable (Year 2): https://d2l.ucalgary.ca/d2l/le/calendar/282484
• UCVM Class of 2022 Timetable (Year 3): https://d2l.ucalgary.ca/d2l/le/calendar/236955

Note: If you need access to these timetables and do not have already, please email dvmprogram@ucalgary.ca.

Contracting for sessional instructor positions is underway. If you have questions or updates related to the sessional instructor positions, please contact Elena Rhodes.

Research Office Update
Friendly reminder that any changes/additions to an Expanded Research Designation or Critical Research Designation must be submitted through the online form to ensure that all personnel, research activities, and locations are approved through the Institutional ERD/CRD process. Only those researchers with Expanded or Critical Research Designation and a completed a Workspace Safety Plan may operate on campus

• Critical Research Designation (CRD) online form:  https://research.ucalgary.ca/covid-19-research-guidance/critical-research-designation); or
• Expanded Research Designation (ERD) online form: https://research.ucalgary.ca/covid-19-research-guidance/expanded-research-designation;

Supplemental Tri-Agency Funding is being provided to support the salaries and stipends of trainees and research support personnel during the research work interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline for NSERC/SSHRC has been extended to August 24, 2020. Eligible researchers will have received an email directly from NSERC, SSHRC, or CIHR about increased support for students, trainees and research support personnel. 

• NSERC announcement | Supplements@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
• CIHR announcement | support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

AHS parking fees to be reinstated

On Aug. 31, Alberta Health Services (AHS) will reinstate parking fees for faculty and staff who park in AHS owned lots.

• If you’re working from home and wish to cancel your parking, please complete the Parking Cancellation Form and return it, along with your parking permit, to the Parking Services Office located at the Foothills Medical Centre. Please note that your physical parking permit must be returned in person to the Parking Office located on Ground Floor of the Central Parkade. Fifteen-minute parking is available in front of the office.
• If you’ve been paying for parking through payroll deduction, please also complete and return the University of Calgary Staff Parking Notification Form. If you pay via pre-authorized debit withdrawal, you’ll receive a separate communication asking you to complete and return a Pre-Authorized Debit Cancellation Notice. Parking charges will continue to apply until all forms, permits and access cards are returned to AHS Parking Services.
• If you cancel your parking and later decide to reinstate it, please contact AHS Parking Services to do so. All faculty and staff who cancel and reinstate their parking will be assigned to Lot 6.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please email AHS Parking Services at Dechen.Kunga@ahs.ca.

Parking in University of Calgary lots (including TRW parkade and Spy Hill): As noted in the last update, fees for parking in UCalgary lots were reinstated on August 1.  If you hold a permit for a UCalgary lot and are returning to work on campus, you have the option to reactivate your permit and pay the monthly fee or pay the daily rate for parking by using the pay stations. Permit fees for those who continue to work from home will be waived until you return to campus.

Booking virtual events and seminars

With all events and seminars now being held virtually, it’s still important to let the Dean’s Office know to ensure there are no conflicts with other events. Having the information also allows the Dean’s Office staff to answer questions about all events if asked.

A new easy-to-use form for booking virtual events and seminars can be found on VETnet.  You can also choose whether you’d like your event/seminar advertised on the UCVM Events web pages only or on the UCalgary Events pages as well.

Balijt

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

Before we head into the weekend, I have a few short updates to share with you.

I want to thank you for your excellent and collaborative work to get UCVM ready for the next academic session. The virtual White Coat ceremony for UCVM 2024 is scheduled for August 31. The recruitments of new faculty and staff, as well as the Director of the Simpson Centre, are all underway. 

We will continue to live in the uncertainty created by COVID-19 for the foreseeable future. There likely will be additional demands placed upon us as the next school year gets underway in about three weeks. Let us continue to support each other with kindness and patience.

UCVM students, staff and faculty have written to Leadership Council to undertake discussions for concrete actions on combating racism and other forms of discrimination at UCVM. The LC will be taking this, as well as the topic of mental health and wellness, at its first meeting later this month.

Campus non-medical mask protocol

• As previously announced in the UCalgary COVID update on July 29, UCalgary students, faculty and staff must wear non-medical masks in indoor public spaces at all Calgary campuses.  Masks must be worn in all UCalgary indoor public areas such as hallways, washrooms, and elevators. Masks aren’t necessary in personal office spaces unless they are in a public-facing area. In classrooms or study spaces, students can remove masks once seated, and as long as they maintain a two-metre distance from others.
• Reusable masks will be supplied to all students, faculty, and staff who must be on campus for study or work. The DVM Program Office will arrange for student mask distribution and more communication on this will be provided before in-person classes start. Some departments and work units have already made their own arrangements to distribute masks to their faculty and staff. If you have not been issued a mask and need to work on campus, please contact Nicole O’Brien, nobrien@ucalgary.ca.

Working on campus

• Faculty and staff should continue working from home, with the exception of those whose work requires them to be on campus.  In order to limit the number of people in the workplace at the same time, the expectation to work from home will continue for the foreseeable future.
• If you need to be on campus, please fill in the calendar that Nicole O’Brien sent out last week. We must be able to account for everyone who is present on campus in order to limit numbers and to facilitate contract tracing if necessary.  If you are having difficulty accessing this calendar, please let Nicole know and she can send again or email her the times you plan to be on campus and she can add it to the calendar.

Parking on campus

While nothing has changed since the last update, I would like to ensure everyone is clear about where to park when working on campus.

• Parking in University of Calgary lots (including TRW parkade and Spy Hill): As of August 1, fees for parking in UCalgary lots have been reinstated. If you hold a permit for a UCalgary lot and are returning to work on campus, you have the option to reactivate your permit and pay the monthly fee or pay the daily rate for parking by using the pay stations. Permit fees for those who continue to work from home will be waived until you return to campus.
• Parking in Alberta Health Services lots (including Lot 6): For faculty and staff who park in AHS lots, parking fees remain suspended. We anticipate an update from AHS in the near future and will share that information when it becomes available. While on campus, please park in your assigned lot.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

Before we head into the weekend, I want to share the following updates with you:

TRW access update

• As mentioned in my July 15 update, all entrances to our Foothills campus buildings will be unlocked between 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday. However, while the university has opened electronic access  for the main ground entrance at TRW,  the doors to UCVM offices and corridors on TRW 1 and 2 will remain locked to the public and card access only. 

AHS parking update

• At this time all AHS parking facilities have implemented free parking due to the COVID19 outbreak. AHS  does not have an official return to paid parking determined at this time.  Once a date has been set, communications will be sent out and signage will be posted across the site. Please note that UCVM employees are required to park in the staff parking area of Lot 6 only.

Calendars for internal monitoring of Foothills and Spy Hill occupancy

• A calendar system is set up and ready to share for internal tracking of onsite activity – one for Foothills and one for Spy Hill – in order to ensure the health and safety of all during the pandemic. These calendars will be shared faculty wide shortly. Please accept one or both calendars, whichever is applicable to you.  Once this calendar is in your list you can uncheck so the information entered doesn’t clutter your individual calendar.  This system is meant replace the email notification to Nicole O’Brien as you can enter your information directly.  This will also enable us to view the calendars for potential occupancy limit conflicts.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

As the university continues moving forward with re-entry planning, I would like to clarify the situation at UCVM as there may be some confusion about expectations for faculty and staff.

Working from home

• Faculty and staff should continue working from home, with the exception of those whose work requires them to be on campus.  In order to limit the number of people in the workplace at the same time, the expectation to work from home will continue for the foreseeable future.
• If you need to be on campus, please notify Nicole O’Brien (Spy Hill) or Mary Gilleard or Lori Buccini (Foothills).  A sign in/sign out system is being developed and details will be communicated one it is in place.

In-person meetings

• In-person meetings are not allowed. However, if an in-person meeting is felt to be required, a request for meeting space at CSB should be made to Nicole O’Brien.

Foothills campus access changes

• As of today, July 15, all entrances to our Foothills campus buildings will be unlocked between 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday. They will remain locked on weekends.
• The check-in station located at the Health Sciences Centre north entrance has been removed and the information desk has reopened.

Parking changes

• Parking in UCalgary lots: Beginning Aug. 1, 2020, fees for parking in UCalgary lots, including the TRW parkade, will be reinstated. If you hold a permit for a UCalgary lot and are returning to work on campus, you’ll have the option to reactivate your permit and pay the monthly fee or pay the daily rate for parking by using the pay stations in your assigned lot. Permit fees for those who continue to work from home will be waived until you return to campus.
• Parking in Alberta Health Services (AHS) lots: Parking fees for faculty and staff who park in AHS lots remain suspended. We will share more information when it becomes available. In the meantime, please park in your assigned lot if you must be on campus.

UCVM Workspace Safety Plans

Workspace Safety Plans for areas/zones on our campuses are nearly completed. Once finalized and approved, managers will share each site- or unit-specific re-entry plan with their teams.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

As noted in last week’s update, the university is moving ahead to expand operations in teaching, learning, and research in the fall. As a reminder, this link to re-entry protocols outlines rules the university is asking the campus community to follow when coming onto any UCalgary campus or location with UCalgary operations.

UCVM Workspace Safety Plans

At UCVM, managers are working on Workspace Safety Plans for areas/zones on our campuses where we have faculty, staff, and students. Once completed, these plans will be uploaded for review by senior leadership. Managers will then share each site- or unit-specific re-entry plan with their teams. More information will follow as we progress.

Until further notice, please adhere to the following general guidelines:

• Working from home: Faculty and staff should continue to work from home; only those who need to be on campus should be on campus. If you are required to be on site for more than a few hours at any given time, and have not made previous arrangements to do so, please notify Nicole O’Brien to ensure we are adhering to tracing guidelines set out by the university.
• Kitchens: Please do not use kitchens or kitchen appliances on campus. Food and beverages must be brought from home. You may use kitchen faucets for drinking water, but please clean with a disinfecting wipe afterwards.
• Meeting rooms: Meetings should still be held virtually, whenever possible. If necessary, meeting rooms may be used for face-to-face meetings if all public health orders are followed, including physical distancing of two metres.

DVM Program Office

2020-2021 Years 1-3: The plan for course delivery in the fall was approved by the Provost and the schedule of classes is expected to be published in D2L next week. Our office has been working with the Department Heads and the Course Coordinators to recruit and hire sessional instructors for the coming year. This is expected to be completed before classes start on August 31. To support the preparation for online teaching, two workshops were conducted by Amy Warren and the Taylor Institute in June. Our Technology Coach Cindy Kalenga continues to be available to consult on online course design and the faculty are encouraged to reach out to her for help well before the start of classes. Cindy can consult on the ways to structure and design a course in D2L including navigation, adding elements of gamification, ideas to increase student engagement, integration of various online platforms (Zoom, D2L, Teams, Yuja) and creating/editing videos. More information on other online teaching support from the Faculty Assistants and the DVM Program Office will be communicated soon.

2020-2021 4th year:  The 4th-year class is finishing a 2-week online rotation in VetM 571 on Anatomic & Clinical Pathology. The schedule of clinic rotations until mid-October has been finalized and includes two 6-week clinic rotations. The schedule for the remainder of the year will be completed early in the fall.

Research Office

In support of maintaining experiences for summer students, the University of Calgary will now consider undergraduate summer students under the Expanded Research Designation.

• An application must be submitted to add a new, not previously trained student, even if the supervisor already has an approved ERD, via the Expanded Research Designation (ERD) online form: https://research.ucalgary.ca/covid-19-research-guidance/expanded-research-designation
• This new development is an opportunity for your students to join your team on campus if it is safe to do so and they consent to return to in-person activities. The supervisor must ensure their summer student meets the eligibility requirements.

In closing, I’d like thank each of you for your continued efforts and hard work during this difficult and changing time.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

With the province now in Stage 2 of its relaunch strategy, University of Calgary leadership has been busy making preparations and plans for a phased return to campus.  As you will have read in the central update on June 23, the university is moving ahead on ways to support expanded operations in teaching, learning, and research in the fall. This link to re-entry protocols outlines university’s rules that the campus community must follow when coming onto any UCalgary campus or location with UC operations.

Across the university, senior leaders and managers in all areas are using these new policies and protocols to guide their return-to-campus planning. At UCVM, we have a small group of managers and faculty working on workspace re-entry plans that address the specific needs of individual units and locations.  Once these plans have been solidified, they will be shared with the entire UCVM community in a detailed communication. Additionally, managers will share each site- or unit-specific re-entry plan with their teams.
In the meantime, please adhere the following general guidelines:

• Working from home: Faculty and staff should continue to work from home; only those who need to be on campus should be on campus. If you are required to be on site for any considerable length of time (more than a few hours at any given time) and have not made previous arrangements to do so, please notify Nicole O’Brien to ensure we are adhering to tracing guidelines set out by the university.
• Kitchens: Until further notice, there is no access to kitchens or kitchen appliances on campus, including refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, coffee brewing equipment, kettles, and shared utensils or dishware. Food and beverages must be brought from home; however, kitchen faucets may be used for drinking water.
• Meeting rooms: Meetings should still be held virtually, whenever possible. If necessary, meeting rooms may be used for face-to-face meetings if all public health orders are followed, including physical distancing of two metres.

The following outlines the re-opening process for research operations:

• We have currently 35 PIs holding Expanded Research Designation (ERD) and 22 with Critical Research Designation (CRD), for research activities which cannot be done remotely. The process for application and approval is well outlined, it involves a detailed Workspace Safety Plan, and the re-opening of research activities at a reduced level is going on well. Guidelines for physical distancing, PPE, and sanitation are in place. Offices and common spaces should be only used to a minimum. It is the PI’s responsibility to communicate to all lab personnel appropriately and to enforce adherence to guidelines. PIs are reminded to record access of their lab members, to be prepared for tracing situations.
• Access to buildings: UCID cards are needed. Access to Foothills campus buildings is currently only at the HMRB/HSC entrance across parkade 6. There is a card reader at the left, and service desk personnel which can help during business hours. No other entrances can be used. Electronic access rights for rooms within the buildings should not have changed. Access to CSB/VSRS: Individuals with approval have to actively request their access back. Please send a request to Greg Boorman (greg.boorman@ucalgary.ca), including name as it appears on card and UCID number. 
• Access to core facilities: This situation is evolving and bottleneck situations can occur, in particular for animal holding facilities (HSARC and VSRS). Holding CRD or ERD does not automatically involve full access to animal research as was pre-COVID. Animal facilities work in shifts and adhere to physical distancing rules, so they are not ready to go to 100% capacity instantly. To accommodate the re-opening process, it is advised to reduce the number of lab personnel accessing HSARC to a minimum, ideally only one person per lab. Core facilities might have more detailed rules that have to be followed.
• Graduate students/PDFs: FGS and Postdoc Office will ask these individuals for consent, and an approval/consent email will be sent to PIs. This has to be in place before graduate students and PDFs can return to lab work.
• Procedures for sick employees were recently updated.
• Critical Research Designations: Are still in place/continue, and it is recommended to keep them.

Before closing, I’m pleased to share that we have selected and admitted a class of 51 DVM student for the fall. It was a delight for me to call each individual to offer them a seat in UCVM’s Class of 2024! The search and hiring process for six faculty positions and four staff position is underway, along with the search to fill the Director of Operation position. The search for a director of the Simpson Centre will be concluded by end of July.

I wish everyone an enjoyable, restful weekend. Please take care and stay well.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

As you will have read in the UCalgary update sent out this week, new re-entry protocols will taking effect as designated researchers return to campus. Central leadership teams continue to work on plans and policies for the still undetermined date when a larger return to work will take place. More details are expected in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, I have a few updates to share from our Academic and Research offices.

DVM Program update

• 2020-2021 4th year:  The 4th-year class has made it through the first couple of weeks of their first rotation and all appears to be going well. Plans are progressing surrounding the next round of rotation selections which hopefully will be completed by the middle of the month. At that time, they will be selecting their next rotation which begins July 13 after a 2-week online rotation in VetM 570 on Anatomic & Clinical Pathology beginning June 29.
•  2020-2021 Years 1-3: The plan for course delivery in the fall was submitted to the Provost on the weekend. The Provost will be reviewing all of the plans submitted by the various faculties over the next several days. It is expected that she will report back to us with her recommendations by June 11. Until we receive the Provost’s report, course timetabling is not possible. However, we know for certain that most of our courses will be taught online this fall and to help prepare for that the DVM Program Office through Amy Warren and the Taylor Institute is arranging teaching workshops. The first, focused on developing online teaching skills, was offered on Thursday, June 4. Another workshop, focused on assessment in the online environment, will be scheduled for later in the month. These sessions will be informed by the feedback collected from the faculty and students about the online teaching experience in March and April. 
•  Incoming class of 2024: Candidates have completed the CASPer online situational judgement test on May 25, which replaced the face-to-face MMIs this year. The data from that test will be available soon to the Admissions Committee and a ranked list of applicants is planned to be presented to the Dean by June 16.

Research Office Update

For research that cannot be done remotely, researchers may apply for VPR approval to reopen research via the online submission forms:

• Critical Research Designation (CRD) online form or
• Expanded Research Designation (ERD) online form 

A Workspace Safety Plan template will be included with your ERD approval notification, which must be completed and returned to Department Heads prior to returning to campus. Trainees included in Expanded Research Designation applications will be asked to provide consent to the Faculty of Graduate Studies or the Postdoctoral office that they are ready to return to in-person activities. Supervisors will be advised when their graduate students or postdoctoral scholars have provided consent.

All individuals returning to campus must also adhere to the UCalgary COVID-19 Re-Entry Protocols.

The UCVM Research Office continues to accept the UCVM Research Reopening Excel surveys Table 1 and encourage faculty members to utilize Tables 2 & 3 for guiding reopening discussions and planning with their research teams.

We will keep you updated as more information on return-to-work dates and plans become available.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

As you will have seen in President McCauley’s email to the University of Calgary community yesterday, a decision was made on an approach to delivery of education in the fall term, with instruction to be provided through a combination of face-to-face and online or remote learning. As we head into the long weekend, I would like to share a few updates.

We continue to manage and advance UCVM’s programs and priorities:

• The expansion of the Diagnostic Services Unit is fully underway with two specialist positions in the process of being posted.
• DVM Class Expansion: The four faculty positions are already posted (with one offer made and accepted by the candidate), and three of the four staff positions were posted today.
• At UCVM’s Faculty Council meeting earlier this week, the following major items were approved:
  • A revised Admissions Process, which now will proceed through the approval process of the university with an aim to implement for the selection of UCVM’s Class of 2026.
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Gold Medal Terms of Reference.
  • Faculty Guidelines for Appointments, Promotion, and Tenure.

UCVM Leadership:

• Our leadership team recognizes faculty and staff have questions about when we will be able return to work in person. The timing and requirements for reopening the university and all post-secondary institutions will be a decision made by the Government of Alberta. When the province makes that determination, it will communicate those details to UCalgary’s Crisis Management Team (CMT). Once CMT develops a university-wide process in line with government regulations, the team will then communicate this to UCVM and other faculties and units. In the meantime, a committee within our faculty continues to meet to discuss back-to-work strategies so that we’re ready when a decision is made. This period of waiting and wondering is difficult and I truly appreciate your patience and good humour as we remain in a mostly work-at-home mode. When more information is available, I will share with the entire faculty.

DVM Program:

• 2020-2021 4th year:  The incoming 4thyear class is heading out to start their first 6-week rotation next week. The schedule of available rotations for the rest of their 4th year is expected to be completed in early June.
• 2020-2021 Years 1-3: As announced, instruction in the fall term will be provided through a combination of face-to-face and online or remote learning. Anticipated face-to-face learning is expected to be reserved for small classes and experiential learning, e.g. labs. We have received instructions from Provost Marshall on how to proceed with the planning for the 2020-2021 academic year. We are required to submit our plans by May 31. Therefore, we have lots of work to do over the next two weeks to meet this tight deadline.

Research Office:

• We are pleased to share the Prime Minister’s announcement of $450 million in funding to help Canada’s academic research community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes funding to support research teams who may have not qualified for prior COVID-19 financial support mechanisms.
• The UCVM Research Office is pleased to support the coordination of re-opening your research program. We kindly request the return of Table 1 (sent in an email yesterday) for UCVM planning towards the reopening. Please return by Tuesday, May 19th to the UCVM Research Office, Dr. Hermann Schaetzl (hschaetz@ucalgary.ca) and Nicole Stubley (nstubley@ucalgary.ca). This survey is for collecting information specific to the UCVM research activities.
• Please be reminded that at the moment only approved critical research is allowed, and this will not change until we receive official instructions otherwise from UCalgary leadership. The re-opening process most likely will be staggered, and under the premise that all activities which can be done remotely will continue to be done remotely. The basic principles for reducing the risk of transmission must be strictly adhered to, such as physical distancing, wearing appropriate PPE, and sanitizing/hygiene. The latter are covered by our best lab safety practices (except wearing masks), and the concept of working in shifts is widely used to facilitate physical distancing and reduce the risk of exposition. Finally, we expect that the re-opening process will be on a voluntary basis. 

In closing, it is heartening to see the way our UCVM community has adapted to the unprecedented circumstances we are living today, and in particular how people are supporting each other during the COVID-19 pandemic. With so much uncertainty in our lives, please remember that the university has a great many resources available to support students, faculty and staff.  In addition, you may be interested in the following session being offered next week:

• Join Dr. Todd Hill, PhD, senior lecturer in the CSM’s Department of Family Medicine, on Wednesday, May 20, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., for an online Introduction to Mindfulness session. Participants will learn more about mindfulness and be given the opportunity to engage in easy-to-learn exercises that can be used by anyone, anywhere. Register now.

I wish everyone an enjoyable long weekend.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

I’d like to start my update with a big thank you to all of our administrative staff. Wednesday was Administrative Professionals Day, and I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation on behalf of our UCVM community to the many administrative and specialist/advisor professionals on our team who work hard every day to make UCVM a better place to work and learn. Thank you for your many contributions! Stay tuned for some special recognition that will be coming your way in May.

We are only a week away from the end of this academic year. I commend all of you for your dedicated and committed work to support our students in successful completion of their academic year! Thank you!

UCVM Town Hall

I will be hosting a town hall on Thursday, April 30 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. This will be an opportunity to connect our entire UCVM community at a time when so many of us are working or studying from home. Information on how to connect via Zoom will follow next week. In the meantime, if you have questions or issues you’d like addressed during the town hall, please email them to vetmed@ucalgary.ca.

Research Office

The UCVM Research Office has been facilitating the transition of research to meet the challenges and changes arising from the COVID-19 environment. We are pleased to confirm that UCVM research continues during this challenging time. Analysis as well as writing for publications and research grant applications is ongoing, and on-site research continues for select projects with Critical Research Designations.

Support for working remotely

It is a priority for UCVM leadership to ensure our faculty and staff have the resources they need to work from home effectively. Please speak with your manager or department head if there are additional resources you require.

Upcoming “remote social” activities for faculty, staff and graduate students

As our winter semester winds down, we are planning some social activities to give our community the opportunity to gather online for some fun and conversation. Please save these dates, further details are forthcoming.

• TGIF – May 1, 3-4pm: Grab your favourite drink and join us online for a bit of friendly competition!
• “Guess who you’re meeting for coffee?” – May 6, 9:30-10:00am: Join us with tea or coffee in hand for the opportunity to chat with colleagues in small groups via zoom rooms. 

Weekly notices

Please note that we will be starting weekly notices again as of May 4. If you have a remote event that you think people may be interested in attending or if you would like something advertised (such as graduate seminars and thesis defenses that are taking place remotely), please send them to Lori Buccini, lorella.buccini@ucalgary.ca or to Mary Gilleard, mgillear@ucalgary.ca  

Evolving access restrictions at Foothills campus:

• The Teaching, Research & Wellness (TRW) Building is switching to card access only at all times. Access is also restricted to the TRW parkade, please contact Catherine McLeod if you require an access code.
• If you require access to HSC to perform critical research or other essential functions, please make sure you try your access card at the HSC north entrance, located off Hospital Drive across from the Lot 6 parkade, within the next few days to ensure your access is in place. This door currently remains unlocked. However, faculty and staff who enter the HSC are required to swipe their access card on a newly installed card reader located just inside the doors.
  • If the card reader recognizes your card as having authorized accessibility, you may proceed. If it does not recognize your card, you’ll need to show your id to a staff member located at a temporary check-in station just inside the doors.
  • The check-in station will be staffed between the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 7 a.m. to noon on weekends.
  • If your card is not recognized, or you have any questions regarding access to Foothills, please contact Catherine McLeod catherine.mcleod@ucalgary.ca

With the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and all the changes it has made to our lives, taking care of our mental health is more important than ever. Please remember that the university has remote mental health support available to students, faculty, and staff, and helpful tips and information on coping with anxiety and stress.

Please take care and stay well.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

I am grateful to all of you for your collaboration and cooperation in the ongoing adaptation to the current environment. Your patience and kindness are deeply appreciated. The UCVM Emergency Response Group continues to meet every other day to review faculty operations and provide input on any new steps. Thank you!

As we head into the weekend, I’d like to share a few updates.

Our UCVM class expansion project is actively underway. The building expansion at CSB is on track for completion by end of June. Four faculty and four staff position profiles are finalized for posting. In addition, the search for the Director of the Simpson Centre for Agricultural and Food Innovation and Public Education is underway, and a new position for an immunologist has been posted. All three searches for the Cattle Health positions have been completed successfully.

DVM Program updates

• 2019-2020 Years 1-3: Current courses have wrapped up and the final exams will start online next week. Much guidance has been provided to instructors to help adjust the exams to the online format to provide for fair testing while recognizing potential issues that the students may be facing. While this will be a new experience for all, the faculty and staff have been working hard to make it a success.
• 2019-2020 4th year: The online course organized to complete the remaining requirements for graduation for some current 4th year students is continuing until April 24 with very positive feedback from both students and instructors.
• 2020-2021 4th year:  Discussions continue about the 4th year program for the Class of 2021. Several scenarios have been developed and will be reviewed with the Registrar’s office in the coming week. The decisions will be communicated as soon as they are confirmed.
• Class of 2024: The Admissions Committee has decided to use the tool called CASPer to replace MMIs this year. CASPer is an online situational judgment test used to assess non-academic competencies of applicants applying to professional academic programs. It is backed by more than 12 years of academic research and has been used as a component for admissions decisions at many universities since 2010. The online testing date has been tentatively scheduled for late May. There will be no essay component this year. The applicants have been informed of this decision earlier this week and will receive more details in the coming weeks. The Admissions Committee expects to make the admission decisions for a class of 50 in June.

Foothills campus access changes

The following access restrictions at Foothills campus will come into effect on Tuesday, Apr. 21.

• Doors leading into the +15 pedway that connects the Lot 6 parkade and the HSC will only be accessible by Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff. UCalgary faculty and staff will not be permitted to use this connector.
• The Teaching, Research & Wellness (TRW) Building will switch to card access only at all times.
• The HSC north entrance, located off Hospital Drive across from the Lot 6 parkade, will remain unlocked. However, faculty and staff who enter the HSC will be required to swipe their access card on a newly installed card reader located just inside the doors.
  • If the card reader recognizes your card as having authorized accessibility, you may proceed. If it does not recognize your card, you’ll need to speak with a staff member located at a temporary check-in station just inside the doors. Check-in staff will assist you with your access requirements.
  • The check-in station will be staffed between the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 7 a.m. to noon on weekends.
  • Plans are in place to install a card reader on the exterior of the building. After it’s installed, you will be asked to swipe your card prior to entering the building. More information will be shared when it becomes available. 
• If you have questions or concerns regarding access to Foothills, please contact Catherine McLeod catherine.mcleod@ucalgary.ca

Reminder about taking IT equipment home

• As noted last week, employees may now use their desktop computers and peripherals, including monitors, keyboards, computer mice, and webcams, at home. But to do so, employees are required to complete an IT Equipment Agreement form.

• Anyone who took desktop computing equipment or a central UCVM/Department laptop home prior to the form being circulated must still complete the IT Equipment Agreement form as soon as possible. If you have an assigned laptop that you normally take to and from the office, you do NOT need to fill in the form.

UCalgary resources

• Coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, are unlike anything our health-care system has seen before. Dr. Chris Mody, MD, a professor and head of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases at the Cumming School of Medicine, answers some of the most common questions about how you can protect yourself and others from the virus. Read his Q&A here.

Giving Day funds channeled in response to COVID-19

• This years’ Giving Day has been renamed UCalgary Together – Giving Day 2020. Two new institution-wide COVID-19 Response Funds have been created to address urgent needs on campus:
  • COVID-19 Research Fund: will provide resources for work in clinical trials, basic science, and improved service delivery.
  • COVID-19 Student Relief Fund: will provide emergency financial assistance for students in distress.
• Starting April 23rd, gifts can be made online at givingday.ucalgary.ca. 

A COVID-related challenge for Canadian post-secondary students

• The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking is encouraging students to join the COVID-19 Intervention Challenge.
• The Challenge: Cities are setting up non-traditional care spaces for COVID-19 patients. How might we improve these spaces?
• Register your team of up to four post-secondary students – you do not need to be medically inclined to participate! Join them online at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday April 29, receive targeted information, mentorship and guidance to make your idea a reality. Submit your four-minute video solution by 4:00 p.m. on May 2.
• Winners will be announced Monday May 4.
• For more information, and to register, visit www.ucalgary.ca/hunter-hub/cic.

To close this update, some ideas for organizing fun, virtual social events to stay connected are being discussed. More information will be coming next week.

I wish everyone an enjoyable, restful weekend. Please take care and stay well.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

Before heading into what I hope will be a restful long weekend for all, I would like to share some updates.

UCVM Town Hall on April 17

• As a way to keep our UCVM community connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to give you an opportunity to ask questions, we will be hosting an online town hall on April 17, from 9:30 – 10:30. An invitation to join online via Zoom will be sent next week.
• In order to streamline the process, please email any questions you have to vetdean@ucalgary.ca by Wednesday, April 15. There will be time for taking questions during the town hall, but if you are able to send yours in advance, we will make sure to address in the opening presentation.

DVM Program

• 2019-2020 4th year: All previously scheduled rotations for April have been canceled for the safety of our students and DVLC partners. The syllabi for the 4th year courses were revised in light of the situation. Some students have completed all of the core requirements to graduate but many students have a few requirements yet to complete. To facilitate their completion an 80-hour online course was organized and is being delivered in April in two subject areas, food animal and small animal. Students have been assigned to the courses depending on where they are deficient. Completion of these courses will enable all students to graduate. Convocation ceremonies have been postponed until the fall, however diplomas will be sent in June.
• 2020-2021 4th year:  Discussions continue as to how the 4th year program will be delivered for the incoming Class of 2021. It presents as a complex problem involving public health officials, the University of Calgary, the members of our DVLC, and the students. It is being addressed and decisions will be made shortly.
• 2019-2020 Years 1-3: Current courses are continuing online. A Remote Teaching Support Group has been formed to provide additional support to all instructors related to teaching online and online examinations. In addition, a Zoom session “Writing final exam questions” was held for all instructors.
• Class of 2024: The public health crisis interrupted the admissions process for the Class of 2024. Most significantly, it prevented the usual interview and in-person essay components of the process. The Admissions Committee is examining options and a decision about how the procedure will be modified will be released in a few days. It is still the intention of UCVM to admit a class of 50 students to the DVM program for the fall of 2020. Construction work for the class expansion continues at CSB at this point.

COVID-19 Research

• A link has been added to our COVID-19 web page that lists all of UCVM’s COVID-19 research activities. Brief descriptions of the projects and contact information are included.

SURE Trainee registration

• All SURE trainees are required to register in the UCVM SURE Program by April 20, 2020. Please review the email from the Office of Graduate Education sent out today for further details.

IT Equipment Form Update

• Further to Vice-President Linda Dalgetty’s email last week, employees may now use their desktop computers and peripherals, including monitors, keyboards, computer mice, and webcams, at home. To do so, employees are required to complete an IT Equipment Agreement form.
• Employees who took desktop computing equipment or a central UCVM/Department laptop home prior to last week’s message still need to complete the IT Equipment Agreement form as soon as possible. If you have an assigned laptop that you normally take to and from the office, you do NOT need to fill in the form.

TRW Access

• All entry points to UCVM spaces on TRW1 and TRW2 have now gone to 24/7 card access only. If you currently have card access on TRW1 and/or TRW2, you will still be able to access these spaces but you will need your card at all times. If you have any issues with TRW access, please email Catherine McLeod, catherine.mcleod@ucalgary.ca.

Distribution Services

• The Distribution Services team has reduced its hours to 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. 
• The team continues to send and receive mail but they won’t deliver shipments to end users. Please pick up your shipments from Distribution Services between the hours of noon and 2 p.m. If you’ve received a perishable shipment, you’ll be notified via email.
• Staff will continue to fill Liquide Nitrogen and Ethyl Alcohol on a daily basis. Please ensure you have your interdepartmental billing (IDB) card with you at time of pick up.
• Outbound courier shipments will be picked up by Purolator at noon, and FedEx shipments will be picked up daily at 12:30 p.m.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ron Bailey at baileyr@ucalgary.ca or 403-210-5499.

In closing, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and enjoyable weekend. During these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to stay connected, especially with those you are physically distanced from.
Please take care and stay well.

Baljit

Dr. Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

I hope everyone is staying safe and warm on this wintery spring day. A few updates to share:

In yesterday’s UCalgary COVID-19 Update, it was noted that buildings on main campus will be secured effective April 2.

Here is an update on access to UCVM buildings:

• VSRS: Access is now restricted to staff performing critical functions and approved critical research only. If you require access to VSRS for any other purpose, please email Greg Boorman at greg.boorman@ucalgary.ca.
• CSB: Remains at card access only. Those who have card access can continue to access the building during the hours in which your access is valid. If you have any questions regarding CSB entry, please email Nicole O'Brien at nobrien@ucalgary.ca.
• Foothills: Currently all buildings are open during regular working hours, although TRW may shift to card-access-only within the next few days. There are discussions underway to confirm the access points and process for Foothills campus should the university go to full building closure. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

As a reminder, all faculty, students, and staff should be working/learning from home until otherwise notified. Access to campus buildings is only for essential activities or if particular circumstances arise where access is required.

Summer studentships

• There may be some confusion around hiring summer students to work on research projects, so I would like to clarify. At this time, the University of Calgary is aiming to avoid cancelling summer student opportunities wherever possible. Supervisors and co-ordinators for all programs are encouraged to explore opportunities for virtual (work-from-home) experiences for students (for example: literature reviews, data analysis, interviews, group work).
• Unfortunately, summer students will not be permitted to do lab or field research while restrictions are in place, even in areas that have received Critical Research Designation. Students can only be recruited for work-from-home projects.
• There is one exception. Undergrads who were already working in a lab prior to the restrictions may continue if they are in one of the labs with a critical research designation.
• Supervisors and co-ordinators may contact either the Office of the Provost or the Office of the Vice-President (Research) for guidance on an appropriate course of action for a particular program. In addition, the Guidance for Researchers page at research.ucalgary.ca/covid-19 will be updated with any new information.

Changes to CVMA/NEB pathways towards the Certificate of Qualification
You may be receiving emails requesting entrance to our 4th year program from graduates of non-CVMA/AVMA-accredited veterinary schools. That’s because exciting changes have been recently made to the qualification process. 

• If you do receive an email directly from a potential candidate, we are requesting that you forward all emails to the clinicalprograms@ucalgary.ca, so we can respond with the same accurate information to all candidates.
• Please find further information at http://wiki.cvma-acmv.org:8090/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=28902016

Mental Health During COVID-19 pandemic

While I shared this information in my last update, I think it’s important to remind our UCVM community that mental health supports continue to be available for UCalgary students, faculty, and staff during this difficult time. The university has created a Mental Health During COVID-19 webpage with more information on how we can take care of ourselves and each other.

To close out this note, I want to acknowledge the extra demands on those of you who are working and learning from home while also caring for your children. Adjusting to teaching, learning, and working online is difficult in itself. Dealing with the challenge of caring for and home-schooling children adds extra complexity and stress at an already difficult time. Please know your efforts are very much appreciated. 

Baljit

Dr. Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca

March 27, 2020 March 25, 2020 March 22, 2020 March 21, 2020 March 18, 2020

Dear members of our UCVM community,

These are unprecedented times. The rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic situation is disrupting the normal operations of our faculty. It’s also significantly affecting our day-to-day lives and those of friends and family. With all this uncertainty, I want to stress that the well-being and safety of UCVM community members is our top priority.

Now more than ever, it’s important that we work together and support each other. This will require digging for that extra measure of patience as we adapt to the online delivery of teaching programs, reworking examination methodologies, and working remotely.

Teaching, learning, and working from home

• While the university remains open, I want all faculty and staff who are able to work from home to do so. All employees should discuss their work-from-home plans with their supervisor.
• Please refer to this information provided by the university on preparing to work remotely.
• I recognize that some of you perform duties that must continue onsite due to their essential nature. Your managers will be working with you on plans to minimize the risks associated with being on campus and performing your duties. I thank you for your continued efforts on behalf on UCVM.
• The DVM Program Office has assembled excellent resources and support for the teaching and assessment of students remotely. And both the Research Office and Office of Graduate Education have revised information for researchers and graduate students/supervisors. You will find these resources and helpful links on our new UCVM COVID-19 Updates webpage, and more information will be added as required.
• In-person DVM student classes have been suspended. DVM students should not come to either campus until further instructions are provided.
• Face-to-face graduate student classes have also been suspended. Course instructors are required to use Zoom or similar online technologies for teaching graduate classes. All planned Field of Study and thesis defenses should be conducted remotely. Presence of graduate students on campus to conduct their research and learning should be discussed between supervisor and student.

Fourth-year clinical rotations shutting down

• After thoughtful consideration, we are shutting down all fourth-year clinical rotations immediately. This decision was reached in order to ensure the health and safety of our students and DVLC partners, and in consultation with teachers. I understand that you may be concerned about the loss of nearly six weeks of clinical training. Dr. McCorkell’s office will be in contact with you early next week to communicate the learning plans for the remainder of the term. Also, I would like to assure you that this will not impact the requirements set by Council on Education, the accrediting body.
• I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the teachers and staff in the DVLC for their important role in the education of future veterinarians and their ongoing support of our program.

Staying informed in an ever-changing situation

• While there are no plans at present to close the university, that is an eventuality for which we need to prepare. Please do continue to read and follow directives and information coming from the University of Calgary to manage and respond to the evolving situation. We have developed Emergency and Business Continuity Plans to ensure orderly shut-down, if needed, and to ensure the safety of our people, programs, and infrastructure. The plans also include measures to ensure the continuity of essential services.
• Because circumstances can change quickly, it is important for us to have updated contact information for all faculty and staff. The most efficient way is to ask everyone to update their personal information in Peoplesoft by navigating to All AboutMe – My Info – Phone/Email/ Emergency Contacts in the MyUofC portal. Please make sure your home address and emergency contacts are accurate, and provide an alternate cell phone number and email address if you have these.
• Starting March 19 and until further notice, there will be no staff presence in the Dean’s Office. Phones and emails will be monitored for messages by staff working from home should you have questions or concerns.

Knowing the UCVM community, I am confident that together we will get through this difficult time and learn a lot from dealing with a major crisis. Please reach out to colleagues and offer support when you can. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please contact me (baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca) , any member of Leadership Council, or your manager.

Stay well.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca
Twitter:  @UCVM_Dean

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

After another long week of changes and challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, I would like to start my Friday update with an enormous thank you to everyone at UCVM.

You have all stepped up in this unprecedented time of crisis. And you’ve done this while navigating the choppy transition to working and learning from home, as well as coping with the stress and upheaval in your personal lives that this new way of socially-distanced living is causing.

Please know that your efforts and great work on behalf of UCVM are very much appreciated. In a Zoom call today with our student leaders (DVM and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows), they clearly expressed their appreciation for the huge effort that our staff and teachers have made to ensure continuity of their education. 

Update on parking at Foothills campus

• A recent UCalgary announcement stated that payroll deductions for parking fees for university staff would be suspended beginning April 2020.  However, the announcement did not apply to those parking in Lot 6 at the Foothills campus because the lot is owned by Alberta Health Services (AHS).  AHS has now informed the university that it is able to cancel Lot 6 parking permits for staff who want to discontinue their payments.
• Details on how to are explained in this notice from the university’s Parking and Transportation Services.
• To proceed with permit cancellation, you will need to complete this cancellation form AND you will need to return your physical parking pass to AHS. While the completed form can be emailed to AHS (parkingcalgary@ahs.ca), the parking pass must be returned to AHS by mail or in person.

DVM Program Updates

2019-2020 4th year: All previously scheduled rotations for April have been canceled. Under the revised syllabi for the 4th year courses, a few students have completed the requirements to graduate. Many students have not yet completed the requirements for VetM 580. To facilitate their completion of that course, an 80-hour online course offered in April in either food animal or small animal (depending on where they are deficient hours) has been assigned. Completion of this course will enable these students to graduate.

2020-2021 4th year: The DVM Program Office appreciates that there is much anxiety about how the 4th year program will function for the new class slated to begin in May. This presents as a complex problem involving Public Health Officials, the University of Calgary, the members of our DVLC and the students. It is being addressed and while no decisions have been made at this time it is anticipated that there will be some relevant communications to all involved late next week. 

2019-2020 Years 1-3: Current courses are continuing online. The Remote Teaching Support Group (RTSG) has been formed to provide additional support to all instructors with the additional tasks related to teaching online and online examinations. RTSG was formed from the Faculty Assistants group and other staff who have current capacity. An RTSG member has been assigned to each instructor, including sessional instructors, currently involved in teaching a course. In addition, a Zoom session “Writing final exam questions” was held for all instructors on March 25. The instructors can find both the RTSG assignments and the recroding of the March 25 session on D2L under the course “UCVM Teaching and Learning Journal Club”.

Mental Health During COVID-19 pandemic

The mental health and well-being of our UCVM community is my highest concern as this pandemic unfolds. Mental health supports continue to be available for University of Calgary students, faculty, and staff during this difficult time. The university has created a Mental Health During COVID-19 webpage with more information on how we can take care of ourselves and each other.

Please stay well and let us continue to support each other during this crisis.

Baljit

Dr. Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca

March 25, 2020 March 22, 2020 March 21, 2020 March 18, 2020

Dear members of our UCVM community,

These are unprecedented times. The rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic situation is disrupting the normal operations of our faculty. It’s also significantly affecting our day-to-day lives and those of friends and family. With all this uncertainty, I want to stress that the well-being and safety of UCVM community members is our top priority.

Now more than ever, it’s important that we work together and support each other. This will require digging for that extra measure of patience as we adapt to the online delivery of teaching programs, reworking examination methodologies, and working remotely.

Teaching, learning, and working from home

• While the university remains open, I want all faculty and staff who are able to work from home to do so. All employees should discuss their work-from-home plans with their supervisor.
• Please refer to this information provided by the university on preparing to work remotely.
• I recognize that some of you perform duties that must continue onsite due to their essential nature. Your managers will be working with you on plans to minimize the risks associated with being on campus and performing your duties. I thank you for your continued efforts on behalf on UCVM.
• The DVM Program Office has assembled excellent resources and support for the teaching and assessment of students remotely. And both the Research Office and Office of Graduate Education have revised information for researchers and graduate students/supervisors. You will find these resources and helpful links on our new UCVM COVID-19 Updates webpage, and more information will be added as required.
• In-person DVM student classes have been suspended. DVM students should not come to either campus until further instructions are provided.
• Face-to-face graduate student classes have also been suspended. Course instructors are required to use Zoom or similar online technologies for teaching graduate classes. All planned Field of Study and thesis defenses should be conducted remotely. Presence of graduate students on campus to conduct their research and learning should be discussed between supervisor and student.

Fourth-year clinical rotations shutting down

• After thoughtful consideration, we are shutting down all fourth-year clinical rotations immediately. This decision was reached in order to ensure the health and safety of our students and DVLC partners, and in consultation with teachers. I understand that you may be concerned about the loss of nearly six weeks of clinical training. Dr. McCorkell’s office will be in contact with you early next week to communicate the learning plans for the remainder of the term. Also, I would like to assure you that this will not impact the requirements set by Council on Education, the accrediting body.
• I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the teachers and staff in the DVLC for their important role in the education of future veterinarians and their ongoing support of our program.

Staying informed in an ever-changing situation

• While there are no plans at present to close the university, that is an eventuality for which we need to prepare. Please do continue to read and follow directives and information coming from the University of Calgary to manage and respond to the evolving situation. We have developed Emergency and Business Continuity Plans to ensure orderly shut-down, if needed, and to ensure the safety of our people, programs, and infrastructure. The plans also include measures to ensure the continuity of essential services.
• Because circumstances can change quickly, it is important for us to have updated contact information for all faculty and staff. The most efficient way is to ask everyone to update their personal information in Peoplesoft by navigating to All AboutMe – My Info – Phone/Email/ Emergency Contacts in the MyUofC portal. Please make sure your home address and emergency contacts are accurate, and provide an alternate cell phone number and email address if you have these.
• Starting March 19 and until further notice, there will be no staff presence in the Dean’s Office. Phones and emails will be monitored for messages by staff working from home should you have questions or concerns.

Knowing the UCVM community, I am confident that together we will get through this difficult time and learn a lot from dealing with a major crisis. Please reach out to colleagues and offer support when you can. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please contact me (baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca) , any member of Leadership Council, or your manager.

Stay well.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca
Twitter:  @UCVM_Dean

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

With the evolving COVID-19 situation, I would like to keep our UCVM community updated on changes being made as part of UCalgary’s continuing efforts to minimize the spread of the virus.

Access to UCVM campuses

• First, a reminder that the university has issued a directive for faculty, staff, postdocs, and students to work/study/learn from home. Until further notice, only those who are performing functions that require them to be on site should continue to work on campus.
• As our research programs move to a controlled hibernation period with regard to hands-on research, all non-critical research activities must be discontinued. In addition, only selected research activities registered and approved by the University will be allowed to continue onsite. Dr. Hermann Schaetzl, our ADR, has worked with researchers to compile a list of critical research projects/personnel which was sent to senior university leadership for final approval on Tuesday.
• All research activities that can be done at home or remotely will continue, including data analysis, preparing for examinations, writing proposals, grants, papers, and reviews.
• Similarly, Catherine McLeod, our Director of Operations, has worked with management to create a list of people whose work on campus is critical to ensure the safe functioning of our faculty.
• These lists help us be prepared in case there is a decision that the university will fully close the campuses, which could happen at any time. If the university campuses close, only those who have been approved to perform critical onsite work will have card access for the location(s) they are performing their critical functions. Card access for others will be temporarily revoked.

Foothills Campus Parking

• The announcement in Monday’s UCalgary COVID-19 Update that payroll deductions for faculty and staff parking permits will be suspended effective April 1 is being clarified with AHS for faculty and staff parking in Lot 6. A notice is forthcoming.

DSU Closure

• As of last week, the Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU) has temporarily closed to routine diagnostic and research cases. 
• However, in order to support our veterinary community during these difficult times, DSU email (dsu@ucalgary.ca) will be monitored during regular business hours.  In addition, phone consultations to direct sampling and testing for those veterinarians performing field post-mortems will be provided.

DVM class expansion

• Preparations continue for the class expansion and construction work is scheduled to continue at CSB at this point.
• The Admissions Committee is considering the options available for the MMIs, given the current situation.

External requests for COVID-19 supplies

• The Office of the VPR is coordinating institutional contributions in response to requests from external agencies for COVID-19 supplies, including reagents and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Dr. Ashley Whitehead is coordinating the inventory of items at CSB that can be provided to Alberta Health Services. She is facilitating through Eoin O’Grady, the university’s manager, laboratory safety, so there is only one point of contact.
• If you receive any requests for COVID-19-related supplies, please send them to Dr. Whitehead before responding. 

Changes to Distribution Services operations at Foothills campus

• Foothills Distribution Services is still receiving shipments as usual, however in order to minimize the potential risk to staff, shipments need to be picked up from Distribution Services, HSB808 as they won’t be delivered.
• If a shipment that is deemed perishable is received, they will notify the end user by email. As fridge and freezer space is extremely limited, they cannot guarantee the integrity of any perishable shipments and we are asked to pick up those shipments ASAP.
• Hours of operation have been reduced to 8:30 - 3:00 daily. When picking up items at Distribution Services, please practice social distancing.

Stay updated

• Please visit our UCVM COVID-19 response web page for updated information as this situation continues to unfold.

This is an uncertain and stressful time for our entire UCVM community. However, I’m heartened by the efforts everyone is making to work together and support each other. Please continue to take all possible steps to stay safe and healthy and connected with colleagues, friends and family.

And as always, if you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca
Twitter:  @UCVM_Dean

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

With the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic situation, I hope everyone in our UCVM community is staying well. Please take care of yourself and adhere to recommendations to reduce the spread of this virus: frequent hand washing, not touching your face, social distancing, and staying home as much as possible, especially if you feel unwell.

At this time, we must be prepared should the University of Calgary move to a full closure. It is time to take proactive, measured steps to prepare. However, it’s critical these steps are taken with a sense of purpose, not panic.

On March 21, the university issued a directive for faculty, staff, postdocs, and students to work from home. Those who need to go to Foothills campus or CSB to pick up items from their offices or lockers should do so on Monday, March 23rd. Please ensure you practice social distancing when picking up your items. In addition, all doors at CSB will be on card access only until further notice.

While the work from home directive has major repercussions on our entire faculty, it has particular impact on our research programs.

Our ADR, Dr. Hermann Schaetzl, is taking immediate steps for our research operations to go into a state of controlled hibernation and has communicated directly with UCVM faculty researchers. Accordingly, all research teams and units must do their utmost to follow this directive to work remotely. However, it is possible for allowances to be made for critical research, scholarship and creative activities to continue on site.

Researchers are being asked to assess what are critical and non-critical research projects and research infrastructure. The situation with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the operation of UCalgary remains fluid, and our response evolves on a day-to-day basis. Please visit research.ucalgary.ca/covid-19 for guidance specific to researchers and updated information.

A few key points for research teams: 

• If you believe you have critical research activities and infrastructure which cannot be shut down and has to continue, you must complete a Critical Research Designation From and send it to Dr. Hermann Schaetzl (cc: Nicole Stubley and Brenda Moore) and your department head for review. 
  Dr. Schaetzl will then send it to the VPR/AVPR for their assessment.
• Until a decision is made on your request, please reduce all activities to the minimum and shutdown non-critical research as soon as possible.
• File only for what is absolutely essential/critical to go ahead, and also reduce this to the absolute minimum. Non-critical research must be discontinued. 

These are unprecedented times and I am proud of the way our faculty has pulled together to adjust to a new way of working and living. We will do our best to keep everyone informed, and one way is to visit our COVID-19 response page for updated information.  

Please stay well and if you have any concerns, let me know.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca
Twitter:  @UCVM_Dean

March 21, 2020 March 18, 2020

Dear members of our UCVM community,

These are unprecedented times. The rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic situation is disrupting the normal operations of our faculty. It’s also significantly affecting our day-to-day lives and those of friends and family. With all this uncertainty, I want to stress that the well-being and safety of UCVM community members is our top priority.

Now more than ever, it’s important that we work together and support each other. This will require digging for that extra measure of patience as we adapt to the online delivery of teaching programs, reworking examination methodologies, and working remotely.

Teaching, learning, and working from home

• While the university remains open, I want all faculty and staff who are able to work from home to do so. All employees should discuss their work-from-home plans with their supervisor.
• Please refer to this information provided by the university on preparing to work remotely.
• I recognize that some of you perform duties that must continue onsite due to their essential nature. Your managers will be working with you on plans to minimize the risks associated with being on campus and performing your duties. I thank you for your continued efforts on behalf on UCVM.
• The DVM Program Office has assembled excellent resources and support for the teaching and assessment of students remotely. And both the Research Office and Office of Graduate Education have revised information for researchers and graduate students/supervisors. You will find these resources and helpful links on our new UCVM COVID-19 Updates webpage, and more information will be added as required.
• In-person DVM student classes have been suspended. DVM students should not come to either campus until further instructions are provided.
• Face-to-face graduate student classes have also been suspended. Course instructors are required to use Zoom or similar online technologies for teaching graduate classes. All planned Field of Study and thesis defenses should be conducted remotely. Presence of graduate students on campus to conduct their research and learning should be discussed between supervisor and student.

Fourth-year clinical rotations shutting down

• After thoughtful consideration, we are shutting down all fourth-year clinical rotations immediately. This decision was reached in order to ensure the health and safety of our students and DVLC partners, and in consultation with teachers. I understand that you may be concerned about the loss of nearly six weeks of clinical training. Dr. McCorkell’s office will be in contact with you early next week to communicate the learning plans for the remainder of the term. Also, I would like to assure you that this will not impact the requirements set by Council on Education, the accrediting body.
• I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the teachers and staff in the DVLC for their important role in the education of future veterinarians and their ongoing support of our program.

Staying informed in an ever-changing situation

• While there are no plans at present to close the university, that is an eventuality for which we need to prepare. Please do continue to read and follow directives and information coming from the University of Calgary to manage and respond to the evolving situation. We have developed Emergency and Business Continuity Plans to ensure orderly shut-down, if needed, and to ensure the safety of our people, programs, and infrastructure. The plans also include measures to ensure the continuity of essential services.
• Because circumstances can change quickly, it is important for us to have updated contact information for all faculty and staff. The most efficient way is to ask everyone to update their personal information in Peoplesoft by navigating to All AboutMe – My Info – Phone/Email/ Emergency Contacts in the MyUofC portal. Please make sure your home address and emergency contacts are accurate, and provide an alternate cell phone number and email address if you have these.
• Starting March 19 and until further notice, there will be no staff presence in the Dean’s Office. Phones and emails will be monitored for messages by staff working from home should you have questions or concerns.

Knowing the UCVM community, I am confident that together we will get through this difficult time and learn a lot from dealing with a major crisis. Please reach out to colleagues and offer support when you can. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please contact me (baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca) , any member of Leadership Council, or your manager.

Stay well.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca
Twitter:  @UCVM_Dean

Dear colleagues, trainees, and students,

Further to the email you just received from President McCauley, we’ve just learned that two individuals – one associated with the Haskayne School of Business and the other with our Spy Hill campus – have tested positive for COVID-19.

The individual at Spy Hill was NOT faculty, staff or a student of the University of Calgary, and was last on-site March 10.  This individual is now in self-isolation and, as per standard practice for all cases of COVID-19, Alberta Health Services has directly contacted any individual considered exposed to these cases.

As President McCauley’s note explained, effective Saturday, March 21, all faculty and staff who can perform their work from home should do so until further notice.  Additionally, those who need to come to Foothills campus to pick up items from their offices should do so on Monday, March 23rd.  Please refer to the president’s note for further details.

These new cases emphasize the need for our entire community to take the steps needed to stay safe - social distancing, frequent hand washing, and staying home if you feel unwell.

Please stay well and reach out if you have any concerns or questions. 

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca
Twitter:  @UCVM_Dean

Dear members of our UCVM community,

These are unprecedented times. The rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic situation is disrupting the normal operations of our faculty. It’s also significantly affecting our day-to-day lives and those of friends and family. With all this uncertainty, I want to stress that the well-being and safety of UCVM community members is our top priority.

Now more than ever, it’s important that we work together and support each other. This will require digging for that extra measure of patience as we adapt to the online delivery of teaching programs, reworking examination methodologies, and working remotely.

Teaching, learning, and working from home

• While the university remains open, I want all faculty and staff who are able to work from home to do so. All employees should discuss their work-from-home plans with their supervisor.
• Please refer to this information provided by the university on preparing to work remotely.
• I recognize that some of you perform duties that must continue onsite due to their essential nature. Your managers will be working with you on plans to minimize the risks associated with being on campus and performing your duties. I thank you for your continued efforts on behalf on UCVM.
• The DVM Program Office has assembled excellent resources and support for the teaching and assessment of students remotely. And both the Research Office and Office of Graduate Education have revised information for researchers and graduate students/supervisors. You will find these resources and helpful links on our new UCVM COVID-19 Updates webpage, and more information will be added as required.
• In-person DVM student classes have been suspended. DVM students should not come to either campus until further instructions are provided.
• Face-to-face graduate student classes have also been suspended. Course instructors are required to use Zoom or similar online technologies for teaching graduate classes. All planned Field of Study and thesis defenses should be conducted remotely. Presence of graduate students on campus to conduct their research and learning should be discussed between supervisor and student.

Fourth-year clinical rotations shutting down

• After thoughtful consideration, we are shutting down all fourth-year clinical rotations immediately. This decision was reached in order to ensure the health and safety of our students and DVLC partners, and in consultation with teachers. I understand that you may be concerned about the loss of nearly six weeks of clinical training. Dr. McCorkell’s office will be in contact with you early next week to communicate the learning plans for the remainder of the term. Also, I would like to assure you that this will not impact the requirements set by Council on Education, the accrediting body.
• I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the teachers and staff in the DVLC for their important role in the education of future veterinarians and their ongoing support of our program.

Staying informed in an ever-changing situation

• While there are no plans at present to close the university, that is an eventuality for which we need to prepare. Please do continue to read and follow directives and information coming from the University of Calgary to manage and respond to the evolving situation. We have developed Emergency and Business Continuity Plans to ensure orderly shut-down, if needed, and to ensure the safety of our people, programs, and infrastructure. The plans also include measures to ensure the continuity of essential services.
• Because circumstances can change quickly, it is important for us to have updated contact information for all faculty and staff. The most efficient way is to ask everyone to update their personal information in Peoplesoft by navigating to All AboutMe – My Info – Phone/Email/ Emergency Contacts in the MyUofC portal. Please make sure your home address and emergency contacts are accurate, and provide an alternate cell phone number and email address if you have these.
• Starting March 19 and until further notice, there will be no staff presence in the Dean’s Office. Phones and emails will be monitored for messages by staff working from home should you have questions or concerns.

Knowing the UCVM community, I am confident that together we will get through this difficult time and learn a lot from dealing with a major crisis. Please reach out to colleagues and offer support when you can. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please contact me (baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca) , any member of Leadership Council, or your manager.

Stay well.

Baljit

Baljit Singh, FCAHS, BVSc&AH, PhD
3M National Teaching Fellow
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary           
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Canada
T: 1.403.210.3961
E: baljit.singh1@ucalgary.ca
vet.ucalgary.ca
Twitter:  @UCVM_Dean