Happy Holidays from Health Sciences

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As 2012 draws to a close, I felt it appropriate to drop you a note to extend greetings and share with you some of the Faculty highlights of the past year. It was another great year for the Faculty and 2013 will be even better.

In addition to building a new building to house the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (which is tentatively slated to open in August 2014), we will contribute significantly to the shaping of a new institutional Strategic Plan, to be followed by the development of a new Faculty Strategic Plan. We have anticipated the central tenants of this plan, and are well on the way to making them a reality. The key areas are expected to be

• Ensuring a “best student experience”
• Advancing research
• Extending our international reach
• Launching more programs/courses via alternative delivery formats
• Ensuring a positive and productive workplace culture
• Diversifying our revenue streams

As you likely know, Western once again found itself atop of the Globe and Mail's rankings of overall student satisfaction (and for the 11th consecutive year).  We take great pride in this result as an institution and as a Faculty. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that our students are provided with a cutting-edge curriculum, outstanding professors, caring staff members, and strong student and Faculty leadership.  As you know, the key to success in this important area is ensuring that there is proper balance between challenging and supporting students as we prepare them to be critical thinkers and leaders in the world we share.

Our programs continue to attract the best and brightest. We now have more than 4,000 students in the Faculty. Interest in our programs remains at the top of the University. For the 2012-13 entering class, we received more than 8,000 applications for the 850 positions in our undergraduate programs. We led the campus in the number of attendees at our Fall Preview Day this past November. Our School of Physical Therapy (875 applications for 50 spots), School of Occupational Therapy (705 applications for 55 spots) and our School of Communication Sciences and Disorders (applications to available positions = 10:1) remain strong.

Quantity of applicants is one metric to measure program interest. Naturally we also measure applicant quality. The incoming average for the School of Nursing students was 88%. Kinesiology and the School of Health Studies were at 84.5% and 83.5%, respectively. 

We have answered the University’s call for increased action in the international portfolio. Currently, we have 28 active international exchange agreements with institutions from 16 countries and are planning a more robust international student exchange program to provide unique learning experiences for our students. I caught up with some of our students in Australia when I visited the country last April. This past Spring I joined a delegation of Western leaders on a trip to China where Western is making its mark.

Our researchers also continue their outstanding work in their respective areas.  Since 2004-05, the number of active research grants we hold each year has increased from 207 to 340. Our annual research income has moved from $4 million to $7 million. Our performance in the highly competitive Tri-Council research competition has increased by 64% (compared to 24% across the Canadian university system). Thomson Rueters ranked our Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing program #1 in the country relative to the research impact (i.e., number of times our members were cited in the research literature relative to our sister institutions).  Our professors continue to earn the most prestigious teaching and research awards in the Academy.

We have hired a FHS Alternative Delivery Specialist to assist our professors in the re-packaging of our programs, courses, or parts of programs/courses on an alternative delivery platform. We have also developed one of our education suites to accommodate this emerging trend in higher education.

Our Sport and Recreation staff members continue to advance our programs.  We are always at or near the top in the number of varsity teams ranked at, or near the top on the Canadian Top Ten rankings. The Faculty also led the campus in the number of student-athletes who carry academic averages in excess of 80% while representing Western in interuniversity sports. Our Campus Recreation program is also known throughout the country as being one of the top programs, now housed in the beautiful Western Student Recreation Centre that we constructed in 2009.

Of all our accomplishments, the one that I am most proud of is the undeniable fact that the Faculty has pulled together. Our mission of being a “great place to work, study, learn and grow” has caught fire and all stakeholders are committed to making it the foundation of the Faculty. We were very proud to attract 1800 people to Alumni Hall to listen to Margaret Trudeau deliver the 6^th Annual Faculty of Health Sciences Distinguished Lecture this past November. We were also pleased to witness our great friends Arthur and Sonia Labatt presented with Honorary Degrees in the Fall Convocation Ceremonies. We also watched with pride as our friend and colleague, Dr. Carol McWilliam received the Edward G. Pleva Award for teaching excellence at convocation .

Our alumni are engaged, through our FHS Matters Alumni and Friends magazine or through their participation in alumni events like Homecoming 2012. We also had successful alumni events in Calgary and Toronto this past year. 

Our professors, staff members and students are attempting to make things better for others – through their leadership in the United Way campaign, Make a Wish, or their made-in-the Faculty “Learn it Together” program that deploys hundreds of our students into the community to lead after-school physical activity and nutrition programs.

The mission of the Faculty calls on us to be a leader in health and health care, rehabilitation, physical activity and sport and we have confidence that we are attaining this mission in everything we do.  We are proud of our past, and excited about our future. I know that you share our pride and excitement.

Once again, I thank you for your support and contributions to a great Faculty and I wish you and yours the very best in 2013.

Happy holidays,

Jim

Another academic year has arrived

The morning and evenings are both considerably cooler. The leaves are starting to turn brown, and the Mustang student-athletes are back on campus preparing for the Fall sports schedule. All of these factors are  blue ribbon indicators that the 2012-13 academic year is just around the corner.

Next week we will welcome our first year classes to the Faculty and to one of our six Schools or our Interdisciplinary Health and Rehabilitation. Sciences Graduate Program.

What an exciting time - and it remains an honour and privilege to serve as the Dean of this progressive Faculty - one that attracts some of Western's best and brightest. 

Our student leaders, staff and faculty members have prepared outstanding orientation programs to welcome and quickly orient our new students to the Faculty. I have the pleasure of welcoming the new students to the campus and our Faculty.

I have the chance to welcome the students and tell them about the exceptional experience that lies before them. I will thank them for choosing Western and I know that each and every one of them had other attractive options given their academic averages. I will introduce our extraordinary student leaders and challenge the new students to also be leaders in our progressive, caring Faculty. I will introduce my colleagues who join my at these events - and tell the students how  pleased and privileged we all are for having the chance who work with such a talented and committed group of professors and staff members. Finally - I will share some of my observations of students who have excelled in higher education and maximized their experience. I will tell them that:

• They are in a great Faculty and on the campus of a fine university. I ask them to never underestimate or take for granted the educational and growth  opportunities that they have in front of them.
• I will remind them of the importance of getting off to a good start. I will tell them to work hard, make good choices, and stay on top of readings and assignments.
• I will ask them to pledge to do their very best in everything that they do student, and later, alumnus of this great university. I will remind them that they  have the intelligence needed to succeed in university. I will remind them that discipline and work ethic will determine their accent from this point forward.
• I will suggest that they make a pledge to attend each class, each day, and sit in the first three rows of each class they attend. This will facilitate - but not guarantee, greater levels of engagement. Following this - I ask them to have the confidence and hunger to participate in class discussions. I will encourage them to ask questions, probe, and in doing so, expand their knowledge base.
• I will recommend that they get to know their professors and teaching assistants - and I will ensure that they understand that these colleagues are committed to helping them learn and grow.
• I will encourage them to get involved - in student government, campus recreation and/or one of the many clubs and groups on campus. Universities offer so many co-curricular activities. I will ask them to get, and stay involved. As well - I will invite them to catch our unique Mustang pride by attending our games and competitions.
• I will tell them to be open to meeting new people who are just as anxious and nervous about the adjustment to university life as they are. I will remind them that while we will always have our high school friends, I remind the entering students that they may not have met their best friend yet.
• I will ask them to keep in touch with their parents who - like my wife and I, share a sense of immense pride as our children head off to university - but miss their sons and daughters more than words can describe. I will tell them that a short text message, Skype or phone chat will comfort their parents and help them also deal with the adjustment.
• And finally, I will invite the students to have fun.

This is an exciting time in their lives of our students and their time with us will go by so fast. I will remind them to savour every moment.

I will then close with a final welcome and I will wish them well in this exciting journey.

Welcoming the students is one of the highlights of my year.  In fact, I can't wait to get in front of this year's group.

Yours in Health Sciences,

Jim

Appointment - FHS Associate Dean (Research)

Colleagues and Friends:

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Helene Berman to the newly-created position of Associate Dean - Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Dr. Berman is a Professor in the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing and the current Associate Director of the School. She has an extensive research program that has earned her a number of awards including being named a Nursing Career Scientist and an appointment as the Scotia Bank Research Chair for the Centre for Research and Education on Violence against Women and C hildren. Her work has garnered support from CIHR , SSHRC and the Status of Women Canada.

Dr. Berman will assume her new role on July 1, 2012.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Berman on this appointment.

Yours in Health,

Jim

Western goes East 2012

As you may know, a number of officials from Western, the City of London and London Chamber of Commerce embarked on a trip to China in late April to explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit. The area of health is of keen interest to Chinese university and city officials. It is also one of the drivers and priorities in our city’s economic recovery plan. I felt it was important as the Dean of Health Sciences to participate in this trip and represent the Faculty. I soon understood how important it was given the protocol following in China.

I held four objectives for this trip, namely to;

• Support the University, the city, and Chamber of Commerce as it attempts to position health as an economic driver of our region and China as a key destination in our institution’s international agenda
• Promote a greater awareness and understanding of the Faculty of Health Sciences by representing the Faculty in official events and by delivering three formal presentations to Chinese delegations/audiences
• Explore opportunities for collaboration and faculty/student exchange
• Meet with Faculty of Health Sciences alumni in China and participate in a pan-University alumni event in Hong Kong

To read a day-by-day account of my trip to China, click here.

Yours in health,

Jim

Congratulations are in order

Over the past few weeks, several FHS members have received news that is cause to celebrate.

First, three members were promoted to the rank of Professor. Congratulations to Alison Doherty (Kinesiology), JB Orange (Communication Sciences and Disorders), and Charles Rice (Kinesiology), who were all promoted from Associate Professor.

Congratulations also go out to Nursing professor Carol McWilliam, who will receive the prestigious Edward G. Pleva Award for Excellence in Teaching at the Spring Convocation Ceremony.The Pleva Award is Western's most prestigious teaching award and Carol is extremely deserving of this honour. More information can be found here.

Two of our researchers received Academic Development Fun Grants from Research Western to support their projects.

Allyson Dykstra (Communication Sciences and Disorders) who received $8,441 to support a project entitled: The effects of botulinum toxin A on speech intelligibility and communicative participation in individuals with oromandibular dystonia. 

Abe Oudshoorn (Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing) received $8,467 to support a project entitled: Information and communication technology use and wellbeing in the context of homelessness.

Congratulations to all.I am tremendously proud of all the research that goes on in our Faculty.

Jim

FHS making a difference in the community

It seems as though every day I find something new to be proud of in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Our faculty members, staff and students are involved in countless endeavours that help to change our community for the better and as we enter the holiday season, this spirit is definitely alive in our Faculty.

We all have an important role to play in making a difference in our community. One of the ways in which FHS gets involved is through Western's annual campaign in support of the United Way of London & Middlesex.

Led by Janet Brown from the School of Physical Therapy, FHS has answered the bell once again for this very important cause. Through the combined efforts of the entire FHS family, we have raised in excess of $39,000 for the United Way. One of the major fundraising activities for our campaign was the very successful Buck-A-Boot campaign, that serves to engage our students. This year top prize in the Buck-A-Boot contest was the School of Physical Therapy. Congratulations!

It is things like this that make me most proud to be part of the Faculty of Health Sciences and help make it a great place to work, study, learn and grow. I offer you all my most sincere thank you.

Yours in health,

Jim Weese

Our students are our best ambassadors

Fall Preview Day activities at Western are always exciting and this year's event was no different. Nearly 1,500 people filled the hallways, classrooms and laboratories of the Arthur and Sonia Labatt Health Sciences Building to learn about our programs in Health Studies, Kinesiology and Nursing. This is an event in which we take great pride as we want to make a strong first impression on prospective students and their families.

An event like this take a great deal of coordination and it would not be possible without the help of our student volunteers. This year we had 45 of our students offer up their time to give facility tours and answer questions about their experience at Western. The objective of events like Fall Preview Day is to give prospective students a glimpse into life as a student at Western I can think of no better way to facilitate this than through our own students - they are our best ambassadors.

For 11 consecutive years Western has found itself atop the Globe and Mail's rankings of overall student satisfaction. This is the focus of everything we do at Western and in the Faculty and we are proud of this accomplishment. Our level of student involvement serves as evidence that our efforts are working and we are thrilled that so many of our students felt compelled to share their stories with the next generation of leaders in our faculty.

Special thanks go out to Andrew Lalka - Vice-President (Academic) Faculty of Health Sciences Students' Council - for his help coordinating the student volunteers.

The level of interest in our programs keeps growing every year and we couldn't possibly be happier about it. We are already working on plans to make next year's event bigger and better and will again rely heavily on our students to spread the message that the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western is a great place to work, study, learn and grow.

Yours in health,

Jim Weese
Dean

The value of a university degree

The Council of Ontario Universities (www.cou.on.ca) recently released a report – Ensuring the Value of University Degrees in Ontario – outlining the process universities go through to ensure students acquire relevant skills. The conversation surrounding the teaching of relevant skills to university students often morphs into a dialogue about the value of a university degree and whether it is declining. I don’t believe this to be the case, and the statistics seem to tell a similar story.

The evidence is clear that a university degree puts students on a path to success. Consider the following statistics:

• More than 93% of students find employment within 6 months of graduation. Nearly 85% of those say their job is related to their field of study.
• More than 300,000 new jobs were created for university graduates during the recession, while 430,000 jobs were lost for those without postsecondary education.
• Unemployment rates are lowest for university graduates than those with any other learning credential.
• University graduate earn, on average, 53% more than those without postsecondary education.

This should definitely be exciting news for high school students who are searching for an undergraduate program, or for university graduates who are interested in a postgraduate degree. It is most certainly an exciting time for those students and they should be reassured that universities in our province are committed to providing them with a learning experience that will help them acquire the knowledge and skill to enter the workforce upon graduation.

Closer to home, interest in our programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences has never been greater. Nearly 4,000 prospective students visited FHS at the recent Ontario Universities’ Fair and this past weekend we welcomed more than 400 to Elborn College for our FHS Graduate Professional Program Preview. Later this month, when Western hosts its annual Fall Preview Day, more than 1,000 high school students will visit the Faculty as they explore their options for postsecondary education. This speaks highly of the quality of our programs and how these areas are preparing students to make a difference outside the walls of the academy.

It is the mission of our Faculty to be a leader in health and health care, rehabilitation, physical activity and sport and we have confidence that we are achieving this goal in everything we do.

Yours in Health Sciences,

Jim Weese

Welcome to Western

September is a special time on a university campus. New students arrive with boundless enthusiasm, pride, and if they are totally honest, a bit of fear and trepidation as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. We see parents helping their sons and daughters relocate from the comforts of their homes to the realities of more independent living and responsibilities.

Our campus looks beautiful given the magnificent London summer. Our professors and staff members eagerly await the new crop of students and the start of a new academic term, while remembering those who have recently graduated and embarked on the next chapter in their lives.

For 28 years I have welcomed students and their parents to campus and ensuring all that they would have a great experience. I have tried my best to comfort students, encouraging them to seize the limitless opportunities for growth. I have told them of the benefits of a university education. I have outlined the challenges we face in society relative to the health area and the immense opportunities to which they will avail themselves as a graduate of one of our programs. I have told them that they'll always have their hometown friends, but that their most endearing friendships will likely be with fellow university students that have yet to meet.

At times I admit to underestimating how challenging this time can be for parents. I know much more now. One of the fresh faces who will be in front of me as I deliver my 2011 Dean's Welcome will be my own son. He's our first born and the first of our children to head to university.

I have enjoyed going through course calendars and promotional literature from a number of universities. I was pleased when he selected Western and the Schools in the Faculty of Health Sciences. I loved participating  in university sponsored orientation programs for new students and their parents. While exciting, this also points to the indisputable fact that he is growing up. Hell' soon be leaving us. This struck me with the fact that he won't be sitting beside me at the opening football game. He'll join 5,000 other first year students in the student section across the field.

Parents past and present - I now know the feeling.

That said, I am comforted by the care and attention that our staff members and professors give to students. I know that my son will be taught by leaders in their respective fields, scholars who are on the frontiers of knowledge development in their respective fields. I know the breadth and depth of the contributions of our student leaders who are proud of their Faculty and take pride in ensuring a "best student experience" for their classmates. I know, from experience, the incredible growth that my son, and your children will receive with a degree from the Faculty of Health Sciences at The University of Western Ontario.

This is an exciting time for all of us in the Faculty. We welcome you to our FHS family.

Yours in Health Sciences,

W. James Weese

Inaugural FHS Dean's Breakfast

Yesterday morning (Feb. 24) we started a new tradition in the Faculty of Health Sciences by hosting our inaugural Dean's Breakfast. A fantastic group of alumni and friends joined us at Sunningdale Golf & Country Club and I was thrilled to share some of the amazing things happening in our Faculty and provide a glimpse into the future of Health Sciences at Western.

Together with our School Directors, we are working to make the Faculty a great place to work, study, learn and grow and a beacon of best practice on our campus. We have, and will continue to, make sharp progress in this area. I am proud to say that the Faculty has assumed a place as a progressive and leading faculty at Western. This is due in large part to a strong leadership team that has bought into a vision of providing "Canada's best student experience".

The programs we offer to students are in high demand as evidenced by this year's application numbers. On the undergraduate side, the School of Kinesiology received 2,700 applications for 350 spots. More than 2,400 applications were received for our School of Health Studies and nearly 1,200 students applied for 125 places in our Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, which carries an incoming average of 87% (the highest at Western).

Applications to our School of Physical Therapy jumped 29.8% from 2010 (823 applications for 50 spots). More than 700 students applied for admission to our School of Occupational Therapy, while our School of Communication Sciences and Disorders saw increases of 28.6% (Audiology) and 24.3% (Speech-Language Pathology.

These numbers speak to the quality of programming we are providing and to the relevance of our areas of expertise in today's world. Part of this involves the interdisciplinary nature of much of our work in areas such as health promotion, child and youth health and health and aging.

As the University pushes to expand its international reputation, our Faculty is already well on its way to becoming an international leader in Health Sciences. We currently have 28 active international exchange agreements with institutions from 16 countries and are planning a more robust international student exchange program to provide unique learning experiences for our students.

We are all genuinely excited about the future of our Faculty and the chance to share that with some of our most loyal supporters was a pleasure. Our Dean's Breakfast is slated to become a regular event for the Faculty as a way to keep our alumni and friends involved and engaged. Without the support of this group, our mission would be much harder to achieve.

Yours in health,

Jim