REGISTER NOW: Dissertation Writers' Retreat Online | July 29 - 30, 2021

Dissertation Writers' Retreats are designed to provide Western PhD candidates with dedicated time for intensive writing. Participating in the Retreat can help you make significant progress in writing your dissertation and help establish good writing habits.

DATE:  July 29-30, 2021
TIME:  9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Retreat is an opportunity for participants to remove themselves from daily distractions and time demands to focus exclusively on dissertation writing. As well as dedicated writing time, there will be short check-in mini-seminars and support from expert writing advisors.

The Dissertation Writers' Retreat is specifically for writing your dissertation. Participants can register from the Own Your Future calendar on Western Connect.

What are past participants saying about the Writers' Retreat?  Read Gavin's blog HERE.

REGISTER NOW

Contact Doug Campbell dcampb62@uwo.ca or Julie Jonkhans julie.jonkhans@uwo.ca if you have questions or need additional information.

REGISTER NOW: Project Management for PhDs | Essential Elements I & II

Project Management for PhDs: Essential Elements I & II

DATES: June 21 & 22, 2021
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon ET
LOCATION: Zoom, register for link

This two-part introductory seminar to project management will present an overview of essential elements to creating and executing a successful project plan. Through interactive discussion, students will learn why self-awareness, stakeholder engagement and effective communication are critical to project success. The session will draw on parallels to research management to identify where industry-standard Project Management strategies and tools can be applied in an academic setting and how academic experience can be transferrable and valuable to private, public and non-profit contexts.

This series is exclusive to doctoral students and is suitable for students from any discipline and at any level of their studies.

Content:

• Understanding Project Management
• Project Initiation
• Project Planning
• Project Execution, emphasizing communication to stakeholders
• Project Closure

REGISTER NOW
Please note: Enrollment is limited to 25 participants. Please register only if you are able to attend both days, June 21 & 22, from 9 a.m. - 12 noon.

Questions? Please email Julie Jonkhans at julie.jonkhans@uwo.ca.

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Facilitator Bio
Tina Cerulli, B. Eng., PMP, CSM, LSSBB, SAFe 5 Agilist is a dynamic consultant, instructor, mentor, and PMI-recommended speaker, specializing in project leadership. Her expertise is based on over 15 years of progressive corporate experience in software development, a proven track record as an international project manager and process leader, and a passion for cultivating high performing teams. Tina is experienced in delivering project management workshops to graduate students across all disciplines.

REGISTER NOW: Exciting Course Offering! Indigeneity and Decolonizing Research | May 3 to June 11, 2021

Indigeneity and Decolonizing Research Online | May 3, 2021 to June 11, 2021

This course examines formations of colonization in and through research and knowledge traditions, and their effects on the cultural, intellectual, political, educational and economic wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.

Key Concepts

• Decolonization
• Indigenous research
• Indigenous Research Methodologies

How to enroll
Email cpels.graded@uwo.ca with your student number requesting enrollment in the course.

DOWNLOAD THE POSTER

APPLY NOW: IMFG Post-Doctoral Fellowship | Deadline April 23, 2021

The Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance (IMFG), within the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, invites applications for a one-year IMFG Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Municipal Finance and Governance. Research should be pertinent to IMFG’s focus on the finance and governance issues faced by large cities and city-regions in Canada and around the world.

IMFG focuses on the fiscal health and governance challenges facing large cities and city-regions. The Institute’s mandate is to conduct independent research, spark and inform public debate, and engage the academic and policy communities around important issues of municipal finance and governance.

IMFG offers a $50,000 Post-Doctoral Fellowship, funded by the School of Cities, to support researchers who have received their PhD and are continuing their studies.

Fellowship recipients are expected to live in Toronto, Canada while pursuing their research and study, and will have the opportunity to participate generally in the intellectual life of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and larger University of Toronto community during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Core responsibilities of the post-doctoral fellow include:

• Preparing two original research papers for publication by IMFG; and
• Presenting their research as part of two seminars at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy

Other responsibilities could include:

• Planning IMFG conferences, events, or roundtables, in conjunction with IMFG staff;
• Preparing research papers for publication;
• Developing and/or participating in other IMFG research projects and initiatives; and
• Providing research assistance and support to the IMFG Director.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY
Application deadline is April 23, 2021.

If you have questions please contact Enid Slack, Director, IMFG, at 416-946-0328 or at enid.slack@utoronto.ca.

APPLY NOW: Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowships for Black and Indigenous Scholars at York University | Deadline April 1, 2021

York University in Toronto, Ontario is excited to launch a new Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for Black and Indigenous Scholars, as part of our commitment to promoting justice and embracing a variety of scholarly perspectives, backgrounds and lived experiences. The program will offer emerging scholars from a wide range of disciplines access to the financial support, mentorship and career development opportunities needed to build the foundation for a successful professional future.

The Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowships for Black and Indigenous Scholars will support up to 4 successful applicants this year in any field of study. With a salary of $70,000 provided each year for a two-year term, scholars will be able to dedicate their time to pursuing a proposed project, working alongside a supervisor and other mentors, while also gaining access to guidance from faculty, students and alumni.

• Available Fellowships: up to four in 2021-22
• Amount: min. $70,000/year
• Duration: 24 months. (Normally July to June. Exceptional start dates may be negotiated)
• Field: Open
• Eligibility: Recently completed PhD, PhD in hand by the start of the postdoctoral term

LEARN MORE AND APPLY
Deadline to Apply:  April 1, 2021 (decisions made May 31, 2021)

Any questions can be directed to Kim McIntyre (kimmcint@yorku.ca)Postdoctoral Services Coordinator at York University.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada’s AI Advisory Council, Public Awareness Working Group has been tasked with engaging Canadians in a dialogue on AI.  We are seeking to build upon insights gathered through a recently completed pan-Canadian survey on perceptions towards AI and AI systems.

The Working Group is planning a series of virtual workshops in early 2021 to engage the public. Facilitation services will be required to support these events.  The workshops will utilize a methodology informed by the Montreal Declaration, and the Open Dialogue on AI Ethics.

These facilitated discussions will occur around the consideration of specific use cases, in which participants are invited to consider and discuss the ethical dilemmas posed by a particular AI application.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is seeking highly motivated, graduate-level students for contracts beginning in February 2021 through until April 2021.

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Two types of roles are available:

Facilitators for multiple public deliberations workshops, providing assistance in data collection and workshop facilitation through the delivery of provided workshop materials to workshop participants.

FACILITATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

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Notetakers for multiple public deliberations workshops, providing assistance in data collection, note taking and report writing based on workshop content and input from workshop participants.

NOTETAKER JOB DESCRIPTION

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Application Deadline:  Monday, February 15, 2021.

The contracts will be hosted through the University of Montreal, which will serve as the students' administrative point of contact for the duration of the contracts.

Applicants are asked to forward their resumes to:
Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence Secretariat  | aicouncilsecretariat-secretariatconseilia@canada.ca

*PAYMENT DEADLINE EXTENDED* A reminder about winter term 2021 tuition from Western University

Please be aware that the deadline for payment of winter term tuition and fees has been extended to January 15, 2021.

A Reminder About Your Tuition

For graduate students registered for the winter 2021 term*, your tuition and fee amounts are available for viewing in the Student Center. The deadline for tuition and fees for the winter term is January 8 (extended to January 15).
*If you should not be registered for the winter term, please contact your graduate program.

How to Make Payment

All fees must be paid as indicated on your Student Center account. Internet banking through major Canadian banks is the preferred method of payment. Add University of Western Ontario – Tuition to your list of bank payments (there may be a variance in the way each bank lists the University of Western Ontario as a payee). Your student number is your account for online payments. Graduate students have the option of paying half (50 per cent) of the tuition and fees by January 8 (extended to January 15), with the balance (the remaining 50 per cent) on February 12.

Students whose fees are paid by an external sponsor must provide proof of funding (financial guarantee letter) for each term. This information must be e-mailed to Bev Zupancic bzupanci@uwo.ca by January 15 to avoid late payment penalties.

PLEASE NOTE: Students are responsible for payment of any fees or penalties not paid by the sponsor. For additional payment methods (including how to arrange payment from outside of Canada) please consult the Office of the Registrar web site.

Receiving Payments

Graduate students with a credit balance in their tuition accounts will receive a payment from the Student Center. The first payments for credit balances in the winter 2021 term will take place on January 12. Payments will only be issued via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT).  To receive your funds via EFT, your direct deposit must be set up with Western’s Human Resources (if you have not already).  For more information visit HERE.

Learn more about credit balance payments, graduate student fees and tuition.

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS: Parkinson Society Graduate Student Scholarship Program

The Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario (PSSO) is pleased to announce its Request for Applications, Graduate Student Scholarship Program, June 1, 2021 – May 31, 2022.

The Graduate Student Scholarship Program is a strategic initiative to encourage young scientists to enter the field of Parkinson’s research, and to invest in research and training that offers promise for future work in the area of Parkinson’s disease.  PSSO intends to provide awards in the amount of up to $25,000 CDN to outstanding graduate students who meet the eligibility criteria of the Program and who have been approved by the Program’s Adjudication Committee.  We invite applications from graduate students committed to conducting Parkinson’s research in areas relevant to the treatment of motor and/or non-motor symptoms. This initiative is consistent with, and reflects PSSO’s commitment to support research in the Southwestern Ontario region, and to foster leadership potential in this area.

We invite interested students to download and review the materials below.

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 4:00 p.m. EST.

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APPLICATION GUIDELINES

APPLICATION FORM

REFEREE RANKING FORM

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As noted in the Application Guidelines document, application materials are to be submitted electronically as a single pdf file to Shelley Rivard, CEO, Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, research@parkinsonsociety.ca.  Receipt of application will be confirmed.

APPLY NOW: Graduate Student Internship Opportunities

The Graduate Student Internship Program (GSIP) is an experiential learning initiative that allows students in research-based graduate programs to:

• Explore career opportunities both within and outside of your academic discipline.
• Enhance your employability and improve your transferable skills.
• Gain valuable experience for your resume and professional portfolio.
• Network with organizations and employers in various fields.

These full-time, paid internship opportunities can be 4-, 8-, or 12-months in length and begin in January, September, or May. Employers across multiple industries recruit graduate students at Western through the Graduate Student Internship Program. Read about Jessica's experience (PhD candidate in Art and Visual Culture) in the GSIP program HERE.

To be eligible to participate in the Graduate Student Internship Program you must:

• Be registered in a program that does not include a mandatory internship, co-op, practicum, or placement component.
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. International students are not eligible to participate at this time.
• Discuss your intention to explore internship opportunities with your thesis supervisor(s) and/or graduate chair and confirm you meet your graduate program conditions for progression toward the degree. Participation in an internship requires that the student request a Leave of Absence from the graduate program for the duration of the full-time internship. To review the implications of taking a Leave of Absence please consult: https://grad.uwo.ca/administration/regulations/4.html.

APPLY NOW
After discussing your intention to explore internship opportunities with your thesis supervisor(s), follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Visit Western Connect.
2. Log in as a student using your Western ID and password.
3. Visit the 'Internship/Co-op' tab, then select the 'Undergraduate and Graduate tab'
4. A list of Western's internship programs will appear. Please select either the GIPD – Graduate Student Internships Program (Doctorate) or the GIPM Graduate Student Internship Program (Masters)
5. Complete admission application questions to request access to the online portal.
6. Once approved, review internship postings (check back often as employers may submit postings throughout the year).
7. Apply to internship postings according to instructions in each posting.

NOW RECRUITING
Careers & Experience is currently recruiting a hirewesternu PhD Campaign Coordinator to grow the number of employment and internship opportunities for PhDs. The successful candidate will develop and facilitate a targeted employer outreach campaign, design digital material, create a comprehensive communication strategy, and partner with Own Your Future to ensure that Western PhD students are competitive in today's labour market.

The deadline to apply for this position is December 6, 2020!

For more information, contact gradEL@uwo.ca.

REGISTER NOW! Own Your Future Workshops for January 2021

Own Your Future is Western's doctoral professional development program that enhances your abilities in six professional competencies to help you excel in your academic studies and future career.

We invite you to register now for these workshops for the winter term.

Questions? Please contact Julie Jonkhans, Doctoral Professional Development Coordinator, at julie.jonkhans@uwo.ca.

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*NEW* SGPS 9106: Promoting Resilience During Graduate School
COVID-19 has disrupted many aspects of our personal and professional lives and in a time of isolation and distraction, it is especially challenging to remain resilient, focused, and optimistic about achieving our goals.

This course introduces participants to a motivational coaching approach to mentoring others that has been associated with improvements in resilience, self-esteem, and other positive indicators in graduate students.

Participants in the course will:

• Receive training and a formal certificate in motivational coaching (complimentary of the Monarch System™)
• Participate as both the provider practicing the motivational coaching tools and as the recipient of the approach
• Receive booster training sessions and feedback on their coaching skills

It is anticipated that participation in this course will improve the resilience, mental health, quality of life, compassion, and social support of participants. In addition, participants will develop a unique transferable skillset that can be applied to leadership positions in a variety of settings.

Training Dates: January 14 & 21, 12 noon - 3:30 p.m.
Synchronous Sessions: Thursdays 12 noon - 1:30 p.m. ET
Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Irwin, School of Health Studies

REGISTER HERE

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SGPS 9201: Developing Leader Character
As a doctoral student, you develop specialized knowledge and expertise that is highly valuable to society. Yet, today's leaders need to understand how to use both their education and leadership to "make a difference" and serve the public good. The Developing Leader Character course aims to increase awareness of the Leadership of Self and prepare you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, assessment and reflection. When faced with dynamic and complex societal challenges, leaders’ decision making requires profound judgment that is anchored in strength of character.

Participants will:

• Complete the Leader Character Insight Assessment and receive a personalized report on character strengths and weaknesses
• Explore the character dimensions and work in teams to create a character development plan
• Diagnose and develop their leader character

Training Dates: Synchronous 14-week course, Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. beginning January 20, 2021
Instructor: Dr. Cassie Ellis, Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership, Ivey Business School

REGISTER HERE