January 15, 2012  „  Issue 97  „ http://www.sgps.ca
E-Newsletter

SGPS Office: Hours of Operation
The SGPS Office is open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (closed noon until 1 for lunch)
We are located in room 021 of the John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC)

SGPS Skate Rental
Gather your family and friends for a spin around the ice! A perfect way to spend a winter day in Kingston. We have menÕs, womenÕs and childrenÕs skates in various sizes and they are available to rent FREE of charge. The skates are due back the next business day before 4:30 pm.  Please be prepared to leave some form of identification at the SGPS office.  This ID will be returned to you upon the return of the skates. There are many indoor and outdoor rinks available for public skating. Click on the link below for the fall and winter public skating schedule.
http://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/programs/skating/publicskate.asp

A message from the Department of Drama & the Student Life Centre, QueenÕs University:
Andrina McCulloch Public Speaking Competition
Registration is now open for the Andrina McCulloch Public Speaking Competition. This competition now in its 71st  year is open to all QueenÕs students (graduate and professional students as well as undergrads). The preliminary rounds take place Monday 13 February and Tuesday 14 February at 7pm in the JDUC (2nd floor). Final rounds will take place on Wednesday 15 February also at 7pm in the JDUC. The Grand Prize is $1000 with other monetary prizes for runners-up and honorable mentions. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.queensu.ca/drama/publicspeaking. Questions can be directed to jenn.stephenson@queensu.ca or public.speaking@queensu.ca

SGPS Upcoming Social Events
The SGPS has a lot of great social events coming up. We have planned a climbing event at the Boiler Room (January 21st - $8), a Welcome Back Party (January 27th - free) and a Ski/Snowboarding Trip (February 4th - $60). Further details about all events are available on page 2 of this newsletter. For any questions, please feel free to contact SGPS Social Commissioner (Abdullah) at social@sgps.ca

SGPS Social Events
Boiler Room Climbing Gym (HLI)
As part of our continued commitment to promote healthy and active living (HLI), the SGPS social team would like to invite you to join us for an invigorating evening of indoor rock climbing at the Boiler Room. The Boiler Room has walls of varying difficulty, thus making it very accessible for avid rock climbers and anyone who is looking to try something new and exciting. Climbing is a highly interactive, social and physical activity that gives you a chance to challenge yourself in many ways. Beginners are always welcome and basic instruction is provided for free. Additionally, the SGPS will be providing transportation from the JDUC to the Boiler Room and back. You can register at the SGPS office (JDUC 021) and the SGPS website http://www.sgps.ca/events/social.html
Date: Saturday, January 21st		Time: 4:30-7:00 pm
Location: Boiler Room (meet at the JDUC Union entrance)
Cost: $8 (actual cost is $15/person, SGPS is subsidizing the difference & cabs from JDUC)
N.B. Registration is required for this event (registration is limited to first-come first-served basis due to us having to book the venue in advance)
2012 Welcome Back Party!!!
ItÕs 2012, and what a better way to kick the year off than a beginning of the year party. ItÕs mix of a belated 2012 new years and a welcome back party. This event provides an excellent opportunity to get together and catch up, seeing how the holiday season had us go our separate ways for a while. So come out an enjoy a great night with your fellow SGPS members. The night will start off at Fanatics with the option of heading to the Grizzly Grill afterwards for some dancing. There will be FREE drink tickets (alcoholic or non) for the first 30 people there, and some complementary appetizers.
Date: Friday, January 27st		Time: 8:30 pm
Location: Fanatics (with the option of heading to the Grizzly Grill later for some dancing)
SGPS SKI/Snowboarding Trip
The SGPS is excited to inform you about our upcoming trip to the Calabogie Peaks Resort. This event is guaranteed to be a great time whether you're an avid skier/snowboarder or looking to try something exhilarating and fun. The Calabogie Peaks Resort has a wide variety of runs, ranging from advanced black diamonds to novice blue and green runs. So come out and carve some powder with your fellow SGPS members. Additionally, you can rent some equipment for a discounted price ($22) if your equipment is not readily available. Sign up for this event will begin on the 10th of January. Visit SGPS website (link below) or the office (JDUC 021) to sing up for this great event before we hit capacity. For more information please contact us at logistics@sgps.ca. $60 includes: Transportation, a skiing day pass and lunch.
Date: Saturday, February 4	Time: Saturday February 4th  Cost: $60/person
Bus leaves the JDUC at 8 A.M. and returns at approximately 8 P.M.Meet outside the JDUC (Union & University) athletics@sgps.ca

SGPS Athletics News
GOODLIFE
Goodlife memberships for the Feb 15, 2012 start day may now be purchased at the corporate discounted rate of  $265.00 (for 8 mths). All of your information plus cheque or cash are due in the SGPS office by JAN 31, 2012. NO EXCEPTIONS. Please see the website for full details and instructions - http://www.sgps.ca/services/goodlife.html
Send a complimentary 7 Day Goodlife Gym pass to your friend or family member. Download here: http://goodlifefitness.com/pdf/7DayPass_2012-01.pdf
SGPS
Are you part of a graduate student intramural team? DonÕt forget to apply for the Sports Fund to cover some of the costs of your team. See SGPS website for details. 
http://www.sgps.ca/services/awards.html
ARC
Did you know that the ARC has a womenÕs only facility? The Marion Ross Room, located on the 3rd floor is open in the morning and evening at select times. There is also a For Women Only Rec Swim every Friday from 8:30am - 9:30am and 3 drop in basketball time spots. Please see the website for details:
http://www.gogaelsgo.com/sports/2010/8/25/REC_0825105719.aspx?path=fitness-wellness
The Q-Shop is now online. Get your favorite Gaels gear at the click of a button. 
http://www.gogaelsgo.com/sports/2008/9/23/q-shop.aspx?tab=q-shop
QUEENÕS GAELS
QueenÕs will be hosting the CIS Volleyball championships in March 2-4, 2012. The tickets are going fast. Get yours here: http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/mvball/index
KINGSTON SPORTS
Running Room Run Club is every Wednesday at 6:00pm and Sunday at 8:30am. There is no cost to join the run club. The runs depart from the store at 277 Princess St. See website for more details. http://www.runningroom.com/hm/inside.php?id=2324
Free Yoga every Sunday at Lulu Lemon Kingston 10:30 Š 11:30, 270 Princess Street. See website for more information. http://www.lululemon.com/kingston/princessstreet
DashinÕ Through the Snow 3/5km Walking Event to support Kingston Chapter of the Boys and Girls Club Feb 20, 2012 at 11 am, right here in Kingston. See website for details. 
http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=7429
Recycle At The SGPS Office
Drop off your used batteries, ink cartridges and old cell phones at the SGPS office and we will recycle them.
E-Newsletter
A message from the School of Graduate Studies:
Expanding Horizons Workshops
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) offers professional skills training to help you prepare for work inside or outside academia after pursuing your Masters and/or PhD. For more information on upcoming Expanding Horizons workshops--and the certificate program being offered in January 2012--please visit: http://www.queensu.ca/sgs/resource/eh.html
Free International Student Identity Card
All SGPS members get a free ISIC card. Come to our office with your student card to get your free card any day of the year that we are open.
Graduate International Students on the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan 
Have you found that your fall and winter term tuition fee payments are disproportionately high? The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) is willing and able to credit more or all of your International Tuition Award (ITA) to your QueenÕs account, which will lower your monthly payments. For more information, please see the document at the end of this newsletter.
SGPS Varsity Athlete of the Month
Sarah Fleming
Sarah is a recent graduated from the Department of Chemical Engineering, an Academic All-Star and part of the Queen's Triathlon Team.  She has been a member of the team for her entire study period at QueenÕs while maintaining an above 80 average. She is also one of the first graduates from the HMRC-CREATE program funded by NSERC. Congrats on all your academic and athletics achievements, Sarah!
** Are you a Graduate/Professional Student and a Varsity Athlete? Do you know one? Send us your name/pic/ bio/sport to be featured in our next newsletter email: athletics@sgps.ca

Your Queen's netID and Password
Please remember that Queen's will never ask you for your netID password or other confidential details about your Queen's e-mail. You may receive e-mails from time-to-time that ask for such information. Please be advised that they are not legitimate e-mails.
If, for any reason, you send your Queen's password to a third party, you should immediately change your password. Info on changing your password can be found at:
http://www.queensu.ca/its/email/tutorials/emailaccount/netid.html

A message from the Ban Righ Centre:
Financial Support from Ban Righ
Bursary applications are now available for The Bonnie Judge Memorial Bursaries, which include
entry level* bursaries of $2,000.00
upper year** bursaries of $3,000.00 and $4000.00
* entry level means you have obtained 5 credits (30 units) or fewer
** upper year means that you have obtained more than 5 credits (30 units) 
These bursaries were established to provide financial support to six women students who are enrolled in any undergraduate program at QueenÕs University, who have been away from formal study for 3 or more years and who have no previous University degree. 
Applications for the Bonnie Judge Memorial Bursaries may be picked up at the Ban Righ Centre (32 Bader Lane) beginning Monday November 28, 2011 (Monday to Friday 9-4 p.m.).   Applications are due back at the Ban Righ Centre on Friday January 20, 2012 by 1 pm.  No late applications will be accepted.  Students must meet with a staff member to go over their application. No drop offs or mail ins.  Bursary recipients will be notified by January 31, 2012. Awards will be sent out by the end of January.
ELIGIBILITY: 
You must have had at least a three year interruption from formal education 
This must be your first University Degree
You must be enrolled in the equivalent of at least 3.0 credits (18 units) over the fall/winter 2011-12 session.
You must be registered in the 2012 winter term. 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS Please include the following:
1. A completed bursary financial application (obtained from the Ban Righ Centre).
2. From SOLUS; * marks (total record), * current timetable, * proof of funding (bursaries etc. OSAP printout if applicable).
3. One brief letter of self-nomination. Please include your name, program and year of study. Here are some suggestions regarding the content: 
An outline of your educational/career and/or personal goals. 
Your employment, volunteer and/or family responsibilities.
Challenges or barriers you face. 
You may wish to close by describing how you would benefit from being the recipient of this bursary. 
The RegistrarÕs office will verify student status and financial information.  If you have further questions, e-mail Lisa at webbl@queensu.ca, call 533-6000 ext. 75363 or speak to Lisa when you pick up the bursary financial application form.
A complete list of BRC bursaries can be found at 
http://banrighcentre.queensu.ca/financialassistance.asp

A message from the Senate Nominating Committee:
Apply now to serve on Senate committees
Committee service is a valuable way in which members of the university community participate in the governance of Queen's. Senate committees discuss issues of broad interest to the academic community, and make recommendations on policy and practice that are essential to the university's operations and evolution.
At this time the Senate Nominating Committee seeks students who are willing to put their names forward for committee service, beginning September 1, 2012. Terms are usually for two years, with the number of meetings per year depending on the particular committee's area of responsibility.
For a list of vacancies, visit: 
http://www.queensu.ca/secretariat/senate/committees/vacancies.html. 
You can click on the committee name to read the terms of reference and composition.
The need for members to serve on all these committees is pressing. Community members are urged to consider putting their name forward, either for a committee dealing with a subject that is of immediate interest or concern to you, or for a committee dealing with a subject that you know is important. Either way, committee work allows you to directly impact the way Queen's functions as a teaching and research institution, and as a community of scholars, students and staff.
Applications are accepted until Feb. 24.
If you wish to discuss the opportunity of serving on a Senate Committee, please feel free to contact the Secretariat Office at (613) 533-6095.  If you are interested in putting your name forth to the Senate Nominating Committee, please contact SGPS Executive Assistant, Pam Asselstine at ea@sgps.ca.  Send her the name of the committee that you wish to be nominated for and your student number so that she can verify your SGPS membership.

A message from The Soul Shakedown Collective:
Soul Shakedown Returns for 2012!
Join us at the BEST dance party in Kingston. . .
Fundraiser for Queen's Community of Black Intellectuals
Date: Saturday, January 21st
Time: 9:00 p.m.  
Location: The Mansion, 506 Princess Street
Cost: $5 before 10 p.m., $10 thereafter - so come early!
DJ True, DJ E, DJ El Tico
The Soul Shakedown Collective has been gathering some sick tunes to get you grooving into the new year. The collective aims to bring the best in rare dance grooves from funk, soul to Latin, Reggae, Dancehall, Brazilian, Pan-African, Arabic, Asian Dub, Bhangra and more. We strive to construct a safe space where diverse and socially progressive people can shake it out with freedom and flair.

A message from ESAC Canada:
2012 Environmental Studies Association of Canada Conference
ItÕs that time of year again, the holiday season is fast approaching and grad students everywhere are scurrying to get their applications in for the 2012 conference of the Environmental Studies Association of Canada (ESAC). The conference is being held from May 30 Š June 2, 2012 jointly at the University of Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.
ESAC is an interdisciplinary organization and we are accepting applications from environmental students and professionals involved in all manner of research. This yearÕs theme is ŅEnvironmental Knowledge: People and Change,Ó purposefully broad to stimulate participation, discussion, and collaboration.
The exciting agenda of the 2012 conference is not to be missed. This year, we are we are collaborating with EECOM to bring you numerous field trips, a poster contest with prizes, enriching panel discussions and presentations and a lecture from legendary environmental author/activist and founder of http://350.org , Bill McKibben. Plus, we are bringing back the Wine and Cheese Social due to popular demand!
Deadline for submissions is January 20th, 2012. Please visit http://esac.ca for additional details on how to apply.
Travel grants will be available for students who need assistance covering transportation costs. Deadline to apply for travel grants is February 10th, 2012.
In order to apply, you must be an ESAC member in good standing. Click 
http://esac.ca/join-esac/ for more info on becoming a member. You will receive a subscription to the always-relevant Alternatives Journal and the chance to join your colleagues with green hearts and minds in a thought-provoking academic retreat.

Health and Dental Insurance Claims
Need help filing an insurance claim through your SGPS insurance? Stop by the SGPS Office for help getting your claim in the mail. We will help with the paperwork and pay the postage!

SGPS Bursaries
The SGPS administers the following bursaries:
Emergency Student Aid
Dental Bursary
Grants Program
Sustainability Action Fund
Sports Fund
Club Fund
For more information: http://www.sgps.ca/services/awards.html

Follow the SGPS on Twitter and facebook
The SGPS is now using Twitter and Facebook to keep you updated. We will be posting things like upcoming social events, deadlines (registration, optional fee opt-outs, health and dental) and lots of other important information for our members.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2310661892
http://twitter.com/QueensSGPS

A message from the Graduate Visual Culture Association of QueenÕs University:
Context and Meaning XI
Graduate Student Conference
Papers in Visual & Material Culture and Art Conservation
Dates: February 3 & 4, 2012
Location: Agnes Etherington Art Centre
A message from Kingston Latino:
Mini-Cuban Film Festival
Kingston Latino invites you to attend the Mini-Cuban Film Festival. In association with Artignite
Dates: Jan 31st, Feb 2nd and Feb 7th
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Wilson Room, Kingston, Frontenac Public Library
Admission: $3 for students and $5 general admission
For more information:
About the Mini-Cuban Film Festival: see poster at the end of this newsletter
About Artignite: http://www.queensu.ca/artignite/index.html

A message from Occupy QueenÕs:
Occupy QueenÕs Aims to Create . . .
Occupy QueenÕs aims to create solidarity with the QueenÕs community to promote a more Democratic and transparent environment that fosters academic quality above a corporate model. If you are interested in finding out more, we are holding an informal discussion including a few speakers, Wednesday, January 18th, 8:30 PM second floor at the Grad Club. We invite everyone to participate and share their ideas in a democratic fashion.
For more information:
General Assemblies: Grey House
4:00PM Every Monday
Facebook Search: ŅOccupy QueenÕsÓ 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupy-Queens-University/218000281609385
Website: http://www.occupykingston.ca/occupyqueensu/

A message from the CFRC 101.9FM:
CFRC 101.9fm opportunities and events
JAN 16:  BLACK HISTORY MONTH FOCUS PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR DEADLINE
CFRC is recruiting an intern between the ages of 16-30 to coordinate special programming in recognition of Black History month. This six-week internship is made possible with the support of the Community Radio Fund of Canada.  The intern will be thanked with a generous honorarium upon completion of the project.  For complete posting details, visit:
http://cfrc.ca/blog/recruiting-focus-programming-coordinators
JAN 17:  ART'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
CFRC joins international audio and transmission artists celebrating the presence of art in our lives with a day of art-on-air from 4pm to midnight on Tuesday, January 17. The party will include a live broadcast the Artel, 205 Sydenham St, featuring performances by local musicians.  Doors open at 7pm, all are welcome and the event is FREE.  For more info see
http://cfrc.ca/blog/arts-birthday-party-the-artel-jan-17
JAN 20:  GRAD CLUB DJ NITE
All are welcome to join CFRC DJs and volunteers for our monthly nite at the Grad Club, 162 Barrie, on Friday, January 20 from 8pm to 12am.  A great way to unwind at the end of a long week!  FREE.
JAN 23: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY FOCUS PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR DEADLINE
CFRC is recruiting an intern between the ages of 16-30 to coordinate special programming in recognition of International Women's Day. This six-week internship is made possible with the support of the Community Radio Fund of Canada.  The intern will be thanked with a generous honorarium upon completion of the project.  For complete posting details, visit
http://cfrc.ca/blog/recruiting-focus-programming-coordinators
A message from the Graduate Student Association of the University of Ottawa:
Call For Papers
The 15th Interdisciplinary Conference of the GSAƒD offers the opportunity for graduate students to present their research to the university community. The Conference will foster critical dialogue across the many fields of academic research, including the social sciences, the natural sciences, applied sciences and the professions.  The goal of this conference is to interrogate the broad themes stemming from our fast approaching and diverse future(s) from the specific and multifaceted perspectives of graduate student researchers.
Dates: March 26, 27, and 28, 2012
Location: 55 Avenue Laurier Easter, Ottawa, ON - Desmarais Building, Room DMS 12102
Deadline to submit the summary - Monday, January 30, 2012
Submissions and additional information - university@gsaed.ca
For more information, please see the attachment at the end of this newsletter.

A message from the Centre of Teaching and Learning:
CELEBRATE 20 YEARS WITH THE CENTRE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING (CTL)
The CTL has spent the last twenty years working tirelessly to enhance the quality of teaching and learning at QueenÕs. As we celebrate our first 20 years, we can only do so as a result of this UniversityÕs outstanding students. Join us at our Open House:
Date: January 16, 2012
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: B176 Mackintosh Corry 
For more information, please visit our website:
http://www.queensu.ca/ctl/index.html 

A message from the QueenÕ Law Human Rights Club & the Equity Committee:
Film Night
The Queen's Law Human Rights Club and the Equity Committee are jointly hosting a Film Night on Wednesday January 18th in the Law Lounge (in Macdonald Hall) at 7 pm.
We will be screening Renzo Marten's 2009 documentary "Enjoy Poverty". The documentary explores the question "who owns poverty?" and asks the viewer to rethink the West's "aid-based" relationship with the developing world.
After the screening we will be playing board games (a cool variation of monopoly) and TABOO.
BUT WAIT! There's more. The Equity Committee has generously offered to provide food and drinks for the occasion.
So come to the law lounge next Wednesday January 18th to blow off some steam and have fun thinking critically about human rights in the developing world.

A message from the Peer Support Centre:
PEER SUPPORT CENTRE IS HIRING GRAD VOLUNTEERS 
The Peer Support Centre is composed of a dedicated group of trained peer counsellors who offer social and personal support to ALL students at Queen's University. The Centre is seeking to hire graduate student volunteers as peer counsellors and support group facilitators (for a grad support group). Time commitment is 2-8 hours per week. Applications are now available in the SGPS and AMS offices.  The application deadline is January 24 at 4:00 p.m.  For more information, please email the Director at peersupport@ams.queensu.ca.