News Update: Sport Management Speaker Series !!!

Everyone is welcome to attend the

Sport Management Graduate Student

Speaker Series Presentation

Friday, November 18^th, 2011 @ 3:00 PM

Room E-121, Van Vliet Centre

Meaghan Carey, PhD Student

“Building consent: Community networks and arena development in smaller cities”

Brian Soebbing, PhD
“Contest Incentives in European Football”

Hanhan Xue, PhD Student

“The Changing Stakeholder Map of Formula One

Grand Prix in Shanghai”

Mat Dowling, PhD Student

“SPLISS and the Professionalization of Policy Making in Sport Organizations”

Light refreshments to follow in the Faculty Lounge,

Room P4-15, Van Vliet Centre

News Update: 2nd Annual Pub Trivia Success !!!

The tables were set, the prizes were waiting, the beer was pouring and the graduate contingent was posed ready to do what Phys Ed does best...compete. Yes, yes, the students and the members of faculty were ready to rumble in the 2^nd Annual Pub Trivia. Building on the last years success, the social sec’s (Meaghan and Jodie) set out to make it bigger and better. More students, more prizes and more fun. They delivered on every account. Pub trivia offered a rare insight into the diverse plethora of both useful and at times completely useless knowledge within U of A’s Phys Ed Faculty. Separating the cream from the crop, the mice from the men, the best from the rest (...you get my point) was 20 teams, 5 rounds with 10 questions per round. These rounds tested the general knowledge of Alberta’s finest with questions from the Descartes to David Beckham the Cranberries to Chuck Norris (thank you Chuck Norris...thank you). Also, who knew that Winnipeg meant ‘Muddy Water’? You learn something new every day in this place, I swear. The faculty represented well this year, with the likes of Nick Holt battling the one and only John Spence, Wendy Rogers against Dean Mummery (aka ‘the one to beat’). Particular highlights of the night included John Spence winning a yoga mat, Vince winning a mug (and subsequently losing it again), and Catherine’s scream as the realization suddenly hit her that Jessica Walker was hot on her heels going for the ‘W’ around the other side of the bar.

In a world of research where answers are never truly found, just manipulated and exaggerated in an attempt to seek some sort of truth, one was forced to call an audible and throw out the first rationale response that came to mind. There was no opportunity to consult with ones supervisor, no primary and secondary sources to refer to. It was simply instinct and impulse. At times this was the recipe, at others it proved disastrous. But still, given the opportunity to sit down in front of a book or computer screen, I don’t believe I would have found the “Bob” answer, I mean, come on! Really? Bob?

At times the competition grew immense. It was more heated than a summer apartment in the Amazon without air conditioning. It was more intense than Mike Tyson’s pet tiger. It was...well...to be expected, however, it made the event all the more enjoyable and entertaining. As pens scratched rapidly across paper and teammates howled incomprehensible jumbles of answers, it was apparent that the passion in competition was a result of the cohort of participants, and the magnificent planning. 

One small step for PERGSS (raising $112 and 58 items of food donated to Campus Foodbank)  yet one giant leap for PERGSS’s kind. Role on next year  !!!

PERGSS! Trick or Treat?

Our Bake-Sale fundraiser is right around the corner - this year it will fall on Halloween (October 31, 0930-1230 @ first floor Education North) and will be Halloween themed!

This haunted event needs YOU!

We are looking for the following:

1) Volunteer Caterers - if you can bake and are willing to donate some goodies we are looking to sell some seriously spooky sweets! Get your witch/warlock hat on and be creative! Need ideas? See these links:

 

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-entertaining/holidays/halloween/halloween-recipes.aspx?cm_mmc=eml-_-rbe-_-20111018-_-1018&cm_lm

 

http://www.bettycrocker.com/menus-holidays-parties/all-holidays/halloween?WT.ac=Home_slide_1_101811_CTA_Halloween_Headquarters

 

http://www.ricekrispies.com/#/Default

2) Volunteer Staffing - whether you can spare 30 minutes or an hour of your time, you're in need!  We need people to sell our taunting treats and also help with the set-up/take-down.

3) Volunteer Recruiters - tell your family, friends, colleagues, werewolves, mummies, and ghouls about our event; the more the ... magic-er?  Help us spread the word!

If you're able to volunteer for baking and/or staffing please let Jess (jwalker3@ualberta.ca) or I know ASAP.  With your help this eery event will surely be a spooky success!

Happy Halloween!

GSA update

Below is important information from the latest GSA meeting:

Spring & Summer U-Pass Information

The Spring and Summer 2011 U-Pass for Graduate students will be available for pick up starting Monday April 18th at the InfoLink main office in the Lower Level of SUB.

Graduate students convocating in June 2011 who do NOT pick up their Spring and Summer U-Pass will receive a refund for this fee. Convocating students who DO pick up their Spring and Summer U-Pass will NOT receive a refund. The Spring and Summer 2011 U-Pass is valid starting May 1st and expires on August 31st, 2011.

For more information about the Spring/Summer UPass for graduate students, see:

http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/u-pass/nav01.cfm?nav01=100869&

GSA Collective Agreement

The Negotiation Team reached a two year settlement with the Governors of the University of Alberta. The term of the collective agreement is for two years, this settlement will cover the employment of academically employed graduate students for the period of September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2013. Graduate students will see an increase in their salary of 0.5% in the first year, and 2% in the second year. Allocations were also made to the AEGS Bursary Program and the AEGS Child Care Subsidy. For more information about the collective agreement, see: http://www.gsa.ualberta.ca/downloads/Council-20110314-Item8-b-v-MemorandumOfSettlement.pdf

GSA Annual General Meeting

The Graduate Students’ Association Annual General Meeting will be held Monday March 28^th at 6pm in 2-1 University Chambers. All graduate students are welcome to attend. For more information, see: http://www.gsa.ualberta.ca/index.php/governance/content/category/annual_general_meeting/

Pizza Friday

Just a friendly reminder that Pizza Friday is this Friday April 1st and we need your RSVP by tomorrow!

Please email me if you will be there and I'll  make sure your name is on list. This is a great forum for faculty, staff, and students to take some time and have lunch together, chat, and catch up instead of eating and running.

Also, we will also be donating all the proceeds of the pizza lunch and any other donations you’d like to make, to the Canadian Red Cross for its relief efforts in Japan and other places in the world where people are suffering. Please dig deep.

See you on Friday April 1, 12pm-1pm in the Faculty Lounge!

Pizza is $5 and includes two slices of Pizza and a drink.

PERGSS clothing drive

What do conference clothes, teaching clothes, meeting clothes and office clothes all have in common?

We would like to have them!

PERGSS is running another clothes drive, this time for women’s formal clothing. ‘Suit Yourself’ is an Edmonton-based charitable organization which collects and distributes quality clothing and accessories, free of charge, to low-income women who are seeking employment or making a transition in the workforce.

Physical education males, this does not exclude you. We also accept the clothing of wives, sisters, girlfriends and female significant others.

The donation bin will be set up in the Faculty lounge from Tuesday, March 29th.

Thank you to those who generously donated to the last clothes drive.

PERGSS elections!

It's election time! Four PERGSS executive positions need to be filled and we're looking for nominees!

The positions elected in the spring include: Secretary, Treasurer, Communications, and the International Student Representative which is a new position this year. PERGSS has a fantastic energetic executive right now and we're looking for more talented students to join us! It's a great way to get involved and it also looks pretty good on a cv ;-)

Descriptions of the positions can be found under Article II in the bylaws, attached to this email. If interested, please forward your name to me (or nominate someone) by next Monday April 4 by 4pm.

If you would like more information or have general questions, please feel free to contact me(Marianne) via email (mclark1@ualberta.ca).

Curling!

It's that time of year again! Papers are almost done, exams are almost marked, and spring flowers will soon poke through those massive snow banks..

How do you want to celebrate???.. well the PERGSS Annual Curling Bonspiel of course!! Whether you are a curling superstar or a total newbie, we want you to come out and join in the fun Friday April 15, 2-4pm!!!

Here is how the day will look...

Do you know what a a bumper is?? No.. well we've got you covered with a curling tutorial from 2 - 2:30 pm. Once you're a curling master it's time for the big game 2:30 - 3:30 pm. Then time for a little bit of end of term merriment 3:30 - 4:30 pm. Food is provided!

It's all taking place at the Saville Sports Centre, an easy trip on the LRT from campus. The bonspiel is open to all graduate students, faculty and staff.. you never know who may have been a star skip in a previous life so ask around!!

Sign-up for this event now! Please reply to this email and indicate what category you fall into (see below). Feel free to sign up in teams and get creative with the names (and costumes!)

Skill Level:

Level 1: I play or have played competitively and can make most of the shots, most of the time.

Level 2: I play/have played in a recreational league. I can make some shots but don't consider myself a competitive curler.

Level 3: I play/have played occasionally and would say my shot making ability is inconsistent at best.

Level 4: I've never curled or have tried it once. Have no clue what my shot making ability is like.

Speaker Series March 18th

Friday, March 18^th, 2011 at 3:00 PM Room E-121, Van Vliet Centre

“Reflections on the Past, Implications for the Future: Play Around the World”

Mary Ann Rintoul, Instructor and Manager, Play Around the World

                                  With, Jane Vallentyne & Son Truong

 Abstract

The academic program, Play Around the World (PAW) is in its 11^th year in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation. This session will provide an overview of the evolution of PAW highlighting international service learning, cross-cultural partnerships, and research possibilities.

April 7th Nutrition Symposium

Feed the Fight: The Role of Nutrition in Cancer

Each year, Nutrition 400/401 and Nutrition Food Science 304 students present a diverse mix of research that focuses on nutrition and health. A speaker series focusing on a hot topic in nutrition also accompanies the event. This year’s 6^th annual symposium will focus on the role of nutrition and cancer.

Date: April 7^th

Cost: Free!

Nutrition 401/Nutrition 304 Poster Presentations (9am-Noon)

Students will be showcasing a diverse mix of research studies focusing on nutrition and health. This will include studies done within the community, clinical setting, and in a lab. Complimentary refreshments will be available.

Location: Dinwoodie Lounge

Speaker Presentation (1pm-4:30pm)

Nutrition 401 Students welcome four nutrition and cancer experts speaking on the topic of nutrition’s role in cancer. Speakers include Dr.David Ma from the University of Guelph, Dr. Cindy Davis from the National Cancer Institute and U.S. National Institutes of Health, Dr. Neal Mcdonald, and the University of Alberta’s own Dr. Vicki Baracos. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear the most current information in nutrition and cancer by leading cancer researchers. Complimentary refreshments will be available.

Location: Myer Horowitz Theatre

3rd Annual Pancake Breakfast

Do you like eating pancakes? Do you love supporting awesome student organizations like  PERGSS?? Here's your chance to do both!! On Tuesday, March 8th from 9:00 to 11:00 am, PERGSS will be hosting it's 3rd annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser! This year we were even organized enough to have it on Shrove Tuesday! Please come out to the Faculty Lounge where $5 will get you a delicious breakfast of pancakes, coffee and fruit. Bring your lab mates, hall mates, students, advisors... everyone's welcome! Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Winning Edge Seminar

The next winning edge seminar is on Saturday, March 19th 2010, 10:00am-2:00pm at Foote Field. It is a strength and conditioning workshop for coaches. It is designed for the high school and club level coach who is seeking guidance and practical advice on the best strength and conditioning practises for developmental athletes. Topics will include:

• Teaching progressions for Olympic Weightlifting

• Curriculum based strength and conditioning

• Individualizing programs in team sports

To register for this event, please call 780-492-2231 (Activity Registration Zone) and quote code "17938". Cost - $25 (plus GST). ARZ hours - Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm.

March 4th Speaker Series

Everyone is welcome to attend a Speaker Series Presentation on Friday, March 4^th, 2011 at 3:00pm, Room E-121, Van Vliet Centre.

The Guest Speaker is Dr M. Ann Hall, Professor Emeritus. Dr Hall will be presenting on: “Researching a Legend: The Edmonton Grads”

The amazing Edmonton Grads dominated women’s basketball in Canada between 1915 and 1940.  They are indeed a legend. Although their story has been told and retold, just who they were, and why they were so successful has never been fully explained. The Grads Are Playing Tonight!: The Story of the Edmonton Commercial Graduates Basketball Club will be published this fall by the University of Alberta Press. This talk explores some of the issues, problems, and unexpected turns encountered while researching and writing about a legend.

Monthly Sport Drop-in sessions

PERGSS are introducing a monthly lunchtime sports drop-in session for faculty, staff and students, starting next week in the main gym. Instead of afternoon coffee - come play sports! Drop by even if for a portion of the time. We'll also be taking suggestions for future games and activities so feel free to give us feedback.

The first session will be on Wednesday, February 16th, 2-3pm in the Main Gym. We will be playing Speedball (a hybrid of a variety of sports).

All you need is yourself and a pair of runners, so hope to see you there!

Friday 18th February: Sport Science Research Presentations

Everyone is welcome to attend an exciting day of

“Sport Science Research Presentations”

Friday, Feb 18^th, 2011

 12:00 Noon Room W-01, Van Vliet Centre

Brought to you by the Canadian Athletics Coaching Centre:

“Case Study: Training and Nutrition Periodization in Elite Marathoners”

Presented by: Dr Trent Stellingwerff,

Nestle Research Institute, Lausanne, Switzerland

3:00 PM Room E-121, Van Vliet Centre

Olympic/Paralympic Update

““Canadian Snowboard Team – the Role of the IST”

Presented by: Dr Connie Lebrun, Director

Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic 

“Paralympic Cross Country Skiing: The view from the wax room”

Presented by: Dr Michael Kennedy, Assistant Professor

Light refreshments to follow in Room P4-15 @ 4:15 pm

Faculty Lounge, Van Vliet Centre

Call for Papers

On Saturday April 30th, 2011 the 11th Annual Alberta Round-Table for the Socio-Cultural Study of Physical Activity and Sport is taking place at the University of Lethbridge. Abstracts are due on March 1st, 2011. Anyone studying in this area is encouraged to submit an abstract.

Next BMG

The Behavioural Medicine Group will be meeting on Friday Feb 18th at 2.00pm in E-431. The session will be run by Dr Berry who has arranged for representatives from the Alberta Centre for Active Living to deliver a talk. We hope to see you there.

PERGSS update

The PERGSS executive held their monthly meeting last week. Below are the main things that were discussed. If anyone has any questions or queries, please contact Marianne (mclark1@ualberta.ca). Thanks!

1) Student-Supervisor relationship study:  Marianne met with Stu to discuss the development of the survey. The goal of survey is to identify best practices & behaviours of successful supervisor/student relationship. Suggested the creation of a survey via a working grou 5 members from PERGSS representing various programs & years of experience working with their supervisor at the U of A volunteered to sit on working group to create a survey.

2) Speaker Series:   Currently developing the professional development aspect of Speaker Series. Looking into potential topics for next year (2011-2012).  Planning  “Grad School- A Road Map” for the spring. A speaker series geared to both  Masters & PhD students. This session will set up future speaker series events that will hone in on a specific topic discussed

3) Clothes Drive:    Some large donations received before the holiday break.  The donations were well received by the children at the school, the principal has expressed his thanks.  Strategies to improve future philanthropic initiatives discussed

4) Sports day: Discussion of a possible wheelchair basketball game. Strategies to organize this event (arrange equipment) discussed

5)  Blog: Use of this forum effective for posting important dates & dates of up-comming events. Request for the submission of committee updates & summary of committee discussions to the Blog.

6) Philanthropic donation at Christmas: PERGSS made a donation of $100.00 to the campus food bank.  Future philanthropic initiatives (tree planting) & donations discussed

7) Socials: Winter Social at O’byrnes. Event Scheduled for January 27^th, 2011. Event details posted on Blog & in facebook group.

Outdoor Skating: Tentatively scheduled for Feb. 13^th.  Location TBA. Once location is finalized details of this event will be added to Blog & facebook event will be created

 Ski/Snowboard trip:  Discussion of risk management issues surrounding this event.  Will make use of existing buses in operation. Will provide information about buses available & dates.

8) Fundraising: Pancake Breakfast. A successful event in past years. Will try to co-ordinate the date of this event with the date of International Pancake Day. Event tentatively scheduled for sometime in early March

Committe Updates: 

Graduate Committee

a) Discussion of changes to policy & enforcing penalties for missed deadlines from Dean of Graduate Studies

·         Changes have been made to the academic appeal process

·         Developing an approach to document the process of graduate student appeals

·         Examining change within the faculty

·         Need to change PERGSS bylaws to indicate the process of selecting a student representative to sit on any appeals committee

·         Suggested that the process of selecting representative begin with the student that sits as PERGSS representative on the graduate committee, then be passed on to the student that sits on the undergraduate committee or the president

·         In the case where there would be a conflict of interest then the role of representative would be passed along to the next individual

b) Discussion of survey examining student/supervisor relationships

c) Committee reviewed a proposal for an alternative format for PhD candidacy exam

 GSA

 a) VP Labor

·         Motion passed that the VP labor resign

·         Both GSA & VP Labor provided the details of the case

·         Will be voting on the motion at the next GSA meeting on Feb. 14^th

Undergraduate Committee

   a) GPA Requirement

·         Increase to GPA requirement for students applying to the program from Red Deer College & Grant Mac

   b) PAC

·         Continued discussion of the design & purpose of PAC courses in the faculty

c) Review of BARST degree

Winter Walk

On February 9th, the Dean will be leading a winter walk to coincide with the Province-wide Winter Walk Day. This initiative aims to help Albertans get the recommended amount of daily physical activity, something that we all know is important (in fact chances are you or one of your friends is doing research on this exact thing). So, not only is this a great chance to spend time outdoors with friends and faculty, but also to practice what we teach!

Kerry Mummery and Campus Rec’s Joy Chikinda will lead the walk that starts (and ends) at Varsityot chocolate afterwards and giveaways for some lucky walkers!

Field at the pond hockey rinks, behind the Clare Drake Arena (opposite Stadium Car Park.). The walk starts at 12 noon, with h

We hope to see you all there...and if you do come along, please record your participation at the campus rec website because this is a province-wide challenge to all Albertans.

Coaching Research Group

Coaching Research Group

Friday February 4, 12:00-1:00pm, E126

Coaching the Elite: Expectations and Realities

A Presentation by Irving Schexnayder

Irving “Boo” Schexnayder is a leading authority in the design of high-performance training programs. Formerly a track and field coach at Louisiana State University, where he specialized in coaching the jumps and sprints, Schexnayder is now a consultant to numerous teams and NSO’s. His areas of expertise include the development of speed and power training programs for football, basketball, soccer and volleyball. He works with numerous NFL players and has personally coached 10 Olympians in track and field, including a 2004 silver medalist. Schexnayder has also co-authored several publications in peer reviewed sport science and coach education journals concerning speed development.

Summer Funding

Don't forget that summer funding applications are due on January 31st. All students need to complete these applications if they want to receive a research assistantship or to teach intersession classes. You should have received all the necessary information and application forms via e-mail.

Student-supervisor experience

In the next few months PERGSS, in conjunction with the faculty, will be conducting a survey of the student-supervisor experience. The aim of this survey is to identify students perspectives on the student-supervisor relationship and identify factors that help to create a successful relationship. Further information and questions will be sent across via e-mail. The more information we can get the better the outcome will be, so please take the time to fill in the survey when it gets sent across.

Save the Date

There are a number of upcoming social events being organised by PERGSS, further information will follow, but until then these are the dates you need to know!

January 27th: PERGSS social at O'Byrnes
February 13th: Outdoor skating event
February 16th: Recreational physical activity day

Other events currently being organized include our annual pancake breakfast and possibly a ski-trip. Keep checking the blog for more information!

Pond Hockey Tournament - Further Information

Date: February 11^th, 12^th and 13^th

What: with CBC’s Hockey Day in Canada being the 12^th,Campus Recreation will be hosting the University of Alberta Pond Hockey Tournament.  The tournament will be 3 on 3 with rosters sizes of 5 players.  We will be building 4 large outdoor ice surfaces on Varsity Field along with using the Lister Outdoor Rink to host our 64 team tournament.  Spots in this tournament will go fast so register early.

Registration will begins January 17^th and the Early Bird deadline will be JANUARY 26TH.   Keep an eye on our Facebook page for opportunities to receive discounts on registration and other great prizes. **The team that is selected as the early bird winner will be hosted by the Edmonton Oilers on the Media catwalk at an Oilers game to be determined by the Oilers Hockey Club.  A maximum of 5 players will be allowed to take part in the prize. Also, the Jerseys that will be awarded to winners within each division have been designed! Check them out: http://www.campusrec.ualberta.ca/intramurals/content.cfm?act=1114&pt=info&ID=101684

Some other things to mention: KIDSPORT is the Tourney's Charity of choice, and as a result there will be a raffle for the Charity at the Tourney.

Here is the link to the event webpage, with more information to come, so please check back frequently!

http://www.campusrec.ualberta.ca/intramurals/content.cfm?act=1114&pt=acthome

And make sure to check out the Facebook page for the tourney:

https://ex2003.sports.ualberta.ca/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.facebook.com/pages/University-of-Alberta-Campus-Recreation/295571667755?ref=ts

Speaker Series

Two speaker series events are being held this week. The first is on Thursday 20th January and the second on Friday 21st January. As always everyone is invited to attend and join in what is always an interesting and lively discussion! The two events will cover a range of topics and interests:

Thursday 20th January at 3.30pm in E-431

Christine Friedereich: "Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Incidence and Survival"

Chuck Matthews: "Sedentary behaviours: Do they influence our health and how can we measure them?"

Friday 21st January at 3.00pm in E-121

Scott Selbie: "The evolution of Visual3D's pose estimation algorithms for 3D motion capture data: coping with uncertainty"

Introduction to Community Service-Learning for instructors Workshops

Two workshops are available for people interested in community service-learning:

Wednesday January 26th from 12-1pm
or
Tuesday February 1st from 3.30-4.30pm.

The workshops will be held at the community service-learning house, 11039 Saskatchewan Drive.

Health Quality Council of Alberta’s Summer Studentships (2011).

Health Quality Council of Alberta

                                                                             

We are pleased to announce that the Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) will be supporting health research studentships for 2011. The HQCA has set its parameters for the student/supervisor research project to support or address an aspect of health care quality and safety as defined by the HQCA Matrix for Health. You will find this matrix along with other pertinent information from HQCA attached. Please read these documents carefully.

The Health Sciences Council will be working closely with the HQCA in administering the application process and the studentships once awarded. The application process includes making the application to be submitted by students and their supervisors available across the University, gathering and reviewing these applications and selecting the successful candidates based on the determined criteria set out by HQCA and HSC. The application and accompanying instructions along with the criteria to be considered in the review of the applications are attached for you.

If you have any questions about either the HQCA matrix in regards to your proposed research project, or about the application process, please contact Dr. Kathy Kovacs Burns at 492 – 7766 or kathy.kovacsburns@ualberta.ca.

The application below should be completed by both student and faculty member as per select sections indicated, and signed by both. Any required documents such as CVs or transcripts should be attached with the application. The complete application should be delivered no later than 4:30 PM on February 1, 2011 to the attention of Dr. Kathy Kovacs Burns at the following address:

Health Sciences Council

300 Campus Tower (third floor)

8625 – 112 Street

University of Alberta

T6G 1K8

Complete information and forms to complete at

http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/healthsciences/nav01.cfm?nav01=76473 .

Call for Posters: Thinking Qualitatively

Thinking Qualitatively June 20-24, 2011

Call for Posters – Deadline – March 7, 2011

The International Institute for Qualitative Methodology is pleased to announce that online submission of poster abstracts for the 11th Thinking Qualitatively (TQ) Workshop Series (June 20-24, 2011 at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada), is now available on our website at http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/iiqm/tq2011.cfm.

This interdisciplinary educational series allows participants to engage with experts in qualitative inquiry and learn about specific methods, techniques and approaches to qualitative research. The academic program consists of five days of hands-on workshops on such topics as qualitative coding and categorization, participatory action research, discourse analysis, literature reviews, arts-based methods, poststructuralism in qualitative research, and much more! On Saturday June 25, TQ participants may also register for a separate NVivo Software training session.

This week-long event is aimed at participants from all academic disciplines and for individuals at all stages of their research career. Individuals conducting research in universities and colleges and/or professional settings (e.g., libraries; hospitals; government agencies) are welcome to attend. Some workshops are introductory sessions, while others will appeal to more experienced researchers. 

Thinking Qualitatively will include a conference keynote address (TBA), opportunities for networking with colleagues from around the world, and an interactive poster session for participants to get feedback on works-in-progress.

Call for Abstracts: Philosophical Dimensions of Sport and Environment

Students are invited to submit abstracts to be considered for presentation at the Sport and the Environment: Philosophical Dimensions conference. The conference will be held at St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, between June 23 and June 25^th, 2011.

Abstracts are welcome on any area of environment and sport and physical activity, including education, history, sociology, metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics and ethics, and from any theoretical approach. Papers focusing on the various environmental forces in sport and physical activity are encouraged. In addition to abstracts for papers, proposals for round table and panel discussions, including a tentative list of participants, are also welcome and should follow the same format as paper abstracts. Graduate students and emerging scholars are encouraged to participate and may submit works in progress.

Abstracts for presentations, and panel discussions should be 300-500 words long and must be received by January 24^th, 2011. The preferred mode of submission is by e-mail. Please send the abstract as an attachment, preferably in Word. Contributors, who do not have access to e-mail, should feel free to send a hard copy.

Please submit e-mail copies of abstracts to Conference Organizers, Charlene Weaving and Gabriela Tymowski, at:

cweaving@stfx.ca

tymowski@unb.ca

ARPA Scholarships

Any student studying in the area of Recreation and Parks in Alberta is invited to apply for an ARPA scholarship. Applications for these scholarships are due by March 31st.

For more information and selection criteria, please visit: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=iyseuwcab&et=1104227559410&s=2010&e=001jeQzeBIN-tgghfqaXECJjVZGK2J0CdMgOgU6lpUwIQ73H3slqpHG-U0Ea432w36ZadetEXgKHsjF5HzxIhyCQHEeOMhVAyH03ogLG0NYKCSlxAEFPAwJtVzMXgh7AdTF

UofA pond hockey tournament

Sign up now for the University of Alberta's 12th Pond Hockey tournament.

This annual event will run from Feb 11th-13th on outdoor rinks by Lister hall.

The tournament will be 3 on 3 with rosters of 5. There are only 64 spots available in the tournament and they fill up fast, so register early if you are interested! Early Bird registration runs until Jan 26th.

Check out the link below for more information:

http://www.campusrec.ualberta.ca/intramurals/content.cfm?act=1114

Comments, questions or ideas

With the new semester underway, the PERGSS executive have scheduled their first meeting of 2011. At this meeting the PERGSS executive will be discussing social and fundraising ideas for this semester, issues surrounding grad student life, and reviewing meetings/topics from other committees. As always, the PERGSS executive are interested to hear from anyone who has any ideas or issues they would like the PERGSS executive to discuss or address this semester. Please contact Marianne (mclark1@ualberta.ca) if you would like anything added to this weeks agenda.