Author: minamin

Dear Biology Students,

Do you plan to undertake an Honours research project in 2026/27? If so, the deadline for Honours applications is May 1. 

Please try to arrange a supervisor and submit the application by May 1. Instructions and application forms are on the Biology website: https://www.uvic.ca/science/biology/undergraduate/research/index.php

Late applications will be considered, but chances of course conflicts are greater.

If you need advice or assistance, do not hesitate to get in touch with a Biology Honours Advisor (biology@uvic.ca)

Biology Honours Advisors:

Dr. Barbara Hawkins – until July 1, 2026

Dr. Terri Lacourse – from July 1, 2026

Help spread the love of STEM with the local community on May 9! Volunteer at Science Rendezvous, UVic’s annual one-day STEM festival and help introduce K-12 students and other community members to science, technology, engineering and math. We’re looking for volunteers to help faculty members run hands-on activities and to assist with general event day logistics. Shifts are available between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sign up by April 24!

• Immigration advising

Our Immigration practitioners (Immigration Specialists and International Student Advisers) can assist with new applications and extension of Study Permit, Post-Graduate Work Permits, and Co-op Work Permits, as well as confirming work eligibility.

• Settlement advising

Our Settlement advisers provide information and support for international students adjusting to life in Victoria and Canada. They can advise students on housing, healthcare, family resources, banking and more. They also support students in navigating the transition to UVic and by facilitating connections to resources on campus and in the community.

How to access drop-in advising

Students meet with an adviser on a first-come, first-served basis via Microsoft Teams, phone or in person. To meet with an immigration practitioner or settlement adviser for a short, same-day appointment, students can:

• Phone us at +1-250-721-6361 starting at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) for virtual appointments (phone or video)
• Visit the International Centre for Students (Jamie Cassels Centre, room B202d) starting at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) for in-person appointments or to collect more information

On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, we are excited to announce the application for the Black Student Leadership Award is now open. One or more awards of $7,500 each will be given to undergraduate students continuing at UVic who self-identify as Black and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and extracurricular activities that strengthen the student experience at UVic.

The Black Student Leadership Award is being offered to students continuing their studies at UVic in September 2026. Students can nominate themselves or be nominated by a member of the campus community. Successful recipients will be recommended by a selection committee comprised of representatives from Student Affairs and the UVic Scarborough Charter Steering Committee.

If you are a student and wish to nominate yourself for the award, please send a letter (maximum 300 words) outlining your contributions to the UVic community to In-course Scholarship Officer Francisco Canjura at fcanjura@uvic.ca by April 30th. Please ensure that your full name and student ID are included in the letter.

If you would like to nominate a student, please send a letter (maximum 300 words) outlining their contributions to the UVic community to In-course Scholarship Officer Francisco Canjura at fcanjura@uvic.ca by April 30th. Please ensure the student’s full name and student ID are included in the letter.

Volunteer with the UVic Global Community! The UVic Global Community is looking for Undergraduate and Graduate Conversation Partners and Mentors for the 2026-2027 Academic Year (September 2026 – April 2027) who want to help build an inclusive, globally-minded campus and support international students with their social and academic transition to UVic. Global Community Volunteers are matched with up to three students and meet with their student(s) for a minimum of 1 hour every week throughout the term to encourage students to get involved in the UVic community and build confidence in conversational English, all while making connections with people from around the world. Our Spring Application Deadline is March 25^th , 2026. Visit our website for more information and complete the application form to apply now!

The summer school is meant for graduate students and postdocs who would like to learn more about the mathematics of human-environmental systems and climate change impacts.  It is also suitable for undergraduate students who are currently completing their final level year of studies.  Please see the web site for further details. The application deadline is May 1, 2026. 

2026 North American Comparative Immunology workshop (NACI; May 31 – June 4)

This small, high-impact gathering brings together researchers from across Canada and North America who are interested in investigating immune responses in a wide-range of species.  

At NACI, we highlight research in the evolution of immune systems, development of immune cells, the immune dialogue between host, microbiota, and pathogens, as well as ecological aspects of disease. This work has not only re-defined our understanding of animal immune responses but also informs studies with direct relevance to human health.  In the face of a changing climate, both wildlife and domesticated species used globally in aquaculture and agriculture face severe challenges. Studying organisms that are either directly threatened or species used in industry can provide unique insights into immunobiology, medicine, and evolution, and provide the foundational knowledge for novel therapeutics. 

Elk Island National Park has begun our student recruitment for summer 2026!

We are hiring for potentially seven different streams this year and will be accepting applications until 4 pm on January 9, 2026. Attached here is the job poster and descriptions of the streams. 

If there are any questions , please contact einpstudents@pc.gc.ca

Life Sciences BC is hosting our 7th Annual Career Connect Day on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre – a full-day event bringing together BC’s leading life sciences employers, students, and job seekers. This is the largest life sciences career event of its kind, with hundreds expected to join for employer booths, career-focused programming, and networking.​ 

You can learn more and register here​. 

Event details 

• When: Friday, January 23, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM PT​ 
• Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East

Tickets 

• Students $25
• LSBC Member $25
• LSBC Non-Member $40

The UBC Micro-Certificate in Analytics for Leaders in Ocean Management offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your expertise in aquatic data sciences and marine ecosystem modelling. Designed and delivered by the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, this fully online program supports professionals in ocean science, fisheries, and policy with applied tools to make informed, data-driven decisions. Please note that this program is eligible for the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant. BC residents aged 19 and older may qualify for up to $3,500 toward tuition, which entirely cover the micro-credential cost.   Course 1: Introduction to Aquatic Data Sciences   Overview: Develop skills in accessing, interpreting, and visualizing data from global aquatic databases. Gain literacy in data structures critical to supporting equitable and sustainable Blue Economy practices. Dates: January 5 – March 18, 2026Live lectures: January 7, 14, 21, 28 – February 4, 11, 18, 25 and March 4 (Wednesdays) at 4:30 PM (PST) – Sessions are recorded so students can watch them later and send their questions. Instructors: Dr. Deng Palomares and Dr. Gabriel Reygondeau   Course 2: Modelling for Marine Ecosystem-Based Management   Overview: Learn to apply the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) modelling framework to evaluate trade-offs in marine planning, assess sustainability, and support ecosystem-based management. Dates: March 30 – May 20, 2026Live lectures on April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6, 13 (Wednesdays) at 5 PM (PST) – Sessions are recorded so students can watch them later and send their questions. Instructor: Prof. Villy Christensen   Assessment Format Students are invited to develop a final project that articulates an aspect they have learnt in the course to their own professional interests.Grading: 25% participation, 75% projectMicro-credential issued upon successful completion of the two courses Tuition and Financial Support $1,620 CAD per course | $3,240 CAD for the full programEligible for the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant: BC residents aged 19 and older may qualify for up to $3,500 toward tuition for eligible short-term training.

Details: Vicente Regis Program Specialist, Extracurricular and Extended Learning Faculty of Science | Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries v.regis@oceans.ubc.ca

In response to international students’ career needs, International Centre for Students  and Career Services Office will host an online event From Campus to Career: Strategies for Success in the Canadian Workplace on Thursday, December 4, 2025 to guide international students’ transition out of University and into the workforce. International students should attend this session if they are an upper-year or recent graduates holding a post-graduation work permit.

I have attached some digital signage, which you are welcome to use when promoting this session to your international students.

Session details

• Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
• Time: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm (PT)
• Delivery: Zoom (RSVP for link)
• Register: https://events.uvic.ca/international/event/102256-from-campus-to-career-strategies-for-success-in

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On November 27 and December 2, the International Centre for Students and The Law Centre are collaborating to host two tenant rights sessions tailored to international students. We’d appreciate your support circulating this information to any students that may benefit from attending. Details below and poster attached.

Tenant Rights Information Sessions

Co-hosted by the International Centre for Students and The Law Centre

In these two sessions, law students from The Law Centre will explore important information about tenant rights for international students. The sessions will cover the full range of experiences a student renter may have in BC, from starting a tenancy to ending one. They will provide useful information on tenancy agreements, the Residential Tenancy Act, and resolving housing disputes. Whether you are currently renting or planning to live off campus in the future, prepare yourself by learning more about your rights and responsibilities.

Session 1 details: Starting a Tenancy and Tenancy Agreements

• Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
• Time: 1:00pm (PT)
• Delivery: Zoom (RSVP for link)
• Register: https://events.uvic.ca/international/event/tenantrights1

Session 2 details: During and Ending a Tenancy

• Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
• Time: 1:00pm (PT)
• Delivery: Zoom (RSVP for link)
• Register: https://events.uvic.ca/international/event/tenantrights2

If you have any questions about these sessions, please feel welcome to reach out to the ICS at icsinfo@uvic.ca.

Good afternoon, 

You are receiving this email because you are student who takes courses at the University of Victoria and are eligible to participate in the Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning Survey at the University of Victoria. The goal of this study is to learn about students’ experiences with generative artificial intelligence (AI) as it relates to learning and post-secondary education to date. We seek to examine the concerns students have, the extent to which students have implemented AI in their assignments or activities, how students are using AI for learning, and any potential benefits or risks students foresee for their learning.  

Participation in our online survey will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This study is being conducted by Assistant Teaching Professors: Drs. Jill Robinson, Jessica Rourke, and Jhotisha Mugon at the University of Victoria. This study has been approved by the ethics board at the University of Victoria (Approval #25-0343).  

Your participation in this research is completely voluntary and would be greatly appreciated. Results from this study are intended to inform pedagogical practices and recommendations for teaching in higher education amidst AI. If you do decide to participate, you may withdraw at any time by closing your internet browser without any penalties or explanation. If you withdraw partway through the study and have not submitted your responses, your data will not be used. If you have submitted your responses, it will be logistically impossible to remove your data as the survey responses are anonymously submitted. You may be compensated with SONA credit if you are taking a course with SONA requirements, but you must sign up for this study through SONA if you require credits.  

The Qualtrics survey link is attached below. We will be collecting data throughout the late Fall and early Spring 2025 semester. If you have any questions regarding the research ethics approval of this study, please contact the Human Research Ethics Office at the University of Victoria (250-472-4545 or ethics@uvic.ca). If you have other questions, please reach out to Dr. Jill Robinson: jillrobinson@uvic.ca, Dr. Jhotisha Mugon: jmugon@uvic.ca, or Dr. Jessica Rourke: jrourke@uvic.ca. 

LINK TO SURVEY: https://uvic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_032bXWbkQet0JMy  

We sincerely appreciate your time in completing this important survey.  

Drs. Jill Robinson, Jhotisha Mugon, and Jessica Rourke