Blog and Opportunities

Did you know that you may be eligible to receive funding for your international exchange, co-op, work study or field school?

 International Mobility Access Grant (IMAG)

The International Mobility Access Grant (IMAG) aims to reduce barriers for students with a disability, Indigenous students and low-income students to access and participate in UVic’s international mobility programs and strengthen their global skills. 

Value: Up to $8,000
Open to: Indigenous students, students with a disability and low-income students who are also current UVic undergraduate students and either Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Next deadline: November 1st, 2023

Please note: The international activity must commence within 12 months of the application deadline.

Student International Activities Fund (SIAF) 

The Student International Activities Fund (SIAF) is intended to assist UVic students with their participation in unpaid, international learning activities. 

Value: $500

• Asia Undergraduate Supplement: $1,000
• Asia Graduate Supplement: $5,000

Open to: Full-time undergraduate and graduate students
Next deadline: November 15th, 2023
(3 competitions per year – March, July and November)

Please note: The international activity must commence within 12 months of the application deadline used. Applications can be submitted retroactively.

One World International Scholarship

The One World International Scholarship is awarded to students participating in study, or work-abroad programs.

Value: $2,000-$5,000
Open to: Full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are also either Canadian citizens or permanent residents and residents of BC
Next deadline: November 15, 2023

Please note: Student must plan to begin their international experience before May 1, 2024

Nimrod Hungarian Mobility Award

The Nimrod Hungarian Mobility Award (Nimrod) helps UVic students participate in international learning activities taking place at accredited universities in Hungary.

Value: Varies
Open to: Full-time undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate students 
Next deadline: November 15th, 2023 
(3 competitions per year – March, July and November) 

Please note: The international activity must commence within 12 months of the application deadline used.

Killam Fellowship Program

The Killam Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students to spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in the United States, at a participating institution.

Value: $15,000+

• cash award of $5,000 US per semester
• $10,000 for the full academic year

 Open to: Full-time undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate students 
Next deadline: November 15th, 2023 
(3 competitions per year – March, July and November) 

Please note: Applications are for placement in Fall or Spring of the next school year.

Questions? Contact world@uvic.ca 

For more info and to apply, visit our funding webpage

For general information on International exchange, visit the outbound student webpage 

For information on international co-op, contact intlcoopcoord@uvic.ca, or visit the international co-op webpage 

Are you interested in health professions?  The UBC Department of Physical Therapy  and the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences are hosting in-person info sessions at the University of Victoria on Wednesday, November 22^nd.  Department representatives will discuss their respective programs and admission requirements followed by a Q&A session. Details below:

School of Audiology and Speech Sciences
Medical Sciences Building (MSB 150)
Wednesday, November 22^nd, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Register: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4SEgY6kF4ak8wYe

Master of Physical Therapy
Medical Sciences Building (MSB 150)
Wednesday, November 22^nd, 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM
Register: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4SEgY6kF4ak8wYe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1125566788816494&set=a.800709047968938

SOCIAL INNOVATION LAB

October 2023 to April 2024

Truth and (Re)conciliation is a top priority for the University of Victoria, for Canadians, and Indigenous Peoples. Engineers and Professionals have a role to play in Truth and (Re)conciliation. The Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science is conducting engagement sessions to determine what initiatives, programs, and events, supports and resources are needed to continue working on the UVic Indigenous Plan.

The Social Innovation Lab will take a diverse set of participants through 7 design sessions with a human centred approach to explore current state, future state, and ideate together to develop the Faculty’s Truth and (Re)conciliation strategy.

We would like to ensure that First Nations, Metis, or Inuit undergraduate and graduate students have a voice and a seat at the table. If you are interested in attending one or all the sessions, please submit an Expression of Interest through this google form. An honorarium will be provided.

We appreciate your consideration – if you have any questions or require further clarity, please contact Jessica Vandenberghe at engradcc@uvic.ca.

Join us in our brand-new workshop, Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), to explore the history of AI, discuss some of its positive and negative impacts on the world, and learn how and when to use AI tools in the classroom! Share your thoughts on the opportunities and challenges that come with these tools and be a part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of education!

Register today for a session on October 24th or November 2nd at learnanywhere.uvic.ca/academic-integrity

Academic Integrity – Learn Anywhere

The “First in Class Mentorship Program” is for students who are the first in their family to attend higher education as they often face many barriers. Not only is it financially challenging, but the culture of higher education can seem strange or unfamiliar to someone who has no experience with it and can’t ask family for help or advice. To better support first-gen students, we have decided to create a mentorship program. We are a group of faculty who were ourselves first-gen students, so we understand the experience well. To learn more about potential mentors, see our website here: https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/firstgen/

Leaders Wanted!

Interested in more than just a degree? Gain invaluable experience and skills by joining the UVSS Board of Directors. We’re looking for Faculty of Science students to join the board to maximize academic diversity!

Why You Should Run

• Professional Development: Gain real-world experience in governance, financial planning, and project management.
• Networking: Connect with professionals, faculty, and fellow students in various disciplines.
• Skill Building: Develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills you’ll use throughout your career.

How to Run

1. Gather Support

Collect names and Vnumbers from 15 undergrad students who back your nomination.

2. Submit Nomination

The clock is ticking! Get your form in by Wednesday, October 11 at 5:00pm.

3. Campaign 

Online voting is from Oct 22-25. Get your message out there!

Additional Resources

• Candidate Handbook — your guide to success
• Nomination Form (Google login required)— access your key to entry by Wednesday, October 11 at 5:00pm
• UVSS Elections website and Instagram

Contact Us

DM, email, or book a meeting

— UVSS Elections
uvsselections.com

Looking for a summer internship in life science research?

The 2024 IRIC Next Generation Competition program offers undergraduate students an enriching opportunity to conduct a 12-week or a 16-week summer internship in research at IRIC at Montreal.

+ Details, projects and eligibility criteria

Want to know more? Join our virtual information session!

• November 14, 12:00 pm (EST) in French> Click here
• November 15, 12:00 pm (EST) in English> Click here

No registration necessary, just click on the link at the date and time of the meeting.

This program is open to students enrolled in the following programs:

Bioinformatics / Biochemistry / Biomedical Engineering / Biomedical Sciences / Chemistry / Informatics / Molecular Biology / Microbiology and Immunology / Pathology and Cellular Biology / Pharmaceuticals Sciences / Pharmacology / Physics

Value of the funding:

$5,316 – 12-week internship
$7,088 – 16-week internship

> List of projects offered in Summer 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 4th, 2023, 9:00 A.M. (EST)

Apply now

The University of Victoria Optical Society (UVOS) is a student based group founded in 2013 that promotes student research in optics and photonics. We currently have two sponsors; Optica and the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE). Currently, we are run by a group of graduate students across three faculties (Chemistry, Physics, and Electrical Engineering) with biweekly meetings, chalk talks, and other events.

As a student member of either SPIE or Optica you get access to a free journal subscription, opportunities for scholarships and financial assistance for conferences, and all the events we put on here at UVIC! We are searching for any students interested in optics and photonics from any faculty. If you are interested, send us an email at uvicos@uvic.ca.

We will be hosting the first event of our chalk talk series on Friday, Sept 29 at 4:30 pm in the Grad house (in the Side project room). Light refreshments will be provided. The goal of the chalk talks will be to provide an overview of an area within optics without any graph or equations. This week’s talk will on optical fiber sensors! Drop by if you are interested in exploring fascinating optical phenomena. See attached poster!

Thank you,
Layla Haddad and Arthur Giron
SPIE/ OPTICA Secretaries
University of Victoria Optical Society

Caroline Gibson Scholarship in Marine Studies
Academic Year 2023 – 2024

Inviting Applications September 1, 2023

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
In honor of Caroline Gibson’s enduring love and commitment to the Salish Sea, the Northwest Straits Foundation is pleased to invite applications for the Caroline Gibson Scholarship in Marine Studies. Scholarships support current college students pursuing academic studies in marine science, policy, education and management of the Salish Sea.

Three scholarships of $3,500 will be awarded to undergraduate or graduate students in the Salish Sea region of Washington and British Columbia. Applications are being accepted until October 1, 2023. Scholarship recipients will be announced on October 14, 2023.

During her career in the Northwest Straits, Caroline served as Director of the Northwest Straits Foundation, as Marine Program Manager at the Northwest Straits Commission, and as a member of the Jefferson Marine Resources Committee. Her spark and passion inspired others to not just talk about marine conservation, but to roll up their sleeves and do it!

Caroline Gibson worked tirelessly protecting and restoring the Salish Sea. One of her greatest contributions was raising attention to bull kelp and creating a monitoring network to greatly expand availability of data for its protection.

Caroline used her knowledge of the fishing industry and strong personal relationships to assist NOAA in driving an effort to engage commercial fishers in ways preventing lost derelict fishing gear. The candid conversations she fostered, and insights she gathered, led to improved fishing practices and reduced net loss. Caroline passed away in July, 2021 so we’re carrying on her work by supporting the next generation of marine conservationists.

ABOUT THE NORTHWEST STRAITS FOUNDATION
Our mission statement is to protect and restore the health of the marine ecosystem by promoting and implementing science-based restoration and stewardship, enhancing collaboration and attracting resources for the work of the Northwest Straits Initiative.

Since our founding in 2001, the Foundation has invested millions of dollars of public funds and private contributions in marine conservation, restoration and education across the seven-county region comprising the Northwest Straits of the Salish Sea.

The Caroline Gibson Scholarship is made possible by the generous support of her friends, family and donors like you. To learn more, please visit: http://www.nwstraitsfoundation.org

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a completed application comprised of the essay questions and supporting details listed below:

1. Your name, mailing address, phone and email.
2. Education information: university attending; degree program and major; anticipated graduation; and, why you chose this school or program.
3. Tell us what makes you a good candidate for this scholarship.
a. Essay 1: What is the most important environmental issue facing the Salish Sea today?
(500 – 1000 words)
b. Essay 2: How do you hope to be involved in marine conservation as a result of your studies? (500 – 1000 words)
c. Essay 3: Please describe a marine or terrestrial conservation project you’ve been involved in and how it was successful. (250 – 500 words)
4. Please provide three references with at least one being academic. Include name, title,
address, email and phone.

Email your completed application to don@nwstraitsfoundation.org titled “Caroline Gibson Scholarship Application.”

You may email don@nwstraitsfoundation.org with questions about the scholarship application. Please allow one-to-two days for a response.

Thanks for sharing our commitment to a healthy and resilient Salish Sea!

We want to let you know about an exciting new support opportunity for students who were the first in their family to attend university, sometimes referred to as “first generation” or “first-gen”. Over the past year, we have created a mentorship program called “First in Class”. It consists of faculty all across campus who were themselves first gen students, who want to offer extra support and guidance to students who are navigating the unfamiliar world of the university. We know first hand how challenging it can be to not have family to turn to for advice about courses, careers, and all of the unfamiliar rules and norms of higher education.

If you are interested in joining our program and finding a mentor, please go to: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/J9J523V  This short survey will tell you a bit more about our program and also invite you to sign up. Once we receive your email address/survey responses, we can put you on our contact list and advise you how to seek your mentor.

We are also planning faculty/student social events through the year, and the first one is on October 12th from 5-7pm (on campus). Details will be provided when you contact us! We look forward to hearing from you!

Catherine Léger (FRAN), Colette Smart (PSYC), and Su Urbanczyk (LING)

The Division of Medical Sciences is offering MEDS 410: Functional Human Neuroanatomy in the up-coming Spring 2024 semester.

Starting in January 2024, this course examines the neuroanatomy of the brain and spinal cord, using specific case studies to elucidate our current understanding of brain-function relationships. The coursework is supplemented by an intensive laboratory component.

Please visit the course description on the UVic calendar for additional details. If you require assistance with registration for this course, please email Karinna Vasquez Castro at dmsadmin@uvic.ca.

My name is Ashley Howald, and I am the Vice President of Outreach for the Canadian Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (CPVMA). The CPVMA is a not-for-profit organization to unite those considering a career in veterinary medicine. We aim to create enduring connections between pre-veterinary students, undergraduate veterinary clubs, veterinary schools, veterinarians, and other veterinary professionals through innovative laboratories, workshops, educational seminars, and networking opportunities.

We are excited to announce that Canada’s second annual Pre-Veterinary Symposium will occur virtually from August 11th to 13th, 2023. The symposium’s theme will center on One Health & the Human-Animal Bond and will showcase 18 speakers from diverse fields. To view the current list of speakers, kindly refer to this link: https://cpvma.ca/our-guest-speakers-2023/.

This symposium will allow students in veterinary medicine to gain knowledge from leading experts in various fields of veterinary medicine, delve into the latest research and engage in meaningful discussions. The One Health theme is essential for students interested in veterinary medicine, as it recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It also emphasizes the importance of disease prevention and control measures as it highlights the transmission of diseases between animals and humans. Veterinary medicine professionals play a significant role in detecting and monitoring diseases, providing valuable insights into potential human outbreaks. Additionally, they promote responsible animal agriculture practices and reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. Embracing One Health principles in veterinary medicine can improve public health and well-being.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could kindly share this information with your students. To access all three days of this event, there will be a cost of $10 CAD per person. For registration, please see this link: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/cpvma2023/register#category.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you,

Ashley Howald
Vice President – Outreach
–
The Canadian Pre-Veterinary Medical Association | L’Association des pré-médecins vétérinaires
Website: cpvma.ca
Email: cpvma.acpmv@gmail.com
Instagram: @cpvma.acpmv
Facebook: @cpvma.acpmv