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June 2021 Finance and Administration Newsletter

Editor's Note

Happy Appreciation Week everyone!

To mark Appreciation Week (June 7-11), reflections from Finance and Administration staff about what they appreciate about Carleton University have been included in two sections (Appreciation Week Refections #1 and 2) this month’s newsletter. I hope you enjoy reading them.

Please note that the newsletter will be paused for July and will resume in early August.

Maria McClintock


Michel's Message

This summer I will mark my fifth anniversary at Carleton University and as we start Appreciation Week celebrations (June 7-11), I have been thinking about my colleagues, the Finance and Administration Division and the university, overall.

There are so many things to be grateful for about Carleton. Of course, the people really make a workplace what it is and when I arrived on the campus in 2016, I immediately felt the welcoming atmosphere as a new employee. I have often heard from employees who describe Carleton like a family, and I can confirm first-hand that it is true.

It’s that strong sense of community, of compassion and how we, as a campus, come together naturally for so many things both celebratory and when things get tough, as the last 15 months have been.

The university is a compassionate place where supports and resources are ever-evolving to meet the needs of staff and faculty, be it mental-health or learning and development. It’s been heartwarming to see how our university has stepped up to go above and beyond to consider various circumstances of its employees during the pandemic.

It’s that ingrained sense of commitment to Carleton that I believe has enabled the university and our division to get through the recent challenges in such an impressive way. From a Finance and Administration perspective, I am so appreciative of how we are a strong team that works together, despite being so diverse in the services we deliver to the campus. So many of the ideas that innovate how we do things at the university come out of our division.

So, as I think about what I appreciate about Carleton, it comes down to this – you.

Thank you for everything you do. Happy Appreciation Week.

Michel


Appreciation Week Reflections #1

Nancy Arnold, Director Office of Quality Initiatives:In my experience at Carleton, first as a student and later in my professional life, I have always appreciated the people who are the heart and soul of the university. I reflect on the people I’ve had the privilege to cross paths with, professors who took a personal interest in my success, colleagues from all parts of the university who go above and beyond to offer their knowledge, support and collaboration, Carleton Leaders whose leadership engages us in reaching new heights, all of those I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and learn from; I have seen time and again how much people invest of themselves in Carleton- and how this contributes to the remarkable, vibrant community that I am grateful to be part of every day.”

Marc Dabros: AVP (ITS) and CIO: “In a word: the people. Both within ITS and across the university, the people I’ve had the pleasure to work with have been wonderful!”

Lisa Goudie, Senior Analyst, Fund Accounting (Financial Services): “I appreciate that Carleton’s culture encourages a sense of teamwork both at the team level and more widely throughout the University.”

Tyler King: Production Co-ordinator/Digital and Front Reception Operations (The Print Shop): “Having two children, life can often feel like a juggling act. I have always appreciated Carleton’s willingness to accommodate my schedule whenever something unexpected occurs. The dedication to a healthy work/life balance fosters a real sense of community.”

Graeme Lee: HRIS Co-ordinator (Human Resources): “For me, it is definitely the people at Carleton that I appreciate the most. I’ve met so many kind, hard working, and all-around amazing folks here, and I am so proud to be part of our community and culture.”


Digital Strategy Update – Emerging Themes and Phase 2 Consultations 

As you know, Carleton is developing its first ever Digital Strategy with the aim of  determining the role of digital technologies in successfully implementing Carleton’s Strategic Integrated Plan (SIP).

In order to hear input from as many community members as possible, Phase 1 focused on gathering thoughts and ideas from faculty, staff, and students online through social media and an online feedback form.

Using this community input, the project team collated the data and identified six emerging themes: simplicity, access and flexibility, collaboration, support, automation & virtualization, and ethical decision making. To share your thoughts around these themes online, please visit the Digital Strategy website. You will also have an opportunity to discuss these themes at a virtual consultation.

As we move into Phase 2, we are conducting targeted consultations with faculties, divisions and departments across the university. The intent is to engage a cross-section of the campus, and to do a deeper dive. The project team is planning a virtual consultation with the F&A division – date and time to be announced soon. We look forward to hearing your ideas!


Carleton Leader Podcast: Next Episode Release is June 8

Join Amanda Dobbie on June 8 for the latest episode of the Carleton Leader Podcast as she interviews Dr. Sarah Todd about the challenges of leadership during a context of significant change and transition, while reflecting and grappling with her own journey and encourages us to consider more inclusive ways of thinking and being. You can listen here


Appreciation Week Reflections #2

Travis Robidoux, Acting Staff Sergeant/Community Safety Officer (CSS): “I appreciate the amazing people (students, staff, faculty, etc), I get to work alongside of and be apart of our diverse and inclusive Carleton Community. Also, the many opportunities that Carleton has to offer, education and employment.”

Irene Skinner – eProcurement Analyst and Administrator (Procurement Services): I appreciate that Carleton encourages me to have a healthy work-life balance.”

Betsy Springer, Director, Pension Fund Management: “Not a day goes by that I don’t appreciate the collegiality, enthusiasm and professionalism of the people who work at Carleton; it is a privilege to be part of such a fantastic group!”

Leanne Wilson, Project Manager (FMP): “I appreciate how Carleton values and invests in its employees.  Through training and leadership initiatives, career development opportunities, and providing a work environment that promotes a healthy workplace and work life balance, it allows for employees to succeed at work and outside of work.”


Sustainability and Healthy Workplace - June Focus on Cycling

Throughout the month of June Sustainability Carleton and Healthy Workplace are partnering to shine a light on all things with two wheels. Everyone is encouraged to get on their bike and sign up to the Carleton Let’s Bike Team to win prizes and track your cycling progress. You are also invited to an excellent Urban Cycling workshop, where our friends at Envirocentre will let you know about getting the most from cycling in Ottawa. You can also now access a Bike Loan program in case you need to buy a new bike or want to replace your existing one. Here are 5 ways in which you can get involved:

  1. Sign up to Let’s Bike Ottawa: Let’s Bike Ottawa is an annual campaign that encourages people to try cycling as a fun and healthy transportation option. Participants in the campaign can: See the GHG averted by choosing to bike; Are eligible to win individual prizes including vouchers to local Ottawa stores and can Join Carleton colleagues in the Sustainability x Healthy Workplace team and engage in friendly competition.You can participate in Let’s Bike Ottawa as an individual or be part of the Carleton team. Simply sign up by creating a user name and password to access your personal profile page. Once you have registered, you can join the Carleton team, or if you prefer participate as an individual. From there, you will be able to: Log your bike rides during the campaign, track your progress and see the positive impact you are making and learn how much money you have saved and pollution you have averted.

2.  Attend a Free lunch time Bike Workshop: Urban Cycling: Delivered by an experienced cyclist, this workshop will provide participants with tips on incorporating cycling into their everyday lives. You’ll learn helpful hints, rules of the road, and advice on choosing a route to your destination. This workshop is adapted for cyclists of every age and ability. Please register via the eventbrite site. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/154434260029

3. Take advantage of the Carleton Bike Loan program:  Carleton has extended its Employee Purchase Loan Program. The program is intended to assist continuing employees in financing certain categories of products. The program previously only including financing for technology purchases but has now been extended to support the university’s sustainability goals, with financing for active forms of transportation. The full loan details are available here.

  1. Make the most of NCC Bike Days: Every weekend from May to October, the NCC opens parkways in Ottawa for active use, morning and afternoon. Whether you’re biking, walking, running or skating, this program is for everyone. These car-free roads are a great way to experience the beauty of Canada’s Capital Region in a fun, safe and environmentally friendly way.

6. Read more about cycling plans on campus: Carleton University’s first-ever Outdoor Space Master Plan has been finalized. This new plan will help the university identify and prioritize improvements to the urban environment on campus and support improvements to pedestrian and cycling pathways. The plan’s focus is in alignment with a number of university strategic plans including the Strategic Integrated Plan (SIP), Kinàmàgawin, the Indigenous Strategy, the Transportation Plan, as well as the university’s Sustainability Plan.


SAP Concur Travel and Expense Virtual Sessions

SAP Concur Travel and Expense Reimbursement 101 (June 23, at 10 a.m. to Noon). For more information: https://carleton.ca/facts/cu-events/6782/

SAP Concur Travel and Expense Reimbursement: Approvers (June 23, at 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.). For more information: https://carleton.ca/facts/cu-events/6786/

SAP Concur Travel and Expense Reimbursement: Delegates (June 23, at 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.). For more information: https://carleton.ca/facts/cu-events/6790/


June Healthy Workplace Events and Workshops

The Healthy Workplace Committee is pleased to announce the following events and workshops during the month of June:

June 8 – Cooking Demo: Power Pasta Salad (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/cu-events/cooking-demo-power-pasta-salad/)

June 10 – Summer Recess! Inviting Imagination, Play and Fun Into Your Work Day (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/cu-events/summer-recess/)

June 10 – Urban Cycling: Tips and Infrastructure (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/cu-events/urban-cycling-tips-and-infrastructure/)

June 11 – The weekly summer Meditation Meetups begin! (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/meditation-meet-up/)

June 16 – Scientific Evidence for Some of the Social, Personal and Health Benefits of Meditation with Assistant Professor Chad Danyluck (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/cu-events/scientific-evidence-for-some-of-the-social-personal-and-health-benefits-of-meditation/)

June 18 – Intro to Assertive Communication Skills (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/cu-events/intro-to-assertive-communication-skills/)

June 18 – Intro to Assertive Communication Skills (for Managers) (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/cu-events/intro-to-assertive-communication-skills-for-managers/)

June 30 – Virtual Painting Event (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/cu-events/virtual-painting-event/)

Weekly Activities:
Tuesdays – Lunchtime Walking Group (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/walking-group/)

Wednesdays – All People All Pathways Peer Support Group Meetups (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/all-people-all-pathways/)

Thursdays – Lunchtime Crafting Group (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/lunchtime-activities/crafting-group/)

Fridays – Meditation Meetups (https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/meditation-meet-up/)

For the full list of upcoming events, please visit: https://carleton.ca/healthy-workplace/workshops-events/