the NEURds’letter

Neuro Program Advisor AMA

We’re about a month into classes so I thought I’d put out the invitation to ASK ME ANYTHING.

Use the form linked below to submit anonymous questions about the academic audit, program requirements, being a neuroscience student, accessing student services at Carleton – whatever. I’ll put together responses in a video to send out in the next newsletter (or the next few, depending how many questions come in).

Don’t be shy! If you’re wondering about something, chances are that others are too and I can at least point ya’ll in the right direction if it’s not an area I cover directly within the scope of my program advising role.

From Intention to Action: Weekly Counselling Program

From Intention to Action (FITA) supports full-time students in the often stressful university experience.

Students meet 1-on-1 with a Coordinator for 1 hour every week for either 5 or 10 consecutive weeks. Coordinators are staff members or Master’s-level interns who provide support via counselling, stress management, coping skills, time management, and learning strategies. They help students to better manage stress and improve academic performance by navigating the personal stressors that can often get in the way of school.

Unabashedly Jewish: Proud Out Loud After October 7

An experience focused on ideas, identity, creativity and connection

October 8th from 9:00 a.m.to 2:30 p.m.
Livestreamed & on campus
Location provided to registered participants

At a time when conversations about Jewish identity too often arise in response to antisemitism, Proud Out Loud offers something different: an opportunity to explore what it means to live confidently and positively as a Jew today—and to connect with others who want to do the same.

Jewish students, young professionals, community members and non-Jewish allies are invited to take part in a day of ideas, reflection, creative expression and conversation. Senior high-school students are especially welcome.

More than a speaker event, Proud Out Loud is designed to move from learning to reflection, expression and connection. Participants will come away with new ways of thinking about the present moment, greater confidence in their own voices and identities, and new community connections.

Carleton Neuro Brainbytes

October 9th @ 11:30 a.m. in 3040 Nicol

Brainbytes is the Department of Neuroscience’s graduate student speaker series designed to showcase the broad array of neuroscience research in which our MSc and PhD students are involved. Each session comprises two speakers, and each Brainbyte is a 20-min presentation followed by a 10-min Q/A period.

Brainbytes is intended to foster an engaged neuroscience community across labs and students. Undergraduate students considering a research-based academic pathway are highly encouraged to attend. Similar to the Neuroscience Colloquium Series, these talks are a key way of learning what’s happening in our research labs and meeting people doing the work you might want to do one day!

On Friday, October 9th in 3040 Nicol Building, we will be hosting our first Brainbytes session of the 2026-2027 academic year. Our October presenters will be Sarah Viera (Chee Lab) and Maja Ramljak (Salmaso Lab). Presentation titles will be announced closer to the date.

Healthcare Night in the SSSC

November 4th from 6pm to 8pm

Join the SSSC for an evening of connection with a dynamic lineup of industry professionals who are shaping the future of healthcare. If you’ve recently sought advising about medical school or related pathways, this event was designed for you!

This is your opportunity to ask questions, gain real-world insights, and explore a wide range of career paths in healthcare. Don’t miss the chance to network, learn about daily practice, required credentials, and emerging trends directly from the people doing the work you may wish to do one day.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

Weekends of October 17th & 18th or November 21st & 22nd

The Unified Support Centre is holding an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) course and registration for both dates are now open! Courses are being offered at a reduced rate of $160 (tax included).

ASIST is a comprehensive, two-day course consisting of audiovisuals, discussions, and simulations designed to teach you how to help someone with thoughts or plans of suicide. You will learn how to recognize signs of suicide, provide a skilled intervention, and develop a safety plan to help someone choose to stay alive.

Details:

• October 17th & 18th, 2026 or November 21st & 22nd, 2026
• 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Held at Carleton University, room TBD
• Cost: $160.00 (tax included)

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Note, registration is not considered complete until payment is received. Questions? Email usc@cusaonline.ca

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FAQs:

• Once I sign up using the registration form, does that mean my spot is reserved?
  No – your spot is not reserved until we have received your payment for the course. We will send a confirmation email to let you know you’ve been fully registered.
• Will I get a certificate after the course is completed, and when does the certificate expire?
  Yes, you will receive a certificate at the end of the course. The certificate does not expire, but it is recommended to retake the course every three years to stay updated on newer/effective strategies.
• Where will the course be held? 
  At Carleton University, the exact location/building and room numbers will be sent to you a week in advance of the course. 
• Is attendance on both days mandatory?
  Yes, the first day provides comprehensive training on assisting someone with thoughts of suicide, while the second day focuses on roleplay and the final examination.
• What if I pay now to reserve my spot but can’t attend the course?
  Our cancellation policy allows for a full refund if you cancel by:
      – October Course: Friday, October 9th, 2026, before 5:00 PM.
      – November Course: Friday, November 13th, 2026, before 5:00 PM.
• I sent the course payment, but my transfer has not been accepted yet. What should I do?
  You may follow up regarding the status of your payment. Please allow some time for confirmation, as spots are limited and payments are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• What is the payment deadline?
  There is no set payment deadline. However, registration is only confirmed once payment is received.
• What materials do I need to bring to the course?
  You only need to bring a pen, as a course booklet will be provided on the first day of the course.

Carleton Stem Cell Club ~ Call for Volunteers

The Carleton Stem Cell Club is a donor recruitment organization in Canada which works with Canadian Blood Services to address racial disparity in access to matched unrelated stem cell donors. They seek to raise awareness and educate the public about stem cell donation and contribute to the development of a culture of donation in Canada.

The club is currently recruiting volunteers to help run their first drive. See below for details and follow them on Instagram @stemcellclubcu

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Carleton Neuro Merchandise

We are looking to gauge interest/demand for departmental merchandise with the goal of making it affordable to students AND using it as a fundraising mechanism to support our science outreach programs.

Please fill out the following form if you’d like to have your say!

The NEURds’letter is typically sent out every Friday during the fall 2026 & winter 2027 terms. While membership on the distribution list is automatic for neuroscience majors at the beginning of academic year, you can unsubscribe (or request to join) by emailing neuroscience@carleton.ca