2010 Conference Review

2010 Photo Album

A Message from U of A President Indira V. Samarasekera

SWAAC 2010 from U of A Extension on Vimeo.

SWAAC 2010 Conference

The Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada (SWAAC) was founded in 1987 to provide a forum and a collective voice for women in senior administrative ranks in Canadian universities. Later, membership was extended to include women in senior administrative positions at Canadian colleges and technical institutes. Most recently, Associate status was created for women in senior administrative positions in national agencies that support Canadian universities and colleges, as well as women at Canadian universities, colleges and technical institutes who aspire to hold senior administrative positions.

Because women administrators experience conditions peculiar to them, SWAAC exists as an avenue for collegial support, innovation and action. Its programs address issues of concern to women in academic administration.

The primary purpose of SWAAC is the promotion of female leadership in Canadian universities and colleges through:

• Developing and enhancing leadership skills
• Mentoring future leaders
• Recognizing exceptional leaders
• Networking and communicating

Register Online »

Who Should Attend

Attend the premier annual event for leading women academic administrators in the post-secondary sector. Join the participants who include:

• Chancellors, Presidents, Principals, Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice-Presidents
• Executive Directors, Directors, Operations Managers, Officers
• Policy-makers, planners, professionals in government
• Deans, Associate Deans, Assistant Deans
• Chairs, Associate Chairs, Assistant Chairs
• Directors of Student Affairs
• Librarians
• External Affairs, Advancement, and Development Officers
• Registrars, Associate Registrars, Assistant Registrars
• Board members, Senators
• Executive search firm associates

What can you expect to get from the SWAAC 2010 Conference?

• Experience an unparalleled networking opportunity.
• Get insights on why some institutions or areas of institutions are doing well in 2010 and others are not.
• Find out how to break barriers, transcend boundaries, and access support services and mentors for succession planning.
• Discuss and rethink current challenges and trends in advanced education sector.
• Get direct answers to any questions you might have about career advancement and leadership development in higher education.
• Do a reality check on how you and your institution stack up with others.
• Compress days of research into a few hours of learning from your peers’ experiences and successes.
• Increase your first-name network of professional contacts that will be invaluable in the future.
• Lead your unit with enhanced confidence and renewed enthusiasm in 2010-2011.

Preliminary Schedule

Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada (SWAAC) Conference.
Save the dates in your calendar now!

Thursday, April 29
9:30 - 1:00	Dare to Create — Creativity Workshop
12:00 - 5:00	Registration Desk is open
2:00 - 5:00	Dare to Be Tough — Mental Toughness Workshop Space is limited – early reservation is highly recommended
5:00 - 6:30	Welcome Reception
7:00 - 9:00	Dare with Flair — Blu’s Women’s Wear Fashion Show and Reception (Free, but seats are limited. Must pre-register) Blu's Women's Wear is hosting an elegant wine and cheese with music, fashion and shopping. Mix and mingle with your fellow conference members while enjoying the collections of Sara Pacini, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Michael Kors and many other best brands. More ...
8:00 - 10:00	Dare to Host — Conference hospitality suite is open for networking, relaxation and lovely refreshments
Friday, April 30
7:00	Conference Registration desk opens
8:00 - 9:00	Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 9:05	Welcome from Katy Campbell, Conference Chair and Dean, Faculty of Extension
9:05 - 9:15	President Samarasekera’s Address
9:15 - 10:45	Vice Presidents’ Panel: A Look Behind the Stage Barbara Pollock Vice-President External Relations, University of Regina Janet Paterson-Weir Provost and Vice-President Academics, Grant MacEwan University Rose Goldstein Vice-President Research, University of Calgary Nancy Walker Vice-President Finance, University of Lethbridge
10:45 - 11:00	Refreshment Break
11:00 - 12:00	Institutional Advancement: How to Make an Ask Debra Pozega Osburn Vice-President External Relations University of Alberta Karen Jeu Office of Development University of Alberta
12:00 - 1:00	Lunch
1:00 - 1:10	Introduction of Senator Claudette Tardif, formerly Dean and VP External Relations, University of Alberta
1:10 - 2:15	Keynote Address from Senator Claudette Tardif
2:15 - 2:30	Refreshment Break
2:30 - 4:00	Executive Search: Panel Discussion Maureen Geldart of The Geldart Group Vancouver, BC Elizabeth Hurley of Davies Park Edmonton, AB Sam Scully of Janet Wright & Associates Toronto, ON Janet Soles of Odgers Berndtson Calgary, AB
5:00 - 6:00	Reception; Cash Bar
6:00 - 8:30	Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Westin
Saturday, May 1
8:00 - 9:00	Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 9:10	Introduction of Former Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan
9:10 - 10:15	Keynote Address from Former Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan
10:15 - 10:30	Refreshment Break
10:30 - 12:00	Media Relations Linda Hughes Chancellor University of Alberta Debra Pozega Osburn Vice-President External Relations University of Alberta Anne Marie Downey Downey Norris Associates
12:00 - 1:00	Lunch
1:00 - 2:00	SWAAC AGM
12:00 - 3:00	Self Care and Personal Enrichment Fair
6:00 - 9:00	Hospitality Suite at the Westin
Sunday, May 2
10:00 - 12:00	Guided tour to the new Alberta Gallery of Art Be one of the first to witness the unbelievable transformation that took place at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Join us for a tour and lunch in the beautiful downtown arts district. More ...

(The New) Art Gallery of Alberta

Be one of the first to witness the unbelievable transformation that took place at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Join us for a tour and lunch in the beautiful downtown arts district.

Blu's Women's Wear

Blu's Women's Wear is hosting an elegant wine and cheese with music, fashion and shopping. Mix and mingle with your fellow conference members while enjoying the collections of Sara Pacini, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Michael Kors and many other best brands.

Vice President’s Panel
Friday April 30, 9:15 – 10:45

Dr. Rose Goldstein has been Vice-President (Research) at the University of Calgary since 2007. She obtained her BSc and MD degrees from McGill University and has done residency and research fellowship training in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at the University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, and the University of Texas at Houston.

Prior to 2007, Dr. Goldstein was a professor and Vice-Dean, Academic Affairs, in the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine for a total of 9 years. She has been an Ontario Ministry of Health Career Scientist and an Arthritis Society Research Scholar. Her research interests include immunogenetics of rheumatic disease, and cellular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Goldstein’s clinical activities include general rheumatology as well as osteoporosis and Women’s Health.

Dr. Goldstein was the founding director of the Ottawa Health Sciences Leadership Program. She has extensive leadership experience and conflict resolution training. In 2001, Dr. Goldstein received a Women Liaison Officer Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). She received the first annual Canadian Medical Association (CMA) May Cohen Award for Women Mentors, in 2002. In 2007 she received an award from the Canadian Council of Learning for work in conflict resolution in academic health care.

Janet Paterson-Weir

Vice President’s Panel
Friday April 30, 9:15 – 10:45

Dr. Janet Paterson-Weir is the Provost and Executive Vice President Academic of Grant MacEwan University. She provides organizational and strategic academic direction. Janet chairs the Executive Committee of the University, Academic Leadership Team, Deans and Directors Team, and the Academic Governance Council. Under Janet’s leadership MacEwan has expanded its enrolment, successfully introduced new credentials, and created round the clock technology support.

Janet’s educational credentials include an Ed.D in Administration from Nova Southeastern University, a Masters degree in Psychopedagogy from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor of Arts from York University in Political Science and Economics, a Business Diploma from Ryerson University, and a Type B Permanent Teaching Certificate from the University of Toronto. Janet has held the position of Dean of the School of Business and Applied Arts at Algonquin College in Ottawa, and has international program development experience in Thailand, Russia and Ukraine as well as teaching experience in Hong Kong and South Africa. Janet is the 2009 recipient of the Paul Elsner International Leadership Award from the Chair Academy.

Janet has worked as a founding member of Ontario Learn and eCampus Alberta. Janet has supported initiatives to improve educational quality, increase access and build capacity.

Barbara Pollock

Vice President’s Panel
Friday April 30, 9:15 – 10:45

Barbara Pollock is Vice-President (External Relations) at the University of Regina. She is responsible for reputation management, and relationship management with stakeholders, including alumni, donors, government and the public; she is the senior development officer of the institution and plays an integral role in the management of the University.

She holds an Accredited Public Relations designation and was acknowledged as a Fellow of the Canadian Public Relations Society in 2006. She holds bilingual degrees from the University of Regina in Arts and Education and a certificate from the Institute for Educational Management, Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. In 2009 she was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as Outstanding Fundraising Executive for 2008.

After a brief teaching career, Pollock joined Continental Public Relations in 1981 as an Account Director. From 1984 until 2000 she operated POLMAC Communications, providing strategic planning, customer service, issues and crisis management counsel to clients on a local, regional and international basis.

Barbara has served on a variety of boards and committees. She is currently a director on the provincial board of St. John Ambulance, member of the Mayor’s Community Leaders Advisory Committee, and a member of the Accreditation Council of the Canadian Public Relations Society.

Claudette Tardif

Keynote Speaker
Friday April 30, 1:10 – 2:15

Dr. Claudette Tardif has long been recognized as one of Canada’s foremost advocates and defenders of minority linguistic and cultural rights and for her considerable contribution to both secondary and post-secondary education.

Her professional career began in 1968 as a High School teacher with the Edmonton Catholic Schools. In 1977, Dr. Tardif joined the University of Alberta as a professor at the Faculté Saint-Jean. Later she held different positions including; Director of Education Division, Faculté Saint-Jean from 1981-1988; Associate Dean from 1991-1995; Dean from 1995-2003; as well as a member of several University committees and Councils. When Dr. Tardif was called to serve the Canadian Senate, she acted as Vice-president (External Relations) at the University.

Dr. Tardif has been a member of the Senate of Canada since March 24, 2005. She was appointed Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate in January 2007. She also serves as Ex-officio on all of the Senate Standing Committees.

Her academic research focus during the course of her career has been on immersion education and the role of francophone schooling in the development of cultural identity in a minority rights environment.

Very active in the community, Dr. Tardif has served and continues to serve on many professional and community-based provincial and national organizations. In recognition of her leadership and community involvement, she has been awarded several major honors over the course of her career.

Dr. Tardif obtained her Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education and a Major in French (First class Honours) in 1968 from the University of Alberta. In 1978, she received her Master of Education in Secondary Education (Curriculum Studies). And in 1984 she received her PhD in Educational Administration. She was conferred an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Ottawa. Dr. Tardif remains Professor Emeritus of the University of Alberta.

Anne McLellan

Keynote Speaker
Saturday May 1, 9:10 – 10:15

The Honourable A. Anne McLellan, P.C., O.C. joined Bennett Jones LLP in its Edmonton office July 4, 2006. Ms. McLellan provides strategic advice to the firm and its clients.

Ms. McLellan serves on the Board of Directors of Nexen, a Canadian-based global energy company, Agrium, a global producer and marketer of agricultural and industrial services and products, Cameco, the world's largest uranium producer and Edmonton Regional Airport Authority. She also sits on the Boards of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Charitable Foundation, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton Society, and Institute for Research for Public Policy and Canadian Business for Social Responsibility.

In 2007 the University of Alberta awarded Ms. McLellan an honorary doctorate of laws degree and in July 2009 Ms. McLellan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Ms. McLellan served four terms as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre from October 25, 1993 – January 23, 2006. She served as Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and as the first Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness in the government of the Rt. Hon. Paul Martin (December 2003 - January 2006). Ms McLellan served as Minister of Health (January 2002 – December 2003), Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada (June 1997 – January 2002) and Minister of Natural Resources and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians (November 1993 – June 1997).

In 1980, she was appointed associate professor of law at the University of Alberta. She served as associate dean of the Faculty of Law between 1985 and 1987 and as acting dean from July 1991 to June 1992.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Law degree from Dalhousie University and a Master of Laws degree from King's College, University of London. Ms McLellan was admitted to the Bar of Nova Scotia in 1976.

Debra Pozega Osburn

Institutional Advancement: How to Make an Ask
Friday April 30, 11:00 – 12:00

Media Relations Panel
Saturday May 1, 10:30 – 12:00

Debra Pozega Osburn, Ph.D., is currently Interim Vice-President (External Relations) at the University of Alberta.

Her responsibilities include strategic communications, media relations, creative direction, government relations, fundraising, and alumni relations. The External Relations portfolio includes 160 staff members and a budget of over $18 million for the following units: Public Affairs, Creative Services, Government Relations, Development, Advancement Services, Alumni Affairs and the Calgary Centre.

In addition, Debra oversees the University’s Crisis Communications Plan, a critical part of the University’s emergency response plan, and works with targeted external institutes to enhance the university’s image and reputation.

Debra is a recognized expert on post-secondary external relations, with particular expertise in integrated stakeholder relations and communications programs that must be effective across institutional boundaries. She holds a doctorate in American Studies, and is a frequent presenter on best practices to professional organizations. She was named regional PACEmaker of the year as a member of the Public Relations Society of America for her significant contributions to the profession.

Linda Hughes

Media Relations Panel
Saturday May 1, 10:30 – 12:00

Linda Hughes is the 19th Chancellor of the University of Alberta. She is a leading figure in Canadian media, and one of Canada’s most influential communicators and advocates for education and her community.

Ms. Hughes was the first woman in Canada to hold the position of publisher of a major newspaper. In 1972, she graduated with an Honours BA from the University of Victoria. Her career in journalism began with the Victoria Daily Times. After joining the Edmonton Journal in 1976, she progressed through positions including; City Editor (1981) and Editor-in-Chief (1987). In 1992, she was named publisher and president. In 2003, she became General Manager, Alberta Region, for CanWest Media Works. She retired in 2006.

She has served on the boards of the National Newspaper Awards, the Journalism Foundation of Canada and the Committee to Protect Journalists. In 2007, she spent two months volunteering in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, helping a daily newspaper prepare for its role in a new democracy.

Ms. Hughes chaired the Mayor’s Committee to End Homelessness in Edmonton. From 2002 to 2008 she served on the board of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. She currently serves on the Homeless Commission, boards for the Edmonton Community Foundation, and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.

Conference Sponsors

The 2010 SWAAC Conference will be held at the Edmonton Westin April 29 - May 1, 2010.

The Westin is offering reduced room rates for all conference delegates. There are limited number of rooms available, so book yours today!

• Traditional Guestroom $169.00
• Deluxe Guestroom $204.00

Call Westin Edmonton at 1-800-937-8461 and mention SWAAC discount code SWD30A

The international Airport is 28 km from the Hotel and approximately a 40-minute commute. Taxi and limousine service is readily available.

The Sky shuttle offers service to and from the airport. Its first pick up is 4:45 am and continues throughout the day in 20-30 minute intervals. The current cost is $15/ person one way or $25/person return trip.

The Westin fitness centre, pool and sauna are available 24 hours to all hotel guests and is offered complimentary.

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