2026-02-26 – Newsroom

Peace Panels series began Feb. 6 and continues

On Feb. 6, as part of the Peace 365 class and in association with Dawson's Peace Centre and Peace Studies Certificate, Ivan Freud, who teaches the course, moderated the first of three peace panels this semester and the first ever French-language panel on the theme of "Peace and Self." Fabienne Cyrius, current chair of the Business Department, spoke on how personal finances are essential to personal peace, Annie-Hélène Samson from our Biology Department spoke on human evolution and the need to cooperate, and Laura Kassar PhD candidate in religious studies at the Université de Montréal spoke on vulnerability and interdependence in times of crisis. The panelists then participated in a lively Q & A with Paix 365 students and guests.

Students are to offer a paragraph suggesting what the unifying theme of the presentations might have been. You can see the panel here and consider the question yourself!

https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/peace-centre/peace-studies-certificate/peace-365/

There are two panels to go this semester to be held between 1 PM – 2:15 PM in the Dawson Theatre – “Paix et l’ Autre” on Friday, March 13, and “Paix et Nature” on Friday, April 17. All are welcome! Feel free to bring your classes!

Many thanks to Karina D'Ermo, Sarah Cartier, David Lines, and David Bannout for their invaluable assistance with this panel and also to Lisa Steffen, Diana Rice, Daniel Goldsmith, Jenn de Vera, Susan Finch, Sean Elliot, Sarah Allen, Brian Redekopp and the many others who have given of their time and expertise over the years.

#DawsonProud, Homepage news, Milestones

Active learning champion Liz Charles retires

Liz Charles, renowned champion of student-centered education at Dawson College, retired this February after decades of pioneering classroom innovations.

This milestone caps a distinguished career highlighted by her recent receipt of the 2025 Prix Gérald-Sigouin from the AQPC, as detailed in this story.

Visit the link for a homepage news story featuring heartfelt tributes from colleagues.

Learning opportunities, Professional Development

Consider applying to be a SALTISE fellow

SALTISE Fellows are a group of 8-12 faculty members from the anglophone CEGEPs across Quebec. Representing diverse fields of study, they share a common goal: to expand their expertise in evidence-informed pedagogical approaches in order to enhance and deepen the students’ learning experiences. The Fellows Program adopts a faculty learning community model, supporting instructors as they collaborate to build and share knowledge.

Fellows engage in enriching and extending SALTISE-sponsored projects, while also exploring opportunities for future collaborations aligned with the organization’s mission. Using principles-based methods and innovative research-informed tools like myDALITE, CourseFlow, Visual Classroom, and Perusall, Fellows produce course materials, lesson plans, guidelines, and best practices that contribute to the SALTISE website and reflect their growing expertise.

Faculty and education professionals may apply until March 13 here:https://www.saltise.ca/event/saltise-fellows-info-session-2/

Facilities Management

SPVM delivers sessions on protecting yourself

Last week, the SPVM, Montreal’s police force, led 10 sessions of a special training workshop at Dawson on what to do in the event of an armed attacker.

This is always a painful and difficult subject, but especially here at Dawson and after the recent tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.

Visit the link for a report about what was covered and the next steps.

Office of Academic Development

Register for New Faculty Orientation March 19

The New Faculty Orientation Part 1 will be held in-person on Thursday, March 19, from 9 AM-12:30 PM.

Dawson’s New Faculty Orientation is designed to introduce new faculty to information about college services and procedures, teaching at the college-level, and tips for engaging students.

This orientation includes asynchronous and synchronous components:
· Competency-based education and the program approach
· Academic integrity at Dawson
· Faculty deadlines
· Faculty roles and responsibilities
· Classroom scenarios and discussion
· Meet the Deans and Directors of Dawson

Please register via this link: RSVP by March 13.

Events

Book sale for Chez Doris & Women’s Day celebration for employees

The DSSU, DTU and ADP will be hosting a celebration for International Women’s Day.

On Thursday, March 5, from 12 PM - 2 PM in the Rose Lounge (7C.5), there will be a book sale of new and used books and a collection of cash donations in which all monies raised will be donated on behalf of the three unions to Chez Doris. The book sale will be cash only.

A light lunch will be available while supplies last. We ask that you please bring your own mug if having coffee.

While students are welcome to buy books, the event is intended for employees only.

#DawsonProud, Dawson Professional Theatre

Professional Theatre presents Concord Floral and Friends

The second-year students of the Professional Theatre program are proud to present two upcoming shows.

Concord Floral by Canadian writer Jordan Tannahill is about a group of misfits who discover a dead body in their favourite hang-out spot and must confront their past. Concord Floral is directed by Matt Enos and runs from March 4 – 7. Get your ticket: https://thepointofsale.com/tickets/concordfloral?lang=en

In Friends by Japanese writer Kobo Abe, a man’s apartment is invaded by a family of strangers who won’t leave. Friends is directed by Michael Hughes and runs from March 11-14. Get your ticket:https://thepointofsale.com/tickets/friends?lang=en

Both shows are free with a suggested donation of $5.

IST, Learning opportunities

Upcoming Moodle workshops for faculty

Looking to enhance your Moodle skills this term? We are offering two focused, hands-on workshops designed to support instructors at different stages of their Moodle journey. The two workshops are: Moodle Made Simple: A Practical Start for Instructors and Beyond the Basics: Level Up Your Moodle Teaching.

Each workshop is one hour in length and will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. The Teams link will be sent to you after registration.

Choose your Moodle workshop using the link below. Each session will be offered twice, so you can select the date that works best for you.

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/KndNLYcgWW

For workshop descriptions, dates and times, visit the link.

#DawsonProud

Professional Photography exhibit on 5th floor until March 4

Dawson Professional Photography exhibiting large prints in the 5th Floor west hallway. One hundred feet of photos from our talented sixth-semester students. The exhibit will be up until March 4.

Warren G. Flowers Art Gallery

Warren G. Flowers attended the vernissage of What is Art For?

The vernissage for What is Art For? on Feb. 5 was a lively gathering of artists, students and art appreciators. One special guest was Warren G. Flowers.

Visit the link for a brief report.

Academic News

Dawson Reads Winter 2026

“Write and forget the noise,” advised Gladwell Pamba.

Pamba was speaking to students and faculty in the packed amphitheatre at the Winter 2026 edition of Dawson Reads, sponsored by the English Department.

Visit the link for a report by Sarah Gilbert.

Learning solidarity beyond the classroom

This semester, I was part of a group of approximately 25 students in my class Solidarity in Action: A Local Perspective, who participated in an intensive learning experience focused on migrant justice in Montréal.

Over several days, we stepped outside the classroom and met with community organizations including the Immigrant Work Centre (IWC), Jia Foundation, Refugee Centre, Welcome Collective, and Solidarity Across Borders (SAB). The goal of the course is not just to learn definitions and theories about migration, borders, and justice, but to connect those ideas to real people, real stories, and real struggles happening in our own city.

Visit the link for a homepage news story by student Prabhleen Kaur Bhatti.

Communications Office

Latest Discover Dawson podcast focuses on ALC

A new episode of the Discover Dawson podcast went live last week. This time, we explore a creative path to university through Dawson’s Arts, Literature and Communication (ALC) program. ALC Program Coordinator Robert Stephens shares what makes ALC students thrive and how this program blends academics with hands-on creativity.

You can listen to it here: https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/dawson-podcast/discover-alc/ or on the popular podcast platforms.

Perks for Dawson Employees, Well-being for all

Survive the end of winter with your well-being hours

The end of winter can be tough! Dawson support staff, professionals and managers have well-being hours that are a gift meant to boost your energy and make you feel good.

Every week, you can use (with manager approval) one hour for your well-being. Hours are not transferable month to month. Several employee groups have sprung up: card playing, Dawson walk and talk, movie club and more.

You can use your well-being hour on your own or with colleagues, in an organized activity or a one-off activity, for exercising or for hobbies or cultural activities. Don't miss out on this opportunity to feel better.

Pictured: Dawson Walk and Talk group snowshoed up to the Mount Royal Cross this month.

Facilities Management

Fresh look for PARC: renovated locker rooms open

After more than three decades of daily use, the PARC locker rooms and bathrooms have undergone a complete transformation, unveiling bright, modern facilities that reflect Dawson’s values of well-being, accessibility, and community.

Visit the link to learn more about the locker room transformation and see more pictures of the refreshed space.

#DawsonProud, Homepage news

Jane Austen authority and retired Dawson prof publishes first book

To say retired Dawson English teacher Elaine Bander has had an almost lifelong love affair with 18^th and 19^th century novels is no exaggeration. Ironically, she avoided Jane Austen novels until her third year of university at McGill. Then she read Emma for a course and was hooked. She moved onto other novels, letters, and fragments.

Since that time, she has made her way to becoming a premiere Jane Austen authority, presenting and attending conferences at Jane Austen gatherings near and far. And now, her first book, Reading with Jane Austen, a labour of love, has been published by Bucknell University Press for release on March 10.

Visit the link for the homepage news story by Donna Varrica.

Warren G. Flowers Art Gallery, Well-being for all

Come make art in the gallery!

The Warren G. Flowers Art Gallery (2G.0) is offering drop-in times for staff, faculty and students to make art with a student facilitator as part of Kathleen Vaughan's community art project, What is Art For?

Drop-in art workshops will be on Wednesday and Thursday, March 4 and 5 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The activity is free and is an opportunity for support staff, professionals and managers to use your well-being hours.

The exhibition What is Art For? An exhibition and maker space continues until March 14.

Academic News

French and Illustration departments launch new reading contest

The French Department (Catherine Soleil) and the Illustration Department (Marc-André Cright), supported by Campus Life and the Dawson Library, in partnership with the SPACE Certificate, are launching a new French reading and discussion contest.

Open to all students, Le Phylactère celebrates contemporary French-language comics, graphic novels, and zines.

Visit the link to get more info and to see the list of works students will be reading.

Events

Physiotherapy Fair March 4

Third-year students in Physiotherapy Technology will be hosting a fair on Wednesday, March 4 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM in the Lower Atrium (metro level).

There will be 26 interactive stations covering topics such as:

long-term impact of neck and back with phone use
improving one's flexibility
weight-bearing exercises to prevent osteoporosis
mental health improvement with physical activity
back pain prevention
brain health and dementia prevention
benefits of Pilates and yoga
and more!

Health and Safety Committee

Are you sitting properly at your desk?

The Health and Safety Committee would like to remind colleagues about the importance of proper posture while sitting at your desk.

Visit the link for some tips about how to sit and a graphic supplied by the committee.

#DawsonProud, Dawson Grads, Homepage news

3D Animation and CGI Grads Receive Best Animation Award

Congratulations to 2025 3D Animation & CGI graduates Jessica Ngo and Hoang Hai Luu!

Their collaborative thesis film, Mu, has received the Best Animation Award at the FLIC Film Festival in Polson, Montana.

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

Perks for Dawson Employees, Sustainability, Well-being for all

Learn how to cook a delicious vegetarian meal with Jamal

The Office of Sustainability is offering a chance for staff to use your well-being hours and to acquire a new healthy recipe.

Cooking with Jamal workshops are being offered to staff, faculty and students:

Thursday, March 5, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Thursday, March 26, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Thursday, April 16, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Spaces are limited; please sign up here.

Support staff, professionals and managers receive one hour of well-being time each week. Use it or lose it each month.

Dawson Remembers, Milestones

In memoriam: Judy Bahen

Judy Bahen, a long-time Dawson employee, passed away on February 4 at the age of 76. She began her career at Dawson in 1976 and retired in 2011. During those 35 years, she held a number of support staff positions, including Administrative Secretary in the Office of Academic Dean throughout most of the 1990s, administrative support agent in Continuing Education and as an administration technician in the Academic Systems Continuing Education office during the last 10 years of her Dawson career.

Judy was an enthusiastic member of the Dawson community, attending as many events and social gatherings as time allowed. Kindhearted to a fault, she greeted everyone she met with a smile and a warm greeting in her trademark gravelly voice. She is fondly remembered by her former colleagues and friends at the College.

Her obituary is here: https://lakeshorecardinal.ca/obituaries/judy-bahen/

Dawson Remembers, Milestones

In memoriam: Marvin Hershorn

Retired Humanities faculty member Marvin Hershorn passed away suddenly on Jan. 17. He taught at Dawson from 1970 to his retirement in December 2009.

His obituary can be found here: https://www.paperman.com/funerals/Marvin-Manny-Hershorn-DC178830

Sustainability, Well-being for all

Gift recipe from the Early Bird Breakfast team

The Early Bird Breakfast team will be gifting one recipe to the Dawson community each D News this semester.

Shorbat Adas, a warm and comforting Lebanese lentil soup made with simple, wholesome ingredients, offers a nourishing and flavourful start to the day.

Visit the link for the recipe that serves 10. Like to support Early Bird Breakfast and feed students? Make a donation to the Dawson College Foundation here.

DawsonITE

DawsonITE # 694

DawsonITE is your curated news related to IST and Education prepared by Dawson's Rafael Scapin.

In this issue:

Creative and critical engagement with AI in education
Generative AI as a partner for teachers in building personalised learning paths for students with ease in Tanzania
8 Hidden Microsoft Word Features You Probably Didn't Know Existed

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026