The UCalgary Postdoctoral Office is celebrating the 5th annual Postdoc Appreciation Week from September 18 - 22 to highlight our community's important work and significant contributions.
Monday, September 18

Kickoff Breakfast
Join us at the Postdoc Appreciation Week Kickoff Breakfast for a morning that’s both delicious and inspiring! Indulge in a hot breakfast buffet and tune in for a captivating keynote presentation by Dr. Jennifer Markides. Following the keynote, dive into interactive games and networking with fellow postdocs. It’s not just a breakfast; it’s a chance to fuel your mind, connect, and have fun – all in one vibrant event!
Monday, September 18 | 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Location: Hunter Hub Collision Space, Main Campus
Keynote speaker: Dr. Jennifer Markides
Jennifer Markides, PhD, is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Tier II Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Youth Well-Being and Education, and an Assistant Professor in the Werklund School of Education and the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. Critical pedagogy, arts creation, and ethical engagement are at the heart of her practices. Her community-based research partnerships focus on the goals, interests, needs, and holistic well-being of youth.

Active Living: Total Body Strength
Build your strength, endurance and lifting know-how using bars, plates and free weights in this effective group weight training and cardio HIIT (high-intensity interval training) program. The weight room comes into the studio to work specific strength-based movements and increase cardio capacity while utilizing all major muscle groups. Focus is on technique to ensure you get your sweat on in a safe and informative environment!
Equipment will be provided by Active Living.
Monday, September 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: Main Campus
Tuesday, September 19
Webinar: The Teaching Dossier
A dossier has become a common requirement for teaching positions in academia. This introductory session will provide an overview of the components of a teaching dossier, the purpose of a teaching dossier, and some practical resources to guide individuals on how to develop a teaching dossier.
Tuesday, September 19 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Speaker:
Dr. Cheryl Jeffs - Educational Development Consultant
Cheryl facilitates the teaching dossier workshops, has developed resources, and has consulted on hundreds of teaching dossiers.

Active Living: Yoga Class
Join us as you explore both dynamic and warmth-building (yang) poses, along with restorative, longer-held (yin) poses. Yin-Yang yoga provides you with benefits from the strength-building, active yoga flows you love, with the mindful, stretch-based sequences you crave. Open to all fitness levels.
This session is hosted by Active Living. A waiver must be filled out prior to the start of class
Tuesday, September 19 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: Foothills Campus | Kinetix, HRIC Atrium
Headshot Photography Sessions
These professional headshots are great to use for symposiums, social profiles, job applications and more. This year, there will be 4 days that postdocs can choose from; 2 days on the main campus, and 2 at the Foothills campus. Please note that the Friday session is for HBI postdocs only. If you have questions about this session, you can reach out to hbipdf@ucalgary.ca.
As spaces are limited, you can only sign up for one time-slot.

Tuesday Sept. 19
Foothills Campus
HRIC Atrium check-in
Wednesday, Sept. 20
Main Campus
MacKimmie Tower | 7th Floor
Thursday Sept. 21
Main Campus
MacKimmie Tower | 7th Floor
Friday Sept. 22
Foothills Campus
HBI Postdocs | More Info
Wednesday, September 20
PDAW events on September 20 will take place at the Foothills Campus. All UCalgary postdocs are welcome to attend!

Tips and Tricks from the Cumming School of Medicine’s Grant Development Office
Staff from the Cumming School of Medicine’s Grant Development Office will share information about CCVs, individual professional development plans, funding sources and how project management can help you make the most of your time at the University of Calgary.
Speaker:
Dr. Vienna Doenni - Fellowship Development Officer, Cumming School of Medicine
Wednesday, September 20 | 10:30 AM - Noon
Location: Foothills | W21C multipurpose room

Postdoc BBQ
Sponsored by the Cumming School of Medicine
Join Dr. Julia Jacobs-LeVan (Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Research, CSM) and the CSM Grant Development Office team for a delicious burger BBQ!
Wednesday, September 20 | Noon - 1:00 PM
Location: Foothills Campus, HRIC Atrium (by On the Go)

What Your Union Can Do For You
PDAC is your Association or Union which consists of postdoctoral members who join together to advance common interests such as salaries, benefits, schedules, employment terms and conditions while connecting postdocs to professional development opportunities.
Wednesday, September 20 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: Foothills | W21C multipurpose room

Coffee Social
Sponsored by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Connect with fellow researchers over a cup of freshly brewed inspiration. Share ideas, network, and cultivate meaningful collaborations.
Wednesday, September 20 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Foothills | W21C multipurpose room
Thursday, September 21

Well-being at Work: Healthy Habits for Body and Mind
Well-being and health are so crucial in your post-doc journey. In this session, we will look at strategies for self-care, wellness, safety and connection, and the related resources that UCalgary community members can utilize to support the well-being of themselves and others.
Speakers:
Jennifer Ball - Ergonomic Program Advisor
Michele Moon - Team Lead, WellBeing and WorkLife
Thursday, September 21 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Location: Main Campus

Active Living: Yoga Class
Join us as you explore both dynamic and warmth-building (yang) poses, along with restorative, longer-held (yin) poses. Yin-Yang yoga provides you with benefits from the strength-building, active yoga flows you love, with the mindful, stretch-based sequences you crave. Open to all fitness levels.
This session being hosted by Active Living. A waiver must be filled out prior to the start of class
Thursday, September 21 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: Main Campus

Panel Discussion | Networking Dinner
Location: MacKimmie Tower - 7th Floor
Presentations and Q&A | 2 - 3:30 PM
PDAC Social and Quiz Competition | 3:30 - 5:00 PM
The Postdoctoral Fellows Association of the University of Calgary (PDAC) is hosting an informative panel, with speakers from:
- Innovate Calgary
- CDL Rockies
- AEIR
- Hunter Hub
Following the presentation, there will be a 30-minute panel discussion and Q&A session.
The evening will end with a networking dinner, and a general quiz/social event. Winners will go home with prizes!
Please register at the links below so we can confirm the numbers for the food service.