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Conrad Grebel University College announces the appointment of Dr. Johonna McCants-Turner to a tenure-track faculty position as Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) at Grebel, beginning July 1, 2021. McCants-Turner currently serves as Assistant Professor of Restorative Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University’s (EMU) Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.

By Marlene Epp, Professor of History and Peace and Conflict Studies

Marlene Epp is a professor of history and peace and conflict studies at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ. She lives, works, and plays on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Attawandaron, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples.

It is somewhat ironic that the Land Back Camp underway at Victoria Park is just a short walk from the Schneider Haus on Queen Street.

The is where a group of local Indigenous activists began occupying a small area of the park on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21). They are claiming land that was a traditional meeting ground for Indigenous peoples, used for trade, ceremony, and relationship building. The land was taken away by white colonizers and settlers, but in 1784 the Haldimand Tract (10 kilometres on each side of the Grand River from end to end) was granted by the British to the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations), to support them in perpetuity.

Lowell Ewert, Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, has been honoured with one of the four U��ݮ��Ƶ 2020 Distinguished Teacher Awards. This award celebrates exemplary instructors with a record of teaching excellence over an extended period. In addition to intellectual rigour, criteria for the award include impact beyond the classroom, concern for students, and a favourable and lasting influence on students and colleagues.

In the Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) Department, we continue to follow the new wave of protests and movements for racial justice occurring across the United States. As a Department we recognize that events of racism, and systemic and structural violence are not something that simply happen ‘over there’.

By Michelle Jackett

Michelle Jackett is a graduate of the Peace and Conflict Studies program (BA ’11) and holds an MA in Conflict Transformation, specializing in Restorative Justice (‘13). She currently works as Coordinator of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement and teaches Restorative Justice for PACS.

Did you know caterpillars turn to goop inside their cocoons before becoming butterflies? I learned this fun fact from Rebecca Solnit in her recent “’The impossible has already happened': what coronavirus can teach us about hope.” More than a fun fact, the caterpillar’s transformation is an analogy.

By Rachel Reist, PACS Undergraduate Academic and Administrative Officer & Internship Coordinator

Academic advisors at U��ݮ��Ƶ are often the first point of contact for students who are concerned about their mental health but not sure where to go or what to do. What I have found to be the best technique in my advising practice over the last six years is “shut up and listen.”

Grebel is hosting a talent showcase and food bank filler on November 9 from 6:30-8:30pm! If you are student, staff or residence of Grebel now is your chance to sign up to perform and share your talent!

In the fall of 2020, Conrad Grebel University College students will start the school year equipped to be more welcoming and inclusive than ever before!  On April 1, the Board of Governors approved the budget and final plans for a brand-new kitchen and an expansion of the dining room. 

The PACS department is looking for a Student Communications Assistant for the 2019-2020 school year! This paid position includes managing social media for the PACS department, assisting in promoting, planning, and implementing PACS Sponsored Events, updating the PACS websites, sending out our biweekly newsletter, and more!