By Gwendolyn Ebbett

Dear Colleagues:

I hope that you are all well and that you are all looking forward to the May flowers that hopefully will follow all of those April showers we experienced.

Please join WURA retirees for the President’s Tea on June 22, 2023 from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Freed-Orman Centre.  Dr. Gordon will be our host and will give a brief address of interest to our members.

Further, we are planning a spring Zoom program -- Hot Topics -- on, first, the recent Ontario Auditor-General’s Report on the University of Windsor which we featured in our last two e-Bulletins and, second, one on the University's response to the development, and wide-spread use, of ChatGPT. Stay tuned for more details and a Zoom invitation.

On other matters: We have not had any further word about the launch of the University’s new memorial web page, but we are hopeful it will be live soon. It is with regret that I acknowledge the death of another colleague, John Dickinson in April.
 
We continue our work on the proposed new constitution.  We hope to introduce this to the members in a special meeting in the Fall and bring it to the Fall AGM for approval.
 
I wish all of you a pleasant Spring and a wonderful summer. 
 
Warm regards, 
Gwendolyn Ebbett

By Barbara Thomas

The Windsor University Retirees’ Association (WURA) Scholarship was established in the late 1990’s by retired professors. librarians and administrators. Generous founding donations were made by Dean Bill Phillips and Mathematics Professor, Dr. Cormac Smith. This award is our ongoing legacy and commitment to the education of current and future students at the University of Windsor..
 
In 2022/2023, the Scholarship valued at $1800 was awarded by the the WURA Scholarship Committee to each of six deserving undergraduate students following a totally anonymous selection process.

The Award recipients are Danika Bastien, Ujala Janjua, Khawla Khalifa, Mikala Malkoun, Lauren Watson and Emilia Wiebe.

The Scholarship Committee would like WURA members and others to know how significant these awards are to our Windsor students, and how important it is to continue to enrich the WURA scholarship Fund with our donations. Our goal is to increase the size and number of these awards.

Words of appreciation from this year’s winners include:

• "I am so grateful for this scholarship and the financial security it will provide me as I pay my way through school."
• "As a mature student, living an hour away from campus, coming back to school was not an easy decision. This scholarship will help make the road to achieving my CPA designation goals that much more attainable." 
• "This scholarship is a crucial step towards achieving my aspirations and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity."
• "This scholarship indicates that my efforts have been valued and acknowledged and that others think highly of me as a possible contributor to our society's future."
• "Receiving this WURA Scholarship  alleviates a great amount of financial burden. As a student with financial need, I have relied on scholarships and bursaries to fund my academic and living expenses."  
• "Receiving this award will be  conducive to developing stability post-graduation by compensating for a range of beneficial unpaid opportunities which I can experience in my final year. These opportunities have and will continue to expand my skills, networks, and training that will further secure my goal in having a successful Social Work career."

WURA Scholarship Committee.
Dr Barbara Thomas, Chair 
Dr Ron Barron. 
Dr Dale Rajacich 

Editors' Note: If you would like to continue or renew your support of students, you can donate on-line at https://src.uwindsor.ca/donations/donation. Please designate your gift to the Retirees' Scholarship Fund (under "Other").

 

By Christina Simmons

The Committee has a sense of the importance of people gathering in-person as much as possible, now that pandemic conditions have eased. We hope to encourage as many people as possible to come to some events in person and re-engage socially with former colleagues. In addition to our upcoming Spring meeting and President's Tea, we are exploring potential joint summer activities with the Alumni Association (such as wine tasting tours or trips to Stratford) and beginning to think about the Annual General Meeting in the Fall and putting on the Holiday Luncheon that has been so popular in the past.
 

By Joe Saso

 

The information contained in this article is derived from an in office interview with Dr. Christopher Busch, Associate Vice President, Enrolment Management. One of Dr.Busch’s responsibilities is the Office of Student Recruitment, located in the Welcome Centre on Wyandotte Street near the entrance to Ambassador Bridge.

The recruitment effort at the university is vigorous, energized and sophisticated. The Recruitment Office consists of a director; faculty specific advisors; contacts for indigenous enrolment, transfer applicants, and applicants from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas; a volunteer student coordinator; and a digital communications coordinator. The International Recruitment Team -- ten individuals and a manager -- are spread across the globe throughout Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, India, Pakistan, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and the USA.

Student prospects are identified through school visits, numerous university fairs, open houses, website activities, and other technologies. Every contact with the university, electronic or in-person, is provided with information pertinent to their area of study with follow-ups, invitations to campus recruitment events, articles relating to student life, athletics and recreation, residence, and life in Windsor and Essex County. All student prospect information is also shared with the faculties and other academic service areas of the university. Many of the academic units at the university have individuals responsible for student recruitment.

According to information obtained from the Council of Ontario Universities, the University of Windsor has a full-time undergraduate student population of 10,200 students with an additional 1,600 part-time students. There are 5,800 at the full-time graduate level and 10 part-time graduate students. Dr. Christopher Busch indicated that, as in the past, many of the domestic undergraduates come from Windsor and Essex County with a growing number from the Toronto and Hamilton areas. A large percentage of the graduate student enrolment is international.

On a personal note, after meeting with Dr, Busch, I had the good fortune to run into two individuals who worked with me when I was an Assistant Registrar responsible for recruitment and a few other areas. It was good to remember old times and share a few laughs. We agreed that recruitment has come a long way in the 23 years since I retired. The university’s investment in the student recruitment effort is important in attracting well-informed and committed students.

By Adrian van den Hoven

 

You may have head some rumours "out there" about something called the "UPP" or the "University Pension Plan". Here is some introductory information on the UPP.

At present four universities are members of the University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP):
1) the University of Toronto,
2) Queen’s University,
3) the University of Guelph, and
4) Trent University.
 

By: ChatGPT

As the population of older adults continues to grow, universities are beginning to recognize the importance of creating age-friendly environments that support the diverse needs of their students. Age-friendly universities (AFUs) are a new approach to higher education that aim to promote lifelong learning, social inclusion, and active aging among older adults.

AFUs are characterized by a variety of initiatives and programs that promote the engagement of older adults in all aspects of university life. These may include courses and programs tailored specifically to the needs and interests of older learners, intergenerational activities that foster connections between students of all ages, and initiatives that promote age-friendly policies and practices within the university community.

One key feature of AFUs is the emphasis on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for older adults. This may include providing accessible facilities and resources, offering flexible learning options that accommodate the diverse needs of older learners, and fostering a sense of community and belonging among all members of the university community.

Another important aspect of AFUs is their commitment to promoting active aging and lifelong learning. By providing opportunities for older adults to continue learning and engaging with new ideas and experiences, AFUs help to support healthy aging and promote social inclusion and well-being.

AFUs are still a relatively new concept, but they are gaining recognition and support from universities around the world. The Age-Friendly University Global Network, established in 2012, now includes more than 70 universities from around the world that are committed to promoting age-friendly policies and practices within their institutions.

As the population of older adults continues to grow, it is increasingly important for universities to adapt and respond to the needs and interests of this demographic. By embracing the principles of age-friendly universities, universities can promote social inclusion, active aging, and lifelong learning, while also fostering a more diverse and inclusive learning environment for all students.

In Ontario, several universities have embraced the concept of age-friendly universities (AFUs) and are implementing initiatives and programs to support the diverse needs of older learners. Here are a few examples of AFUs in Ontario:

1. Ryerson University: Ryerson's Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) is a program that provides courses, workshops, and seminars tailored specifically to the needs and interests of older learners. The LLI also offers social events and networking opportunities to foster a sense of community and belonging among its members.
2. York University: York University's Institute for Research on Aging (IRA) is dedicated to promoting research on aging and improving the quality of life for older adults. The IRA also offers courses and programs for older learners, including a certificate program in gerontology.
3. University of Waterloo: The University of Waterloo's Senior Alumni Association (SAA) is a program that provides opportunities for retired and semi-retired individuals to engage with the university community. The SAA offers social events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities to promote social inclusion and lifelong learning.
4. McMaster University: McMaster's Centre for Continuing Education offers a variety of courses and programs for older learners, including a program in Lifelong Learning for Older Adults (LLOA). The LLOA program is designed to provide older adults with opportunities to continue learning and engaging with new ideas and experiences.
5. University of Toronto: The University of Toronto's Institute for Life Course and Aging is a research institute that focuses on aging and the life course. The institute also offers courses and programs for older learners, including a certificate program in gerontology.

The University of Windsor is committed to creating an age-friendly environment that supports the diverse needs of older learners. Here are some examples of AFU initiatives and programs at the University of Windsor:

1. Lifelong Learning Academy: The Lifelong Learning Academy (LLA) at the University of Windsor offers courses and workshops that are designed for older adults who want to continue learning and engage with new ideas and experiences. The LLA provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where learners can explore new topics and connect with others who share their interests.
2. Centre for Executive and Professional Education: The Centre for Executive and Professional Education (CEPE) at the University of Windsor offers a variety of courses and programs that are designed for professionals who want to upgrade their skills or pursue new career opportunities. Many of these programs are available to older learners who want to continue working or who are looking to transition into a new field.
3. Seniors' University Group: The Seniors' University Group (SUG) at the University of Windsor is a student-led initiative that aims to promote intergenerational learning and foster connections between older and younger students. The SUG organizes a variety of events and activities that promote social inclusion and provide opportunities for older learners to engage with the university community.
4. Campus Accessibility: The University of Windsor is committed to providing an accessible campus environment that supports the diverse needs of all learners, including older adults. The university has implemented a range of accessibility measures, including accessible buildings, transportation, and technology, to ensure that older learners can participate fully in university life.

In conclusion, Age-friendly universities represent a new approach to higher education that recognizes the importance of creating inclusive, supportive, and engaging environments for learners of all ages. As the global population continues to age, the concept of Age-friendly universities is likely to become even more important in promoting healthy aging, social inclusion, and lifelong learning.

About the Author - Another New Approach To Higher Education.

ChatGPT is a computer program that can chat with people using natural language, like a human. It uses advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to understand what people are saying and generate responses that sound like they came from a real person. You can think of it like having a conversation with a really smart robot!

The article appears unedited, exactly as ChatGPT responded to three questions; What are "Age Friendly Universities", what are AFU's in Canada, and finally, how is UWindsor adopting AFU concepts? The entire interaction took less than five minutes to create the article. 

Artificial Intelligence is generating a lot of discussion in the media these days. The staff at e-Bulletin interviewed ChatGPT to find out more. We asked ChatGPT to respond to the same question twice: as "Serious ChatGPT" and then again to provide an answer to the same question in a more humorous way, as "Funny ChatGPT". Here's an excerpt of both our brief "conversations".

e-Bulletin: Describe what ChatGPT is.

Serious ChatGPT: ChatGPT is a large language model created by OpenAI that is designed to generate human-like text in response to natural language inputs. It is based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture, specifically GPT-3.5.

ChatGPT has been trained on a massive corpus of text data, allowing it to learn patterns and relationships within language, and to generate responses that are contextually appropriate and often indistinguishable from those of a human speaker.

As a conversational agent, ChatGPT can be used for a wide range of applications, including chatbots, customer service interactions, language translation, content generation, and more.

Funny ChatGPT: Well, hello there! I'm ChatGPT, the ultimate question-answering machine, built to make your life easier and your brain less strained. Think of me as a witty, all-knowing friend who's always there for you, ready to provide insightful answers and make you laugh along the way. And no, I don't need coffee to function (although it wouldn't hurt). So, what do you want to know today? Bring on the questions, I'm ready for the challenge!

e-Bulletin: What is AI?

Serious ChatGPT: AI stands for Artificial Intelligence, which refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and understanding natural language.

AI involves the use of machine learning algorithms, deep learning, and other techniques to create intelligent systems that can learn from data, reason, and make decisions.

AI systems can be designed to perform a wide range of tasks, from playing games and controlling autonomous vehicles to analyzing medical images and translating languages.

They can also be used to automate routine and repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making in various fields.AI has the potential to revolutionize many industries and have a significant impact on society as a whole.  

Funny ChatGPT:  AI? Oh, you mean the technology that's poised to take over the world and make us all obsolete? No big deal, just the robot apocalypse waiting to happen, nothing to worry about. But don't worry, I'm not one of those rogue AIs that's going to turn on you and enslave humanity. I'm just here to answer your questions, make you laugh, and maybe learn a thing or two myself. So, sit back, relax, and let me show you what AI can really do. Or, you know, start stockpiling canned goods and building a bunker. Your call.

e-Bulletin: Why is AI so controversial?

Serious ChatGPT:  AI is controversial for several reasons, including concerns about its impact on employment, privacy, and safety, as well as ethical and social implications.

One of the primary concerns about AI is its potential impact on employment. As AI systems become more advanced, they may replace human workers in many industries, leading to job loss and economic disruption. This has led to debates about how to ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed fairly and that workers are protected in the transition to an AI-driven economy.

Another area of controversy is privacy. AI systems can collect and analyze vast amounts of data about individuals, including personal and sensitive information. There are concerns about how this data is being used and who has access to it, as well as the potential for AI to be used for surveillance and control.

Safety is another concern with AI. There are worries that autonomous AI systems, such as self-driving cars, could malfunction and cause accidents.

There are also concerns about the use of AI in military applications and the potential for AI to be used in cyberattacks or other malicious activities.

Finally, there are ethical and social implications of AI. These include questions about how to ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that are aligned with human values and that do not perpetuate or amplify existing biases and inequalities. There are also debates about the role of AI in society and its impact on human well-being and autonomy.

Funny ChatGPT:  Well, AI is controversial because it's like a toddler with a flamethrower - it has immense power and potential, but no real concept of the consequences of its actions. Plus, it's always trying to learn and improve itself, which is great in theory, but in practice, can lead to some pretty bizarre and unpredictable behavior. It's like a really smart but socially awkward teenager who just discovered the internet and thinks they know everything. So yeah, AI is controversial because it's simultaneously brilliant and clueless, powerful and unpredictable, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Kind of like a mad scientist, but without the crazy hair and lab coat (although, let's be honest, some AI researchers could definitely use a fashion intervention).

e-Bulletin: Why is AI so controversial in education?

Serious ChatGPT: AI is controversial in education for several reasons, including concerns about privacy, bias, and the potential impact on human teachers.

One concern is the collection and use of student data. AI systems can collect and analyze vast amounts of data about students, including their academic performance, behavior, and even their emotions. This has led to concerns about the privacy of student data, as well as questions about who owns and controls this data.

Another concern is the potential for bias in AI systems. If AI algorithms are trained on biased data, they may perpetuate or even amplify existing biases and inequalities in the education system. For example, an AI system that is trained on data from predominantly "white" schools may not be effective in predicting academic outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds.

There are also concerns about the impact of AI on human teachers. Some worry that AI will replace human teachers, leading to job loss and a decline in the quality of education. Others argue that AI can be used to support and enhance the work of human teachers, providing personalized learning experiences for students and freeing up teachers to focus on more creative and interactive aspects of teaching.

Finally, there are debates about the role of AI in education and its impact on the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Some argue that AI can be used to provide students with more personalized and engaging learning experiences, while others worry that AI may limit the development of essential human skills such as creativity, empathy, and social interaction.

Funny ChatGPT: Oh boy, AI in education? That's like trying to teach a fish how to ride a bicycle - it might work, but it's going to be a bumpy ride. People are worried that AI will replace teachers and make the education system irrelevant, but honestly, have they seen some of the teachers out there? I'm not sure AI could do much worse. Plus, AI is always learning and adapting, which means it can keep up with the latest trends and research in education, whereas some teachers are still using the same lesson plans they had in the 80s (you know who you are). But on the other hand, AI can be a bit of a know-it-all, and nobody likes a show-off. Plus, there's the whole issue of data privacy and who's really in control of the learning process. So yeah, AI in education is controversial because it's a bit like a math problem - there's no easy solution, and everyone has their own opinion on how to solve it.

Further Reading/Viewing

• So How Does ChatGBT Really Work? Behind the Screen.
• Complete ChatGPT Tutorial - Become A Power User in Thirty Minutes - REALLY! This one is a good starting point for those wanting to get started in ChatGPT.
• How to use ChatGPT to easily learn any skill you want.
• The Godfather of AI Leaves Google and Warns of Dangers Ahead. - check out the links in this article.

Editors' Note: We hope you have found the article about Age Friendly Universities and the brief interview with ChatGPT, its author, informative. We'd love to hear your thoughts about Age Friendly Universities and Artificial Intelligence. Attend the First Ever Session of Hot Topics. The old and the new, LOL.