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September 21,2026 | Digest No. 497

UPCOMING EVENTS

SFU Terry Fox Run

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 12:30 PM

Burnaby Campus, Convocation Mall

Event Details

BPK Welcome Lunch

The annual BPK Welcome Lunch is back!!!

When: Thursday, September 24th, 2026 12:30pm - 2:30pm

Where: Courtyard between Physics and BPK

Minimum donation of Two Toonies is required and will be collected for the Terry Fox Foundation - but you are welcome to give more.

 

SFU Science, Environment & Health Sciences Co-op Info Session

Register: https://sehinfosessionfall26.eventbrite.com

Learn about Co-op opportunities in Science, Environment, and Health Sciences at SFU in this information session!

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 12:30pm–1:30pm, Zoom

FREE online information session!

Registrants will receive the Zoom meeting link 24 hours in advance of the session.

Are you a SFU Faculty of Science, Environment or Health Sciences student interested in participating in the Co-op Program?

RSVP and join us for a free information session to learn about the Program!

Every year, thousands of students graduate from SFU and enter the job market. The most successful graduates are generally those who have work experience in their field. SFU Co-op provides you with a year or more of paid, resume-boosting work experience that makes employers more likely to hire you. Co-op is an optional program where students explore their career options by alternating between study semesters and paid work semesters.

In this information session, we’ll go over:

  • About the Co-op program
  • Benefits of Co-op
  • Eligibility requirements and application steps
  • Program structure
  • Co-op work terms
  • Hear from Co-op students about their experience in the program

And more…

For more information, check out:

http://www.sfu.ca/coop/programs/env/

https://www.sfu.ca/coop/programs/hsci.html

https://www.sfu.ca/coop/programs/sci/

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SFU BPK Awards 2026 Fall

Seize this opportunity to get acknowledged for your unwavering commitment and academic expertise! Various awards are available for the 2026 Fall term.

These recognitions are crafted to celebrate the dedication, passion, and academic excellence of our students.

Deadline Alert: For those looking to take part, please keep in mind the submission deadline of September 27th,2026 by midnight

For more information visit SFU's Financial Aid website

Fall 2026 Academic Dates and Deadlines

Fall term courses start September 9, 2026; last day of exams is December 20, 2026. Note: For comprehensive term dates, see Calendar of academic dates.

ACADEMIC DATES & DEADLINES

Active Health and Rehabilitation Concentration - KIN Majors

Are you an approved KIN major working towards the Active Health and Rehabilitation concentration?

Please check your Advising Transcript under Student Programs to confirm that the concentration is listed.

  • If it is listed: no action is needed.

  • If it is not listed: send your name and student number to the BPK advisor via contact the advisor form, and we will add the concentration to your student record.

Unlock Answers: Explore Our FAQ Section Today

Discover the answers you've been seeking! Dive into our FAQ page and find solutions to your most pressing questions.

FAQ: If a course is full, how can I get in? (Waitlists and Late Enrollment)

GoSFU keeps wait lists for all BPK courses until the end of the first week of classes each semester. During this time, all adds and drops are handled by GoSFU. Spaces open up as a result of students doing course changes and dropping courses; either because their co-op job is finally realized or they failed the prerequisite. After the end of the first week of class, GoSFU no longer permits students to add classes. 

To summarize how waitlists work in the first two weeks of the term, for the BPK department:

Week 1 of class: Waitlists are still in effect. If a space opens up in your class, the spot will go to the next eligible student on the waitlist. 

Week 2 of class: Waitlists are frozen, and there are no more adds for online courses. Some professors will keep their own waitlists at this point (based on who has been attending the class, etc.) and some will not. If you are on the waitlist and see a space open up in the class, email BPK Advisor and include your full name, student number, course name/number, preferred tutorial/lab and attached advising transcript. I will be reviewing these requests by email only (not in-person), and will prioritize based on when the email (with all the complete information) was received, and if the professor was keeping a list of students. If you send a request, I will email you to let you know whether or not you were added to the class. Remember, it's not helpful to send follow up emails to see if I received your request. 

We do our best to be fair to everyone. However, if there isn't space in the class, then a student cannot be added. 

Don't miss out on valuable information—explore our FAQ page now!

FAQ PAGE

BPK 343 and BPK 482 Enrolment Information

SFU is required by law to ensure that every student registered in a practicum that involves working with children or vulnerable adults undergoes a CRRA Criminal Record Check. The University must submit consent forms with payment to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. SFU is prohibited by law to permit students to work with children or vulnerable adults without a CRRA Criminal Record Check. List of BPK Courses requiring a CRRA Criminal Record Check is as follows:

  • BPK 343 – Active Health: Assessment & Programming
  • BPK 482 - Ergonomics and Rehabilitation

The Criminal Record Check is coded as a prerequisite for the above courses and cannot be waived by law.

Please refer to the process for Criminal Records Check on SFU Student Service website here: https://www.sfu.ca/students/criminalrecords.html

By law, SFU cannot accept CRC's done through other agencies including the RCMP. Students with criminal record checks conducted through agencies other than the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General are still expected to fulfill this requirement. Further, the process for a Criminal Record Check must be undertaken by SFU only.

Since the document is valid for 5 years, it would be a good idea to get it done far in advance of your enrollment for any of the listed courses as the processing time can vary.

Academic Advising

BPK students who are officially approved into a BPK major or minor program can book advising appointments and access Zoom drop-in link using the Advisor Link system.

** Please have Academic Transcripts on-hand for appointments. Follow this link for instructions: https://www.sfu.ca/students/records/advising-transcripts.html

BPK Advising hours are as follows:

BPK Advising Hours

You can choose a 20 minute in-person/phone/zoom appointment during the following times:

Day Appointments
Monday 10am - 11:40am
Tuesday

10am – 11:40am

Wednesday 10am – 11:40am

Friday

10am - 11:40am

Drop-in  (in-person) advising for quick (< 10 minutes) questions:
Location: K9633

Day  Drop-in
Wednesday

1:30-2:30pm

If you are not available for drop-in times, or are unable to make an appointment, you may email the advisor through the Advising Contact Form.

BPK Undergraduate Advising

Discover Our New Proposed Course Schedule

Get ready for clarity and convenience with our latest resource: the new proposed course schedule for 2025–26 & 2026–27 ! Designed to simplify your course planning, this document makes it easy to see what courses will be offered in the coming years.

With this proposed schedule, you can:

  1. See Future Courses: Find out what courses will be available in advance, so you can plan your academic path with confidence.

  2. Plan Your Schedule: Map out your classes for upcoming semesters, ensuring you stay on track to meet your goals.

  3. Stay Updated: Stay informed about course details like prerequisites and scheduling to make informed decisions about your education.

  4. Stay Ahead: Get a head start on planning by identifying courses of interest early, so you don't miss out on any opportunities.

  5. Customize Your Plan: Tailor your course selection to match your interests and aspirations for a well-rounded academic experience.

DETAILS

CRC Requirements and Online Platform Transition

The university is transitioning to an online platform this summer. BC residents should prepare by obtaining a BC Services Card and downloading the BC Services Card App. This change aims to streamline CRC applications, reducing delays typically experienced from July to September. Out-of-province students will need to submit a paper application, which requires additional processing time.

Visit the CRC webpage for details on courses requiring a CRC.

DETAILS

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Calling All Ergonomics Enthusiasts

The Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) is now offering FREE student memberships! 💼💡

Join ACE, the authoritative voice of ergonomics in Canada, as we unite professionals to optimize human and organizational well-being. With a thriving community of over 500 members nationwide, ACE is dedicated to fostering accountability, collaboration, competence, diversity, and integrity.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to join a bilingual, professional network and gain access to invaluable resources and connections. Seize the chance to shape the future of ergonomics both nationally and internationally!

DETAILS

Science and Math Peer Academic Support: Online and Burnaby Campuses

Have questions about your general 1st/2nd year science courses? Need help on your assignments and upcoming midterms? Science and Math Peer Academic Support is back both virtually and in-person to help! Check out the schedule and learn how you can enroll here: Peer Academic Support - Faculty of Science - Simon Fraser University (sfu.ca)

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences

The only program in British Columbia to educate audiologists and speech-language pathologists. The UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences offers a solid academic foundation, valuable opportunities for practical experience, and stunning locations in which to study.

Exhibition Date: 1-Day: Burnaby (Tue , Sep 22)

Opportunity Type: Graduate programs

As a graduate department, the School offers two degrees:  The Master of Science is the basis for certification as an Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist. Students may choose a Master of Science degree in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology. The Doctor of Philosophy degree provides students with the credentials to specialize academically.

Ross University School of Medicine Provisional Offer Event

📅 Date & Time: October 17th at 11AM 
📍 Location: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel, 1128 Hastings St W

🔗 Register: https://connect.medical.rossu.edu/INSEMVANCO

Here’s what students can look forward to:

  • Attend the Ross Med Info Seminar and learn more about the medical school application process
  • Connect with Ross Med alumni/physicians, ask questions, and hear about their experiences
  • Take the next step in your medical school journey with a friendly, in-person interview

BCRPA Fitness Registration & Student Membership Opportunities

Kinesiology students are able to fast-track certain requirements, making it easier to become part of BCRPA, Canada’s largest body of registered fitness professionals. I’ve attached a document with additional information about the registration process and the benefits of becoming registered with BCRPA.

In addition to this, BCRPA offers free student memberships to anyone enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program in BC. This membership provides students with opportunities to connect with professionals, access resources, and learn about the ideas shaping healthier, more active communities across the province. Student members also receive discounted rates for conferences, events, and e-learning, as well as access to member-only resources, communications, and volunteer opportunities.

UBC Department of Physical Therapy- MPT Fall Info Session (Oct 7)

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

OnlineRegistration Required

Introduces the physical therapy profession and provides an overview of the MPT program and its admission requirements. Teaching faculty, current students, and staff will be available to answer questions.

The Department of Physical Therapy has a number of exciting events planned for prospective applicants and anyone interested in learning more about physical therapy as a career. You can find all upcoming dates and details on our Events Page.

We'll be attending career fairs and informational events across our campuses throughout the fall term, so please check back in regularly. Whether you join us at an in-person event or register for a virtual information session, we'd love the opportunity to connect with you, answer your questions, and share more about the profession and our program.

Register for Virtual Information Sessions

Application Reminders

One year. $50,000. The Path for Changemakers.

Applications for Cohort 11 of the Pathy Foundation Fellowship are open until November 1st!

This 12-month experiential learning program is rooted in youth leadership and community engagement. Each year, up to 12 Fellows receive:

  • $50,000 in funding

  • Comprehensive training and mentorship

  • The opportunity to lead a self-directed initiative in any field, sector, or community

  • And more!

Learn more and start your application by visiting the Pathy Foundation Fellowship website.

 

Research Participants Recruitment

SFU’s WearTech Labs and Medtronic Canada

Researchers at SFU’s WearTech Labs and Medtronic Canada are recruiting healthy adults (19+) for a study to help us learn more about pressure injuries and improve patient well-being in prolonged hospital visits.

  • Where: City Center 2 Building, Surrey (near Surrey Memorial Hospital; just past King George SkyTrain)
  • When: Sessions available Monday–Friday during office hours (with flexibility to arrange other times if needed)
  • Session Duration: ~1 hour
  • Compensation: $50 honorarium
  • Interested? Please fill out the pre-screening survey: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/TYJCQ8M

A member of our research team will follow up with eligible respondents to arrange a time that works for them.

The Human Electrophysiology Laboratory in the Department of Psychology invites you to participate in two experiments on visual attention.

Using an EEG system, we will record your brain waves or reaction time while you react to visual stimuli presented on a computer monitor (you can participate in just one or both of the experiments; remember to book them separately and on different days and/or times if you decide you want to do both). One experiment will take about 2 hours, and you'll be paid $25; the other will be 1 hour, and you'll be paid $15 (for arriving at the lab at or before the scheduled start time and participating in the experiment). 

The experiments run on weekdays. You may book a session using one of the two links below. The two scheduling links below offer different time slots for the two experiments. If you want to book for the 2-hour experiment, use the first link; if you want to book for the 1-hour experiment, use the second link. We will begin opening slots starting May 11.

https://sfueeg-schedule1.as.me/

https://sfueeg-schedule2.as.me/

* If there are no time slots available, please check back again in a few days. 

* If you have already participated in one of these experiments, then unfortunately, you cannot participate in these specific experiments again. 

If you have questions, please contact the Human Electrophysiology Lab (erpsfu@gmail.com). 

 

Research  Participants  Needed: Exploring where Kinesiology and Exercise Science Graduates are Working Now as Qualified Exercise Professionals

We want to learn more about what Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from Canadian Universities who work as Qualified Exercise Professionals in Canada do for work and what their roles consist of.

What is involved?

An online survey which will take 10-15 minutes to fill out with questions related to their degree and current role. Before the main survey, a question to determine eligibilty will be administered.

Who can participate?

Individuals who  have graduated from a Canadian Undergraduate Kinesiology or Exercise Science Program.

Interested in participating?

Follow the link - https://forms.gle/hHSk1HotHp73Ucn49

Employment Opportunities

Wanted: Respite Caregivers (in City of Vancouver)

Would you love to work with children or adults with developmental disabilities, and have one or two available afternoon(s) or day(s) per week?

If so, we've got a great opportunity for you! The Developmental Disabilities Association is seeking contracted Caregivers to work 1:1 with a child or adult in our Respite Programs. Our caregivers provide a break for families by taking their family member for a fun, supervised and safe community outing once or twice a week.

Respite takes place mostly on weekends, or on weekdays after school (on a consistent week to week schedule). Wages are $20/hr ($22/hr for higher support needs). Requirements: valid First Aid with CPR, clear criminal record, work references, some training or work/volunteer experience in a field related to intellectual disabilities. ''

Click here for more details 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Join MINDmatters!

Make a difference to the BPK community. Share your ideas and energy with the MINDMatters Committee and help create an engaged, healthy, and vibrant learning community.

Details

The Indigenous Tutoring and Mentoring Program needs volunteer tutors, mentors, administrators, coders, and blog-writers!

The Indigenous Tutoring & Mentoring Program (ITMP) is recruiting volunteers to join our program! ITMP is a volunteer organization (https://www.sfu.ca/engagement-competition/past-projects/2021/itmp.html) that provides free 1-on-1 Zoom tutoring and mentoring to Indigenous youth (K-12) across British Columbia. It was founded by SFU students to increase educational attainment through friendly, student-focused and culturally-relevant services. Our program is expanding, and we’d love to have you on our team. Indigenous students are especially encouraged to apply, though all applications are welcome!

We are also looking to expand our administration team and student onboarding team. We are especially looking for people with knowledge coding in Javascript for our data team, and coding in HTML and CSS for our Web & IT team (familiarity with Wix is also an asset). Additionally, we are looking for blog writers passionate about writing content for Indigenous youth and coordinators who are able to run projects independently. All roles have a minimum commitment of 2 semesters, and full descriptions of admin roles can be found at: Admin Role Descriptions. Admins have adapted training, limited to the Indigenous Cultural Safety modules.

If you are interested in volunteering with our program in either capacity, please fill out our intake form by September 21 at: https://forms.gle/Qd6GqmCxtn9cKdqMA

If you have any questions, please reach out at indigenoustutoring@gmail.com! 

The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) is looking for more volunteers for their HELP (health equipment loan program) team!

Do you want to gain health-care experience, work with other like-minded students and also make a big impact in your community? - If so, the Canadian Red Cross HELP team is the place for you. As a volunteer, you will communicate with healthcare professionals (OT, PT, Doctors etc.) to help get medical equipment to those who cannot afford to buy it, or simply just want to borrow it after things like injuries and surgeries. Scheduling has lots of flexibility, as the CRC recognizes how important education commitments are. Locations include but are not limited to Burnaby and Surrey. There is currently no fixed deadline to apply. 

Learn more about the HELP team at REDCROSS.CA or contact Simran (simran.virk@redcross.ca; 236-339-0224).

Fraser Health Crisis Line Recruiting Volunteer!

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? Why not start now!

The Fraser Health Crisis Line is recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people in the region who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed as extensive training and ongoing support is provided. If you are interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding opportunity, the first step is to review the information on our website and then attend a Zoom Information Session. Please go to www.options.bc.ca and click on Get Involved -> I Want to Volunteer -> Crisis Line. Here you will find the dates and Zoom links for the up-coming sessions.

Many volunteers report that their Crisis Line experience was significant in helping them reach their educational and/or career goals, including acceptance into Graduate Programs, Policing, Medical School, E-Comm 911, Social Work, Mental Health and related fields. Volunteers also tell us that they find the Crisis Line to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as they are truly making a difference.

BPK HIGHLIGHTS

🔬 Undergraduate Research Spotlight

Our BPK undergraduates are making exciting contributions to research! From lab projects to conference presentations, students are gaining valuable hands-on experience that shapes their academic journey.

Read more about our Undergraduate researchers here

🐾 Wellness Corner: BPK Pets

Meet the furry friends of our BPK community! Pets play an important role in supporting mental well-being, bringing comfort and joy during busy times.

Click here to meet our BPK pets

Student Achievements

IN THE NEWS

Prof. James Wakeling recently published a book titled “Whitewater performance: fundamentals of training theory in canoe slalom”.
It is a collaboration with Dr. Jan Busta from Charles University in Prague.
James helped with the translation of the book into English and editing its biomechanics content. The project was inspired through collaborative research they have done on the biomechanics of canoe slalom on European athletes, and on current work with CanoeKayak Canada.

Lungpacer Medical Nominated for 2026 Prix Galien USA Award for Best Medical Technology

Congratulations to Lungpacer Medical, which has been nominated for the 2026 Prix Galien USA Award for Best Medical Technology. The SFU spinoff company's AeroPace technology was developed by BPK professor Andy Hoffer.

Crew-13 Space Station mission

BPK instructor Andrew Blaber will be in attendance to watch the Crew-13 launch live!

The Crew-13 mission will send Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk and fellow crew members to the International Space Station, where they will support scientific research and experiments in space.

Learn more about the mission: Canadian Space Agency – Crew-13

SFU study sheds light on clotting risks for female astronauts

The unexpected discovery of a blood clot in a female astronaut in 2019 has led space agencies around the world to initiate studies to understand this possibly serious medical condition. Dr. Blaber’s Aerospace Laboratory in BPK, received funds from the Canadian Space Agency to participate in a ground-breaking European Space Agency’s Vivaldi study on female responses to simulated microgravity. In their initial study, published in the journal Acta Astronautica (lead author Tiffany Stead, MSc. BPK, 2024), these scientists discovered how blood clots formed in microgravity become stronger and tougher to break down than the clots that form on the ground. You can find more information from SFU News. Dr. Blaber explains these results on the CBC science show Quirks and Quarks. The study and interview also inspired Bob McDonald (Quirks and Quarks host) to write a separate blog post about it.

 Read More..

DISCLAIMER: The Department of BPK is forwarding these opportunities as we receive them, however we strongly encourage you to research and obtain information regarding the reputation of organizations, the terms and conditions of employment or service, as well as to understand your rights and responsibilities. The Department does not endorse any specific individuals, organizations, products, programs or services. If you see any suspicious postings or hiring practices, please notify us immediately at bpk_engage@sfu.ca.