As the current CBS graduate student representative, CBS undergraduate student representative and local conference organizers, we are pleased to invite you to attend the 20th Canadian Bioethics Conference, “Just Evidence?” held in Hamilton Ontario June 11-14, 2009.

What You Need to Know

Definition of a Student

A student should be currently enrolled (full or part time*) pursuing undergraduate or graduate education. High school students and post-graduate also qualify as students for the reduced conference rate, but are not eligible for any awards.
Proof of studentship is required to:

• receive the student registration rate,
• receive a student award

A letter from a University or college department or professor confirming student status is sufficient. A photocopy of a valid student identification card is also acceptable.
* part-time students must be taking a minimum of 2 courses and working toward a degree

Attention Undergraduate Students!

Take advantage of the unique opportunities provided by the Canadian Bioethics Society!  This conference is a great opportunity for students just entering bioethics, offering student events where undergrads can meet, greet and get to know people who are well established in the field!

Make new contacts with other undergrads interested in bioethics as well as bioethics grad students at the Student Meet and Greet.  Chat with preeminent bioethicists over coffee and croissants at the Student-Mentor Breakfast.  Get to know what’s new in bioethics, and hear about the options available in research and careers!

Undergraduate students are eligible for the student abstract award, which helps cover the costs of the conference. Student Travel Bursaries are being offered by the Canadian Bioethics Society to help you on you way!

Student Abstract Competition

Deadline:  February 9, 2009
Using the < Official Abstract Form (English)> or < Formulaire officiel de présentation des résumes (French) >and following submission guidelines in the Call for Abstracts, please submit abstracts to be considered in the Student Abstract Competition to: studentscbs@gmail.com on or before the February 9th deadline.

Students are welcome to submit the same abstract to both the student competition and the general competition. However, if the same abstract is chosen for both, the student only presents once.

Students are only allowed to submit one (1) abstract to the competition, since each student is only allowed to win one of these awards per year.

The 7 students whose abstracts are selected for this competition will receive cheques for $750 at the annual Student Business Meeting, Friday June 12, 2009 7:30-8:30.

Student Travel Bursaries

Deadline: April 30, 2009

Students may apply to the Canadian Bioethics Society for travel bursaries on a needs basis.

Any student who is a member of the Canadian Bioethics Society is eligible for the Student Travel Bursary. The Program is not limited to individuals whose abstracts were selected for oral (or poster) presentations. Eligible students should clearly demonstrate the academic benefit of attending the conference.

In order to obtain the bursary, students must become members of the Canadian Bioethics Society (if they are not already) and must also register for the 20th Annual Canadian Bioethics Conference.

How to apply: Applications must be submitted to studentscbs@gmail.com on or before the April 30th deadline.

Applications must include:

• A completed < application form >
• A one-page document describing the benefits you would derive from attending the conference and explaining how the travel bursary is necessary to facilitate your attendance at the Conference.
• Proof of studentship (See definition of a student above).

Applications will be processed and evaluated at the end of April. All applicants will receive a response by e-mail in May.

The 8 students whose applications are selected for this competition will receive cheques for $200 at the annual Student Business Meeting, Friday June 12, 2009 7:30-8:30.

For more details on the application please click < here >.

Student events

Please plan to attend the following student events (locations to be announced):

• < Student Meet & Greet >: Thursday June 11, 2009 5:30-7:00 PM
• < Student Business Meeting >: Friday June 12, 2009 7:30-8:30 AM
• < Student-Mentor Breakfast >: Saturday June 13, 2009 7:30-8:30 AM
• < Student Evening Social >: Saturday June 13, 2009 7:00-10:00 PM

Accommodation

Students are welcome to stay at the Sheraton Hotel where the conference is being held. We have also arranged cheaper on-campus accommodation in one of the residences. Please be aware that the conference is in downtown Hamilton, a 20 minute bus ride from the campus. The rates are single $49.75 per night or double $41.10 per person, per night (+ 10% taxes). Booking deadline May 13th.

Book on Campus Accommodation: http://conference.mcmaster.ca/conf_accom_forms.html

Do you want to volunteer at the 20th CBS conference?

There are 6 volunteer positions available from the CBS executive. The CBS executive will pay the registration fees for the chosen volunteers. The intent of the CBS volunteer program is to help make the conference more accessible to a larger group of students. Volunteers will be chosen based on their proven involvement with the CBS student group, and demonstrated financial need. If you are interested in volunteering for the conference, please send me an email at Meredith.schwartz (at) dal.ca

Are You Interested in Being the Next CBS Graduate Student Representative?

Meredith’s term as graduate student representative is ending and we are seeking an energetic and enthusiastic graduate student rep for the 2009-2011 term. The graduate student representative works with the undergraduate student representative to coordinate student programs. The graduate student rep participates in all Executive meetings, teleconferences, serves on sub-committees as required and submits a student update report twice a year for submission in the Newsletter.

Elections for this position will be held at the student business meeting on Friday June 12, 2009 7:30-8:30 AM at the 20th Canadian Bioethics Society conference.

A valid nomination requires that the candidate submit a short (less than one-half page) biographical sketch on the official nomination form, indicating interests and background, along with a letter of agreement to stand. Candidates must be members of the Canadian Bioethics Society and nominations
should be submitted by May 31, 2009 to:
Dr. Paddy Rodney
Chair, Nominating Committee
c/o Lydia Riddell
561 Rocky Ridge Bay NW
Calgary, AB   T3G 4E7
Phone: (403) 208-1619
lmriddell@shaw.ca

Sincerely,

Meredith Schwartz
PhD Student, Dalhousie University Department of Philosophy
Canadian Bioethics Society Graduate Student Representative
E-mail: meredith.schwartz (at) dal.ca

Gina Freeman
Undergraduate Student, University of Calgary
Canadian Bioethics Society Undergraduate Student Representative
E-mail: freemang (at) telus.net

Lucy Langston
MA Student, McMaster University Department of Philosophy
Chair, Canadian Bioethics Society McMaster Student Conference Committee
E-mail: langstlj (at) univmail.cis.mcmaster.ca