CNS University Student Representative Program

The CNS University Student Representative (USR) program is designed to maximize student engagement in educational, professional development, and networking opportunities within nutrition and related fields. The USR program offers the opportunity for students to develop personal and professional skills in organization, communication, and networking.

The CNS USR program is currently overseen by the following members of the CNS Trainee Leadership Committee (TLC), in addition to CNS Administrators:

• Danyelle Liddle, CNS Trainee Leadership Committee Chair
  PhD Candidate, Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph

• Sylvia Rinaldi, CNS Trainee Leadership Committee Member
  PhD Candidate, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Western Ontario

• Brock Williams, CNS Trainee Leadership Committee Member
  PhD Candidate, Food, Nutrition and Health Program, University of British Columbia

CNS aims to secure one volunteer student or post-doctoral fellow USR and one Faculty Advisor at every Canadian institution with a nutrition or related program.

If you are interested in serving as a USR or Faculty Advisor, contact universitystudentrep@cns-scn.ca.

University Student Representatives

USRs play an important role, as student leaders, in growing and sustaining their institution’s student nutrition community. During physical distancing, this role is especially important to engage and support fellow nutrition trainees. USRs are supported by the CNS TLC and a University Faculty Advisor to maximize student engagement through:

• Promoting CNS and other relevant events, webinars, networking opportunities, and news among students at their institution
• Encouraging and, when possible, facilitating student attendance of the CNS Annual Conference and other in-person and virtual CNS events
• Organizing local educational, professional development, and/or networking opportunities for students that align with the CNS mission to promote nutrition science and education, and advocate for best practices and policies that value the importance of nutrition to the health of all Canadians

The time commitment for USRs is estimated to be 10 hours each semester. USRs hold a 1-year tenure, beginning in August (or immediately thereafter) and ending the following July. USRs will be supported by the TLC and provided with sample communication strategies, emails, posters, newsletters, events, etc.

DOWNLOAD USR Job Description  POST & CIRCULATE AT YOUR INSTITUTION

How to apply?

Interested USR candidates are invited to submit an application to universitystudentrep@cns-scn.ca. Candidates must be current CNS members. Applications must include an up to date Curriculum Vitae and cover letter, as a single PDF. Letters of recommendation will also be accepted but are not mandatory.

Faculty Advisors

University faculty advisors are integral to the success of the USR Program. The time commitment for faculty advisors is estimated to be 4 hours per semester. They support the USR in carrying out their activities and are involved with:

• Circulating the call for applications to fill a vacant USR position (if needed)
• Reviewing USR applications and participating in the selection of the best candidate (if needed)
• Supporting the USR in organizing educational, professional development, and/or networking opportunities (in-person and virtual)
• Assisting the USR with securing guest speakers for local CNS-SCN seminars (in-person and virtual)
• Supporting the USR with identifying and securing sources of funding (in addition to what may be available from CNS), venues, etc.
• Providing feedback on USR communication materials (such as newsletters)
• Encouraging CNS-SCN membership and involvement within and outside of his/her faculty

How to get involved?

Interested Faculty members are encouraged to contact universitystudentrep@cns-scn.ca for more information.
 

Contact universitystudentrep@cns-scn.ca for more information about the USR Program.