We, the undersigned, are aware that Dr. Daniel Campbell’s current contract is set to expire June 30, 2011 and that currently there is no intention on the University’s part to allow tenure. We urge the Biology Department and Laurentian University to i.) immediately create a permanent role for a research faculty member concentrating in ecology / restoration ii.) outline in the Biology Department Strategic Plan support for the preceding point, iii.) retain Dr. Campbell beyond the currently non-renewable contract end date and iv.) we support the following points, as brought forward by the Biology Graduate Student Body:

1. Laurentian University must continue to invest in environmental restoration research in the Biology Department.

- Laurentian University’s vision for the future development of research, as outlined in the LU Strategic
Research Plan, is based upon the University’s integral role in the sustainable development and cultural, social, and economic transformation of Northeastern Ontario.

- Daniel Campbell’s current research focus is in restoration ecology in the Far north and contributes to three of the five areas of focus as outlined in the Laurentian University Strategic Research Plan:
                             i.) Mineral Resource Science and Engineering
                             ii.) Environmental Sciences
                             iii.) Regional Economic, Political, Social, and Cultural Development

- His research program includes participation from the local First Nations community, as well as directly
contributes to natural resource / economic development and its responsible management.

- He currently holds an NSERC collaborative research and development grant with De Beers Canada and the Centre for Excellence and Mining Innovation (CEMI) valued at $437,000. Benefits of subsequent grants will go unrealised by Laurentian in Dr. Campbell’s absence.

2. It is important for Laurentian University and the Sudbury community that Dr. Daniel Campbell retains employment at the University, so that he may continue his contributions to both.

- In the less-than five years at Laurentian, Dr. Campbell has supervised six MSc students, six undergraduate thesis students and numerous field assistants.

- He teaches in both French and English at a university that uniquely attracts students from both languages.

- He teaches quantitative ecology, a 4th year ecological statistics course in which Graduate students often enrol, as already the number of graduate level courses offered in Biology at Laurentian is limited.

- He is involved in numerous Departmental committees including the Curriculum Committee.

- As a representative of Laurentian University, he participates in community events and initiatives, such as post secondary education fairs at local schools and the Sudbury Biodiversity Action Plan.

Respectfully,

the Undersigned

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