AUSU Update

This space is provided free to AUSU: The Voice does not create or edit this content. Contact services@ausu.org with any questions. IMPORTANT DATES

May 10: Deadline to register in a course starting Jun 1
May 15: Jun degree requirements deadline
May 20: AUSU Public Council Meeting
May 30: Deadline to apply for course extension for June
Jun 10: Deadline to register in a course starting Jul 1
Jun 15: Jul degree requirements deadline

Advocacy for Indigenous Learners

The AU Students’ Union recognizes that Indigenous learners experience many barriers to accessing post-secondary education in Canada, and we are working to develop support and recognition for indigenous students at Athabasca University and across Canada.

AUSU executive has worked with Indigenous student leaders across Canada to address barriers for Indigenous People, worked on facilitating policy developments for an inclusive post-secondary system, and advocated for the development of an Indigenous Student Circle at AU and additional support for Indigenous students.

AUSU council recently approved out new AUSU position policy to direct the Students’ Union in its advocacy efforts on behalf of Indigenous students, including:

improvements to accessibility and resources for Indigenous learners.
inclusivity of Indigenous views and knowledge throughout institutional development, research, curriculum development, and teaching methods.
acceptance and implementation of the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada as it relates to post-secondary education.
advancement of reconciliation efforts.
implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
recognition that Indigenous peoples have the right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations which should be appropriately reflected in curricula.

Thank you to Natasha Donahue (current AUSU President & former VP External & Student Affairs) for her amazing work on these initiatives.

Click here to read the full policy.

Student Support for COVID-19 & Natural Disasters

Athabasca University Covid-19 Support for Students

Athabasca University has many supports in place for students impacted by COVID-19, including free course extensions, exam rebooking, exam accommodations, course restarts for front-line workers, and more.

For information on AU support for students, visit the AU website here.

If learners would like extra assistance with any academic challenges they may be facing, they can also schedule an online appointment to speak with a counsellor using the appointment request form here.

Mental Health Support

Athabasca University has a FREE mental health and wellness program through Homewood Health to provide students with counselling, as well as coaching and services on a variety of topics relating to mental health and wellness.

For immediate help, call Homewood Health, anytime:

1-800-663-1142 (English) /1-866-398-9505 (French)

1-888-384-1152 (TTY/hearing impaired)

1-877-301-4776 (Outside of Canada)

Disaster Relief

Spring and Summer, unfortunately, can bring floods and fires. There are many support in place for students impacted by natural disasters, which are outlined on the university website here, or you can email ausu@ausu.org for assistance navigating supports.