Nat Writes is a AU graduate who enjoys writing about literature, student concerns, and education.
The most recent AUSU Council Meeting took place on Thursday, April 16, 2020 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm MT. All Councillors were in attendance, with the exception of Councillor Melinda Goertz, as well as incoming council observing. Also in attendance was The Voice’s Managing Editor Karl Low and Council Meeting Reporter Natalia Iwanek. Key items… Read more »
During tragedies, society often experiences a noticeable uptick in the number of conspiracy theorists as humanity struggles to make sense of our rapidly changing and often unexplainable world. When events are so beyond our comprehension and current reality, what might typically seem like an outlandish conspiracy theory may, in fact, bring comfort. Surely, a sinister… Read more »
While COVID-19 has the ability to take a toll on all members of society, various marginalized communities face disproportionately high risks. Earlier last month, the Canadian government announced the closure of the Canadian border to anyone except Canadian citizens and permanent residents, leaving many individuals, including temporary foreign workers (TFW), unsure of their future. However,… Read more »
Famed American author Toni Morrison once said, “Delving into literature is not escape, nor a sure-fire route to comfort. It’s been a constant, sometimes even violent, but certainly always a provocative engagement with the contemporary, the modern world. The issues of the society we live in.” In today’s unpredictable times, we may find ourselves turning… Read more »
Despite its seemingly altruistic name, the health and wellness industry has been steadily profiting from COVID-19, unconcerned with medical professionals’ dire predictions of the pandemic’s ultimate human cost, as well as society’s current needs. Although the industry’s exploitation of individuals’ insecurities is not a new phenomenon, during the current pandemic, it feels particularly unethical. In… Read more »
On March 9, 2020, the Canadian government introduced Bill C-8 to ban conversion therapy, a discredited practice that attempts to change the sexual orientation and gender identity of the LGBTQ2 community through various means, including therapy and medication. This bill is premised on the fact that conversion therapy undermines the dignity of the queer community… Read more »
The most recent AUSU Council Meeting took place on Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm MT. All Councillors were in attendance, with the exception of Councillor Melinda Goertz and Member Services Coordinator Donette Kingyens, with the addition of the incoming council observing. Also in attendance was The Voice’s Council Meeting Reporter Natalia… Read more »
Canada has experienced increased changes in its distance educational model amidst 2019’s significant upheavals and 2020’s COVID-19. On June 17, 2019, the Canadian Virtual University-Université Virtuelle Canadienne (CVU-UVC) officially disbanded. Originally created to highlight and promote online education across Canada, the consortium allowed universities to work together to allow easier transfer of credits across institutions. … Read more »
In recent months, students and teacher associations have continued to decry provincial governmental policies by Alberta’s United Conservative Party (UCP) under Jason Kenney and Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government under Doug Ford amidst cuts to education. Early this month, the Alberta provincial government announced its plans to not renew Alberta Distance Learning Centre’s (ADLC) service agreement… Read more »
For many students who do not fit the traditional educational mold, whether as a result of work commitments, family duties, or even identity, alternative schooling options offer a sense of hope. Although uncommon, over the years, innovative schools with unique philosophies have quietly educated generations of graduates worldwide. Notable examples include distance education options, such… Read more »