Vol. 10 Iss. 49

Volume 10 Issue 49 - 12/18/2002

Canadian Fed Watch! News Across The Nation:

Saskatchewan Strategy Paying Off The Provincial Government of Saskatchewan has begun to see results from its program of paying for health care students’ education on the condition that the students work within Saskatchewan once they’ve graduated. Over 250 students (SEE: http://www.gov.sk.ca/newsrel/2002/12/13-950.html) received bursaries ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, which means over 250 people have committed… Read more »

From My Perspective – A new grading system

AU is going to a new Alpha/4.0 grading scale for undergraduate studies, effective January 1, 2003. This is an important change; part of a province-wide project that will see all four of our universities moving to a common scale. What does this mean for students? Currently AU students are marked on a percent grade scale… Read more »

Dear Sandra

Dear Sandra, Last week my best friend’s father passed away after a brief fight with cancer. I want to be there for my friend in every way possible, but I don’t know how to deal with the delicate state she is in. She also has two children ages 5 and 7 whom I would like… Read more »

Hamilton

If I were to tell you about the city I live in, what would I say? I’d say it’s a town built on work; a town built on industry; a town built on the grit of people who either didn’t want to, or couldn’t, deal with building the city of Toronto (our neighbour by one… Read more »

What Do Holidays Mean To A DE Student?

Since becoming a full-time AU student in late 1998, I’ve had less time for Christmas than ever before. I’m not sure why that is – I study at home, on my own time, and I can arrange breaks any time I want – but this year is no exception. I thought I would be the… Read more »

The Christmas Party

The first thing I need to discuss is my shopping trip before I went to the party. I bought a lovely Poinsettia plant in an ivy hoop kind of thingee. The reason it is significant is the Feng Shui it awakens. The last time I had a poinsettia was about 5 years ago and it… Read more »

Bison: the other red meat? Worth a Second Look

According to the Canadian Bison Association, “bison is back.” This majestic animal, once nearly extinct, is again popular with consumers because of its flavourful and healthy meat. In 2001, Reader’s Digest named bison as the fourth most nutritious food product for women, and chefs like Bobby Flay feature bison on menus in their restaurants. Described… Read more »

The Harried Student: Thesis

Unashamedly exhausted, after hoarsely whispering “It is done,” he beseeched, “Why have you forsaken me?” and closed his eyes. I was not without heart; I could feel his pain. I knew he needed me to acknowledge the honour he had won for himself, our family, our country. The gruelling ritual was finally over. Sole representative… Read more »

PROFILES. AU STUDENT: Wayne E Benedict

The student/staff profile of those whose lives are involved with AU is a new column in The Voice. It is our hope that reading about those who are part of what makes AU unique will draw our students closer together although we span countries and continents. We are a part of AU, and as such,… Read more »

AU ANNOUNCEMENT: English and Math Assessments Online

Athabasca University’s Mathematics Diagnostic Assessment is now published online at: http://www.athabascau.ca/html/services/counselling/math/. Two versions of this online test contain 30 or 70 questions that will help assess students’ mathematical skills. Based on their score, the assessment will recommend which Athabasca University mathematics course a student is likely ready to take successfully. You may also find the… Read more »

NFB Film Club Edmonton – Free Screening of Canadian Documentaries

Upcoming free screening of Canadian documentaries – feature films co-sponsored with the Edmonton Public Library & CBC Radio One Showing @ the Milner Library Theatre downtown, 7 Churchill SQ. Time: 7-9 p.m. January 14: To My Birthmother …. Directed by Beverly Shaffer / Produced by Beverly Shaffer & Mark Zannis Delving into the past can… Read more »

AU School of Business Wins Award

AU’s list of honours continues to grow: the School of Business has been recognized with an E-Business Leadership Award. Awards were presented Nov. 28 in Edmonton to eight Alberta companies, communities and not-for-profit organizations that have demonstrated leadership and success in electronic commerce, learning, community support and other innovative ways of using the Internet. Singled… Read more »

Christmas Clichés and Contradictions

“?Tis the season to be jolly, and thank God for that (or, if you’re the type of person who is offended when someone tells you to have a Merry Christmas because you think they are, in some manner or another, trying to ram their religion down your throat while at the same time slyly taking… Read more »

THE CLASSIFIEDS!

CLASSIFIED SPACE: Students of AU may print classifieds in The Voice free of charge (maximum three per issue) as long as they are not representing a company or product. Classified ads must follow the direct guidelines and ethics stated in the Voice Policy and should be submitted to the editor at voice@ausu.org with “?CLASSIFIED AD’… Read more »

Canadian Diabetes Association Free pickup of dontated household goods

What We Do Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) is a non-profit, charitable organization with over 150 branches across Canada. CDA volunteers and staff work directly with people with diabetes and their families at the grass roots level. The CDA Collections Program collects clothing and reusable household items as an entrepreneurial fundraising venture. The funds raised from… Read more »

Are you an artist? AUSU Supports the arts!

AUSU is interested in purchasing original works of art from students for use in promotional purposes. These promotions may include: gifts from AUSU to graduates at convocation, tokens of appreciation for volunteers, special presentations, etc. The works of art must: -be created by an AU Student -be within a value range $0-$500. -be accessible or… Read more »

Notice to AU graduate students and those considering entering graduate studies at AU

Athabasca University Students’ Union is in the process of establishing an AU Graduate Students’ Association. Here’s a sampling of benefits of belonging to a Graduate Students’ Association: · Graduate student representation on University Committees · University and government advocacy and lobbying · Affiliation with provincial and national graduate students’ organizations · Assistance with university/student dispute… Read more »

AUSU Council News 2002 – WINTER, FALL, SPRING & SUMMER EDITIONS

on behalf of AUSU Winter Edition News from the November 28, 2002 council meeting AUSU met on November 28th, 2002, for a regularly scheduled council meeting. Items on the table for discussion included the post-secondary coalition to fight tuition increases and government under-funding (headed by CAUS), the CAUS media campaign to raise awareness about tuition… Read more »

Conference Connections. Contributed By AU’s The Insider

· CASE District VIII – March 8-11, 2003 – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – “Connect in Coeur d’Alene.” Details: http://www.connectincda.com AMTEC (Association of Media & Technology in Education in Canada) -“E-convergence: Education, Media & Technology” – May 25-28, 2003, Montreal, Quebec. Call For Papers deadline is Dec. 15, 2002. Details: http://www.amtec.ca · ICDE World Conference –… Read more »

Scholarship News

Kinsmen and Kinettes Bursary – Hal Rogers Endowment Fund Value: $1000 Application Deadline: February 1 Description: · Canadian citizens or permanent residents · Must be full-time students in the upcoming school year at a recognized post-secondary institution · Selection is based on demonstrated high ideals and qualities of citizenship · Recipients must not have previously… Read more »

NEWS FROM THE AGM Provided By AUSU Council

The 9th Annual General Meeting of AUSU was held this past Saturday, September 28 at 1:00 P.M. Eleven students were in attendance, nine in person and two via teleconference. Quorum was satisfied and the meeting could proceed. In the President’s welcome, Debbie Jabbour commented that the low attendance should not be taken as an indicator… Read more »

Vibrant Communities Initiative

Contributed by The Community Networks Group http://www.vibrantcommunities.ca Canada is a country of countless opportunities. We have exceptional health, education and social programs, a robust economy and a quality of life that is envied around the world. It’s hard to think of Canada as a “poor” country. And yet more than 16% of us live in… Read more »

CHANGES TO THE UNDERGRAD GRADING POLICY AT AU!

This is to advise you of an important change in the undergraduate Grading Policy at Athabasca University. Athabasca University has approved a new Alpha/4.0 grading scale for undergraduate studies effective January 1, 2003. The grades that students achieve will be stated, on transcripts and in student records, as alpha grades on a scale from A… Read more »

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Contributed By The Community Networks Group

AWARENESS PROGRAMS SOCIETY OF ALBERTA Volunteers Needed and Invited to Help Infoline: 924-3432 We are a volunteer, registered non-profit society, which has been serving the work of Wanjiku Kironyo in Kenya for seventeen years. Wanjiku works in the slum communities with the women and street kids, handicapped children and youth groups. Our chairperson, Rosalind Shepherd,… Read more »

CLASSIFIEDS!

CLASSIFIED SPACE: Students of AU may print classifieds in The Voice free of charge (maximum three per issue) as long as they are not representing a company or product. Classified ads must follow the direct guidelines and ethics stated in the Voice Policy and should be submitted to the editor at voice@ausu.org with “?CLASSIFIED AD’… Read more »

University Of Calgary Department Of Neuroscience Competition 2003

The Department of Neuroscience at the University of Calgary is holding a second National Neuroscience Competition to identify students to fly to Calgary for an all-expense-paid trip for 4 days in March 2003 to visit with group members. We are interested in meeting with undergraduate students taking courses relevant to neuroscience as well as graduate… Read more »

Free Health Benefits for Children in Low-income Families. From information provided by Alberta Human Resources and Employment

The Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB) provides children in low-income families with free: · Dental care · Prescription drugs · Eyewear · Emergency ambulance services · Essential diabetic supplies More families are now eligible for coverage through the ACHB because of increased income eligibility levels, which took effect July 1, 2002. These income levels are… Read more »

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Thanks to all of you who have been providing us with such great feedback on The Voice. Please continue providing your opinions, comments and support; any submissions can be sent to tmoore@ausu.org **PLEASE REMEMBER ALL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR INTENDED FOR PUBLICATION MUST BE MARKED “FOR PUBLICATION”. Accepted letters to the editor have not been… Read more »

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Thanks to all of you who have been providing us with such great feedback on The Voice. Please continue providing your opinions, comments and support; any submissions can be sent to tmoore@ausu.org **PLEASE REMEMBER ALL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR INTENDED FOR PUBLICATION MUST BE MARKED “FOR PUBLICATION”. Accepted letters to the editor have not been… Read more »