Vol. 23 Iss. 13

Volume 23 Issue 13 - 03/27/2015

Minds We Meet – Interviewing Students Like You!

Elizabeth Manderson is an AU student living in Moncton, New Brunswick, where in February she had a 7-ft snowbank in her yard. Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Elizabeth’s family moved to the Okanagan Valley in BC before landing in New Brunswick. Elizabeth is taking her third AU course while she figures out what path she wants… Read more »

From Where I Sit – Reading List

For a while now I’ve been making a list of the books I read in a calendar year. It’s nothing as fancy or official as entries in a book journal but it’s better than nothing. I list the month, book title, and author. Period. If I could locate the lists I’ve made in previous years… Read more »

The Study Dude – Stylish Academic Writing

There is nothing more that The Study Dude wants for you than for you to understand that when your eyes glaze over and confusion bemoans you while reading academic articles, chances are it is because the academic’s writing sucks. Well, in these articles, as The Study Dude, I’ll try to give you the study tips… Read more »

Dear Barb – The Spice of Life

Dear Barb: My husband and I have been married for quite a few years. For the most part we are happy, except that he is always criticizing me. He makes me feel like I can’t do anything right. When we are talking with friends, he often corrects my words or dates, which I admit may… Read more »

Primal Numbers – Flying Cars

Science fiction is full of ideas that sound cool in theory but would probably turn out lousy in practice. Things like building a theme park full of dinosaurs or creating a robot army. Flying cars are another sci-fi staple that everyone loves. But now that they’re almost reality, there are plenty of reasons to wish… Read more »

The Travelling Student – Aloha!

My name is Philip Kirkbride. I’m a college graduate from Ontario studying at AU. I’ve always wanted to do an exchange program or study abroad but never found the right time to do so. This is the story of how Athabasca University has allowed me to create my own study abroad program. In the last… Read more »

Music Review – Melody

Album: Melody Artist: Ensemble Du Verre Taking twenty minutes to sit back and relax can be very beneficial to your health. However, if you find complete silence unnerving, like me, finding the right music to listen to while taking a moment for yourself is important. Melody from Ensemble Du Verre is perfectly suited to carry… Read more »

The Mindful Bard – Navegar

Album: Navegar Artist: Bïa Krieger “I want the songs to be naked but their nudity is so beautiful you don’t feel there’s something missing. It’s just that you can finally listen to all those beautiful sounds. I felt I was bringing something that was very feminine, very sensual and warm. Like diving into this tropical… Read more »

Health Matters – Iron Deficiency-True or False?

Fatigued? Dark circles under the eyes? Lost your motivation and “get up and go”? You could be suffering from iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency is a common cause of fatigue in North America, especially among women. Routine statistics show that one in four North American women is iron deficient, making women up to three times… Read more »

In Conversation with Peter Koronios of The Black Atlas, Part II

“The Black Atlas” is the alias of Peter Koronios, a solo artist who creates an intriguing blend of ambient and grunge rock. He’s recently released a brilliant cover of Florence and the Machine’s “What the Water Gave Me,” as a follow-up to his latest EP, The Other. Koronios, spent eight months teaching himself guitar, bass,… Read more »

Woes of an English Major

Going back to school can be a tough decision. Going back through distance education can be even tougher. Questions haunt you: will I have the dedication to see this through? do I really know what I am getting myself into? I don’t want to waste my money, what if I try a course and it… Read more »

Preparation – The Key To Exam Success

When Woody Allen said “80 percent of success in life is just showing up,” he was not referring to exams. Yes, showing up is critically important?think of the alternative?but what’s going to make the biggest impact on your exam success is your preparation. Studying, although of paramount importance, is only part of preparation. There is… Read more »

Editorial – A Lose-Lose Budget

Yesterday, the PC Government of Alberta released its much warned about “dire” budget. Most came away saying, no doubt as intended, “Well, that wasn’t so bad.” I’m not one of them. A lot of people who have anything against the budget are most upset about the lack of any corporate tax increase. Personally, I think… Read more »

Student Sizzle! – AU Social Media

AUSU Student Forums In the General Student Chat forum, user “8897430” wants to know if AU offers e-mail accounts to students. In the Business and Administration course discussion forum, “VickiA” seeks help on assignment 4 of ECON 401. Other topics include curling, and courses MATH 265 and SOCI 321. AthaU Facebook Group Annie wants to… Read more »

Click of the Wrist – Blast from the Past

Spring has sprung?on the calendar, at least?and maybe That’s finally given you the motivation you’ve been waiting for to declutter the basement or attic. On the other hand, if you’d like to revel in the past but would rather procrastinate than actually sort and clean, this week’s links are for you. No broom or plastic… Read more »

International News Desk – At Home and Abroad

At Home: Alberta Budget Ominous on Tuition The Alberta Budget has come down, and with it, the amount that Alberta will provide to its “public” post-secondary institutions. Contributions to post-secondary operating costs and student bursaries will be cut by 55 million dollars. More concerning though is the government is suggesting that it needs to re-examine… Read more »

AUSU Update

This space is provided free to AUSU: The Voice does not create or edit this content. Contact ausu@ausu.org with questions or comments about this page. IMPORTANT DATES – March 31: Last day to extend courses ending April 30n – April 1: Deadline to apply for June convocation – April 3-6: Easter Weekend ? AU &… Read more »