Vol. 24 Iss. 33

Volume 24 Issue 33 - 08/26/2016

Minds We Meet – Interviewing Students Like You!

Originally from Victoria, Mia Wiens is working on her Diploma of Arts from AU while living in Medicine Hat, where she recently moved after spending four years in Calgary, Alberta. But AU is not her first distance education experience. She was kind enough to take some time out of her schedule to tell The Voice… Read more »

The Creative Spark!

I’m prepping to write part two?the last part? of the comedy articles. But truth be told, I feel down-spirited today, ready to burst into tears. Not a funny bone in my body. You see, an article series I labored over for weeks?my tongue-in-cheek magnum opus?got scrapped without a penny payout. But I face the task… Read more »

The Mindful Bard – The Dictator’s Last Night

Book: The Dictator’s Last Night (link) Author: Yasmina Khadra “They have crossed out my slogans, disfigured the portraits of me that decorated the facades of buildings … Is that how people show love for their guide? Did this people love me sincerely, or was it merely a mirror reflecting back to me my own exaggerated… Read more »

The Study Dude – Scrawl on It

There is nothing more that The Study Dude wants for you than to scrawl all over your books. Well, in these articles, as The Study Dude, I’ll try to give you the study tips you need to help make your learning easier. I’ll also give you straight and honest opinions and personal anecdotes?even the embarrassing… Read more »

Music Review – Samuel Jack

Musician: Samuel Jack Single: “Making It Rain” Fans of Hozier, Jack Savoretti, Ben Howard, and Jake Bugg will be excited to learn that there is an upcoming musician that is sure to stir audience’s hearts – Samuel Jack. This London, England, born musician is releasing his debut EP Let It All Out today, and his… Read more »

Dear Barb – Taking the Plunge

Dear Barb: Hi, I am in my early twenties and have been out of school for a few years. I have a two-year-old who I am supporting on my own. It’s been hard making ends meet financially, so I am considering applying to university or college to further my education. The problem is I will… Read more »

Editorial – French Borscht.

If you haven’t heard, there’s a furor right now over the burkini. This piece of swimwear, developed in 2003 in Australia, is basically a two-piece suit consisting of leggings and a long-sleeved top with a hood. The Mayor of Nice, the city so recently the victim of the terrorist truck attack, has banned the garment… Read more »

Together

As the 2016 Summer Olympics come to a close, many athletes and spectators will reflect upon their favourite victories and certain (seemingly devastating) losses. Apart from the entertainment and world-class athletics, I feel that the most prominent aspect of the games is the comradery and friendship that these games initiate, for both athletes and spectators… Read more »

Topless Women and UFOs

Quick! Check the weather forecast. It’s almost time for International Go Topless Day! Held annually on the Sunday closest to August 26?Women’s Equality Day?this year’s topless event is scheduled for Sunday, August 28. The annual Go Topless Day event is held to support the right of women to go topless in public. As the official… Read more »

Man Caves, She Sheds and the Art of the Personal Sanctuary

The man cave is now such a ubiquitous part of modern popular culture that it is almost taken for granted. The image of blokes tinkering in their garage, woodshop, or other designated area with the caveat that all others should stay out of their sacred space seems to be entrenched in what the idea of… Read more »

The Pros to Social Media

Social media can seem like a daunting undertaking. There are many platforms to choose from and many wonder if any are worthwhile or just an enormous waste of time. What good could come of being on various social media? Other than it being a solid procrastination tool, it has many other benefits. Depending on exactly… Read more »

Student Sizzle! – AU Social Media

AthaU Facebook Group Jake wonders how long it takes for an online exam to be marked. Amanda is taking her first exam with ProctorU and asks for tips on using the service. Michelle compliments tutors on reaching out to students through the Facebook page during the recent e-mail malfunction. Other posts include grouped study courses,… Read more »

Eco-Education Abroad

Education is not constrained by textbooks and writing papers, and Athabasca University is offering its students an opportunity to take their studies to Europe and learn their lessons firsthand. From September 11 to 23, AU students have the opportunity to gain insight and awareness in the field of international social co-operatives in Monte Genezzo, Tuscany…. Read more »

Women of Interest – Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice was born November 14, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama. She was the first female African-American Secretary of State and the second African-American Secretary of State following Colin Powell. Rice was the first female National Security Advisor and served during President Bush’s first term in office from January 20, 2001 – January 26, 2005. As… 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 – Aug 31: September course extension deadline – Sept 6: AU Open House Webinar – Sept 10: Deadline to register in a course starting Oct 1 – Sept… Read more »

Canadian Education News

Alberta education minister supports LGBTQ students According to Global News, David Eggen, Education Minister in Alberta, emphasized support for the LGBTQ community. He stated this in an open letter via the social media platform Facebook on August 16. He said students should form Gay-Straight Alliances. In the letter, he said, “You have the right to… Read more »