Vol. 28 Iss. 26

Volume 28, Issue 26 - 06/26/2020

A Re-imagined Convocation

Graduation as a Time-honored Tradition As AU students and staff prepare for a modified “Reimagined Convocation” on October 2, 2020, we have time to consider what impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on recent graduates.  As a time-honored tradition dating back to the 1800s, university convocation represents a university’s history and successes.  Gowns and caps… Read more »

Five New Hobbies to Start During COVID-19

Musical hobbies: Having taken piano lessons at a young age, I’ve always been a fan of self-expression at the piano.  It was a chance to be distanced from the bustle of everyday life and connect with myself.  I found that even at the most anxious and stressful moments, I have always found solace in playing… Read more »

Fly on the Wall—How About a Little Music

Music soothes the savage beast, goes the old aphorism, and when we need a study break nothing quite beats a little rocking it out and dancing it up courtesy of our favourite genre.  Ambient soothing auras can be an auditory study buddy and so can more in-your-face lyricisms.  A question I have, though, is where… Read more »

Council Connection—June 17, 2020 Meeting

The most recent AUSU Council Meeting took place on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm MT. All Councillors were in attendance, with the exception of Councillor Katherine Hadden.  Also in attendance was The Voice’s Council Meeting Reporter Natalia Iwanek. Key items included Policy Revisions, Council Reports, and the Indigenous Student Representation Committee…. Read more »

Homemade is Better—Saskatoon Pie

It’s almost Canada Day, and I was reflecting on Canadian desserts.  Some tasty Canadian treats include the Beavertail, Nanaimo Bars, Butter Tarts, Sugar Pie, Flapper Pie, Sweet Bannock, and, of course, Saskatoon Berry Pie!  Last year we went berry picking at a farm near Sherwood Park (a suburb of Edmonton for those who live elsewhere). … Read more »

The Creative Spark!—“Like Wow!”

Do you want your character to sound like a genius, a doting mother, or a valley girl?  You can sound like anyone you want with some tweaks in your dialogue.  Typically, your personality dictates what words you choose, unless you change your traits. But ultimately, you want all your story dialogue to sound tight. Here’s… Read more »

Dear Barb—Daughter’s Desires

Dear Barb: Hi, I am a middle age man in my fifties and I just met a wonderful woman and we are planning to marry.  We both lost our spouses tragically to cancer.  I don’t have any children, but my fiancé has a daughter who is 20 years old.  I thought I got along pretty… Read more »

Editorial—Prepare to Pay More

If you’re looking to get into a course this summer, you may want to pre-purchase it right now, because as of Monday, June 29, the cost is going to go up by 2% if you use Mastercard or Visa to pay for your courses.  If you typically purchase your courses with American Express, you will… Read more »

Visibility and Representation

Misrepresentative and often dehumanizing single narratives are often seen in literature, film, art, and media.  These stories are frequently one-dimensional and often-inaccurate portrayals of communities, often resulting in mistreatment and violence from society and internalized oppression and diminished self-worth for those affected.  In her immensely popular 2009 TED talk, The Danger of a Single Story,… Read more »

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 Jun 30: Deadline to apply for course extension for Jul Jul 10: Deadline to register in a course starting Aug 1 Jul 15: Aug degree requirements deadline Jul 15: AUSU Public Council… Read more »

AU-Thentic Events

“M ED?” Mon, June 29, time t.b.a. Online Hosted by AU www.athabascau.ca/online-learning/how-au-works/open-house/ Register through above link Bannock and a Movie July Edition – Inuit and Inuk Stories July 1 to July 31 Online Hosted by AU news.athabascau.ca/events/bannock-and-a-movie-inuit-inuk-stories Access through above link The Grad Lounge Fri, July 3, 1:00 to 2:00 pm MDT Online via Microsoft… Read more »

Student Sizzle—AU Social Media

AthaU Facebook Group Ella seeks resources for proofreading assignments; responses laud AU’s Write Site, among other tips.  Bari asks for AU’s enrolment office email address to follow up on transfer credits; along with the email address, students caution that wait times are longer due to the COVID situation.  Jen is concerned about losing access to… Read more »

Scholarship of the Week

Scholarship name:  AU’s 50th Anniversary I-CARE Completion Bursary Sponsored by:  Athabasca University Deadline:  July 15, 2020 Potential payout:  Tuition credit for a single, 3-credit course Eligibility restriction:  Applicants must be enrolled in an undergrad or grad program at AU, have no more than 15 AU credits to complete for their undergrad program or no more… Read more »