Vol. 28 Iss. 39

Volume 28, Issue 39 - 10/02/2020

Minds We Meet—Tianna Vonkeman

Who are your fellow students?  It can feel like you’re all alone in your studies, but across the nation, around the globe, students like you are also pursuing their AU education, and The Voice Magazine wants to bring their stories to you and vice versa.  If you would like to be featured next, do not hesitate to get… Read more »

Fly on the Wall—Virtual Convocation 2020

To all the 2020 graduands, congrats!  And for the rest of us grads, future and past, let’s rest on our virtual laurels for a moment and consider the conquest that’s been.  Many of our peers would shudder to attempt distance education.  AU is not for the faint of heart or slack of skill.  We learn… Read more »

Homemade is Better—Time versus Temperature

Last week I wrote about how I used my new sous vide machine to make dinner.  An acquaintance, whose son is in my Beaver Scout group, started up an interesting discussion on time versus temperature in cooking and how many websites promote potentially dangerous temperatures or cooking methods to ensure your food is cooked.  I… Read more »

The Study Dude—Four Ways to Improve Your Analysis Papers

Your analysis papers could nail perfect grades.  Analysis papers zero in on movies, books, or pieces of writing.  Analysis papers will tear it apart, dispassionately but calculatingly.  And then they draw an assertion, ideally a controversial one. But first, wisely choose a strategy for your analysis.  So, what are these analysis strategies?  Let’s look at… Read more »

Dear Barb—Camping Conundrum

Dear Barb: Hi, my husband and I and a couple of friends were camping last week and we came upon a situation where we weren’t sure what was the right thing to do.  It was a nice sunny day and we were just sitting around reading and having a few drinks.  Across from us were… Read more »

Gender Inequality in STEM and Ada Lovelace Day

Gender inequality and segregation in STEM fields is a serious concern, one which is made more problematic by unyielding and stereotypical gender division in the school subjects of science and math.  Some theorists use cognitive brain development to explain gender division in STEM fields; the male and female separation in certain academic subjects eventually leads… Read more »

Canadian Latinx Heritage Month—An Outsider’s Perspective

October marks the beginning of Canadian Latin American Heritage Month.  First proclaimed on June 21, 2018, the Month is “an opportunity for Canadians to recognize the valuable contribution of members of the Latin American community to this country’s social, economic, political, and cultural fabric.”  Although the diaspora is not as large as in the United… Read more »

Editorial—The Re-Imagining of Convocation

For those of you who are taking in the events of the re-imagined, virtual convocation, my congratulations to you!  For me, the day started off a bit frustrating as I came to realize there was no way for random spectators, such as myself, to attend the event and watch what was happening. During past convocations,… Read more »

Student Sizzle!—AU Social Media

AthaU Facebook Group Iliana wonders what the pass threshold is for exams; responses indicate it varies by course—always check the course syllabus and/or course manual.  Dana seeks tips on prepping a room for a ProctorU exam invigilation; students chime in with their tips and past experiences. Other posts include double majors, student email, and courses… Read more »

AU-Thentic Events

Talk to a Librarian Drop-in Session Tues, Oct 6, 9:00 to 9:30 am MDT Online via Microsoft Teams Hosted by AU Library library.athabascau.ca/orientations.html No pre-registration necessary; access through above link “AU Has a Library?” An Introduction to Library Resources and Services Wed, Oct 7, 9:00 to 10:30 am MDT Online via Adobe Connect Hosted by… Read more »

Scholarship of the Week—

Scholarship name:  Electric IT Innovation Scholarship Sponsored by:  Electric Deadline:  November 1, 2020, 11:59 pm EST Potential payout:  $1000 Eligibility restriction:  Applicants must be university or high-school students. What’s required:  An online application, including a maximum 600-word essay on the topic of internet technology. Tips:  Be sure to read the Terms and Conditions. Where to… 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 Oct 1: AUSU Awards & Bursaries open for applications Oct 2: Athabasca University Convocation Oct 10: Deadline to register in a course starting Oct 1 Oct 15: Nov degree requirements deadline Oct… Read more »