UNews - Keith McLaughlin

Students encouraged to boost their knowledge during Financial Literacy Month

trevor.kenney — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 20:27:16 +0000

Post-secondary education is expensive and it can be even more costly than it needs to be if students are caught spending unwisely.

For many students, post-secondary is the first time they have had to leave their parents' homes and fend for themselves financially. Budgeting for rent, food and entertainment, managing consumer debt, and of course - obtaining funding for university, sometimes through student loans, are all issues with which students have to deal.

Developing financial literacy skills is very important for students who are looking to avoid financial stress, minimize debt, or save for that reading break vacation.

“It starts with the basics,” says Becky Lore, coordinator of Scholarships and Student Finance. “Crafting a spending plan is the starting point to achieving your financial goals and well-being.”

Lore says students may be surprised to realize how much they are spending on things like eating out or nights on the town with friends after they make a budget and begin tracking their spending.

“Little things can add up to be large monthly expenses, from the daily Starbucks to eating out too regularly, it can leave your wallet pretty empty,” she says.

Financial literacy means having the knowledge, skills and confidence to make responsible financial decisions. In recognition of Financial Literacy Month this November, Scholarships and Student Finance is encouraging students to start developing and practicing these essential skills.

“There are lifelong benefits from being financially literate and minimizing debt in university, from buying your first home to retiring comfortably,” says Lore, “This knowledge can also reduce stress and promote happiness because you feel in control of your finances and it helps you to achieve your life’s goals.”

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has a number of tools and resources available to students who are looking to boost their financial skills and knowledge:

Budgeting Calculator - do you have a realistic budget?

Financial Goal Calculator - how can you achieve your financial goals?

Credit Card Selector Tool and Credit Card Payment Calculator - Compare which credit card may be the best (or worst) for you and how long it takes to pay off your balance if you only make a minimum payment.

Students can also win an iPod Touch, Mac Mini, or Macbook Pro by participating in the 'My Financial Literacy Selfie' photo contest. Students participate by snapping a picture depicting how they are putting their financial literacy skills to use, or how they are helping to strengthen the financial literacy of others. For more contest info, see here.

Scholarships and Student Finance has information available for students looking to boost their financial literacy skills, and staff will provide one-on-one budgeting and financial literacy consultations. To book an appointment, visit Anderson Hall 151, call 403-329-2585, or email fin.aid@uleth.ca.

Keith McLaughlin is a Financial Aid Advisor in the Office of Scholarships and Student Finance

Operation Red Nose campaign begins

trevor.kenney — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:23:16 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's annual Operation Red Nose campaign begins Friday, Nov. 26, the first of five weekends and 12 total nights the popular designated driving program will operate in the city.

This is the 16th year that the U of L has offered the program and in that time, more than $380,000 has been raised in support of Horns Athletics. More importantly, countless lives have been saved because thousands of drunk drivers have not been behind the wheels of their vehicles.

The Lethbridge Regional Police Service, the U of L Students' Union, Horns Athletics, the Insurance Bureau of Canada and the City of Lethbridge are all in staunch support of the program. Keith McLaughlin, the VP Academic of the Students' Union says the annual campaign is vitally important to students, teaching them positive attitudes towards the use of designated drivers. Essentially, he says, it's key to drive the message home when drivers are young and they're more apt to be smart about drunk driving the rest of their lives.

"We believe the educational awareness component of Operation Red Nose is the most beneficial aspect of the campaign," says McLaughlin. "As a society we can enact tougher and tougher legislation but drunk driving, I don't think, can be eradicated by legislation itself. I think we need to change our societal attitudes about this type of behaviour and we do that through education and awareness."

Red Nose is a designated driving program whereby a team of volunteers (60 to 70 per cent of which are U of L students, mainly Horns athletes) brings a vehicle to your locale. They drive your vehicle home and you and your party get to ride along. There's no charge for the service but donations to Pronghorns Athletics are accepted.

Operation Red Nose begins the weekend of Nov. 26-27 and continues through the Christmas season, including: Dec. 2-4; Dec. 9-11; Dec. 16-18 and Dec. 31. To call for a ride, dial 403-320-4155. Those interested in volunteering can call 403-329-2681 for more information.

ULSU Food Bank in need

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:30:02 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union Food Bank, which helped over 300 people last year, needs continued resources to keep this valuable service alive.

The Students' Union hosts a variety of events in an attempt to keep the Food Bank operating. The Peter Mansbridge lecture, which raised over $2,300 from ticket sales and an unspecified personal donation from Mansbridge himself, is one such event that benefits the food bank.

The ULSU Food Bank depends heavily on donations from generous people, without which the ULSU wouldn't be able to help the number of students it does.

"As the costs of attaining a post-secondary education continue to increase, it has become much harder for students to make ends meet. All too often students have difficulty affording the necessities of life. As a result, we see the demand for our food bank services spike," says Keith McLaughlin, ULSU vice-president academic. "The ULSU Food Bank needs help to ensure that its operations remain sustainable, so that we can continue to help our students in times of need."

Historically, the months of February, March and April see a spike in the number of students who utilize the food bank. Each food bank user is unique, and the Students' Union strives to alleviate some of the pressures they face, allowing students to focus on their education.

Food bank hampers are made to sustain a single student for five to seven days. There are also hampers designated for students with families. Each hamper contains an assortment of healthy foods and all students are eligible for assistance. Students are eligible to receive one hamper every two weeks to a maximum of 10 hampers during their entire academic career at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

"The ULSU Food Bank welcomes any help from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community or southern Alberta as a whole," says Taz Kassam, ULSU president. "We want students to be able to focus on their education and enjoying their time at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, not worrying about where there next meal is going to come from."

For a look at the full issue of the November Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Peter Mansbridge at the 1st Choice Savings Centre

trevor.kenney — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:08:17 +0000

Famed CBC News anchor Peter Mansbridge is appearing at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Tuesday, Oct. 19, to share with students and the southern Alberta community his thoughts on a changing Canadian culture, politics and society.

"I wanted to bring Peter Mansbridge to the U of L because I thought students would benefit from hearing such an iconic Canadian journalist speak," says Keith McLaughlin, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union vice-president academic. "He's had so much experience over the years covering Canada that I think he could share some meaningful insights with students about who we are and where we are going as Canadians."

Mansbridge will be delivering a lecture entitled, Canada and Canadians in a Changing World. It begins at noon in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium. All the proceeds from ticket sales to the event are being donated to the ULSU Food Bank; which helped over 300 people last year and needs continued resources to keep this valuable service alive.

"As the costs of attaining a post-secondary education continue to increase, it has become harder and harder for students to make ends meet. All too often students have difficulty affording the necessities and as a result we see demand for our food bank services spike," says McLaughlin. "This event is about bringing together a community and strengthening it. I thought we should keep that idea in mind and donate all proceeds of the event to the ULSU Food Bank to help ensure that its operations remain sustainable and that we continue to help our students in times of need."

Tickets for Peter Mansbridge are avilable at the Students' Union office (SU180) and are priced at $1 for students and $5 for comunity members.

Mansbridge hosted by ULSU

trevor.kenney — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 21:39:20 +0000

Famed CBC News anchor Peter Mansbridge will be appearing at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Tuesday, Oct. 19, to share with students and the southern Alberta community his thoughts on a changing Canadian culture, politics and society.

"I wanted to bring Peter Mansbridge to the U of L because I thought students would benefit from hearing such an iconic Canadian journalist speak," says Keith McLaughlin, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union vice-president academic. "He's had so much experience over the years covering Canada that I think he could share some meaningful insights with students about who we are and where we are going as Canadians."

Mansbridge will be delivering a lecture entitled, Canada and Canadians in a Changing World. The presentation begins at noon in the 1st Choice Savings Centre. All the proceeds from ticket sales to the event are being donated to the ULSU Food Bank; which helped over 300 people last year and needs continued resources to keep this valuable service alive.

"As the costs of attaining a post-secondary education continue to increase it has become harder and harder for students to make ends meet. All too often students have difficulty affording the necessities and as a result we see demand for our food bank services spike," says McLaughlin. "This event is about bringing together a community and strengthening it. I thought we should keep that idea in mind and donate all proceeds of the event to the ULSU Food Bank to help ensure that its operations remain sustainable and that we continue to help our students in times of need."

Perspective changes with new faces

trevor.kenney — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:51:06 +0000

Every year, there's an influx of new talent to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) – this year is no exception.

The ULSU Executive Council has brought a great many new ideas to the organization and is ready to make some positive changes to the student experience at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

"It is my hope to provide students with a unique experience that reflects the essence of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge," says Taz Kassam, ULSU president. "We want to compliment the academic programs, thereby enhancing the educational experience as well as the quality of campus life for students."

Kassam looks to do this by showcasing the services and opportunities offered through the ULSU. She also intends to see the ULSU recognized locally, provincially and nationally as a dynamic and innovative leader.

"It is very important that the ULSU has a strong representation on campus, as well as municipally, provincially and federally," says Allan Hall, vice-president operations and finance. "All four of these government bodies play a significant role in the lives of undergraduate students, and it is paramount that we ensure student voices are heard at these levels."

With a municipal election on the horizon, this is an exceptionally important year for the ULSU in terms of its advocacy on issues involving housing and transportation in Lethbridge.

The ULSU encourages student involvement both on campus and in the community, and this year the Executive Council is committed to increasing student engagement.

"The lifeblood of the ULSU is students," says Keith McLaughlin, vice-president academic. "We need to be engaged with and responsive to our students in order to be effective. Through our positions, we hope to invigorate the student body."

Open lines of communication are not always easy to achieve, but the ULSU is working hard to break down any barriers that may exist between students and the ULSU. Simple acts, such as having lunch with students and talking to students face-to-face help to create an awareness of the ULSU around campus and keep them in touch with who they elected.

"We really hope for a high level of transparency with the student population," says Nate McCowan, vice-president internal. "We want to engage our students and provide an atmosphere that fosters both learning and having fun."

McLaughlin takes on CAUS role

trevor.kenney — Thu, 27 May 2010 20:19:49 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) is once again lending its skills and knowledge to the Council of Alberta ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Students (CAUS). Keith McLaughlin, ULSU vice president academic, has taken on the role of vice-chair for CAUS in the 2010-2011 year.

"Last year was a difficult one for university students in Alberta, and we expect another tough year ahead," says McLaughlin. "Nevertheless we at CAUS, representing a united 70,000 university students from across Alberta, are energized and invigorated at the opportunity to continue to advance affordable, accessible and high-quality post-secondary education for all in the province."

CAUS represents students at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Every year, one representative from each institution is selected to serve on the council.

Key issues facing CAUS include the reduction in funds for university base operating grants, the need to improve student financial aid systems, rising tuition costs and the regulation of mandatory non-instructional fees.

"We understand the province's tight fiscal situation but we also understand that investing in education pays off for everyone economically in the long run," says McLaughlin. "We will make that point clear time and again in the coming months."

Kassam eager for challenge

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:54:58 +0000

While it may have taken two votes to fill out executive council and general assembly, there was no question who students wanted as their next ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union president.

ULSU president-elect Taz Kassam, a BA and BMgt student, is one of only four women to ever hold the position and she is looking forward to the challenge.

"I am deeply appreciative of the support, both during and following the election," says Kassam. "I am very excited about the opportunities ahead and am ready to serve as a representative for the ULSU."

Due to a lack of nominations in the general election, the Students' Union was forced to hold a by-election to fill out remaining vacancies on executive council and general assembly.

Kassam will be working with Allan Hall, vice-president administration, who held this position last year; Keith McLaughlin, vice-president academic. The position of vice-president Internal Affairs, will be decided in a by-election, which was held after the public.

"I'm excited to pass the torch to next year's executive team," says Alex Massé, vice-president academic. "They're all solid people with relevant experience. They've also been very perceptive of some of the areas that they can improve upon over the past year."

Kassam is no stranger to the ULSU as she has been an active volunteer for the organization. The 22-year old, who grew up in Calgary but has called Lethbridge home for the last five years, does not lack the skills necessary to be successful in the demanding position of ULSU President. She acquired invaluable experience while serving on the executive council with the Management Students' Society and Jeux de Commerce West Business Competition, where she served as event co-ordinator of the 5th Annual Chillin' for Charity Polar Bear Dip that raised more than $16,000 for the Lethbridge United Way.

Kassam aspires to decrease student apathy through activism and communication. She describes her platform as one that encompasses a grassroots approach, and she has decided to work on matters that will most benefit students. After all, ULSU is an organization for the students, and run by the students.

"I believe the low levels of student engagement stem from a lack of communication from the ULSU and a lack of knowledge about the Students' Union," says Kassam. "It is my hope, along with the executive council, to reverse this increase in student apathy and decline in student empowerment. The longer we travel on this road the less likely the opinion of the student will matter."

Increasing the importance of post-secondary education in the eyes of the government is important to Kassam and she intends to battle this by generating student involvement through lobbying efforts for affordable and quality education.

The ULSU 2010/2011 General Assembly currently includes Andrew Williams, Lisa Rodych, Zack Moline, Tyrell Dasilva, Shane Groarke and Cole Schneider, who are all arts and science representatives; Kyle Hammond as the organization of residence students representative. The remaining General Assembly positions will also be decided in a by-election. Visit www.ulsu.ca for full election results.

The ULSU exists to represent students' interests at the provincial and federal levels of government and to provide value-added services, spaces and programs to enhance the campus community.

Kassam elected ULSU President

trevor.kenney — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:39:49 +0000

Management student Taz Kassam is the President-elect of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) and the fourth woman to hold the position since the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's founding in 1967.

Kassam's executive team includes Allan Hall, a veteran SU contributor who returns to the SU governing body as vice-president administration, and Keith McLaughlin, a former news editor of the Meliorist and recent winner of the SACPA Student Speaker Challenge, as vice-president academic.

More than 21 per cent of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students cast their ballots last week in the ULSU 2010/2011 General Election.

"I'm excited to pass the torch to next year's executive team," says Alex Massé, the current vice-president academic. "They're all solid people with relevant experience. They've also been very perceptive of some of the areas that they can improve upon over the current year."

Kassam, who takes office May 1, 2010, says she was deeply appreciative of the support, both during and following the election.

"I am very excited about the opportunities ahead and am ready to serve as a representative for the ULSU."

The position of vice-president internal affairs remains vacant; the ULSU is currently in the process of running a by-election to fill this position and other general assembly positions that are also vacant for the 2010/2011 year.

"We have a phenomenal and talented group of people who have just been elected and I am just as excited to find out the results of those who are running in the by-election, which will complete the ULSU team," says Kassam.

The ULSU 2010/2011 General Assembly currently includes Andrew Williams, Lisa Rodych, Zack Moline, Tyrell DaSilva, Shane Groarke and Cole Schneider, who are all arts and science representatives; Kyle Hammond is the Organization of Residence Students Representative.

The ULSU exists to represent students' interests at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as well as on the provincial and federal levels of government and to provide value-added services, spaces and programs to enhance the campus community.

Student Speaker Challenge continues

trevor.kenney — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:18:12 +0000

The second of four quarter-final sessions of the Student Speaker Challenge is ready to go, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 12:15 p.m. in Ballroom A of the Students' Union.

The annual event is in its second year and with eight talented student speakers taking part, has begun to capture an audience and, at the same time, some profile on campus.

"It's a very valuable place for students at all levels and stages of their university careers to develop their public speaking and presentation skills and to generally be able to stand up to audience scrutiny in a positive way," says Alex Masse, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union vice-president academic.
"We learned last year that if we put an effort into recruiting good students, we get very good speakers and I believe we've got an excellent lineup this year."

The How Education Benefits the World Student Speaker Challenge is a collaboration of the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA), the Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group (LPIRG), and the Students' Union (ULSU), with support from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The challenge began Jan. 13 when speakers James Falconer and Selin Bilgin squared off in the first quarter-final, addressing the question, "What is the value of post-secondary education to the world?" After making 15-minute presentations, each speaker then opened the floor to another 15 minutes of questioning from the assembled audience as well as the three-person panel of judges. Falconer was declared the winner of the first matchup and will advance to the semifinal sessions, Feb. 23 and Mar. 2.

The final session will be Tuesday, Mar. 9, 7 p.m. at Andy's Place. The winner of the event will receive a $500 award, second place $300 and third place $100. All sessions are open to the public.

"It's the old style, classic Greek conception of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," says Falconer, a fourth-year sociology major. "The stadium, the discourse, the back-and-forth dialectic, that's what I thrive on and this is a wonderful example."

Following is the challenge lineup.

Session Schedule

Session 2 - Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 12:15 p.m. in Ballroom A, SUB
Speakers - Cashe Erskine and Keith McLaughlin

Session 3 - Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 12:15 p.m. in Galileo's, SUB
Speakers - Vanessa Lodermeier and Keith Gardner

Session 4 - Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 12:15 p.m. in Galileo's, SUB
Speakers - Kate Nesbitt and Saikat Basu

Semifinal Sessions
Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 4:30 p.m. in Galileo's, SUB
Tuesday, Mar. 2 at 4:30 p.m. in Galileo's, SUB
Speakers - TBA

Final Session - Tuesday, Mar. 9 at 7 p.m. in Andy's Place (AH100)

UNews - Keith McLaughlin

Students encouraged to boost their knowledge during Financial Literacy Month

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