UNews - Jeremy Girard

Looking back at a busy year for ULSU

trevor.kenney — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:29:42 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) has experienced another very successful year, with events from Fresh Fest right through to the Last Lecture serving to engage and enlighten students.

The 2009-2010 year kicked off with the biggest ULSU event of them all, Fresh Fest. This year's edition solidified the tradition of the event at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and students can look forward to it becoming an annual celebration.

This year we saw returning students take over as volunteers, following in the footsteps of volunteers from the previous year who had ran for co-ordinator and general assembly positions," says Jeremy Girard, ULSU president. "Fresh Fest is more than a student retention program, it is critical for establishing friend networks among new students and in creating a welcoming environment."

As the year progressed, Global Justice Week, Peak Week and the SACPA Student Speaker Challenge all helped to accomplish executive council's goal of establishing academic events for the student body.

"Creating an environment that enhances the educational experience is part of our mission," says Girard.

The Students' Union strives to offer services that aid in the success of each and every student that enters one of the U of Ls campuses, whether it is in Lethbridge, Calgary or Edmonton. Among the initiatives, executive council was able to contribute to was the growth in use of and contribution to the Test Bank, the transformation of the Food Bank delivery system, the establishment of a free income tax service and a revamping of the Used Book Sale.

"All of these are ongoing projects, and it is important to get new executives to bring in fresh motivation and ideas to continue this progress," says Girard.

The ULSU also engaged in a constitutional referendum, created a Quality Initiatives Proposal Fund Agreement and updated the building agreement between the ULSU and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

On the political stage, it was a very progressive year for lobbying. The ULSU, through the Council of Alberta ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Students (CAUS), lobbied the provincial government in the wake of the announcement that it would entertain proposals for an increase in tuition.

"I have been so humbled by the work it takes to manage the ULSU, as well as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and without everyone's help this experience would not have been as amazing as it was for me," says Girard.

Busy past year for ULSU

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 May 2010 22:09:26 +0000

As the year progressed, Global Justice Week, Peak Week and the SACPA Student Speaker Challenge all helped to accomplish executive council's goal of establishing academic events for the student body.

"Creating an environment that enhances the educational experience is part of our mission," says Girard.

"All of these are ongoing projects, and it is important to get new executives to bring in fresh motivation and ideas to continue this progress," says Girard.

The ULSU also engaged in a constitutional referendum, created a Quality Initiatives Proposal Fund Agreement and updated the building agreement between the ULSU and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Last chance for Michael Nolan tickets

trevor.kenney — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:43:22 +0000

It's not uncommon for individuals and organizations to come forward to support the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, but how does a gently-used 1984 BMW 325e fit into the student scholarship picture?

The answer is 'perfectly,' if the car – which is in fact named "Michael Nolan" – belongs to U of L president Bill Cade and is being given to the Students' Union as a gift to raffle off in support of a student scholarship fund.

Tickets are $5 each or three for $12. There are only a few of the 2300 available tickets still left for sale, and the draw date is Friday, Apr. 16.

"Over the past few months we've been messing with people's heads by creating this fictional character called Michael Nolan and promoting an online personality," says SU President Jeremy Girard.

"The reactions have been hilarious, with people being sincerely confused. Once they found out Michael Nolan was actually Bill's BMW 325e, they were really amused and have become firm supporters of the campaign."

The car, which Cade bought brand new, is named Michael Nolan after a distant family member (his mother's uncle) who at one time provided a trust/scholarship fund for Cade's mother. At the launch of the campaign on Monday, Feb. 22, Cade said that he had a lot of good experiences in the car, and was looking forward to turning it back to the students.

"I also got a lot of tickets."

Check out this video where Cade describes his relationship with the vehicle.

Indeed, the car is quick for its age, and was one of the first years BMW placed a larger 6-cylinder engine in its 3-series vehicles, giving them a lot of speed for their size.

It also comes with a five-speed standard transmission, leather seating, a sunroof, air conditioning and cast aluminum wheels all on a sporty, two-door frame.

Michael Nolan has been recently safetied, tuned up, and has newer tires. Currently the odometer reads 190,000km, or only 7,300km per year, on average.

"We want to thank President Cade for his donation of his BMW 325e to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for the students to raffle off to raise money for student scholarships," Girard says.

"President Cade's generous contribution to the Win Michael Nolan campaign has enabled us to set a target of $10,000 raised for scholarships. I also want to thank all of the volunteers who are really the driving force behind this scholarship initiative."

Donating Michael Nolan back to the students is not the only charitable activity Bill and Elsa Cade have engaged in since joining the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in 2000. They have supported numerous other scholarships, bought books for the library, and engaged in a host of philanthropic activities that have seen their cumulative support to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ reach $100,000.

Tickets are on sale from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Students' Union office (SU180), the Advancement Office in ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall (A735) and the SU Service Center in the SU Building.

Governance proves invaluable

trevor.kenney — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:26:56 +0000

Different people can take different things out of the same experience.

So it is with members of the 2009-2010 Students' Union Executive Council, who share what they learned in student governance over the past year and how it has impacted their ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ careers.

Jeremy Girard, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) president, had been involved with the organization for three years prior to deciding to run for executive council.

He recognized the value of the ULSU to the student body and decided that he had the capacity to lead the organization in continued progress, trying to make it more professional, accountable and valuable to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

"There is no doubt in my mind that I have a sharp advantage, in terms of governing, managerial, professional, financial and communication skills, for getting the career I want, whatever that may be," says Girard of the experience.

Cole Lehto, vice-president internal affairs, ran for council because he was interested in expanding the activities he took part in during his academic term.

"I felt I had done a lot of things in my life, I wanted to be able to say I've been more than a student and this has been a great step in that direction," says Lehto. "I think the main reason you should get involved in anything during your time as a student is to broaden your scope and perspective."

Alex Massé, vice-president academic, has a less romantic take on why he pursued public office. He says he ran for council, simply, for something to do.

"I had no big plans or grand ideas. It just seemed like something I'd do ok at," says Massé.

Calling it a very rewarding position socially, Massé says he was able to meet a variety of fun and motivated people that he otherwise would never have crossed paths with.

"I think I'll gain a lot more from the personal growth I've undergone than from the additional point on my résumé," says Massé.

Allan Hall, vice-president administration, had always been thinking about running for council.

"I wanted to run for office because I wanted to help make the campus a better place for students," says Hall.

Hall says he has grown from the experience and become a well-rounded person throughout the last year.

"I have learned a lot about human resources, non-profit governance, public relations and countless other things," Hall says.

President Cade offers up BMW for raffle

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:30:26 +0000

It's not uncommon for individuals and organizations to come forward to support the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, but how does a gently-used 1984 BMW 325e fit into the student scholarship picture?

The answer is 'perfectly,' if the car – which is in fact named "Michael Nolan" – belongs to U of L president Bill Cade and is being given to the Students' Union as a gift to raffle off in support of a student scholarship fund.

Tickets are $5 each or three for $12. There are only about 2300 tickets available for sale, and the draw date is Friday, Apr. 16.

"Over the past few months we've been messing with people's heads by creating this fictional character called Michael Nolan and promoting an online personality," says SU President Jeremy Girard.

"The reactions have been hilarious, with people being sincerely confused. Once they found out Michael Nolan was actually Bill's BMW 325e, they were really amused and have become firm supporters of the campaign."

The car, which Cade bought brand new, is named Michael Nolan after a distant family member (his mother's uncle) who at one time provided a trust/scholarship fund for Cade's mother. At the launch of the campaign on Monday, Feb. 22, Cade said that he had a lot of good experiences in the car, and was looking forward to turning it back to the students.

"I also got a lot of tickets."

Indeed, the car is quick for its age, and was one of the first years BMW placed a larger 6-cylinder engine in its 3-series vehicles, giving them a lot of speed for their size.

Tickets are on sale until the end of the semester, at a variety of functions, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at the Students' Union office (SU180), the Advancement Office in ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall (A735) and the SU Service Center in the SU Building.

Nolan campaign to benefit students

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:17:18 +0000

Up for raffle, President Bill Cade's 1984 BMW 325e.

"Over the past few months we've been messing with people's heads by creating this fictional character called Michael Nolan and promoting an online personality," says SU President Jeremy Girard.

"The reactions have been hilarious, with people being sincerely confused. Once they found out Michael Nolan was actually Bill's BMW 325e, they were really amused and have become firm supporters of the campaign."

The car, which Cade bought brand new, is named Michael Nolan after a distant family member (his mother's uncle) who at one time provided a trust/scholarship fund for Cade's mother. At the launch of the campaign on Monday, Feb. 22, Cade said that he had a lot of good experiences in the car, and was looking forward to turning it back to the students.

"I also got a lot of tickets."

Check out this video where Cade describes his relationship with the vehicle.

Indeed, the car is quick for its age, and was one of the first years BMW placed a larger 6-cylinder engine in its 3-series vehicles, giving them a lot of speed for their size.

Maintaining the QIP important for students

trevor.kenney — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:55:07 +0000

Enriching ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student experiences at an already vibrant and dynamic campus was the basis for the creation of the Quality Initiatives Program (QIP). Maintaining the QIP in the face of pending budget cuts is a looming challenge.

Study lounges, Fresh Fest, academic speakers, the ULSU Food Bank and undergraduate research initiatives are just a few examples of how the QIP program continues to meet the needs of students and how important this program has become to the U of L.

"Funding for student assistance and student initiatives is precisely for what the Quality Initiatives Program is designed," says Jeremy Girard, ULSU president. "This year, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the ULSU are providing $600,000 towards these budget lines, which will provide many students with an amazing source of funding."

The QIP, however, could be facing some tough times ahead, according to Girard. With the prospect of government funding cuts to post-secondary education, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will be forced to make difficult budgetary decisions, putting the QIP at risk of being eradicated.

"The ULSU is striving and urgently pushing that QIP be maintained, by being an active voice in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Budget Committee, by having regular discussion with senior administration and by lobbying the Province of Alberta to increase base operating funding," says Girard. "QIP is an essential part of student funding at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and its inception shows long-term and high-level thinking by the Board of Governors."

In 2005, QIP was developed as a result of negotiations between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union Executive Council and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ administration. After witnessing the successes of a similar program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary, both parties agreed on establishing a QIP to begin in the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

Under the QIP program, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ administration allocates 12 per cent of annual tuition fee increases to support the proposal-based funding system.

According to Girard, QIP has $210,000 available in scholarships, grants and bursaries, which are allocated by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. There is also $80,000 dedicated to undergraduate research opportunities that have opened up more opportunities for students wishing to extend research into non-science areas, where in the past less funding has been available.

QIP also offers students an emergency assistance program for students who find themselves in the position of not being able to meet their basic living requirements.

"For students who find themselves in a severely tight spot, with no other funding options, non-repayable emergency assistance grants are available," says Girard, adding that the program also funds two food bank programs and a one-time distribution of monies towards disabilities funding.
"Overall, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the ULSU have $35,000 available per year for needs-based funding."

Students who are interested in attending conferences or volunteering can also benefit from QIP, which has the resources to allocate $20,000 per year to this type of learning.

"These learning experiences are encouraged by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the ULSU, as learning outside of class is a keystone to a liberal education," says Girard.

Just this year, QIP funds have been granted to Fresh Fest, the four-day event that welcomes new and returning students to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the ULSU. Rookie Camp is supported by the ULSU, and coordinated by Recruitment and Student Life, to promote student retention and serves as another example of the benefits of QIP funding.

Rez Wars add community element

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:54:09 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students are putting a new spin on war, using it to build positive relationships with the Lethbridge community.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Organization of Residence students, in conjunction with the Students' Union (ULSU) are engaging to help the community by cleaning up the coulees, all in the context of a friendly war – Rez Wars.

"Cleaning the coulees for the betterment of the entire city of Lethbridge, which is something the westside community can take pride in, shows the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's neighbours the students here care about the community's well-being," says Jeremy Girard, Students' Union president.

Rez Wars is a competition among residence students that incorporates a good-hearted challenge while also engaging students in social activities.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m. Participants will be given 45 minutes to go into the coulees, starting at the U of L Breezeway, and pick up as much debris as possible. Debris collected by the participants will be divided into recycling and waste. The winning team will be determined by who collects the most debris.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union supports the Organization of Residence Students in an attempt to clean up the community, not just for students but also for everyone.

"These students are not merely competing in a residence competition, they are showing that ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ students are environmental stewards and can lead by example," adds Girard. "These are the types of events the ULSU can throw its entire weight behind."

Students' Union has busy summer

trevor.kenney — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:06:58 +0000

By BRIANNE ROHOVIE

With all four ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) Executive Council members having hit the ground running upon taking office May 1, several initiatives set for completion this summer are already well underway.

"We've had opportunities to meet with many people we will be working with this year in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community, municipally, provincially and even federally," says ULSU president Jeremy Girard, adding that he plans to keep a strong focus on maintaining the value of the ULSU to these external stakeholders throughout his term.

An equally important task, planning main elements of ULSU events and initiatives for 2009-2010, is also slated for completion this summer. With this being a central responsibility of the VP Internal, the next few months will prove crucial for Cole Lehto.

"By the end of summer we intend on having concrete arrangements with the artists who will perform at the Zoo this year, as well as plans for what will be involved in other ULSU events," Lehto says.

Among additional tasks on Executive Council member's to-do lists are: complete a detailed plan for Fresh Fest 2009, take steps to have a used text book exchange program in place for this school year and make arrangements to host academic speakers and ensure the ULSU food bank is prepared to continue serving students at a high level of functionality.

"I want to see the food bank running efficiently and effectively all year," Lehto says. "With the addition of a food-planning guide, which will act like an in-hand counsellor, we can provide an even greater service to food bank users."

From September's Fresh Fest to April's Last Class Bash, with awareness weeks, concerts, charity drives and club events in between, Girard promises 2009-2010 will be a great year at the U of L.

"I think this year we have the potential, through our many initiatives, to reach more students than we ever have before," says Girard, adding that the Executive Council is prepared to work as hard as is necessary to do so.

"Although we've begun our terms very strongly, I'm sure that over the year our energy levels will fluctuate," Lehto says. "We plan on keeping pace in a way that allows us to cross the finish line still running."

Planning well underway for fall semester

trevor.kenney — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:54:22 +0000

With all four ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) Executive Council members having hit the ground running upon taking office May 1, several initiatives set for completion this summer are already well underway.

"By the end of summer we intend on having concrete arrangements with the artists who will perform at the Zoo this year, as well as plans for what will be involved in other ULSU events," Lehto says.

From September's Fresh Fest to April's Last Class Bash, with awareness weeks, concerts, charity drives and club events in between, Girard promises 2009-2010 will be a great year at the U of L.

UNews - Jeremy Girard

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