UNews - vice-president academic

Drawing on experience

trevor.kenney — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 22:00:46 +0000

Of everything that sets the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge apart from other post-secondary institutions, its deeply-rooted relationship with First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) peoples, and specifically the Blackfoot nation, is intrinsically unique.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ can justifiably take pride in being among the first universities in Canada to include a major in Native American Studies among its liberal education components. It can also take pride in the extensive range of innovative academic programs, research and creative activity related to FNMI peoples developed across Faculties, coupled with active student services support programs.

And yet there are gaps in those supports and incongruences across campus in the delivery of academic programming related to Aboriginal Peoples.

Roy Weasel Fat, the interim director of the FNMI Centre, sees education as a means to self determination.

In September 2011, President Mike Mahon asked professor Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), Roy Weasel Fat (Red Crow Community College vice-president academic) and professor Dr. Jane O'Dea to develop an overarching strategy that would create support for FNMI students, faculty, staff and community members at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The FNMI Report to the President (available at www.uleth.ca/president/fnmi) was the result, and the development of an FNMI Centre, of which Weasel Fat is now the interim director, is a key recommendation of the report.

"Like all Native centres in Alberta, it's basically focused around student support – what can the centre provide in terms of supporting students so that we can improve their retention and completion rates," says Weasel Fat.

A master's degree holder in education and major player in establishing the current relationship between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and Red Crow College (he served 17 years there, most recently as the vice-president academic), Weasel Fat speaks to the importance of education in bettering the Aboriginal community.

"Education is the most recognized path to reach self determination," he says.

"There are many people from my generation who are going back to school and their kids will follow and also become educated. Once the parents become educated, then it's an expectation for their children, and that helps bring our people out of that cycle of poverty."

He understands better than most that this cannot be accomplished without the proper support systems for Aboriginal students and the FNMI report identifies seven major recommendations to help achieve that goal.

From the creation of a Niitsitapi Gathering Place to the establishment of an Elders Program and Aboriginal Education Policy, the report is closely aligned with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 2009-2013 Strategic Plan.

One aspect especially important to Weasel Fat is the involvement of band elders.

"When we looked at other centres across B.C. and Alberta, what I noticed was that there was very minimal elder involvement," says Weasel Fat. "This is something our students have asked for and one of the mandates of the FNMI Centre, to increase the elders' presence here so that they can be available to the U of L community."

He describes the role elders play in traditional Blackfoot communities as integral.

"Their role in the community is to act as traditional mentors, to provide spiritual support and to keep our history and culture alive," he says.

Weasel Fat sees the Niitsitapi Gathering Place as a community room that would benefit the entire ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

"There is a lot of Aboriginal activity across campus through programs in virtually every Faculty but a centre like this can provide a venue for dissemination and collaboration of research for those who are working in these areas across the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," he says.

Weasel Fat speaks quietly, but with an eagerness that is genuine in its belief. He is a product of what an education can achieve, and he has passed those lessons on to his family through his example. He recently had two sons graduate from the U of L (Roy Jr. BA '12 and Cy BA '11) and quickly move into managerial roles on the Blood Reserve, while his daughter Triscia is a fourth-year student and looking to enter the Faculty of Education next fall.

"When I first started out in education, my first instinct was to go back home and help my people," he says. "Education has been of benefit to my own family as well as my community and I will continue to promote education to our community plus share the Blackfoot culture with the U of L."

This story first appeared in the October 2012 issue of the Legend. To see the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Bill Nye visits U of L campus

trevor.kenney — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:27:04 +0000

This event is sold out

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Graduate Students' Association (GSA) are proud to welcome Bill Nye to campus as part of the ULSU's Annual Student Speaker Series.

"One of our primary mandates is to increase student engagement on campus and create a unique and memorable experience for our students," says Andrew Williams, the ULSU vice-president academic.

With that in mind, Williams began the process of courting and finalizing a deal with Nye's camp over eight months ago. It was a lengthy process but Williams believes it will pay off in a very big way with the Monday, Jan. 23 (Noon to 3:30 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre) appearance.

"I chose to bring Bill Nye to the U of L for a number of reasons," says Williams. "He is a man, who for many current students, ignited a passion for learning and pursuing knowledge, and that passion and enthusiasm are contagious."

Bill Nye popularized the study of science for a generation of youngsters.

For over 15 years, Nye has been providing audiences with exciting, educational science entertainment. His most prominent persona, Bill Nye the Science Guy, began in September 1993 and ran for five years. Nye hosted a total of 100 episodes to much critical acclaim and captured 19 Emmy Awards.

The excitement from both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community and the greater Lethbridge area to the event is apparent in the brisk ticket sales. Williams says the ULSU has already sold more than 2,200 tickets.

"My hope is that Bill Nye's appearance will remind students of their strong passion and desire to learn, as well as recharge their batteries, so to speak, before mid-terms begin."

The event's attendees are not the only ones who stand to benefit from Nye's colloquial monologues. All proceeds from the event go to the ULSU Food Bank, helping to ensure that its shelves remain full and at the ready for all those who seek its services.

"The ULSU Food Bank is there to provide students in need with one of the most basic of human necessities," says Williams.

The 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium will host the noon event, with the popular ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Chem Guys – John Eng & Wayne Lippa – serving as the opening act.

For more information about the Bill Nye appearance, or to purchase tickets, contact the ULSU at 403-329-2222 or stop by their office on the first floor of the Students' Union Building (SU180).

This story first appeared in the January edition of the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Incoming executive excited about opportunity to boost student engagement

trevor.kenney — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:43:49 +0000

The spring winds bring an annual changing of the guard at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU). As another successful year at the Students' Union comes to an end, a new Executive Council is poised to usher in new, and what it expects will be prosperous, student initiatives.

"All of the initiatives and projects we will be working on will fall under at least one of six headings: increasing the effectiveness of our communications, increasing our presence on campus, strengthening our lobbying voice, improving our events, expanding our service base and promoting sustainability on campus," says newly appointed ULSU President Zack Moline.

Executive Council has taken a particular interest in boosting the organization's digital presence and online services. Numerous initiatives are taking shape that will make the Students' Union available on more media platforms and subsequently to a larger audience.

One particular undertaking is part of two Executive Council members' campaign platforms. Andrew Williams and Leyland Bradley are guiding a venture that would see the creation of an online tutor database.

"Students are currently forced to refer to cluttered posting boards, giving them only a small chance of actually finding the academic assistance they require," says Andrew Williams, ULSU vice-president academic. "I see this as simply unacceptable."

ULSU Executive Council also plans to utilize new avenues of communication to diversify and improve on-campus events.

"Students have such great and unique ideas. I want their input," says Lisa Rodych, the vice-president of Internal Affairs.

This year's council is also excited about the opportunity to advocate for ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students' interests. As members of both the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) and the Council of Alberta ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Students (CAUS), Moline and his colleagues intend to make major strides in improving the post-secondary experience at not only the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, but for students as a whole in Alberta and across Canada.

"Every year, every new council puts student engagement at the top of their list of priorities for their year in office, and I feel that our council will exemplify this," says Leyland Bradley, vice-president Operations and Finance. "We want to ensure that our campus events and our advocacy efforts are parallel with the opinions of our students."

This story first appeared in the Legend. To view the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

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."

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.

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.

UNews - vice-president academic

Drawing on experience

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