Centre for Health, Wellness & Sport coming to Red Deer College

Exciting times are ahead at Red Deer College as initial site work is set to begin this fall on the long-awaited Centre for Health, Wellness & Sport.

When complete, the Centre will provide state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces and a comprehensive venue for athletic, recreational and community activities. It will feature teaching and learning space for Health Sciences, Kinesiology and Sport Studies; a 1,200-seat gymnasium; fitness and training space; an Olympic-sized ice surface; gathering spaces for students, staff and faculty.

“It is truly an exciting time to be the president of the Students’ Association of Red Deer College,” said Maryanne McGrath, Association president, “and I must recognize the hard work of former Association presidents Martin Cruz and Bailey Daines as they spoke for students during the planning stages of this project. Student leaders carry the duty of honouring the decisions of past students, an obligation to build on those decisions in the present and the responsibility of anticipating the needs of future students.

“A part of those needs includes the development of new programs, new opportunities and new facilities for the student body of the future.”

The Centre will enhance student life and help foster both physical and mental wellness, said McGrath. It will encourage students to choose Red Deer College, drawing students from near and far.

Years of planning

The Centre for Health, Wellness & Sport has been in the works for a long time. Red Deer College President Joel Ward said in many ways the College has been planning for this expansion for the past 40 years.

“This facility is more than just a building, it is about ensuring a bold, forward-focused future,” said Ward, during a recent press conference.
Key considerations in the planning process for the new building were the College’s long-term vision. It is expected the Centre will help to shape the future of the College and position RDC to continue expanding its role in driving the region.

“This facility is essential for RDC to continue to meet the needs of our community including achieving our long-term vision of becoming a polytechnic university,” said Shelley Ralston, Chair of the RDC Board of Governors.

Ground breaking

The building phase of the Centre will begin with a ground breaking ceremony in October. Initial site work is scheduled to begin this fall with construction beginning in early 2016. The project is set to be completed in Fall 2018. Once completed the Centre will host a number of events in the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

“The Students’ Association is proud to partner with the City of Red Deer, Central Alberta and Red Deer College,” said McGrath. “We look forward to hosting Canada’s youth from coast to coast to coast. As excited as we are for the 2019 Canada Winter Games, we are just as excited for the days after. The opportunities this addition to our campus will offer future students are endless.”

 

Students’ Association Used Bookstore a ‘win-win situation’ for students

Classes are nearing the end and summer is approaching, but there is at least one more thing you need to do before you head off — find a new home for your used textbooks.

Now, while old textbooks make great doorstops, you can put them to better use and the SA Used Bookstore is here to help.

The SA Used Bookstore is a consignment bookstore operated by your Students’ Association. At the SA Used Bookstore, textbooks are placed on consignment by individual students and the SA sells them on their behalf.

“It’s a win-win situation for students,” said Jessica Walker, coordinator of the SA Used Bookstore. “Students selling their books get to recoup a significant portion of the purchase price of their books and students buying books get to save money.

“Books are sold on a first-come, first-served basis so it is important to consign your books early and if you are in the market for a used book, to check back often.”

Students who consign with the SA Used Bookstore receive payment, minus a small commission, once their books have sold.

Only books being used in the current term are accepted by the bookstore. Fall books are accepted in August; winter term books are accepted in January. Spring books will be accepted in April.

Consciousness and its relation to death and dying under discussion at March 12 Psyc Society event

The Red Deer College Psyc Society will be hosting the first-ever Conversation on Mind Thursday, March 12. Three speakers — Dr. Jamie Prowse-Turner, Dr. Daniel Haas and Dr. Elena Antoniadis — will discuss the topic of consciousness and how it relates to death and dying.

“This is very timely given the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision striking down the ban on doctor-assisted suicide,” says Psyc Society President Daniel Geary.

“There is evidence that has been presented to support claims that death appears to be a time where some phenomena surrounding the brain and death allow for suggestions that the current conception of death as ultimately ending and shutting off the mind along with the body may need to be explored further.”

Each speaker will give a 10-minute presentation on the topic, then their fellow panelists will question them on their position. Once all three speakers have presented and defended their positions, the audience will be encouraged to ask questions.

“I think this is an excellent way to start the conversation on a very important and difficult topic,” commented Geary. “It is important to expand the public understanding regarding these issues without bias.

“Therefore, through the presentation of scientific/academic research on the subject, and by creating a dialogue which is focused upon beginning to explore the functional basis for understanding experiences and consciousness surrounding the mind around the time of death, may in fact , reveal great insight into what ultimately lies in wait for us all.”

Geary said the RDC Psyc Society hopes this event will engage the RDC campus and Central Alberta community and expand the breadth and diversity of Central Alberta and inspire people to ‘think differently’.

Conversation on Mind: Death and Dying takes place March 12 in the Margaret Parsons Theatre. The evening begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will follow in the Forum.

This event is sponsored by CAT Fund. The Cultural Activities Trust Fund, better known as the CAT Fund, helps fund cultural events on campus at Red Deer College. The committee, which administers this fund, consists of RDC students and faculty.

Election fever is heating up!

 

Hi everyone! Josh Cormier here, Chief Returning Officer for the election the Students’ Association is holding March 18. I am here to tell you about the process of the election, why you should vote, and how to get involved.

Election Day is March 18. There will be three polling stations set up with two on main campus and one at Donald School of Business.

The SA Stairs polling station will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Forum polling station will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Donald School of Business polling station will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those who can’t make it to Main Campus that day.

If you are unable to vote on Election Day, there is also a day of advanced polling. March 17 there will be one poll at the SA office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at the Donald School of Business from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Our election process is very similar to real elections (not that this isn’t a real election). To vote, you simply need your iCard or your government-issued photo identification. The poll clerk will then strike your name and hand you four ballots. Each ballot you will cast is for each of the four Executive positions. Upon selecting your preferred candidate, simply insert your ballots in the appropriate ballot box.

Congratulations! You voted!

It is very important to vote, because you are voicing what you believe in. Make it count. This year’s theme is Live Your Legacy, so live your legacy and cast your vote on March 18.

There are more ways to get involved than to just vote. You can attend any of our events, become a poll clerk, or even endorse a candidate’s campaign. Becoming a volunteer not only gives you additional skills, but it also gives you something to put on your resume afterwards. By attending the events, you become more active in what the students are talking about at the college and gives you more of an idea of what students want and keeps you in the loop.

If you have any questions or want to get involved in some capacity, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or come up to the SA during office hours and we can chat. How do you want to live your legacy?

Election Timeline

March 3: Nominations open
• Spring General Meeting, Main Campus, Far Side Bar & Grill, 11 a.m.
Nominations for Students’ Association Executive Council: President, Vice President Operations, Vice President  College Affairs, Vice President  Student Life; summer Students’ Association Council; student vacancies on Academic Council and Board of Governors Student Member open.

March 10: Nominations close
• Nominations period for Students’ Association Executive Council closes at 4 p.m. Candidates for Executive Council must provide transcripts, nomination forms and profiles by the deadline.

March 10: Campaigning begins
• Campaigning begins at the conclusion of the All Candidates Meeting

March 11: Campaign event
• Meet the Candidates for Executive Council from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Donald School of Business

March 12: Campaign events
• Meet the Candidates for Executive Council from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Forum
• Candidate Forum, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., RDC Library

March 13: Campaign event
• Meet the Candidates, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forum

March 16: Campaign event
• Candidates Forum, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Forum

March 17: Advance Polls
• SA office polling station, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Donald School of Business polling station, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Campaigning ends. All campaign material must be down by 10 p.m.

March 18: Election Day!
• SA Stairs poll, main campus, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Red Deer College Forum poll, main campus, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Donald School of Business poll, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Election results will be announced in the Far Side Bar & Grill following ballot counting March 18, 2015. Approximate time 8 p.m.

Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: JOSH CORMIER, CHIEF RETURNING OFFICER

Learn how to capture the power of you at the 18th Administrative Professional Conference

Learn about the power of you at the upcoming 18th annual Administrative Professional Conference: The Power of You. The conference is organized and run by the Administrative Professional Class of 2014-2015.

Date of Conference: Friday, March 20, 2015

Venue: third Floor of the Millennium Centre, Rooms 306A and 306B

Time: 8:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. (If you attend the Early-Bid Registration from 8:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. you will qualify for an additional prize draw.)

Dress Code:  Business Attire

Registration Deadline: March 13, 2015

Conference speakers
Elizabeth George helps people understand the power of relationships. She is a corporate leadership trainer, international keynote speaker, and co-author of the best-selling book The Compatibility Code, An Intelligent Woman’s Guide to Dating and Marriage.

Her topic is, “The Power of Point.” She will be discussing Your reason, Your focus, Your Point.

“In a world that tells us we can be anything – success instead demands that we be something—someone. This powerful session will inspire you to find your point.”

George was a small business consultant for the U.S. Small Business Administration, worked with state and national economic development and incubator organizations, and taught as a university professor in both the U.S. and Canada. She ran a bed & breakfast featured in Southern Living and consulted as a specialist in tourism operations and marketing with Travel Alberta.

She has a master’s degree in Human Resource Management, is an award-winning businesswoman and world-class athlete. Her accomplishments included Top 40 Business Executive under the age of 40; five Time NCAA All-American; U.S. International Shooting Team five years; Olympic Alternate; Crossbow World Champion Team.

Kristen Cumming is focused on improving the connection between people and their work. Her 20 years experience in career development and human resources is complemented by a passion for demography.

Cumming’s speech is called “The First 100 Days” and will talk about how to create a powerful impression and carve a path for success in the first 100 days at work after graduating.

Cumming is an instructor with the Bachelor of Management Business Economics program at the University of Alberta – Augustana Campus and operates a successful consulting practice through which she serves as a speaker and trainer on demography, recruitment and retention, engagement and leadership.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Master of Education degree in Workplace and Adult Learning.

To learn more about this conference, please email [email protected]

Live Your Legacy: Election time is around the corner…

Hello RDC! Another year has already passed and that’s right, it’s that time of the year again — election time.

Before I get into the grit of things, let me introduce myself. My name is Josh Cormier and I am the Chief Returning Officer for this spring’s Students’ Association Executive Elections. I am a second year Bachelor of Education student here at RDC and I plan on transferring to the University of Alberta for the fall. I am very excited for this upcoming election and I hope that each of you is just as excited as I am.

Now, let’s get into it. For those who are interested in running for a position, nominations will open as soon as the Spring General Meeting ends on March 3. Nomination packages can be picked up at the Students’ Association office or at any of the SA bulletin boards.

Completed nomination packages must be handled in by 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 to the Students’ Association office. A mandatory meeting for all of the candidates follows the close of nominations.

Things really start to get cooking then! There will be a week of campaigning with various Meet the Candidate events as well as open forums on both campuses.

Advanced Polls will be open March 17 and Election Day is March 18. Results will be announced in the Far Side Bar & Grill at approximately 8 p.m.

Become involved!

If you’re not interested in running for a position, I would encourage you to become involved as much as possible. Simply attend any of the events, endorse a campaign, become a poll clerk, or even just vote. It’s super easy.

If you are interested in becoming a poll clerk, please send me an email at [email protected]. Additionally, if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me at that email address or come up to the SA and we can chat.

I hope that you become involved during the election and I look forward to counting your ballot on election day.

Election Timeline

March 2: Election Awareness
• Join Chief Returning Officer Josh Cormier for an Election Awareness event. Learn about the offices, the election process, and how to become involved.

March 3: Nominations open
• Spring General Meeting, Main Campus, Far Side Bar & Grill, 11 a.m.
Nominations for Students’ Association Executive Council: President, Vice President Operations, Vice President  College Affairs, Vice President  Student Life; summer Students’ Association Council; student vacancies on Academic Council and Board of Governors Student Member open.

March 10: Nominations close
• Nominations period for Students’ Association Executive Council closes at 4 p.m. Candidates for Executive Council must provide transcripts, nomination forms and profiles by the deadline.

March 10: Campaigning begins
• Campaigning begins at the conclusion of the All Candidates Meeting

March 11: Campaign event
• Meet the Candidates for Executive Council from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Donald School of Business

March 12: Campaign events
• Meet the Candidates for Executive Council from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Forum
• Candidate Forum, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., RDC Library

March 13: Campaign event
• Meet the Candidates, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forum

March 16: Campaign event
• Candidates Forum, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Forum

March 17: Advance Polls
• SA office polling station, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Donald School of Business polling station, 10 a.m. to
2 p.m.
• Campaigning ends. All campaign material must be down by 10 p.m.

March 18: Election Day!
• SA Stairs poll, main campus, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Red Deer College Forum poll, main campus, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Donald School of Business poll, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Election results will be announced in the Far Side Bar & Grill following ballot counting March 18, 2015. Approximate time 8 p.m.

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: JOSH CORMIER, CHIEF RETURNING OFFICER

Proposed bylaw amendments on agenda at Students’ Association Spring General Meeting

On March 3, 2105 the Students’ Association of Red Deer College will hold its annual Spring General Meeting. The meeting will be held at 11 a.m. in the Far Side Bar & Grill, Red Deer College Main Campus.

All students are encouraged to attend to hear what the Students’ Association has been working on throughout the year. Agenda items include executive reports, bylaw amendments and the opening of nominations for Executive Council, Summer Student Council, Academic Council student members and Student Board of Governors member.

Bylaw Amendments

A number of amendments are being proposed to the existing Bylaws of the Association. A copy of the proposed changes can be download at the Students’ Association website www.sardp.ca

If you have any questions regarding the proposed changes, please contact Students’ Association President Bailey Daines at [email protected] for more information.

Nominations open

At this meeting, nominations will open for Executive Council positions — President, Vice President College Affairs, Vice President Operations, Vice President Student Life. Nominations for Students’ Association Council, Academic Council and Student Board of Governors member also open at this time.

Nominations packages will be available for pick up at the Students’ Association office (second floor, next to the Train Station) following the meeting.

If you have any questions regarding the Executive Council positions or the upcoming election, please email Chief Returning Office Josh Cormier at [email protected]. If you have any questions regarding Student Council, Academic Council or the Student Board of Governors position, please email [email protected] or phone 403-342-3200.

Live your legacy: Consider running for Executive Council

Are you passionate about student representation?

Do you want to advocate for students?

Are you interested in building student engagement?

Maybe you are one of the next Executive Council members of the Students’ Association of Red Deer College.

Each member of Executive Council serves a term of one year (May 1 – April 30) and is paid for their time in office. In addition to the
opportunities on campus, executives have an opportunity to travel and work with other student executives from around
the province through the Students’ Association membership in ASEC (Alberta Student Executive Council).

Nominations for the four executive positions — President, Vice President Operations, Vice President College Affairs, Vice President Student Life — open following the Spring General Meeting on March 3 at 11 a.m. in the Far Side Bar & Grill.

Although becoming an executive is a significant time commitment, it is a great learning experience and provides many opportunities to network and grow your skill set. Executives serve as advocates for the students of Red Deer College and try to ensure the student experience at RDC is a positive one.

While the executive team works together to ensure all of the students at Red Deer College are represented fairly and equally, each position has its own role and duties.

President
• Acts as the official spokesperson and CEO for the Students’ Association
• Meets with senior administration, local politicians, and influential community members on a regular basis
• Leads and motivates Executive Council and assists with establishing long- and short-term goals
• Responsible for overseeing the business affairs of the Association in conjunction with the Executive Director
• Sits on and provide feedback for college committees
The President is allowed to take a maximum of nine credits per Fall and Winter semester and must maintain a minimum of 25 office hours per week during the Associations’ regular business hours

VP Operations
• Assists the President in their duties
• Responsible for the recruitment and training of Students’ Association Council
• Responsible for communication between the Association and the Donald School of Business
• Work with the Communications manager to promote the Association internally and externally
• Sit on and provide feedback for college committees related to the operations of Red Deer College
The VP Operations is allowed to take a maximum of five courses per Fall and Winter semester and must maintain a minimum of 20 office hours per week during the Associations’ regular business hours.

VP College Affairs
• Assist students with academic and non-academic appeals
• Provide feedback on proposed curriculum and policy changes
• Meet regularly with the Vice President Academic of Red Deer College
• Chairs Academic Council Student Caucus
• Work to resolve issues that students are facing at Red Deer College
The VP College Affairs is allowed to take a maximum of five courses per Fall and Winter semester and must maintain a minimum of 20 office hours per week during the Associations’ regular business hours.

VP Student Life
• Plan and promote student events and awareness campaigns
• Assist with and coordinate the activity all Student Groups throughout the year
• Play an active role in the development of student life at RDC by working with other groups at the college
• Responsible for the recruitment and training of volunteers
• Sit on college committees related to student life and environmental issues
The VP Student Life is allowed to take a maximum of five courses per Fall and Winter semester and must maintain a minimum of 20 office hours per week during the Associations’ regular business hours.

To learn more about the responsibilities of Executive Council or the election process, contact Chief Returning Officer Josh Cormier via email at [email protected]

Letter to the Editor: It’s a chronic illness, it’s not contagious!

I was sitting at one of the computers in the college’s library. I had tried to get a computer far off in the corner in hopes of seclusion, but as the minutes passed by, more and more students piled in, occupying my personal space.

An older man who must had been in his late twenties or early thirties came in with a loud, cocky, and arrogant mouth and sat right across from me. Great.

But I fished out my headphones and turned on my music in hopes of drowning out everyone’s chatters and gossip. For a while it worked – I sat quietly and continued working on the essay I should’ve started weeks ago.

Occasionally, I’d hear one of the man’s voiced remarks and outbursts. I just rolled my eyes and turned up the volume, trying not to lose concentration.

Finishing up my final edits, I raised my right hand to my face to brush away a few loose strands of hair that had been poking my eye when I heard his loud, sarcastic voice again, “What the hell’s wrong with your hand!? “

Reacting quickly, I hid my hand under the table, pulling down the sleeve of my sweater. Glancing up under my eyelashes, I saw that he was staring at me along with everyone else who had heard his question.

I muttered to him that I had Crohn’s Disease, my skin lesions being one of the side effects.

“Oh. I thought you had like, a fungal infection or something.”

Did he have to be so loud?

Balling up my fists and taking deep breaths, I logged off the computer, packed up my stuff, and bolted from the library with tears stinging my eyes and my head hanging in utter embarrassment.

It is sad, yet expected, that this kind of behaviour of disrespect and arrogance continues today.

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: K.J. ELIZABETH, RDC STUDENT

Executive Council a rewarding experience

The Students’ Association Spring General Meeting takes place in a little over a month, and that means it’s almost time for Students’ Association Executive Elections.

Every March the students of Red Deer College elect four people to represent them as the next year’s Students’ Association Executive Council. Executive Council is made up of the following four positions — President, Vice President Operations, Vice President College Affairs and Vice President Student Life.

Being an executive can be a fun-filled, rewarding experience but it is also hard work. Executives serve as advocates for the students of Red Deer College and try to ensure the student experience at RDC is a positive one.

While the executive team works together to ensure all of the students at Red Deer College are represented fairly and equally, each position has its own role and duties.

President
• Acts as the official spokesperson and CEO for the Students’ Association
• Meets with senior administration, local politicians, and influential community members on a regular basis
• Leads and motivates Executive Council and assists with establishing long- and short-term goals
• Responsible for overseeing the business affairs of the Association in conjunction with the Executive Director
• Sits on and provide feedback for college committees

The President is allowed to take a maximum of nine credits per Fall and Winter semester and must maintain a minimum of 25 office hours per week during the Associations’ regular business hours.

VP Operations
• Assists the President in their duties
• Responsible for the recruitment and training of Students’ Association Council
• Responsible for communication between the Association and the Donald School of Business
• Work with the Communications manager to promote the Association internally and externally
• Sit on and provide feedback for College committees related to the operations of RDC

The VP Operations is allowed to take a maximum of five courses per Fall and Winter semester and must maintain a minimum of 20 office hours per week during the Associations’ business hours.

VP College Affairs
• Assist students with academic and non-academic appeals
• Provide feedback on proposed curriculum and policy changes
• Meet regularly with the Vice President Academic of RDC
• Chairs Academic Council Student Caucus
• Work to resolve issues that students are facing at Red Deer College

The VP College Affairs is allowed to take a maximum of five courses per Fall and Winter semester and must maintain a minimum of 20 office hours per week during the Associations’ business hours.

VP Student Life
• Plan and promote student events and awareness campaigns
• Assist with and coordinate the activity all Student Groups throughout the year
• Play an active role in the development of student life at RDC by working with other groups at the college
• Responsible for the recruitment and training of volunteers
• Sit on college committees related to student life and environmental issues

The VP Student Life is allowed to take a maximum of five courses per Fall and Winter semester and must maintain a minimum of 20 office hours per week during the Associations’ business hours.

Each member of Executive Council serves a one-year term (May 1 – April 30) and is paid for their time in office. Executives have an opportunity to travel and work with other student executives from around the province through the Association membership in ASEC (Alberta Student Executive Council).

Nominations for the four executive positions open following the Spring General Meeting on March 3 at 11 a.m. in the Far Side Bar & Grill.
To learn more about Executive Council or the election process contact the Students’ Association at 403-342-3200 or email [email protected]