New SA initiative aims to foster positive mental health

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Tuition. Good marks. Deadlines. Loneliness. Career choices. Rent. Exams. Anxiety. Problems sleeping. Students can face a lot of pressure and stress in their academic and personal lives. And sometimes, it can become too much.

In recognition of these pressures, the Students’ Association has introduced a new Mental Health Initiative aimed at promoting a positive atmosphere in which mental health can be explored and enhanced. The initiative is supported by funding from the Alberta Campus Mental Health Initiative Fund (ACMHI).

“We want to help give students the tools to take care of themselves,” said SA President Martin Cruz. “Throughout the year we are going to hold a number of awareness campaigns to help students learn about mental health and to try to remove the stigma around mental illness.

“We are kicking off the Initiative with Mental Health Awareness Week: MyWellness during MyMidterms from Nov. 14 to 22. Expect to see lots of stress-relieving activities ranging from letting your stress fly away on a paper airplane to a mediation session and maybe even some furry friends.”

The Mental Health Initiative will bring mental health information to the forefront for students, with the objective of helping the campus community identify the role of mental health in an individual’s well-being. Cruz said the initiative will promote the supports available to students both on campus and in Red Deer.

“We will also be promoting Feeling Better Now, an online assessment tool which provides users with an immediate outcome at the end of the survey,” said Cruz, adding Feeling Better Now is the only mental health assessment tool for students accredited by the Canadian College of Family Physicians. “Students can take their results to a doctor, a counselor or other medical professional. We believe this allows students to respond to their situation from an empowered position and allows them to take an active and informed roll in their care.”

Feeling Better Now

Imagine its 3 a.m. and you are not feeling well. It’s the middle of the night and it feels like there is no one to call.

You remember hearing about the Feel Better Now tool. You grab your phone or tablet head to mystudentplan.ca/reddeer/mywellness, click on the Feeling Better Now link and within 20 minutes you have a preliminary assessment of your emotional and mental health and can start mapping your road to wellness.

“We believe this is a innovative program,” said Cruz, adding the MyWellness site also includes links to services and supports available on campus, within the larger community and online. “We believe this is one of the few tools which enables students to receive an assessment of their mental and emotional health anywhere, anytime, when the need arises.”

Students who are at high risk are provided with online tools to help them and their physician identify and treat emotional and mental health problems using medical best practices. The student and their physician receive a patient-specific risk map indicating the severity of the condition; a patient-specific care map to assist them in the detection, treatment and follow up of emotional and mental health problems; and follow up maps every three weeks to track progress and recovery.

“This tool will enable students who previously were unable — or unwilling — to make an appointment for mental health screening to access the help they need,” said Cruz. “At its ultimate, this tool could help ease strain on the emergency health system as mental health concerns could be treated before becoming emergencies.”

MyWellness during MyMidterms

What do bubble wrap, paper airplanes, dogs, hugs and a ball pit have in common? Stumped?

Individually — or together — these things can help reduce stress and anxiety for most people. And they will all be a part of MyWellness during MyMidterms.

“One in four post-secondary students experience stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health symptoms,” explained Cruz. “According to studies, the three most common factors affecting academic performance are stress, sleep difficulties and anxiety. We want to help change that for RDC students so we are holding the first-ever Mental Health Awareness Week – a week full of fun and soothing activities.”

The week kicks off Thursday, Nov. 14 with Mental Health Awareness Day where students will be able to create their own ‘stress balls’ and throw their anxiety away in a real way.

“The slogan for Mental Health Awareness Day is ‘Stressed is desserts spelled backwards’,” said VP Student Life Jhymylyn Miranda. “We want to show RDC students there are many way to relieve stress in a healthy manner. In addition, we want to raise awareness and reach out to students to show there is support on campus for mental health issues. These individuals are not alone in their struggles, and it is important they get help.”

The rest of the week will also focus on stress management, relaxation and promoting health and wellness services available to students . Each day various health and wellness-related services will be joining the SA in the Forum.

• Thursday, Nov. 14 – Mental Health Awareness Day: sip on a cup of Jiggle Juice, create your own ‘stress ball’; Forum, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

• Friday, Nov. 15 – Hot Chocolate Day: serve yourself up a cup of hot chocolate and make a friend; Main Hallway, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Monday, Nov. 18 – Dog/Puppy Room: De-stress with a few furry friends; sign up in the Forum

• Tuesday, Nov. 19 – Balloon & Bubble Wrap Day: Let all your stresses fly away and pop your way to happiness today; Forum, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Wednesday, Nov. 20 -Yoga & Mediation Day, Forum (Yoga) and Meditation Room (meditation); 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Thursday, Nov. 21 – DSB Mental Health Awareness: Balloon and Bubble Wrap station; DSB, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Friday, Nov. 22 – Mental Health Awareness Week wraps up with Random Act of Kindness Day, a Free Hug Campaign, Take a Seat/Make A Friend; Forum, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Hopefully a fun, open approach to mental health and stress will help students relax and begin to discuss their worries, anxieties and concerns,” said Cruz. “We want to foster an environment where there is no stigma surrounding mental illness and where people are comfortable accessing the services they need.”

On Point & On Time: What your Students’ Association can do for you!

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You’re probably wondering who are these guys? And why are they giving out free food?

To answer your questions — we are your Students’ Association and we are here for you.

We represent you within the College, to the municipal and provincial governments, and to the community-at-large. Your SA also tries to provide each student with a memorable student experience while studying at Red Deer College.

As your student executives, we — VP College Affairs Tanis Penney, VP Student Life Jhymylyn (Jaime) Miranda, VP Operations Rebecca Tootoosis and myself — are in charge of the day-to-day business of the Students’ Association.

That means we oversee the Far Side Bar & Grill, The Lift convenience store, the many services we offer and, of course, the SA building. The businesses that I mentioned are all proudly-student owned! All SA businesses take pride in employing students, making the SA and its businesses one of the largest employers of students on campus. In addition, proceeds from SA businesses help support scholarships and services for students.

As an organization that looks after the well-being of students, we also provide a voice for students for their academic or non-academic appeals. If you are having problems with your classes, your instructors, parking or anything that has to do with you being a student, come visit Tanis Penney, your VP College Affairs. Her job is to make sure your issues and concerns are addressed fairly and in a timely manner.

In terms of promoting student life on campus, we have many opportunities for you to have fun and get involved, including Student Council, committee work, student groups, volunteering or working for one of our businesses.

By being part of Council, you are able to learn about governance and finance accountability. By being part of College committees, you will learn the behind-the-scenes of the college — beyond the classes you attend.

By being part of a student group, you are able to meet new people and widen your connections. We have a number of student groups at RDC. Most are program-based but student groups can also be interest-driven. If you want to establish your own student group, you are more than welcome to do so! Have a chat with Jhymylyn (Jaime) Miranda, your VP Student Life to learn more about your opportunities. She is also in charge of parties, events, and awareness campaigns. She is also the keeper of our SWAG! Be nice to her, she might give you a free beverage in the Far Side.

The fourth member of Executive Council is Rebecca Tootoosis, your VP Operations. She is the behind-the-scenes person, meaning she deals with how the businesses and and how Council are operated. If you have any questions on anything regarding the SA, Rebecca and myself are available between classes and meetings!

You guys are important to us because we exist only because of you. You pay for us to represent you. We are here to listen to you! You can talk to any of your Students’ Association Council members or any member of Executive Council.

Remember that books and classes are not what you’re going to remember in 10 years, it’s the memorable experience you have while you are here at Red Deer College.

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: MARTIN CRUZ, SA PRESIDENT

Student food bank here to help

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With winter just around the corner, many students are finding their funds are running low. Students face the continued struggle of making ends meet — often working one or more part-time jobs while being a full-time student. Sometimes even that isn’t enough.

“It’s unfortunate students need to access the SA Food Bank, but it is a valuable resource and service for them, especially at a time when they should be focusing on school and not the stress of everyday life,” said Anne Cooper, SA food bank coordinator.

The SA Student Food Bank has always enjoyed outstanding support from the Red Deer College community — its staff, faculty, students and supporters.

“On behalf of the Students’ Association Student Food Bank, I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the past year,” said Cooper.

“We appreciate the support we have received from faculty, departments, student groups/clubs, Red Deer City Food Bank Society, numerous individuals and special events on campus. Every donation — no matter how large or how small — makes a difference.

“The special events held by different groups on campus help out in two ways — not only do they bring in donations, they also help increase awareness of the Student Food Bank.”

Stocking the Cupboards

Demand has been quite high over the past few weeks. Donations have been steady but the high demand has left the cupboards in a sad state.
The Student Food Bank needs non-perishable items like peanut butter, canned fruit and vegetables, pasta, tomato sauce, rice, cereal, fruit juice. There are some things people may not think to donate, but are just as essential, like hygiene items.

While every donation is appreciated there are some items which are not of high demand at the SA Student Food Bank. Items like baby formula, baby food and diapers are not as necessary. If those items are required the Red Deer Food Bank can help the Student Food Bank meet those needs.

Donations of unopened, non-perishable food items can be placed in the Food Bank collection box located by the main gym or dropped off at the Students’ Association office.  The Student Food Bank also accepts cash donations. These cash donations are used to purchase food vouchers.

“With the vouchers our students can purchase perishable groceries like fresh fruit, vegetable, milk, bread and meat.”

Emergency hampers

If you have need of an emergency hamper please call the Student Funding & Awards Office at 403-342-3254 or drop by their office in Room 1101.

Clients are required to be a member of the Students’ Association of Red Deer College. Additional services offered by the Red Deer College Student Funding & Awards Office include assistance with budgeting and emergency financial
assistance.

The SA food bank is open to any questions, comments or suggestions you may have. Drop by and speak with Anne Cooper at the Students’ Association office or email anne.cooper@rdc.ab.ca

 

On Point & On Time: Time Management – The key to success

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It’s already mid-October!

It feels like we were just welcoming new students to RDC couple of weeks ago…

Oh wait.

October is the time where all students are rushing to get term papers done or cramming to get some studying done for midterms.
Be honest! Because you don’t need to worry, we’ve all been there. We procrastinate on every single thing that has to do with schoolwork.

As a second/third year Political Science Major, I can say that I procrastinate like no one else in the world. I leave my term papers to the last minute or at least eight hours before the submission time.

Throughout my years at RDC, I’ve come to realize writing essays the day before the due date or studying the night before a midterm is probably not the brightest idea. You feel overwhelmed and chances are you will get low marks when you get your midterm or paper back.

To avoid stress, plan ahead! Make sure you leave enough time for you to go to work, have a social life and also be a top-notch student. It works differently with everyone — it’s up to you to what you would like to prioritize the most.

Likewise, if you feel like you have some time to help your peers or join the fun, we need your help! The Students’ Association is planning a list of things — parties, events, and awareness campaigns under Jhymylyn’s (VP Student Life) leadership. If you’d like to help us out, please let us know!

If you feel overwhelmed, rest assured RDC and your SA have a ton of services that could help you out! The Writing Skills Centre, for example, is located in the library and they assist students with their writing. They peer-review your essays; they can help you be a better writer. If you are seeking time management help, the Counselling & Career Centre is located in Room 1402. Their doors are open if you have any questions regarding Free Massage Fridays, Time Management Training, and so on. My only advice is to use the services we have around the College, they’re free because we pay for them!

Always remember to manage your time wisely to avoid getting overwhelmed, ask for help when needed and keep everything ‘on point and on time’.

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: MARTIN CRUZ, SA PRESIDENT

Right vs Left debate series demonstrates ‘politics can be fun’

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Post-secondary education reform, Michener Centre, the sustainability of Alberta’s economy and its environmental impact, and how a post-Progressive Conservative Alberta would look and function were just a few of the topics up for debate at the recent Left vs. Right debate.

Last Thursday evening was full of heated debate as Alberta NDP leader Brian Mason and Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith brought their Mason vs. Smith debate series to the Cenovus Learning Common at RDC. The evening was presented by the Red Deer College Political Science Society.

The party leaders had the opportunity to not only engage each other in a relaxed, informative debate environment, but also educate the audience on their party’s platform and core values. Both parties market themselves as the official opposition, with these debates leaving it in the audience’s hands to decide who truly held that title. I had the opportunity to interview both Brian Mason and Danielle Smith before the debate, and get to know more about themselves and their party on a personal level.

An area of concern to most Albertan students would be the current state of the post-secondary education system. Mason himself took political science, stating that, “what was most important was the ability to think critically; how to think and analyze for myself.”

He expressed concern over the limited access to post-secondary education, and described how the NDP wishes to cut tuition across the board by 10 percent, as well as implement a freeze on non-instructional mandatory fees.

“Students are not able to get all programs or courses that they want,” Mason explained, stating that this was “greatly unfair.” Mason stressed the importance of creating long-term employment in Alberta by reducing exportation to the United States and China.

He also stressed the necessity of enforcing environmental programs and providing funding toward research and development of alternative energy sources. When asked about an ideal alternative, he stated, “natural gas is more plentiful, less expensive, and is a good ‘bridging’ fuel. We also have to invest in renewables, in a big way; tap into the potential of solar, wind, and geothermal energy in Alberta.”

Smith asserted her concern that the PC government is sending the wrong signal to students through the cuts implemented by them, and discouraging students from pursuing what they wish.

“Post-secondary education needs to be student-centered… Not ‘everybody should be steered to one path or another,’.”

She also believes an issue Albertans need to consider is the demographic change happening in the province.

“Now, we have a large group of seniors, supported by a small group of graduates … The decisions they (the PCs) are making today are completely at odds with the demographic reality that we’re facing.”

Smith also went on to discuss how her party encouraged and enforced free votes rather than party solidarity, describing how it increased respect for one another.

“You can disagree without being disagreeable.”

Smith illustrated, believing that Albertans are now demanding a larger amount of accountability for their politicians, and that they need to represent those that elected them.

Spurred by the mention of the flooding that took place over the past year, she stated, “government should be there for a social safety net for people — but the provincial and federal levels aren’t always the right kind of government to be providing services. Empowering local government is probably a more effective way to deliver services while doing so cost-effectively, as well as tailoring those services to the needs of the community.”

When asked about how their party differs from the current government, both placed great importance of the urgency needed in the change.

“We want people to start thinking about what the province is going to look like after the Conservatives are no longer in government,” Mason said, going on to state that the partnership between student groups and the Wildrose was stimulating open conversations and inspiring young people to seriously consider the political climate in Alberta.

“For a time, the PCs did (serve my values), but they’ve gone completely off track in my opinion,” Smith commented, this being a theme that would occur over the course of the debate.

Politics can be fun

“I think people are finding, from these debates, that politics can be fun — it doesn’t have to be mean and nasty,” Mason responded when asked about student involvement in politics.

“There’s a lot of value in being politically involved. It’s intellectually stimulating, (full of) wonderful social opportunities and it involves you in making the province and the country a better place… You don’t have to run for office to be involved,” Mason explained, believing in the importance of youth involvement.

Smith responded that the best way to gain political insight was to “get involved in the municipal elections. Any election gives you the opportunity to understand what it’s all about.”

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: MARYANNE MCGRATH | POLITICAL SCIENCE SOCIETY

Penney elected VP College Affairs

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Students at Red Deer College elected the 2013-2014 Vice President College Affairs in a bi-election. The newly elected executive member is Tanis Penney. She joins Martin Cruz, President; Rebecca Tootoosis, VP Operations; and Jhymylyn Miranda, VP Student Life.

“I am happy to welcome Tanis to our team,” said SA President Martin Cruz. “She adds an important voice to our team and together we can give students a voice and help foster a positive student experience at Red Deer College.

“Students are facing challenging times, but I am confident this executive team will ensure student issues are kept in the public eye.”

Winter Council 2013-2014

Students’ Association Winter Council — the highest governing body of the SA — has also been set. All major decisions are made by Council, which consists of 12 Councilors who represent the four different Academic divisions of RDC and the current Students’ Association Executive Council.

Councilors represent the students and have the responsibility to speak up and advocate on behalf of the student body.

Arts: Derrick Callan, Emily Pasiuk, Harry MacDonald

Health, Educations, Science & Sport: Bryan Krall, Karen Hanvold, Austin McGrath

Trades & Technology: Bailey Daines, Alexis Forbes, Shahab Fajar

Donald School of Business: Josh Cormier, Daniel Jackman, Nav Sidhu

New learning space opens in downtown

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Red Deer College officially opened a new learning space in downtown Red Deer Sept. 20. City Centre Stage will serve as a unique environment that offers more space in Red Deer for the arts to flourish. The new venue features a 107-seat cinema, a 276-seat theatre, an art gallery and a conference room.

The Grand Opening event welcomed a host of dignitaries, members of the business community and supporters of the College and of the Arts to City Centre Stage for a stand-up reception and tours of the new facility.

A wide variety of programming will take place at City Centre Stage throughout the year, both as a classroom for RDC’s downtown campus, home of the Donald School of Business, as a venue for community art groups like Central Alberta Theatre, and to host special events like the upcoming Alberta Culture Days in Red Deer, the Mayoral Candidate Forum for the civic election and the Donald School of Business Speaker Series. The first student art exhibition will be featured in the Gallery Oct. 21-25.

On Point & On Time: Election Fever – Who are you voting for?

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The title says it all. It’s election season again at RDC!

This time we are looking for 12 Students’ Association Council members, plus a new Vice President College Affairs.

This position will complete what we call the SA Executive Council. The VP College Affairs will join myself  – SA President Martin Cruz — and Vice President Operations Rebecca Tootoosis and Vice President Student Life Jhymylyn (Jaime) Miranda as the SA Executive team. This team oversees the day-to-day operations of the Students’ Association, and we are your direct representative to the College.

You’re probably wondering what the VP College Affairs does and what are the responsibilities of the position. This is a paid position, with a minimum of 20 office hours a week

The VP College Affairs is in charge of representing the students of RDC at meetings pertaining to curriculum, academic issues and oversees all student academic or non-academic issues. (If you are having any problems with your instructors or RDC services, the VP College Affairs is the person that could help you with solve them!)

In addition, the VP College Affairs meets regularly with the College’s Vice President Academic Brad Donaldson.

Only RDC students are able to run for this position because of its academic nature. Candidates must have been a student within the last winter or spring term and achieved a 2.0 average.

Student Council, anyone?

If you are not interested in that, we also have 12 SA Council positions. These are the students who speak for their peers at SA Council meetings, on College committees and in the community.

Council members represent the four Academic Divisions in the College, (Arts, Health, Science, Sports and Education; Donald School of Business and Trades & Technology). They ensure the SA executive team is doing its job to the best of its abilities.

If you have the appetite for wanting change, helping your peers or getting involved, the SA is the right place for you!

Election Day is October 2! We’re going to have two polls in Main Campus and one poll at DSB. Watch out for signs, they will direct you to the polling stations! You only need your student ID and you and your RDC friends!

Voting is important! It’s your right to have a representative that will do his or her job but it’s also your responsibility to get out and let your voice be heard! If you would like more information, contact the SA Elections Officer Anne Louise Lapuz at elections@sardp.ca.

Join us at the I voted… for the After Party Oct. 2 in the Far Side where we’re going to announce winners following ballot counting. I Voted … for the After Party gets started at 7 p.m.

Spread the word, get involved, vote! Your voice matters!

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: MARTIN CRUZ, SA PRESIDENT

SA executive bi-election set for Oct. 2

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Welcome back RDC students! I know everyone is very busy trying to get settled into their new classes, new homes for the year or just getting right into the books.

The Student’s Association is just as busy this time of year, trying to represent students and make sure they have an amazing year. And you can help – there will be a number of students seeking to represent your views as either SA Council members or as VP College Affairs.

RDC students head to the voting polls on Oct. 1 and 2 electing 12 new council representatives and a new Vice President College Affairs.

Being a transfer student like myself, I have attended two other post-secondary institutions and have never gotten involved in any student events or gotten to know what student council does for their peers, but it is never too late to start. Student council is very important to us as students; they represent us and they are our voice so therefore it is important to vote for the best candidate who will represent the student body well.

I am in need of volunteers to help run the polling stations and/or count the ballots for both days, Oct. 1 and 2. There will be voting stations at the Donald School of Business as well as on the main campus. Volunteers can work as short as a one-hour shift or as long as he/she would like. If either positions interests you please message me at the email address below.

Be an informed voter:

Starting the night of Tuesday, Sept. 24 campaigning will begin, posters will be popping up keeping you updated on the candidates.

On Monday, Sept. 30 the candidates will be at the SA stairs to tell you why you should vote for them. The speeches will begin at 10 a.m. and will end at 11:30 a.m., during this time, students will also have the opportunity to ask the candidates questions.

Advanced poll will be on Tuesday, Oct. 1, voting stations will be located at main campus in the Students’ Association office from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. and at the DSB from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.

Regular polls will be Wednesday, Oct. 2, there will be two voting stations at the main campus; SA stairs will open at 10 a.m. and will close at 3 p.m., the Forum will open its station at 9 a.m. and will shut down at 6 p.m.  DSB students will also have a chance to vote on the regular voting day beginning at 10 a.m. and closing at 2 p.m.

Getting involved in this year’s election is easy, you can volunteer or just simply VOTE! Stop by any voting stations at the main campus or DSB, show your iCard and mark your ballots.

If you are interested in running for office, volunteering or would like more information regarding this year’s election please do not hesitate to contact me via email at elections@sardp.ca or phone 403-342-3200

I hope to see all the polling stations and have a great semester!

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: ANNE LOUISE LAPUZ, CHIEF RETURNING OFFICER

Your Students’ Association is bringing the Blitz

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Are you ready? In fact, you probably aren’t!

Whether you are a new or returning student, whether you are trying to take in the last remnants of summer or you’re nervous about your first year of college, or a multiplicity of other reasons, you probably aren’t ready for the first week.

Well, that’s where we — your Students’ Association — come in. We have a fun-filled three-day extravaganza of activities, known as Blitz Week, to help you begin your college experience!

Whether you’re a new or returning student, this year is new, bright and shiny, and Blitz Week is about pulling you out of your comfort zone, helping you find a brand new one here at RDC and getting you to “go with the flow, and flow with the glow!”

The Blitz Week fun began August 26 with the Faculty Association Hot Dog Lunch for trades students continued with Rez Fest with the SA August 29 and the CUPE Light Breakfast at the Donald School of Business August 30. The fun continues Wednesday, Sept. 4 as we head into the second week of Blitz!

Blitz Week Part 2
Sept. 4 is a big day at RDC. Yes, it is the first day of classes and all that but it’s also the first really big day of Blitz Week. Activities kick off with the Shaw Communications Light Breakfast at 9 a.m. by the SA Stairs. Stop by for a muffin, fruit, juice, coffee or tea.

Blitz fun continues at 12:30 p.m. in the Forum Courtyard. Stop by and try your luck in the Wind Tunnel or at Roulette or check out the SA Ball Pit. If you are hungry, stop by the Servus Credit Union Taco In A Bag Lunch.

Thursday, Sept. 5 is another day Blitz-full of fun. Things get going at 12:30 p.m. with the Chartwells Hot Dog Lunch in the Forum Courtyard . There will also be lots of games, fun and activities — including our SA Obstacle Course plus Roulette and the Ball Pit.

The final day of Blitz promises to be a memorable one. The day’s activities kick off at 12:30 p.m. with the Bikram Yoga Taco Wrap Lunch in the Forum Courtyard. Once you’ve eaten (or maybe before) take a run at the Bungee Run or play one last game of Roulette.

litz Week winds up with the Glow Party in the Far Side Bar & Grill. This is your chance to “go with the flow, and flow with the glow!”

We, at the Students’ Association, hope that Blitz Week helps smooth your transition into or back into life at Red Deer College. If you have any questions, please contact Jaime Miranda, your VP Student Life at 403-342-3200.