RDC programming focusing on student mental health and wellness, leadership and mentorship and career development are being expanded and enhanced as a result of a $450,000 commitment from RBC and the RBC Foundation.

The funding, which is a continuation of a long-standing partnership between the College and RBC, was announced in October.

Under the funding, RDC will expand programming currently supported in part by RBC Foundation’s past investment to provide enhanced direct support for mental health delivery, including a new 24/7 access online platform. Relevant career development learning opportunities, as well as exposure to local and regional employers will continue. Additionally, the RBC Student Ambassador program will continue to receive support.

The Student Ambassador Program provides valuable skills which help students throughout their years of schooling. It offers the opportunity to become involved, meet new people, and volunteer in the community.

Student Ambassadors joined area dignitaries at the announcement of the commitment of RBC and the RBC Foundation. Ambassadors Adam Shendaruk and Charity Lehn spoke at the event on behalf of the Student Ambassador Leadership Program. Their comments follow.

Adam Shedaruk
Having been out of school for a number of years and returning as a mature student, I wanted to get the most out of my college career and get connected. When I was presented with the opportunity to join a group of people specifically out for the same purpose I was, I jumped at it.

The Student Ambassador Leadership Program was not at all what I thought it was, having said that, it was much, much more than I had hoped for.

Given my outward transparent attitude and demeanor, I thought I would be thrown into a black-and-white, cookie-cutter build of a typical leadership program but was met head long with THE most diverse training and learning seminars and workshops ranging from volunteering in the college at different events, to attending events which enrich and expand my views and thinking.

Watching my peers grow and lead skill-building nights is one of the most rewarding things I have had the pleasure of being a part of. (Returning) as a mature student, I have learned as much from my peers, if not more, than I have hopefully added to them.

This program enables and encourages inclusivity without any discrimination towards people interested as well as topical discussions and workshops regardless of any stigma that may come with said topics.

My most enjoyed workshop to date is actually one of the most stigmatized topics that our society and culture face … it was regarding suicide awareness and prevention, as well as mental health issues in general.

I love what the Student Ambassadors has added to my life and am very grateful for the resources, people and knowledge I have gained and will continue to multiply upon before my time at RDC is done.

Knowledge gained is never knowledge wasted, in my books.

Charity Lehn
In high school I was involved in many different clubs and groups, including the leadership group. I am a person who has always enjoyed being busy and making a difference.

When I started at the college two and a half years ago, I knew I wanted to get involved somehow, but wasn’t quite sure how to do this. I heard about the Student Ambassador Leadership Program and it fit exactly with what I wanted to do.

This is my second year in the program and it has been an amazing experience. I have learned many valuable skills through some of the workshops and volunteering I have done in my time so far.

Some of my favourite workshops have been: time management, budgeting (which is important as a student), and the Strength Finders workshop. I also enjoy our monthly team-building events because they allow me to connect with a diverse group of people that also share a passion for leadership and helping.

Overall, this program has made my college experience better and given me the chance to learn new things.

William Baliko has resigned from the position of President of the Students’ Association of Red Deer College.

In accordance with Students’ Association bylaws, recently-elected Vice President College Affairs Kass Scholze will assume the role of President. Vice President Operations Marian Young had assumed the temporary position of acting President to allow Scholze time to consider what the new role would mean.

SA Executive Council — President Kass Scholze, Vice President Operations Marian Young, Vice President Student Life Chaise Combs — and the recently-elected Student Council will continue to represent and advocate for the students of Red Deer College.

The Students’ Association is proud to offer an affordable health and dental plan for full-time Red Deer College students. The Student Benefits Plan was implemented by student referendum making the health and dental plan a requirement for all full time students at Red Deer College.

All RDC students enrolled in nine billable academic credits are included in the extended health and dental benefit plan. The charges for the benefit plan will appear on your Red Deer College fee statement. The benefit year runs from September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018.

What if I already have extended health and dental coverage?
If you have comparable coverage, both health and dental, you may apply to waive the fees included on your fee statement. Each student is given one opportunity (this is your only opportunity) a year to waive the benefits. Confirmation of comparable coverage must be included in order to process the Waiver Form. It is the students’ responsibility to confirm that faxed or mailed waivers have been received by the Student Benefits Plan Office before the September 18, 2017 deadline. Please retain a copy of the waiver form for your personal file.

Provincial health care plans are not considered comparable coverage. Approval of waiver forms will result in the plan fee being credited back to your student account via the Cashier’s Office in October.

Opting out is a one- time process. Once you waive, the information carries over year to year, as long as you remain a full time student (minimum nine billable academic credits). If the student falls to part time status for a semester, they will need to submit a new waiver form when they enrol as a full time student.

Students are responsible for confirming their waiver status at the Student Benefits Plan Office prior to the deadline. There will be no exceptions or extensions for students who fail to submit their completed waiver form to the Student Benefits Plan Office before 4 p.m. Monday, September 18, 2017.

What benefits are included in the plan(s)?
A schedule of benefits can be obtained by visiting the Student Benefits Plan Office, or online at www.mystudentplan.ca (choose Students’ Association of Red Deer College).

Can I opt back into the Plan(s)?
Should you lose your existing comparable coverage, you can enrol in the student benefit plan(s). You must submit an enrollment form to the Student Benefits Plan Office before the September 18, 2017 deadline. Paying the health and dental fees alone will not enroll you in the Student Benefit Plan. Should you lose your alternate coverage during the benefit year, you can enroll in the student benefit plan. This must be done within 30 days of losing the coverage. Visit the Student Benefit Plan Office to make arrangements.

Can I add family to the plan(s)?
If you are a full time student (minimum of nine billable academic credits), you have one opportunity — this is your only opportunity — to purchase family coverage for your spouse and/or dependents by completing an application form at the Student Benefits Plan Office, and paying the family coverage fee. These fees are in addition to the student benefit fees charged on the RDC fee statement. The family add-on must be renewed annually. All applications and applicable fees must be received by the September 18, 2017 deadline.

How do I use the plan?
Please visit the Student Benefit Plan Office or visit: www.mystudentplan.ca (select Students’ Association of Red Deer College) to obtain your myBenefits direct bill card and to receive information about the benefit plan. New eligible students will be added to the benefit plan during the first 45 days of the semester. Please keep your receipts for eligible expenses incurred during this time period for submission to the insurance carrier upon completion of the enrolment process.

Remember: Waive, Enrol and Family Add-On Deadline for Fall 2017 is September 18, 2017 at 4 p.m.

The Student Benefits Office is located in Room 2010A, 100 College Boulevard., Red Deer, AB, T4N 5H5; phone 403-356-4982; fax 403-342-2834; email reddeerplan@mystudentplan.ca; website www.mystudentplan.ca

I was so shy when I came to the college, but through the Student Ambassador Program, I have had many opportunities to meet other students. I have even come to look forward to volunteering with new people.

The workshops offered by the Ambassador program are very practical. They have helped me to adjust to new experiences and the challenges of the RDC environment.

Every event that happens through the Ambassador program is so positive — always focused on building up the students and showing us how to become more independent and rely on our strengths — while also giving us time to get to know the other students and work together.

I never saw myself as a public speaker but after only a few months in the program, I was enjoying teaching other students and looking for more ways to interact with new students. Several of the people that I met through the Ambassador program have become my closest friends at the college. Faculty are so understanding about the stresses that the students face.

The support of the faculty and the flexibility of the workshops have allowed me to continue participating in the program, while working full-time and managing a moderate course load.

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: KEANNA GROVES STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM