The Social Work Student Society hosted the Social Work Showcase Event in order to challenge misconceptions that social workers only work in child welfare and to demonstrate the many areas we are involved in.

Social workers contribute to social change though ground level work in fields such as financial aid, individual and family counselling, domestic violence, addictions, outreach, housing, and many others. We also work in areas of community engagement and policy development to advocate for vulnerable populations.

At the event we displayed photo voice projects from current students and some artistic projects from former students to represent our passions and initiatives in these areas as well as the values we uphold as social workers such as diversity and right to self-determination.

We included a multicultural element of social work by having a social work student from Kenya there to offer information on her Muslim culture and traditional Muslim dress for guests to try on.

We also demonstrated the innovation involved in social work through an art therapy table where guests could contribute drawings and write notes that allowed them a different outlet for self-expression and a way to de-stress for a moment or two.

We are so encouraged by the interest and support we received from faculty members, visitors and peers that attended our event. We ask that if members of the college and Red Deer community take anything away from this that it would be to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the social work profession and to aspire to demonstrate social work in your own lives.

Advocate for your vulnerable neighbors by informing yourself on social issues and spreading awareness in your conversations and actions, take opportunities to volunteer in the community when you can, and work to reduce discrimination in the way you speak about and treat the people around you.

Thank you,

– Keira Shendaruk, Social Work Student Society
Social Work Student Showcase

The Students’ Association of Red Deer College is pleased the government has approved degree-granting status for Red Deer College.

The change means Red Deer College will be able to pursue granting its own degrees, in addition to certificates, diplomas, applied and collaborative degrees and apprenticeship training.

“This is a big day for the students of Central Alberta,” said Kass Scholze, Students’ Association President.

“Student leaders have lobbied for degrees at Red Deer College for decades — and today is the day that ask becomes a reality.

“It has not been a quick or easy process and it has taken a great deal of hard work and dedication for RDC to finally be at the cusp of granting its own degrees. Today is a big day for the future of Red Deer College and Central Alberta.”

Students come to Red Deer College for the small class size, close campus community and faculty and staff that are invested in their futures, explained Scholze. Students want to be able to pursue their entire degree in that same environment and continue to be a part of Central Alberta.

“This change means students will no longer be forced to up-root their lives to complete their education. It will allow access to degrees right here at home within the next few years,” said Scholze.

“Students will be able to complete their degree on a campus and in a community invested in their success and future graduates will be a vital part of Central Alberta.”

Students have been lobbying for degree-granting at RDC for decades. Student leaders have organized multiple campaigns including 1992’s trip to the Legislature to lobby for degrees and 2016’s postcard campaign which saw postcards signed by Central Albertans supporting degree-granting delivered to the Legislature.

Students are invited to take part in a focus group to talk about the student policies that they feel new students should be made aware of at New Student Orientation, and how that information might best provided.

The focus group is in response to feedback provided at a January 2018 meeting Alison Jeppesen, Chair of Academic Policy Committee, had with students.

The focus group will be held Thursday, March 15 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. in Room 2205. Snacks will be provided, as well as a small gift for each student in appreciation of their time and thoughts.

Students interested in participating should contact Lacey Fittes via email by Friday, March 9.

It seems in the blink of an eye the year is almost over, but that’s what happens when you are busy having fun or having fun being busy.

Even though we are closing in on the end of the school year, that doesn’t mean things are slowing down. There are scholarships to apply for, elections to take part in, and next year to look forward to …

For those students who haven’t had the chance to apply for scholarships, there are tons of applications that are still open and there is no better time than right now to apply! Simply head to the RDC website

Another great opportunity RDC student is to become more involved with your Students’ Association — either on Council or as an executive. Nominations are open so stop by and the awesome staff would be happy to answer any and all questions. Don’t wait too long though, the nomination period closes March 13.

For those who haven’t noticed yet, the Students’ Association is gearing up the Canada Winter Games coming to Red Deer College February 2019. WAIT! That’s only one year away! If you have questions regarding how this will affect you or other students now is the time to start asking, if you haven’t already. Calendars for February, March and April 2018 line the hallway by the SA office; we don’t want anyone to be in the dark about how these four exciting weeks will play out.

Trying to write down all of the exciting things that I have been up to over the last couple months has been harder than I thought! I am enjoying the challenge from both my role as Vice President College Affairs as well as President, I believe that both roles have allowed me to grow professionally as well as personally. Plus, I discovered a new passion for Academics!

After the bi-election, the exec team hit the ground running. We have been striving to represent the students’ voice at every opportunity including at Academic Council, Policy Committee, Canada Winter Games Committee. It has been great experience being able to provide feedback on things such as Final Exam Policy, the academic schedule after the addition of the Fall reading break and the Sexual Violence Policy.
The Students’ Association has also hosted a number of fun and informative events. Some of my favourite events include learning about sexual health at Risqué Bingo, shredding away my problems during Mental Health Week and, of course, seeing the smiling faces of students picking up some free taco in a bag during the first week back in January!

As a whole, the SA has been working hard to present exciting new bylaws and easy-to-use information about where your fees are going. I look forward to finishing the year out alongside the other executives with more awareness events and exploring political endeavors.

This time of year I really get the urge to burst out of my office, which also makes me more accessible for students to provide their insight and feedback. I encourage any students to come chat when you see me ‘Out & About.’

My closing reminder is for students to get involved in any way possible. Not only is it fun and a great opportunity to network and make friends but there is also something to be said about the benefits to your studies when you are more engaged.

ARTICLE AUTHOR: KASS SCHOLZE, SA PRESIDENT