Election Time!

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Are you a leader? Are you an advocate? Run with us!

The Students’ Association is a student-led non-profit organization that focuses on representing and advocating for Red Deer College students. The Students’ Association also provides programs and services that enhance student life on campus.

When we say “student-led”, we’re serious.

Your Students’ Association is governed by 12 Councillors who are full-time students on campus and represented by four student Executives (President, Vice President Operations, Vice President Academic, and Vice President Community & Wellness).

If you’re a leader and an advocate, you can be a Councillor or an Executive! Nominations opened February 1, 2018. The nomination package can be picked up at the Students’ Association office. Nominations close March 13 at 4 p.m.

For more info on the specific job descriptions, please visit the SA Website, refer the SA Bylaws, or meet with the Elections Officer!

If running for any of the available positions is not your thing, don’t worry! There are other opportunities available within the Students’ Association that you’d probably be interested in such as volunteering or joining one of the committees. We encourage anyone who is a leader or an advocate to get involved, hone those skills, and be able to contribute to the College community!

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: MARTIN CRUZ, ELECTIONS OFFICER

Student recognition nominations open

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Believe it or not – it is Student Recognition Event time!

The committee had their initial meeting and are planning another gala event.

This is all about recognizing those outstanding students at Red Deer College who go above and beyond normal expectations.

This award is not about academic excellence or super athletics. This award is for students who volunteer, who give of their time selflessly to help others, who contribute positively to college culture.

If you know someone who fits that bill – nominate them for the award. Do not procrastinate.

The form is online and you can access it at rdc.ab.ca/recognition. Remember, the more information you give about the individual the more likely the committee will look seriously at their nomination. One sentence saying how wonderful they are will not do the job.

Expert tip: You might want to complete the write up on a Word document and cut and paste it into the online form.

Election season begins at the Students’ Association

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Are you a leader? Are you an advocate? Run with us!

The Students’ Association is a student-led non-profit organization that focuses on representing and advocating for Red Deer College students. The Students’ Association also provides programs and services that enhance student life on campus.

When we say “student-led”, we’re serious. Your Students’ Association is governed by 12 Councillors who are full-time students on campus and represented by four student Executives (President, Vice President Operations, Vice President Academic, and Vice President Community & Wellness).

If you’re a leader and an advocate, you can be a Councillor or an Executive! Nominations opened February 1, 2018 – and if you’re unsure, please come see Martin Cruz, Elections Officer at the Students’ Association Offices. Nominations close March 13 at 4 p.m.

As a Councillor, attending meetings will become a norm. Students’ Association Council is expected to meet at least twice during the summer months and bi-weekly between September and April. Councillors are also required to sit on at least two Council Committees within the Students’ Association. But don’t worry! The Chairperson for the committees will try to schedule meetings that accommodate everyone’s schedule.

No experience is required. Joining Council is a great opportunity for those looking to learn about governance, discover how a non-profit organization operates, acquire knowledge of finances, meet new people, or for those who care about the student life on campus! There will be training, teambuilding, and most importantly, time for newly-elected Councillors to ask questions.

When it comes to Executive Council, each office has different responsibilities and it varies from year-to-year with the on-going changes within the political and social landscape in post-secondary. As the official representatives of RDC students, all members of the Executive Council (President, Vice President Academic, Vice President Operations, and Vice President Community & Wellness) are the official lobbyists on behalf of the Students’ Association. They must also perform all their duties as outlined in the bylaws and policies to the best of their abilities with the interest of all Association members in mind.

For more info on the specific job descriptions, please visit the SA Website, refer the SA Bylaws, or meet with the Elections Officer!

If running for any of the available positions is not your thing, don’t worry! There are other opportunities available within the Students’ Association that you’d probably be interested in such as volunteering or joining one of the committees. We encourage anyone who is a leader or an advocate to get involved, hone those skills, and be able to contribute to the College community!

Awards Season at RDC: Nominate a student leader

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Nominate a post-secondary  student, who demonstrates outstanding dedication and leadership to fellow students and to their community, for
a scholarship!

Application forms for the following awards are available at the RDC Student Funding & Awards Office (Room 1102), the Students’ Association Office (Room 2010) or the Donald School of Business (third Floor) or on the RDC website www.rdc.ab.ca/scholarships:

Students’ Association of Red Deer College Student of the Year Award
Value: $1000
Eligibility: Awarded to a student who has been enrolled in a full-time capacity.  Executives of the Association in the year considered will not be eligible.
Criteria: Awarded to the student who most demonstrates outstanding contributions and leadership in the field of student affairs. The recipient of this award will have performed at a level well above the requirements of that individual’s position.

Students’ Associationof Red Deer College – Terry Wood Scholarship
Value: $800
Eligibility: Student who is a member of the Students’ Association of Red Deer College.
Criteria: Student must have demonstrated personal growth and involvement leading to the betterment of the Students’ Association and its’ members.

Students’ Associationof Red Deer College Outstanding Dedication Award
Value: $500
Eligibility: Awarded to a Member of the Association. Executives of the Association in the year considered will not be eligible.
Criteria: Based on outstanding contribution and leadership in the field of student affairs.  The recipients of this award will have performed at a level well above and beyond the requirements of the individual’s position.

Students’ Association of Red Deer College Student Volunteer Award
Value: $300
Eligibility: Awarded to a Member of the Association.
Criteria: Based on volunteer activities that benefit the students of Red Deer College.

Students’ Association of Red Deer College Mental Health Initiatives Award
Value: $300
Eligibility: Awarded to a Member of the Association.
Criteria: Based on outstanding leadership in the area of mental health initiatives.
Application forms are available at the RDC Student Funding & Awards Office, the Students’ Association Office or the Donald School of Business or on our website www.rdc.ab.ca/scholarships:

Deadline for submission to the Student Funding Office is March 1. Contact Lisa Misanchuk for more information at 403-357-3641 or by email [email protected].

Reinstatement pending for French 203

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In April 2015, Red Deer College eliminated all language programs due to budget constraints. The Students’ Association worked tirelessly to survey students and gather support from community members, some French courses were reinstated for the second half of 2015-2016 academic year.

Over the course of the two years, the College has been monitoring enrollments for French courses and noticed that there is a demand for additional courses. French Intermediate Level II (FREN 203) will be reinstated for Winter 2018, however, it is conditional upon enrollment of students.

Registration for FREN 203 will be available until December 15, 2017 through your Loop accounts. FREN 203 will be offered from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the upcoming semester.

For more information or questions, please contact me at [email protected] or stop by the SA Office in 2010, next to the Train Station

Kass Scholze
SA President

Used Bookstore accepting books for Winter term

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Classes are nearing the end and holidays are 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.

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.

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. Books being used in the winter term are being accepted now.

Semester bus pass reloads available

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The semester pass, valid from January 1 to April 30, can lead to big savings. Students can save up to $100 a term by purchasing/reloading a semester pass. (Must be a registered RDC student to purchase and use pass.)

Simply head to the Students’ Association office to reload or purchase your semester bus pass. A reload costs $140, while a new semester pass costs $145. New semester bus passes can also be purchase at the Donald School of Business third floor information desk.

Students can also reload monthly passes and 12-ride cards at the Students’ Association office.

Fall Reading Break coming to RDC in October 2019

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Students at Red Deer College will begin to enjoy the benefits of a five day fall semester break, starting in October 2019.

Post-secondary institutions across the province have been introducing the fall breaks as a way to allow students an opportunity to work on and maintain their mental well-being while not being burdened by the pressures of post-secondary studies. It is believed this will lead to improved mental health, higher retention and a healthier student experience.

“We are excited that Red Deer College is introducing a fall reading break beginning in October 2019,” commented Kass Scholze, Students’ Association President.

“The Students’ Association is constantly trying to ensure a quality student experience for the students of RDC and we believe a semester break in the fall term will go a long way towards an improved experience.”

The Students’ Association conducted a plebiscite asking students if they were in favour of a fall reading break during its recent spring executive elections. The results were resounding — the majority of students were in favour of a break during the fall term. Over 86 percent of students responding were in favour of a new break.

Following the vote, the Students’ Association made a formal request to the College to implement a fall reading break as soon as practically possible.

“The Students’ Association is very pleased Red Deer College recognizes the value of a fall semester break as a way for students to rest and regroup for the final part of the term,” said Scholze.

“We believe the College has made an important step forward in creating an environment for continued student growth and success.”

RDC currently provides students with a mid-term Reading Week in the Winter term, which falls the week of the Family Day holiday.

Makerspace celebrates grand opening

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The maker culture is alive and well at Red Deer College and a new fully renovated and expanded Makerspace will ensure it continues long into the future.

The space, located in the Library Information Common, had its grand opening in late October.

“At Red Deer College, we prideourselves on providing experiential learning opportunities for our students, and the Makerspace is another extension of this,” said Dr. Steven Lane, Associate Vice President Academic, in a news release. “Currently, the Makerspace serves a number of students in technology programs, as well as those competing in the design competitions. Looking ahead, even more students may adopt the maker culture that emphasizes the innovation and craft as an important hands-on-skill set.”

Students using the Makerspace have free access to a variety of high- and low-tech maker equipment including 3D printers, a button maker machine and electronic circuits. Makers can create prototypes, film and edit videos, record and mix audio as well as design graphics.

RDC’s first Makerspace was created in 2015 and has grown in popularity and demand as students and community members learn about the space and its benefits.

The renovation and expansion of RDC’s Makerspace was made possible through the Government of Canada’s Post-Secondary institutions Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) grant with matching investment by Red Deer College.

RBC makes $450,000 commitment to RDC

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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.