The middle of winter is a good time to make plans for the upcoming year. I like to ponder the year ahead, keep track of where I am now, and consider which courses to take next. So it was with great delight I received my 2014 Student Planner and AUSU Handbook in the mail last… Read more »

I’ve been following the reaction to the claims by AU Graduate Students’ Association President, Amanda Nielsen, since I became aware of them in the Athabasca Advocate. I am not the only one who did not like being spoken for, especially with an opinion that was the complete opposite of my own. It seems I’m not… Read more »

This weeks’ “Did You Know?” article features some comments made in the Athabasca Advocate about AU moving to a call centre model. I was quite surprised when I read it, because, apparently, I view call centres as a positive step toward restructuring AU. At least, this is what the president of the Graduate Students’ Association,… Read more »

When did I lose control of my life? It happened subtly. Perhaps it was the overwhelming busyness of life—work and family obligations coupled with ongoing education and volunteer commitments. Somewhere along the way, my life began to run me. Opportunities got deferred to some magic future time when I wouldn’t be so busy. That time… Read more »

Welcome back, I hope you all had either a restful or exciting holiday, as is your preference. The beginning of January always strikes me as a bit of a strange time. Having just ended the month previous with a holiday, we should feel somewhat rested when it’s time to return to work, but often it… Read more »

What’s a student to do when a crisis arises? Things were going well; out-of-my-mind busy, but well. The house wasn’t particularly clean, but full-time work and part-time school, coupled with family and volunteer commitments, meant that something had to slide. Work was moving along, and for the first time ever I’d become really excited about… Read more »