Dear Sandra, I’ll soon be completing my degree and since it’s been a few years (well, 20 to be honest), since I’ve had to look for a job, I’m wondering where to start looking on my own. As I’m single and without kids at home, I don’t care where I go, though I’d prefer to… Read more »

AUSU IN-PERSON DISCUSSION GROUPS AUSU in-person discussion groups in Calgary, Edmonton, and Medicine Hat would like to invite students to join them in casual, coffee shop get togethers to discuss life as an AU student. Getting together physically with fellow AU students adds to your university experience. Other students will be able to understand and… Read more »

The price on this pocketbook is $2.25. That ought to give you a good idea of how old a story I’ve been reading. Indeed, the book by Peter Benchley (Jaws) hit the shelves in 1976. The cover promises that this is “the terrifying new novel by the author of Jaws.” As a fan of Beast,… Read more »

This column contains the last of our graduate profiles from Convocation 2003. Congratulations to all grads. Next week, 2 new alumni profiles. Sandra Moore caught up with Kilmeny, Murray and Shauna at convocation: AU GRADUATE PROFILE OF KILMENY PEDERSON AGE: 46 LIVES IN: Elbow, SK TRAVEL TIME TO ATHABASCA: 8 hours PROGRAM COMPLETED: Bachelor of… Read more »

Dear Sandra, How can I get in contact with other AU student in my area (Calgary)? Lonely Calgarian Dear Lonely Calgarian, Unfortunately, the one downfall to studying at a distance is the isolation from other students, many of whom are scattered all across the country or even the globe. First, I’d suggest visiting the Athabasca… Read more »

SURVEY ON AU’s PROPOSED REMOVAL FROM THE TUITION CAP How do you feel about AU being removed from the tuition cap? Athabasca University, like other universities and colleges in the province, currently falls under Alberta’s tuition fee policy that enforces a ceiling on allowable tuition increases. AU has asked the Alberta government for exemption from… Read more »

“OOOOOwwww, my ears! Turn that down!” That was my whiny comment upon my return to a film theatre after five years staying home. I am surely suffering hearing problems now. Thank heavens others have made the same general comment. The film that prompted our return to the theatre was the third installment in the Terminator… Read more »

Innovative Approach Benefits Students The provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced (http://www.gov.nf.ca/releases/2003/youth/0811n02.htm) that over 1600 students have found summer employment under their Student Work and Services Program. While many provinces subsidize some sort of summer employment program for students, the approach of Newfoundland and Labrador is particularly interesting. Most employment programs work by… Read more »

Sandra Moore spoke with Audrey and Wendy at AU convocation: AU GRADUATE PROFILE OF AUDREY COLEMAN LIVES IN: AB TRAVEL TIME TO ATHABASCA: 4 hours PROGRAM COMPLETED: Bachelor Of Nursing YEARS IT TOOK TO COMPLETE: 12 years FAVORITE COURSE: Nursing Informatics and Mathematics LEAST FAVORITE COURSE: English FAVORITE TUTOR: Ms. Broad HIGHEST FINAL GRADE: 97… Read more »

Shoot Your Mouth Off The Government of Canada is beginning a consultation process (http://www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca/en/consultation/default.asp) on the new Firearms Program. So, if you have a yearning to tell the government just what you think should be done about firearms, this would be the opportunity. The consultation covers everything from gun shows and firearm import/export laws to… Read more »