Athabasca's Planning Champions On behalf of all ASSC attendees, the Kicker Team would like recognize the hard work of Athabasca’s Karen Thompson and her supporting team in their tremendous efforts to yes, go the distance, and make this conference the success that it is! As well, please take a moment to catch members of the Provincial Planning Committee (look for the blue badges!) and thank them for their contributions to helping make this conference the unique experience it has been so far.
Opening Keynote: Hon. Marlin Schmidt Yesterday our opening keynote was provided by the Honorable Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education. In spite of his humble rating of a C+ for his own speech writers, he gave a forthright speech regarding the goals and priorities for Advanced Education and showed his willingness to try to tackle tough questions afterwards. Schmidt stated that the government’s approach to post-secondary is founded upon five principals: Accessibility, ensuring that each Albertan has the same opportunity to post-secondary; Affordability, ensuring that financial circumstances are not a barrier; Quality, ensuring the students get the best education here at home; Accountability, providers being accountable to students, the government and Albertans; and Co-ordination, where Albertans get full advantage of a diverse postsecondary system.
“You’re a little quiet this morning. Do I need to poke you?”
You’re from GPRC? That explains everything!
Apparently, a bear was sighted on campus yesterday. No word yet whether it has developed a
Hon. Marlin Schmidt
Marlin took the time to cover key topics of focus for Advanced Education. These included the reviews in progress of major issues, with a special focus on affordability. He also discussed the overall budget for Student Aid, highlighting a $51 million increase over 2016. Mental health supports was also on the agenda and a new model to better support students mental health challenges is in the works. As well, the government is also setting its focus assisting campuses with addressing and preventing sexual violence. In summary, Schmidt stated the government looks forward to an ongoing dialogue to build a better post-secondary system.
Overheard and slightly absurd ...
Volume 19, Issue 2 CJ
taste for ASSC’ers.
“We need more cowbell!”
I only remember the ASSC’s after Lethbridge.
“There’s a new sheriff in town!”
“You’re like a bad date! You don’t text! You don’t call!”
It was all fun and games for the Oilers until Mike Cheryl broke the video feed.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once awhile while going the distance, you might just miss it.”
“Where’s Gordo?”
Fun Sessions (4:00-5:00 PM)
Congratulations! Please join us in congratulating our recipients from last night’s Awards Banquet. Russ Guthrie Contribution to Student Services Award was given to Jody McGarry-Liddell and the winners of the brand new ASSC 2017 Team Award goes to Rebecca Benson
and her team from the Registrar's Office at Red Deer College. Congratulations to all of them for their hard work and dedication to bettering the lives of students.
There will be a guided walking tour of AU's Muskeg Creek Trails that connect to the university, along with a paint session that empowers the user through the use of art and creativity. You can also stretch your body, in addition to your mind, with a all abilities yoga session. Weather permitting, this will be outside. If you are interested, come to ARC at 3:45 PM.
Jody McGarry-Liddell
Red Deer College
Tonight’s events ... ASSC’s Theme Night! This is it! The night everyone is has been waiting for — the legendary ASSC Theme Night! As attendees, our dedication to dressing up and “going the distance” and capturing the annual conference theme to make this a night to remember. If this is your first ASSC, you won’t believe your eyes. If it isn’t, well, then you know what’s coming tonight! Expect crazy costumes, zany characters, good food, good times and dancing! Don’t forget that tonight the coveted annual Spirit Award will be handed out tonight to the best individual or group showing the most ASSC “spirit”! Bow Valley College, last year’s winners, will be on hand to present to this year’s most deserving winners. Will it be you? Also, for those ASSC veterans who remembered their swag, there will be an Institutional Clothing Exchange. Preferably, this is not the shirt you were wearing yesterday.
Key thoughts from our sessions:
Sometimes a “bitch session” among colleagues in the same field is just what you need.
“What happens in the ASAPA Birds of a Feather, stays in the Birds of a Feather.”
What’s your sweet spot?
There is the same chemical in chocolate that resembles ecstasy.
It’s important to have fun, take time out and celebrate accomplishments.
Tomorrow — Closing keynote speaker Dr. Janet Miller, the (short!) Annual General Meeting, and the Presentation of the Walking Stick to ASSC’s 2018 host institution.
Announcements …
Don’t forget to check out ASSC’s Twitter feed @ASSC_conference and hash tag #assc17.
Tweet your own photos to hashtag #assc17 to win conference swag!
Don’t forget ASSC is on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ AlbertaSSC). You can find digital copies of the Kicker there too!
See Lorrie tweet. See Lorrie win. See Lorrie’s swag. Be like Lorrie.