Road To Higher Learning by Lori Kluge

S PELCEARNING I A L F E AT U R E ROAD TO HIGHER

Advertising Feature

We d n e s d ay, Fe b r u a r y 2 6 , 2 0 1 4 Leader-Post / leaderpost.com

E1 E1

2014

Leader-Post • leaderpost.com Wednesday, February 16, 2011

How to help kids Investing prepare for college life

in the future

“Returning to school is a major decision and it’s important to them carefully with a financial planner. By Debra Clarke spending money. But many college — Many of this year’s high For example, Bryden notes that “…all financial institutions discuss your plans with all those who may be impacted,” says For (MS) L-P Specialty Products students more“There than spending school graduates will be leaving home Bryden. is more to the decision than just the cost. What offer Student Credit lines as a flexible credit solution and each In Canada, university graduates can expect to earnneed money oncewill theyyour reach campus. a college campus in that the fall. Suchschool graduates. day look like? How will this impact your children’s institution follows its own credit policies. Often co-signors are 61forper cent higher than of high Rising tuition costs have it a departure is often bittersweet Canada for schedules andmade extracurricular activities? Will you need different required.” Human Resources Development (HRDC) notes difficult, impossible, for parents Does your current employer offer kidsworkers and parents Young men and education When it comes to a mortgage, Bryden says this could be a childcare arrangements? that withalike. a post-secondary willif not to bankroll their kids’ everyday women look forward to the leaves of absence? Will you lose your good option for those who own or have equity in their homes. likely seetypically their wages grow faster than those with only educational expenses. a result, many college and independence that medical/dental benefits and how will this impact you “It’s a big decision to borrow against your home to fund a freedom high school diploma. Add tocollege that the fact that in As students themselves forced to life can provide, sameofmen education, and one you need to discuss with your financial financially?” today’s market,but 70 those per cent jobs require post-find manage their own money for the and women know they will miss the When it comes tofirst financial options for those who want to planner to determine if it is right for you.” secondary education. time inwill theirsend lives.one Parents can teach familiarity home, as well.the Parents, When it or more children to school, there are several to “We can of only anticipate value too, of education financial lessons, such as and bursaries; Registered Education comes to higher emotions head consider: scholarships behave justmixed as important —when if notkids more importantsimple — in the benefitsSaving of buying groceries as to college, their sadness a child RBC the Programs (RESPs) — which Bryden says offers families education — future,” saysasPamela Bryden,over Manager, Financial opposed to“…the dining out leaving home is met with the pride they gift or of ordering time andinthe ability to save for future goals;” and either your own Planning for Southern Saskatchewan. MNS photo each night. student loans. feel that the childout they raised is setting or your Bryden points that, according to HRDC, tuition out almost to makehave theirdoubled own wayover in the world. scholarships fees the past 15 years. With College is alsoStudent where many young and bursaries are awarded on the basis children’s — of academic merit other expenses rising quickly, estimated men that and within women first sign up for aand/or credit extracurricular activities although Bryden says this Few moments in life involveit’s such a major typically the next 15change to 20 years, four-year card. Parentsbursaries can teachare their kids theawarded on the basis of financial need. is significant as the amoment whenundergraduate existas through degree away home first could cost between $75,000 to Many options basics of managing credit, such the various schools, companies, fields of d e c i s i o n a young manfrom or woman arrives on re q u i r i n g study, $100,000. benefit of paying offetc. a balance before a college campus. First-year college AninRESP is negative a flexible savings plan that allows money i m p o r t a n t These are intimidating shouldn’t interest rates kick and the students often don’t knownumbers, what to but they (MS)to—grow When choosing a college, students a school far away from their folks is ideal, financial choices post-secondary education tax-free. Bryden beexpect the reason forward. says one deposited ramifications of missing for payments. once you they don’t arrivemove on campus, butBryden often look for the best academic institutions. the reality of being far away from home is she says RESP is a good option for parents because of the tax and ofthere the are most important things whenwho steps parents can takepeople to help can do Parents can“An afford to provide While it’s hard to argue with that approach, as struggle for many college students who r e c o m m e n d advantages and government matching programs to help make considering higher education — whether for themselves their kids prepare for college life. financial support for their children high school students facing the decision of engage attend college outside of their hometowns. that you their child’s education goals a reality.” or•for their children — is to plan ahead. enrolled in college should reach a Teach kids how to schedule their where to spend the next four years of their Homesickness is a very real thing for college Student are funding programs from federal/provincial your financial “Know what your goalmany is. It’s critical tofinancial prioritize agreement with loans their children time. One of the things college lives should know that the right university students who are away from home and on governments andMake financial your goals terms of time and importance. it’s are before If they off to college. sure institutions. These loans are based on planner early in kids findinonce they arriveframe on campus is not necessarily the one with thethe best their own for the first time. process. A individual financial circumstances. Government funded your dream to achieve an education, undoubtedly it kids know your financial support does is that their life is suddenly much academic reputation. In addition to homesickness, college-bound good planner programs allow you to defer interest payments until completion willless paystructured off in dividends in the future. I strongly not mean they have unlimited access to and their amount of A host of factors come into play when students should consider the cost of travel of make school. Many that financial recommend sit down with a student orfunds, careerand your it known such institutions, like RBC, have loan will be pleased downtimethat has you increased considerably. finding the right match between student and before enroling in a college or university that’s programs with preferred interest rates. Students will to work with counsellor andschool, a financial supportyour will not continuefor if students kids aren’t Unlike high whichadvisor keeps to determine university. Academics should— always carry the and far from home. Mom and Dad might not be you have to pay the monthly interest costs while attending school bestmany course.” performing well in the classroom. kids in class or involved in consider a your able to afford to fly their college students flow.weight, but students shouldcelebrate From a financial standpoint, as which may create issues with cashmost extracurricular activities from education the early is•viewed Encourage kids to contact any host of other factors before ultimately deciding home several times per year for the holidays Other options include using RRSP’s, student lines of credit success along an investment in one’s self. afternoon, That return on investment morning through the late roommates before the school year where to continue their academic careers. and other breaks inPamela the school year, and is one of the factors considered when looking at and borrowing against your existing mortgage. These options the way. Bryden college affords students much more begins. Part of the trepidation many the burden of financing that travel can fall come with additional risk and Bryden recommends reviewing financing an education. Other factors to consider free time, which is theirs to use as kids have when leaving for college Cost on students. If you are not planning to work include total borrowing Bryden they see fit. cost Someofkids dive right (although into concerns how they may or may not In a perfect world, students would not during the school year, then financing trips recommends caution especially if there is on-campususing activities, whilehere, others develop a relationship with their new have to worry about financing their college home may prove very difficult. lackstruggle of clarity ontheir long-term goals, since debt may to use free time to their roommate. Many schools assign educations. But that’s not a world in which accumulate faster than anticipated), loan repayment, advantage. roommates months in advance of the today’s students live, so the cost of a college Environment and potential impact on family members. school year, giving kids ample time to Parents can teach time management education is something nearly every collegeBoth the academic and social environments make contact Introduced and make arrangements skills such as how to establish a What other advantages are or there to investing in an RESP? by the federal government a number of consider years agobefore bound student must making at a college university merit consideration goingtotopromote bring higher education schedule so all of Learning that free time encouragewhen parents to open RESPs for theirtochildren, in an is effort for decision. a greater When number of at To his or her looking finances, students are deciding where continue the The Lifelong Plandoes allows you regarding to pay whom such as a televisionEducation Saving not to waste. This schedule befunds. certain items, federal government introduced Some the Canada Education Canadians, Registered Programs students need to (RESPs) consider offer the cost of living their educations. students thrive in Savings for go training or education with can RRSP or coffee pot or evengrandparents, furniture, if adjusted on a weekly basis depending Grant (CESG) ina 1998. Underacademic the program, the government parents, friends and onebooks of the most in a relatives dorm, food, and the additional competitive environment, while will • You can withdraw up to $10,000 per calendar the room can fit any. ways Parents on coursework or extracurricular match 20 per cent of the first $2,500 contributed annually effective of should saving for a child’s post-secondary education. expenses college students typically have. others tend to fare better in a more casual to each year to finance full–time training or encourage such contact so kids can activities. Once kids learn to manage beneficiary, for a maximum $500which per year. The To encourage families to consider RESPs, the government offers where While cost should not dictate high setting. Students grant should of assess post–secondary education. get a feel ofgrants who they be benefits living with their time effectively, including using maximum CESG over the life for of them the plan is $7,200 andwill other that make contributing toultimately an RESPgo theto college, school students environment is best and choose a per • The student can be you or your spouse, and but not lay the right groundwork a friendship breaks between classes to review notes beneficiary. Depending on abest family’s net income, a special choice for many Canadians. students should know that eventually student university that suits them as a student. your children. before theyWhat even step on campus. from a recent lecture or upcoming class, enhanced available that doubles the incentive on the loans will have to be repaid with interest, soCESG is A college or university’s social environment is an foot RESP? • If the student meets disability requirements, The feeling of An knowing someone on they’re likely to get the most out of first $500 contributed each year. In addition, unused grant room those who do not want to bury themselves is another factor for students to consider. RESP is a registered savings account that is specifically then the training/education can be on a part-time campus candesigned greatly reduce the anxiety themselves academically and find they can be carried forward, up to a $1,000 a year. in student loan debt after graduation would Larger schools tend to rely heavily on Greek to help save for a child’s post-secondary education. basis. many kids feel theyinarrive at grows tax-free have more time to pursue extracurricular be wiseuntil to choose a university that’s more life, while smaller schools may be more When can I start making RESP contributions? Thewhen money the plan it is withdrawn. • The total amount that can be withdrawn is school for their freshmen orientation. activities, as well. affordable or one that’s offering a more intimate and less exclusive. who Contributions to an RESP can be made Students as soon as a child is While RESP contributions are not tax deductible, the investment $20,000 with withdrawals over a maximum of four The day a student for college •consecutive Discuss finances scholarship and plan. grant package. hope to join a sororityfororafraternity might born. The plan can stay in existence maximum of 26 years. earningsleaves are sheltered from tax asattractive long as they are in the years. and establish a is a significantTherefore, day for parents and arrangement. Many college Unlike studentare loans, scholarships and grants benefit from a school with a thriving Greek life, when the investment earnings eventually •financial Amounts that are withdrawn are not subject to What happens if my child does not go to college or university? students alike. Parents can take a to pay for the freshmen struggle to manage their do not have to be repaid. while those who want a more intimate social withdrawn and used beneficiary’s post-secondary taxes on withdrawal. There are several available options. For one, the money can be number of steps to make the transition money. Some might never have had environment might prefer a smaller school education costs, the payments are taxed to the beneficiary. Since • At least 10 per cent of the amount borrowed withdrawn. In this case, the principle will be refunded tax-free, to college easier for their college-bound a jobbe during high school all of the students seem to know one home the beneficiary is a student, there Distance will often befrom little or no tax to but the investedwhere must repaid each year,while overothers a maximum period earnings will be entered as taxable income for the son or daughter. who did work only did so to earn another. While many high school students may think pay. of 10 years. year. Alternatively, and providing they have room, $50,000 of the • Credit is also a viable option. Recommended as How much can I contribute to an RESP? plan’s earnings can be transferred to a personal or spousal RRSP an option once planned savings (RESPs) are There is a lifetime maximum contribution limit of $50,000 for where it will remain tax-sheltered. However, in either instance, depleted. any one beneficiary. any CESG received must be paid back to the government.

Things to consider when choosing a college

Registered Education Saving Programs

S PE C I A L F E AT U R E

Wednesday, Febr uar y 26, 2014

Leader-Post • leaderpost.com

Helping college students choose the right major

Kattie Therrien is completing the practical nursing program at Gabriel Dumont Institute. Photo provided by Gabriel Dumont Institute

Programs at Gabriel Dumont Institute help change lives Kattie Therrien was struggling to make ends meet each month, with no financial stability for her or her children. She knew she needed to make a change, but a lack of money prevented her from furthering her education. The Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) changed that for her. “[GDI] allowed me to get off social assistance and begin educating myself for a career in health care, gave me financial stability and allowed me to begin my new career without the debt of student loans,” said Therrien. Therrien is in the process of completing the practical nursing program through GDI. She completed the Medical Device Reprocessing (MDR) program through the Dumont Technical Institute in 2012. As an MDR technician, she decontaminates surgical and ward instruments, and packages instruments, procedure trays, and surgical instrument cases and distributes them to the operating

room and wards throughout the hospital. Her work is extremely important to protecting patients from infection. “I like being a part of the healthcare setting. I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of other people,” said Therrien. “As a medical device reprocessing technician, you have the opportunity to see all the different wards and units, and it gives you a better sense of how the healthcare system and the hospital work.” She sees herself staying in the healthcare field in the future. After she’s gained some experience as a licenced practical nurse, she’d like to pursue her bachelor’s degree in nursing, with the ultimate goal of becoming a nurse practitioner by the end of her career. “The possibilities within nursing are endless; there are so many different areas to specialize in,” Therrien said. “It’s a great feeling to wake up every day and feel pride at my accomplishments.”

Picking a college major is a big step for young students. Though many adults eventually find themselves working in fields that have little to do with their college majors, many more spend their entire careers in the same field they chose to major in way back in their college days. Choosing a major is a decision that ultimately rests on the shoulders of the students who must consider a host of factors before committing to a specific field of study. But parents can still help their children, whether those kids are already enrolled in college or college-bound, as they make such an important decision that could very well affect the rest of their lives. • Encourage patience. Today’s college students and college-bound youngsters are living in a world that’s significantly different than the one their parents or even older siblings might have encountered. Global and domestic unemployment rates remain high, and technology is changing the way many industries conduct business. But students trying to pick a major should avoid picking one too quickly. Just because a certain field is experiencing job growth does not mean that field is ideal for all students. Encourage kids to be patient when choosing a major so they can find the field that’s right for them, and not just the major they feel will produce the best job prospects. • Suggest a double major. Many of today’s students are fully aware of the difficult job market and the cost of a college education. As a result, such students want to choose a major they feel will put them in the best position to land a well-paying job after college. That’s a smart strategy, but it’s also one that overlooks the joy of studying a subject you are passionate about. Parents can simultaneously encourage kids to be smart about their job prospects and pursue their passions by suggesting a double major. For example, if your child has a love of art but understands the difficulty in earning a living as an artist,

suggest a double major in art and graphic design. This way he or she has more career options upon graduation but still has the chance to pursue a subject he or she is passionate about while in school. • Encourage students to apply for internships. An internship is another great way parents can help kids as they decide on a college major. Internships are rarely easy to get, but some firms hire interns who are still in high school. Parents should encourage kids to pursue internships as early as possible. Internships can provide young students with some real-world experience and give them an accurate glimpse into what their professional lives might be like if they choose a particular field of study. Some kids might be encouraged by an internship, while others might realize a given field is not really for them. Either way, the internship can help narrow down the field of prospective majors for young students. • Let kids know a major isn’t the same thing as a career. The pressure to choose the right major can be overwhelming for some young students. But parents should let kids know that a major is not the same thing as a career, and many graduates end up working in fields that had little or nothing to do with their majors. For instance, just because a student earns a degree in finance does not mean he or she will end up working on Wall Street. While parents should emphasize the importance of choosing the right major when speaking to their children, they should also let kids know that nothing is ever set in stone. That can help take some of the pressure off students as they make such an important decision. Today’s college students have more to consider when choosing a college major than many of their predecessors. But parents can still take steps to help kids choose the right major without succumbing to the stress that comes with making such a significant decision.

Benefits to joining a campus organization (MS) — The first week of life on a college campus can be somewhat overwhelming for first-year college students. For many students, college is their first taste of independence. Some embrace that newfound freedom, while others grow homesick and long for the company of their immediate family. But as the school year progresses, the majority of firstyear college students adapt to life on campus and grow to love their new surroundings. Once students have comfortably adapted to their new lives, many seek opportunities to become more actively involved in life on campus. College clubs and organizations are a great way to do just that, providing a host of benefits that further enhance college life.

Meet people Joining a student club or organization is a great way for college students to meet fellow students, professors and other people of note on campus. This is especially beneficial for first-year college students, whose social circle may otherwise be limited to roommates or fellow residents of their dormitories. Joining a club or student organization can quickly expand that social circle to include people who share your interests and not just your dorm assignment.

Find a major Many first-year college students are unsure about a course of study and enrol as an undeclared. Such students can benefit from joining clubs or student organizations that

pique their interests. For example, joining an on-campus debate club might help you discover a passion for debate, which can lead down a path to becoming a lawyer. Students who enrol in college without declaring a major may have the most to gain by joining a club or organization.

Boost your GPA Joining a club or student organization also may make you a better student. That’s especially likely for students who join a club or organization that’s aligned with their field of study. A club or organization can help you apply lessons from the classroom in real-world situations, improving your grasp of certain concepts. In addition, your fellow club members may make great teachers, especially those who are ahead of you and have taken many of the same classes you’re now taking or can expect to take down the road. Such students can be invaluable resources, helping explain concepts and offering advice as to which courses to take and which professors they prefer.

Network with professionals Clubs and campus organizations are also a great way to begin networking with professionals in your future line of work. Many clubs or organizations bring in professionals within the field to speak to members. Such speeches and discussions are typically members-only, which means you will have an advantage over fellow students in your field of

Joining an on-campus club or orga nization is a great way for students to meet new people and improve their overall college experience. MNS photo

study who have not gone the extra mile and joined a club or organization. Professionals may also give you advice on finding an internship in your field or a job once you have graduated.

Improve your overall experience Even if a student club or organization has nothing to do with your studies or your future

career, signing up is a great way to improve your overall college experience. You’re liable to create more memories, make more friends and get the most out of your time on campus, which many college seniors will tell you is going to be gone before you know it. Take advantage of all of the opportunities your college or university offers, and you will likely one day look back and be glad you made the most of your time on campus.

REG26204251_1_1

Leader-Post • leaderpost.com

Taming the cost of textbooks (MS) — In an era when digital books can be downloaded to an e-reader for a few dollars, students may feel it foolish to shell out several hundred dollars for a hardcover textbook that will only be used once. Many college students are shocked at the cost of their textbooks. In fact, many students do not take textbook costs into consideration when budgeting for school, only to have their jaws drop at the checkout counter of their campus bookstore. There are a number of ways to curtail costs. One of the reasons for the high sticker price of college textbooks is the copyright fees publishers of large anthologies must pay to every author who contributed to a book. Such costs can quickly add up. When there isn’t a large demand for the books, publishers will not make much money if they don’t charge more for the books. Another reason for the high cost of textbooks is that some are accompanied by online companion resources. The publishers build the price of these resources into the cost of the book. An additional contributing factor to students’ high textbook tabs could be the faculty at their college or university. Some professors are not sensitive to the cost of books, selecting books they like or even ones they authored themselves without considering the price of such texts. Supply and demand may also influence the cost of textbooks. When too many textbooks are in circulation, there is no longer a high demand. So publishers make money by continually issuing new volumes with an item or two changed to justify the purchase of a new book. But as costly as textbooks can be, students can employ various methods to trim their textbook tabs. • Purchase used textbooks whenever possible. Used textbooks may cost half as much as brand new texts. They may be highlighted or have notes in the margins, but if you can overlook these things, you can save money. • Sell back textbooks. Keep textbooks in good condition and attempt to sell them back to either the campus bookstore or one near the school. If the edition will be used again, you may be able to recoup a significant amount of the money you spent on the book. • Shop around. Jot down the ISBN number for the particular textbook and then go online and price it out. Thanks to the Internet, you may find the book elsewhere for a significant discount over the in-store price on campus. • Look for alternative formats. With that ISBN number in hand, find out if there are digital or softcover versions of the textbook available. These formats may be more affordable and easier to lug around, as well. • Compare the old edition to the new. The new edition may have different page numbers or minor changes, but not enough to negate the value of the old edition. You can save a lot of money on an old edition. • Share the book with a classmate. Make friends with someone in your class and share the costs and use of the book. Set up study and homework sessions to work together or make copies of particular chapters if you need to work solo. • Consult with your financial aid counselor. Sometimes financial aid can offset the cost of textbooks. You might be eligible for aid to cover the cost of your textbooks throughout the school year.

S PE C I A L F E AT U R E

We d n e s d ay, Fe b r u a r y 2 6 , 2 0 1 4

Steps first-time job seekers can take to prepare for their professional lives (MS) — Though things have improved in the last few years, recent college graduates still face an uphill battle when beginning their professional careers. Standing out in a crowded pool of applicants isn’t easy, but first-time job seekers must find a way to do just that. But preparing for a professional career begins long before men and women send out their first resumés. The following are a few steps firsttime job seekers can take to ensure their transition from student to professional goes as smoothly as possible. • Clean up your online presence. College is a carefree time for many students, but those fun times should not come to define your online presence. When preparing to enter the workforce, scrub your social media presence clean of anything that does not present you in a mature and positive light. Fair or unfair, photos from nights out on the town in college can damage your reputation and prevent hiring managers from considering your resume. Clean social media profiles of any information — be it photos, blog postings or musings on Twitter — that may Once college has ended, first-tim e job seekers can employ several leave companies questioning your strategies to improve their chances of landing their first jobs. judgment and maturity level, and MNS photo think twice before posting any such information in the future. be more impressed by candidates who demonstrate • Clean up your physical presence. knowledge of the industry and their companies than First impressions go a long way, and appearance they would be a candidate with a high GPA but little can make or break a first impression. Even if a more industry knowledge. conservative look is not your personal style, it’s the style many companies prefer. Men should project • Work free. Lounging around Mom and Dad’s house a polished look, including a nice suit, while women waiting for the phone to ring won’t stand out on a should wear appropriate office attire and avoid going resume. If job offers are scarce, consider working free, overboard with makeup and jewelry. offering your services to companies in your industry free of charge in an attempt to get your foot in the • Do your homework. Just because college has ended door. This may mean applying for an unpaid internship doesn’t mean first-time job seekers no longer have or simply writing hiring managers at certain companies homework. Research the industry you want to work and offering to come in a few days each week to get in, staying abreast of the latest developments and a feel for the industry and help in any way you can. predictions as to where the industry is going and which Many professionals began their careers working for no companies figure to be leading the industry in the money. This can ingratiate first-time job seekers with coming years. Research should also involve learning companies while providing them valuable experience about companies you want to work for, and that that can help them stand out in a crowded pool of research should be kicked into overdrive if and when applicants. you are granted a job interview. Hiring managers will

U of S Regina Campus Learning Commons

U of S Nursing in Regina Did you know you can complete your University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in Regina? That’s right. The U of S has a campus located in Regina on the corner of 4th Avenue and Lewvan Drive. The U of S BSN program is indirect entry. Students complete one year of pre-requisite classes, then apply to the College of Nursing for three additional years. Students may complete their first year pre-requisite classes at the U of S, University of Regina or select regional colleges before applying to the BSN program. The College of Nursing has the capacity to admit 115 undergraduate students each year to the BSN program in Regina. Hurry! Applications are still being accepted for the September 2014 intake. Did you know you can also take your learning to the next level and complete your graduate studies at the University of Saskatchewan in Regina as well? We offer our Master of Nursing, Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner and Post-Graduate NP Certificate through the Regina Campus. Work alongside exceptional faculty who will challenge and guide you in your program of choice and enjoy opportunities to explore and engage in research and scholarly activity, shaping health care locally and beyond. The University of Saskatchewan opened the Regina Campus, home to the College of Nursing, in fall 2012. Students, faculty and staff enjoy a modern, state-of-the-art facility, complete with an updated lecture theatre and videoconferencing rooms connecting students and faculty across Saskatchewan. As well, the campus hosts numerous student break-out rooms, staff and faculty offices, boardrooms, a clinical practice simulation lab, a beautiful student learning commons and a fantastic study mezzanine for graduate students. Students who attended the Regina Campus last year were pleased with the new site and BSN program. “I enjoy the easy accessibility to the instructors here. They are very open to us and we are encouraged to spend time with them and ask them our questions, which makes learning that much easier,” says now third year BSN student Nicholas Fudger. For more information on the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing, please call 306.337.3800, visit www.usask.ca/nursing or stop by the Regina Campus located at 4400 – 4th Avenue anytime. REGXS269019_1_1

THINKBIG

ARTS.

CHOOSE THE

WHY

CHOOSE THE

U OF R? So you want to continue your education, but you’re not sure which post-secondary institution to choose? It’s not an easy decision, and we understand. So we’re not going to confuse the matter by tossing out a bunch of fluffy feel-good messages. The truth is, there are plenty of really great reasons to choose the University of Regina.

'&%$ &#"! &? $&?< 9!#63 0$-0"!+ ?) &-! (C&$A &#"! &? <0>; 0805 &-! 2/ 6?&#?6$ 06+ 0$$,"<&#?6$ &-0& (C&$ *C0+$ +?6%& G6+ 8?C;E '&%$ &#"! &? C!0B#@! &-0& (C&$ *C0+$ 0C! B!0+!C$ 06+ #66?=0&?C$A >C!0&#=! "#6+$ 06+ 8?CB+ >-063!C$E ':%/ :'74 :1 :.'IH 2'*E ':%/ :'74 :1 F.11/4 :.4 (D:/E

We’ll help you get paid.

Our Co-operative Education and Internship Programs are available in nearly 50 areas of study and offer students the opportunity to earn while they learn. Last year, University of Regina co-op students earned an estimated $9 million!

We’ll help you find your way.

Academic advisors and student success facilitators are available to help you every step of the way. Whether it is helping you with time management, writing and math assistance or just trying to figure out what to study, our staff will help.

You’re guaranteed to succeed.

The UR Guarantee Program is the only one of its kind in Canada and a testament to our confidence in the quality of education you will receive here.

To learn more, visit www.uregina.ca/arts

You will find your natural habitat.

Whether you’re taking in a Rams football game, passionately debating, working out in a world-class fitness facility, experiencing live theatre, enjoying a student film festival or more, the University of Regina provides students with plenty of opportunities to join a diverse and exciting community.

One great mind deserves another.

The University of Regina is home to some of our country’s most respected researchers and leading innovators. Students have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from many of these great minds as they embark on countless exciting research projects.

www.uregina.ca REG32003535_1_1

THINKBIG

ARTS.

CHOOSE THE

WHY

CHOOSE THE

We’ll help you get paid.

We’ll help you find your way.

You’re guaranteed to succeed.

The UR Guarantee Program is the only one of its kind in Canada and a testament to our confidence in the quality of education you will receive here.

To learn more, visit www.uregina.ca/arts

You will find your natural habitat.

One great mind deserves another.

www.uregina.ca REG32003535_1_1

S PE C I A L F E AT U R E

Wednesday, Febr uar y 26, 2014

Leader-Post • leaderpost.com

Joining a study group is one of many ways for commuter students to better assimilate themselves into campus culture. Photo by Minerva Studios, Thinkstock

How commuter students can assimilate into campus culture (MS) — Many commuter students find it difficult to assimilate when arriving on a college campus. Living off-campus, be it in their own apartment or at home with their parents, can make it difficult for commuter students to make friends with classmates who live in the dorms, where they already have a built-in social network. But while it’s often easier for students living on campus to assimilate into campus culture, commuter students can still become an integral part of their colleges and universities. The following are a few tips that might help commuter students more easily assimilate into campus culture. • Form a study group. The classroom is

where many commuter students are introduced to their fellow students, so it’s a great place for commuters to make new friends. A study group outside the classroom can be a bonding experience for commuter students and their classmates, and such groups can be a great way for commuters to improve their grades while learning about social gatherings on campus. • Join student organizations. Student organizations, whether it’s student government or the campus radio station or a school-based charity, are great opportunities to get the most out of a college or university. They’re also great places to meet new people and expand

your social circle. Commuter students can still be actively involved in campus life even if they don’t live on campus, and student organizations are a great way to do just that. • Get a job on campus. Many commuter students work in an effort to offset the rising costs of tuition. When looking for work, such students can look for an oncampus job where they can meet more of their fellow students. This is a great way to put some money in your pocket while further involving yourself in campus life. • Play sports. Intramural sports are wildly popular on many college campuses, and you need not be a great athlete to take

How to make a dorm room your own

Ready to

(MS) — Children spend roughly 17 to 18 years living under Mom and Dad’s roof. When the time comes to go away to college, young men or women find themselves on their own for the first time in their lives. Once youngsters move into their dorm rooms, many attempt to add a few personal touches to their new home. All too often, a college dorm room is drab and uninspiring. Universities tend to make dorm rooms sparse so they are easy to maintain. Very often walls are made from concrete or brick, and the space may not be very large. In addition, dorm rooms are often shared with a roommate, and the idea of spending semester College students can employ vario after semester here may not be so us strategies to make their dorm room s feel more like home. appealing. Photo by Photodisc, Thinkstock Students tend to arrive on campus your roommate, you may want to opt for neutral with fixed budgets and not a lot of colours, or even basic black-and-white, which will spending money for new furnishings, so dorm rooms blend with anything. often become populated with garage-sale finds and hand-me-downs. This may only add to the room’s poor • Invest in other creature comforts. A nice area aesthetics. rug and a few decorative lamps can remove the institutional feel of overhead fluorescent lights and Making a dorm room your own does not require a cinder block walls. Task lighting enables you to get lot of money or know-how. It starts with a vision, a few work done at your desk or to read on the bed. comforts from home and some collaboration with your roommate. The following are a few tips for young men • Consider curtains to add a homey feel. While and women looking to turn their dorm rooms from drab blinds certainly have their utility, fabric curtains can to fab. help absorb noise and also make a dorm room feel • Know the dorm rules before making any permanent more like home. If your dorm room has an attached bathroom, hang a shower curtain and use thick changes. Rather than face fines at the end of the towels to make the space seem more like home. school year, know what you can and can’t do to your room before making any changes. For example, • Carve out a spot for a mini refrigerator. Students schools may frown on holes in walls or other should not survive on cafeteria food alone. Bring a structural changes, so invest in stick-on hooks for mini refrigerator for those late-night cravings. This hanging photos on walls. will save you from overpaying at vending machines or at the nearby convenience store. • Consider using a dorm room planning website. Certain websites enable students to share a • Ask Mom what laundry detergent she uses. Smells collaborative shopping cart with roommates so they can trigger powerful memories and emotions. can coordinate colours and avoid buying two of the Washing linens and clothing with the same same items. detergent used at home can make school feel more familiar. • Remember, the bed is the pivotal piece of the room. Most dorm rooms fit little more than two • Don’t forget photos. Frame photos of friends and beds and two desks. Therefore, the bulk of your family members and place them around your area of design will come from outfitting your bed with a the dorm room. This way you will have familiar faces comforter that adds colour and life to the room. If smiling back at you when you need a little pick-meyou haven’t yet decided on a colour scheme with up.

GDI-SUNTEP

Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program is recruiting students for Fall 2014

advantage of these opportunities. Ask friends or acquaintances from class if they have a spot on their teams, or organize a team of your fellow commuter students. Intramural sports can be a great, pressurefree way to make new friends on campus while getting a little exercise to boot. • Make lunch dates. Many college students, especially those living in dorm rooms that aren’t equipped with kitchens, have their meals with friends and fellow students. Commuters can do the same, booking lunch or dinner dates with classmates and friends. This keeps you on campus longer, which allows you more time to make friends and assimilate into the campus culture.

START your life? 2

EXPLORE

Find a certificate, diploma, degree or trade that is perfect for you! Contact us at info@ mhc.ab.ca for expert advice from academic and career advisors.

APPLY

Once you have found your perfect fit, visit www.mhc. ab.ca/admission to find out how to apply.

ENJOY

Experience small class sizes and great instructors who care about your success.

www.mhc.ab.ca REG26204287_1_1

advantage

the Campion College

If you are Métis and interested in teacher education, please contact us at GDI - SUNTEP Regina CW 227, U of R 3737 Wascana Parkway Regina, SK S4S 0A2 Phone: 306-347-4110 Fax: 306-347-4119 www.gdins.org Link to SUNTEP

Transform Your Future Career.

Get the Campion advantage ---personal attention and support, additional scholarship

Trades, Industrial & Apprenticeship Training.

opportunities, and longstanding Jesuit tradition of excellence in education---while working

www.campioncollege.ca REG26204274_1_1

toward your University of Regina degree. REG26204295_1_1

1.866.783.6766 | parklandcollege.sk.ca REG26204305_1_1

Leader-Post • leaderpost.com

S PE C I A L F E AT U R E

We d n e s d ay, Fe b r u a r y 2 6 , 2 0 1 4

Find your place at the University of Saskatchewan questionnaires are chalked in on sidewalks, what happens when red club chairs are added in a waterfront public park, and what genres of music appeal to or repel users of public beaches.

If you’re heading to university for the first time, there are lots of things to think about. Which university to choose, what classes to take, where to eat, what to do with your free time, where to live… and it goes on. The list is pretty long, but don’t worry—we can help you get started. From brand-new residences to plenty of on-campus food choices to a range of activities so broad your only trouble will be narrowing it down, we’ve got the supports in place to make sure you get the most out of your time at the U of S. And that means not only meeting your academic goals and finding success in the classroom, it means finding the things you truly love to do that will stay with you for the rest of your life. A place to call home It’s much easier to concentrate in class when you’ve had a good night sleep. We’ve got an array of residence options to ensure you find just the right fit. If it’s your first time away from home, Voyageur Place is perfect for you. Meal plans are included, which means you don’t have to worry about cooking and your family back home doesn’t have to worry that you’re only eating macaroni and cheese for dinner. Again. Voyageur Place gives you a cozy, comfortable space at the heart of campus. You can even walk to class without going outside in the winter, thanks to our tunnels. You’ll have the chance to meet new people through lots of available residence activities, and our faculty-inresidence program will help you transition more easily into those university classes. Nutritious and delicious Marquis Hall is the centre of culinary services on campus. It’s where students from Voyageur Place gather to eat, but it’s open to everyone. The buffet-style setup means you can pick meals that are right for you—whether that’s to fit a vegetarian or gluten-free diet, or just a picky palette— and you’ll still get your fill. If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, there are lots of food outlets spread throughout campus, including Tim Hortons, A&W, Harvey’s,

We are all Huskies One of the most well-known university sports teams in Canada, the U of S Huskies ﬁeld teams in 15 sports and have the support of the entire campus community. From Friday nights under the lights on the football ﬁeld to the basketball court in the Physical Activity Centre, there are lots of sports to try out for, or to cheer on.

Extreme Pita, Starbucks and Mac’s. We also have a full-service restaurant and campus pub, Louis’, and the new Louis’ Loft, which is a quieter atmosphere with the benefits of the full Louis’ menu and a coffee bar. Extraordinary classes One of the best things about university is the choice in classes, and at the U of S you’ll have lots to choose from. We have 13 colleges and three graduate schools that let you pursue careers in everything from engineering to law to medicine, and much more. The College of Arts and Science is our largest college, and is one where many students begin their career at the U of S. Whether you complete your pre-requisites for a professional college here or start and finish your degree with the college, you have a wide variety of classes to choose from. Do you worry that you won’t find your classes that interesting? Check out just some of the thought-provoking classes we offer: English 114 – Reading Culture (instructed by Kevin Flynn): zombies have infiltrated

popular culture of late, and this class examines the way contemporary zombie narratives are used to address important cultural issues. The class is intended to encourage you to think critically when reading, viewing or writing, and apply that to your everyday life. NS 410 – Aboriginal Self Determination Through Mitho Pimachesowin (Ability to Make a Good Living) (instructed by Bonita Beatty): examining a range of contemporary issues, this class looks at the historical Aboriginal “way of life,” its spiritual roots and how this holistic perspective continues to inﬂuence modern developments. In addition to the Cree concept of Mitho Pimachesowin (ability to make a good living), students also explore related elements of autonomy, kinship, work ethic, respect, responsibility and resilience. RUP 390.3 – Research and Field Methods (instructed by Jill Gunn): urban planning is all about urban spaces, and this class gets students out of the classroom and into the environment they are studying. Students conduct live experiments in public places to test how citizens will react to the urban design. Past examples include seeing what happens when interactive games and

Being a Huskie means a chance to play on the national stage, and in the coming years our players will get the chance to be part of the home team at some of these prestigious events. The Huskies will host the PotashCorp University Cup presented by Co-op, the men’s hockey championship, from March 20 – 23, 2014, as well as the national volleyball championship in 2015. That little something extra (curricular) If you’re looking for something less competitive than the Huskie teams, look no further than our campus rec leagues. Whether you’re more comfortable with a curling broom or a badminton racquet, or in the pool or on the ultimate Frisbee field, we have something for everyone who’s looking to be active. You might also consider sharpening your acting chops in the Greystone Theatre, exercising your vocal chords in the Greystone singers or channelling your inner cowboy or cowgirl in the Rodeo Club. Or take your writing skills and eye for photography over to The Sheaf, the student newspaper. Or look into one of the many other student clubs, activities and groups that you can be a part of. Learn more Whatever choices you make, you can be confident that the choice to attend the University of Saskatchewan is the right one. We’ll help you figure out the rest.

Visit explore.usask.ca for more information.

REG00186581_1_1

SMART CHOICE. 98% of employers say theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d hire another SIAST grad 26,400 students 5,700 apprentices 18.1% Aboriginal student enrolment 150 programs 330 courses available online

facebook.com/SIAST

@SIAST

youtube.com/SIASTtv

Apply now for fall 2014. goSIAST.com REG23500231_1_1