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Research opportunities attract bright minds to University of Saskatchewan

by Hilary Klassen of SP Special Projects The University of Saskatchewan has been attracting some pretty impressive research talent to its halls of learning in recent years. For example, Maurice Moloney, a world-renowned plant scientist who most recently led groups in Australia and the U.K., joined the Global Institute for Food Security as executive director last October. “I came here because I am excited about the tremendous opportunities the new Global Institute for Food Security offers, not just for me but for Saskatchewan, Canada and the world,” he says. “There is the chance to work with top talent and outstanding facilities on discovery science that will make a difference to food security around the world.” He’s not the only one. Robert Lamb came from Australia to lead Canada’s national synchrotron. The new executive director is a top synchrotron researcher and leader, and joined the Canadian Light Source (CLS) last August. World-renowned Howard Wheater has held the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Water Security at the U of S since 2010. Husband and wife team Graham George and Ingrid Pickering, both Canada Research Chairs, say they left Stanford for Saskatoon because of the CLS and the chance to build at the U of S. It’s part of a strategic plan to position the University of Saskatchewan as one of the best research destinations in the world. Dr. Karen Chad, vice president of research, plays a vital role in the plan, building on current strengths, creating research institutes and bringing in world-class research leaders. “We are poised to make an impact in a most nimble way, in a more far-reaching way than we have for previous decades,” she says. The U of S has singled out six signature areas of research identified through campus-wide consultation that bring distinct recognition to the institution. They are Synchrotron Sciences, Water Security, Energy and Mineral Resources, One Health (addressing the interface of animalhuman-environment) and Agriculture (food and bio-products). The sixth, Aboriginal Peoples, is an area that is being expanded to increase research by, for and about First Nations, Metis and Inuit people. This expanded and enhanced research profile not only attracts world-class leaders in their field, it also draws students from around the globe. “When we bring in these top researchers, they have connections all over the world, and they often bring in their own students,” says Kathryn Warden, Director, Research Profile and Impact at the U of S. “For instance, John Geisy,

The University of Saskatchewan synchrotron attracts top researchers, post-doctoral fellows and students who collaborate in a research community to make discoveries with impact that are helping to mitigate environmental impacts of mining, create new and better materials, and improve human and animal health.

Canadian Light Source synchrotron science associate Isabelle Gauthier placing samples into the PGM beamline.

who is world-renowned in the toxicology area, brought his students and postdoctoral fellows from Michigan.” On top of that, when a research area is created and spearheaded by a world leader, that leader starts to assemble a group around them, and students want to be with that group. “In the areas of Global Food Security and Global Water Security for example, the university is starting to attract those researchers and students who are trying to solve those questions back home—from China, India, Africa—and who are wanting to develop the expertise and skill sets to bring that knowledge back home, and also to set up the networks and relationships that enable this steady stream of knowledge across the waves,” says Chad. International graduate student enrolment at the U of S has been increasing at four per cent per year since 2012, and currently represents 36 per cent of all graduate students, according to Warden.

Almost 200 faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows and external scientists work with the Global Institute for Food Security led by Howard Wheater. Since the synchrotron came into being, more than 600 faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from a wide variety of fields have used the synchrotron to make discoveries with considerable impact. World-renowned Dr. Andrew Potter heads VIDO-InterVac which looks at infectious diseases through the interface of the human–animal–environment dynamic. Dr. Potter says with the new facility they can conduct research with a high level of safe containment, which is not available to most scientists in the world. The University of Saskatchewan is a member of the prestigious U15 Group

of Canadian Research Universities, comprising the top 15 research-intensive universities in the country. While U of S graduate student enrolment has been growing tremendously, plans are to attract 30 per cent more in the next few years in order to meet the increasing needs of industry for highly qualified graduates and the next generation of researchers. There are close to 70 research centres across campus, according to Dr. Chad. She says the interdisciplinary and experiential learning environments at the U of S are very attractive to students who come from various nations. Research institutes enhance knowledge transfer and exchange, as well as partnerships with communities, industry and government. With the ability to attract bright minds, the university also ensures its continuing passage into a bright future.

ABOUT THIS CONTENT: These stories were produced by StarPhoenix Special Projects to promote awareness of this topic for commercial purposes. Postmedia’s editorial departments had no involvement in the creation of this content.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

Saskatchewan Polytechnic boasts near-perfect satisfaction rating

by Jesse Green for SP Special Projects With employment rates at a 10-year high and employer satisfaction hovering near the perfect mark, the forecast is definitely sunny for Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduates. In two related surveys released earlier this year, Saskatchewan Polytechnic (formerly SIAST) found graduate employment rates at 94 per cent, grad satisfaction with programming at 95 per cent and employer’s willingness to hire grads at a whopping 98 per cent. In addition, the grad employment survey found that Aboriginal graduate employment rate was up eight percentage points to 90 per cent. This matches a previous high from two years ago. “We have very strong programming that leads to job-ready graduates. They are really snapped up about as fast as we can produce them. We are in a robust economic period and that obviously impacts our graduate employment rate as well,” said provost and academic vicepresident Dr. Anne Neufeld. Sask Polytechnic is a provincial institution with campuses in Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw. Previously known as the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), the institution relaunched as a member of Polytechnics Canada in 2014. Neufeld attributes the institute’s success in part to the program advisory committees (PAC) that are run at Sask Polytechnic. These committees are made up of industry representatives and experts and have more than 850 members. These PACs keep Sask Polytechnic tuned into what the current industry requirements are and help with curriculum development

mining engineering technology diploma grads on the way each year. “If you ask my friends in business and industry, the vast majority would say ‘We love your graduates.’ They just need more of them and they need them yesterday, not when they’re going to convocate in June,” Neufeld said. Along with the peak in Aboriginal employment rates noted in the recent surveys, Sask Polytechnic has a selfdeclared Aboriginal learner population of 18.5 per cent with students enrolled in programs across the board. “I’m very proud to see our Aboriginal learners coming to Saskatchewan Polytechnic,” said Neufeld. The polytechnic has an Aboriginal student

achievement plan (ASAP) with various goals, including making the institution more welcoming to Aboriginal learners. The average Sask Polytechnic student is in the mid- to late-20s, with many students in their 30s, 40s and older attending to upgrade and repurpose their skills or work on career transition. Of course, a large amount of the student body does fall into that traditional 18- to 22-year old bracket. The challenge for Sask Polytechnic is striking that fine balance between labour market demand and the capability to meet that demand. One of the constraining factors is infrastructure, and the polytechnic is working actively with government on a needs assessment for a potential renewal of the Saskatoon campus. Saskatchewan Polytechnic teaches 26,000 students through distance education and applied learning at its four campuses. There are more than 150 programs serving every economic and public service sector. Saskatchewan Polytechnic provides over $2 million in student scholarships, bursaries and awards during the academic year. These awards are offered in every certificate and diploma program at each Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus, with some based on marks and some on financial need or community involvement. The majority of students are from Saskatchewan, and the majority of graduates remain in the province after graduation. “We’re very proud of the road that’s brought us to where we are today, but now as Sask Polytechnic, as a post-secondary institution, the main beneficiaries are our learners and industries. It’s a really positive road ahead,” said Neufeld. Find out more at www.saskpolytech.ca.

• Students learn from expert nursing professors, the majority of whom have PhDs or are currently working toward a doctorate. For admission and application information, please call 306.966.5788

or email admissions@usask.ca. Hurry! Application Deadline: March 31st. This story was provided by the U of S College of Nursing for commercial purposes. Postmedia had no involvement in the creation of this content.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduates are highly employable and in demand. A recent survey reveals that 98 per cent of employers indicated their willingness to hire graduates of Sask Polytechnic. (Photos: Saskatchewan Polytechnic)

and redesign on a continuous basis. And the numbers show that Sask Polytechnic grads are indeed receiving those relevant, job-ready skills that employers want. “We have a number of mechanisms, but this is certainly one that I’m very proud of,” said Neufeld. “I think when you see the results of these surveys it is very clear that we are paying attention.” There are many fields where employers are asking for more grads, with the mining industry seeing a definite shortfall. Sask Polytechnic introduced a mining engineering technology program two years ago specifically to meet that gap in the training landscape. The first grads hit the workforce in June of 2014, with more

Consider the U of S College of Nursing Experience

Prospective students, parents, teachers, principals and guidance counselors often ask why students should apply to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program through the University of Saskatchewan. Here are a few of the reasons why students should consider the U of S experience. • The BSN program is non-direct entry, similar to other professional colleges at the U of S. In the four year degree program, students take 10 classes in the pre-professional year (year 1), then apply to the College of Nursing for years 2 - 4. • Students who are unsure as to which degree they wish to pursue can apply the pre-professional courses to different University of Saskatchewan programs, should they change their career focus from nursing. • The College of Nursing has a Global Health Initiative; this work gives students the opportunity for international clinical experience. • Students take the pre-professional

year with other students who are interested in health science professions, such as Dentistry, Kinesiology, Medicine, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine. They build relationships with individuals who will be working in other health science professions when they become a Registered Nurse. • The College of Nursing has a long history of Aboriginal student success and is recognized as having the highest number of Aboriginal nursing students in the country. The University of Saskatchewan Community of Aboriginal Nursing (UCAN) program recruits and supports Aboriginal students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program. • Students can take all four years of their degree at sites in Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, La Ronge and Ile-ala Crosse. • Study full or part-time; once admitted to the College of Nursing in year 2, students have six years to finish the program.

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Keep advancing your career at Saskatoon Business College

by Elizabeth Shih for SP Special Projects For over 100 years, Saskatoon Business College (SBC) has offered outstanding, marketready business education to Saskatchewan students. With innovative programs and competitive technology, SBC confirms its reputation as a small but progressive college that Campus Director Blair Chapman calls a “one-year gateway” to the career world. For their about

Because the training provided at the Saskatoon Business College is current and relevant, the school’s graduates are in high demand by employers. (Photo: Jeff Lyons/ StarPhoenix)

250 graduates each year, he says, “our mandate is to provide students with job skills and to find employment in as short a time as possible… We cater to the segment of the population without the resources for lengthy [post-secondary] study.” Students of diverse ages and backgrounds advance their careers through such practical course offerings as SBC’s 12-month Mining Industry Business Specialist Program, the only one of its kind in Canada. It focuses on uranium and potash mining specific to Saskatchewan, so that graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in sales, marketing, logistics and scheduling. Chapman says that the program has proven successful, including for those who come from mining backgrounds and “who want to be in the field, but may not want to be underground.” The new year-long Information Technology (IT) program, unique to the province, trains techfriendly students to become Microsoft Certified Solutions Experts (MCSE), the globally recognized standard for the IT profession. The program offers “lots of hands-on training, and five, three week practical work placements” in relevant local businesses. Market demand for these graduates far exceeds

supply. Providing private-public partnered work placements are vital to the success of SBC programs. The college’s Legal Assistant program offers paid internships before graduation. One hundred per cent of those graduates “find employment within two to three weeks of graduation,” Chapman reports. SBC Healthcare partners with the Saskatoon and Regina Qu’Appelle Health Regions, training personal care aides who walk into jobs upon graduation. He adds: “We know of no other private college in Canada that is doing that with healthcare programs.” Another unique offering to the province is SBC’s Creative Media Specialist program in graphic design (CMS). The 10-month course prepares students to become Adobe Certified Associates, when they pass certification in Photoshop and Dreamweaver. SBC has upgraded software to the latest Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, so all training is “done in the Cloud,” says VP, Marketing and IT Admissions, Rich Chapman. Recognizing the demand for online education, SBC bought the electronic learning management system Blackboard two years ago and now offers four courses online in such

subjects as Accounting and Medical Procedures. More are coming, says Rich Chapman. “Our goal is to have one full [program] online by the end of 2015. (The format) gives people the opportunity to study on their own time and schedule.” Corporate training is offered in Microsoft Office, Design and Media, Accounting, Project Management and more. Customized programming is also available. Expanding these services won SBC a SABEX award in 2014. Instructors, time and finances

are dedicated to staying abreast of technology. The college purchases “the latest versions of software [and] state-of-the-art labs,” Rich Chapman says, for their 25,000 square foot facility. These include a new server and an upgrade to MS Office 2013. Sixtyfive new computers were recently added. “We have the most up-to-date computer network in Saskatchewan,” Chapman says. “We’re a big proponent of keeping up with technology, because it gives our grads an edge on the market and makes them more valuable employees.” Instructors work continually to stay current with curricula and technology and to ensure that training meets employers’ needs. The college periodically reviews curricula and because of their small size, “We can make changes overnight,” Blair Chapman says. Not so with larger, traditional, public institutions. Blair Chapman, the graduateemployee liaison, and SBC instructors work to match as many as 60 per cent of new graduates with first jobs. “One-on-one” personalized counselling is available to

students − both recent and past graduates. Instructors provide specific references. The college’s extensive network with local businesses helps students from “low socioeconomic backgrounds” who are “funded by student loans” and “don’t have connections in the community,” Chapman states. Eighty-five percent of graduates find jobs in their fields, 80 per cent of them within the first three months. SBC has also been accredited since 1987 by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC), which “makes [our] graduates on par with the rest of the country,” Rich Chapman says. With market research and commitment to keeping programs current and flexible, SBC helps students to keep advancing their education. Blair Chapman says: “The primary reason for our success is the care we take in training instructors and staff who provide the best training for our students… It requires us to be nimble.” For more details about education opportunities at Saskatoon Business College, visit www.sbccollege.ca.

Top 10 ways to save for post-secondary education There are a number of things that parents need to do in order to maximize the savings for their child’s future education needs. Take a look at these tips from the innovative Registered Education Savings Plan provider, giraffe & friends: • Understand who to talk to and what they’re talking about. Pick an RESP provider with a website full of information that’s easy to understand. • Skip the savings account. Your RESP grows taxfree until your child withdraws it at their own lower tax rate, so it grows faster than a regular savings account. • Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for your child. You can apply for an RESP without one, but your savings won’t start earning grants or interest until you provide it. • Do your research. Not all RESPs are created equal; return rates and fees will vary. Watch out for MER charges (management expense ratio) and other management fees. • Select a program that doesn’t gamble your savings. For example, giraffe & friends point out that their plan is worry-free and maintenancefree; your investment won’t be impacted by stock market dips or even a crash – and you don’t have to keep up with financial news or lift

a finger to keep your money safe. • Don’t forget about other sources of financial support. An RESP can be combined with scholarships or student loans to pay for postsecondary education. • Maximize your grants. Federal government grants have a cap of $500/year and a total contribution cap of $7,200 over the life of the RESP. Your provider should guarantee that you won’t miss out on any available grant money. • Set up automatic payments. This is convenient and reliable and it means you’ll never miss a contribution. • Don’t think that it’s just for university or college. An RESP can be applied to most postsecondary education that results in a degree, diploma or occupational skill, even international schools. • Use it for anything your child needs when they’re at school. As long as your child is enrolled in some form of approved postsecondary education, from university to a trade school, their RESP can be applied to anything including tuition, food, apprenticeship tools or books. More information is available online at giraffeandfriends.com. (News Canada)

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Thursday, March 12, 2015

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

Explore a career in supply chain management

by Jesse Green for SP Special Projects The diverse, rapidly growing and lucrative field of supply chain management should be the star booth at the career fair. Instead, the Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA) commonly fields the question, “What exactly is supply chain management?” Simply put, it is the management of the flow of goods from raw material to end user and everything that happens between. This varied profession reaches all sectors including manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, services, retail and government. The job outlook is, in a word, fantastic. The sector has an expected vacancy rate of 80,000 jobs a year, and has grown steadily year over year for nearly a decade and a half. Nationally, supply chain management employs more than 700,000 people, with about 20 per cent at the professional or managerial level. “People don’t necessarily grow up saying ‘I’m going to be a supply chain professional,’ but the career is incredibly interesting, it’s very diverse and it’s very lucrative,” said Nicole Burgess, executive director at the Saskatchewan Institute of the SCMA. With the majority of Saskatchewan’s SCMP designation holders gainfully employed, eligible candidates for employment fill just a fraction of the demand. In coming years, supply chain education and training will have to increase exponentially to meet industry needs. In Saskatchewan, there are about 125 designation holders, some of whom have retired or are not active in the field. The remaining practitioners are well employed and typically not looking for a change. So, when a company is adamant that a role requires an SCMP designate for a senior position, they may have to look out of province. “It is unfortunate, because we

Saskatchewan employers are facing a shortage of designated supply chain practitioners, according to Nicole Burgess, executive director, Saskatchewan Institute, Supply Chain Management Association. (Photos: Fotolia)

have a lot of great people here, but the rate we are able to train is not keeping up with demand,” said Burgess. The association enjoys a very supportive employer community, with most students and membership holders being funded by their employers. “There is a realization within the corporate community that the biggest impact to the bottom line is through strategic supply chain management, as opposed to the traditional model of sales, sales, sales,” said Burgess. Each year, the SCMA conducts an annual survey of the Canadian supply chain professional, polling its members on benefits, job satisfaction and training. The findings are used to generate an online salary calculator, and SCMP designates consistently make about 20 per cent more than those who are non-SCMP associated. There are two streams of education available. The supply management training program is an entry to mid-level program which balances soft skills and business management. There is also a more intensive designation program that is a high level strategic program geared towards the “C-Suite” or executive level. To start the

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designation program, students must have either a business degree or diploma, or have completed seven specific courses through university or polytechnic. These courses include marketing, organizational behaviour, accounting, finance and others. Or, learners with 10 years of work experience may qualify, assuming that five of those years have been at a senior level. Both education streams incorporate the four cornerstones of supply management; procurement, transportation, logistics and operations, and complementary business and soft skills. Contract management is another important area of focus, as supply chain professionals often deal with legally binding contracts as part of their work. The field is still relatively unknown, but there is an increased recognition of supply chain in the university community. The Edwards School of Business has a program called Operations Management, a university-level supply chain education program.

“Our hope is that it will continue to grow, and that people will actually make the conscious decision to pursue a career in supply chain, rather than stumbling into it,” said Burgess. Nationally, the SCMA’s members control more than $130 billion in annual spend. The profession influences the social and economic success of Canadian citizens and worldwide. The Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA) is Canada’s leading supply chain association and was the first supply chain association in the world to require its members to adhere to a code of ethics. It formed in 2013 after two national associations amalgamated. With almost 8,000 members in private and public sectors in Canada, the SCMA is the main provider of professional development, education and training in the country. The Saskatchewan SCMA is online at www.scmask.ca, and the national body is at www.scmanational.ca.

Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing

If you want an exciting career that will make a difference in people’s lives, consider the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program offered jointly by the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Each year, the SCBScN program accepts a total of 345 students at its locations in Regina, Saskatoon and Swift Current. The SCBScN program also has 53 equity seats available for Aboriginal Students. Aboriginal Nursing Student Achievement Program (ANSAP) advisors will help answer any questions about the SCBScN program. ANSAP staff can provide academic services and personal support for you during your application process and nursing studies.

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Anna Klimina Institutional Economics; History of Economic Thought & transition.

The University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic are proud to offer the Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (CNPP) – leading to a Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) degree.

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Sarah Knudson Family & couple formation; Gender and research methods; Relationships.

This online master’s program will provide you with a graduate-level nursing education in both theory and practice, and prepare you to become a primary care nurse practitioner within the province. Full-time students can complete the program within two calendar years; part-time students in four. Graduates of the program are eligible to write the national nurse practitioner exam and seek registration as a registered nurse (nurse practitioner), primary care.

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Registered Nurses with a nursing degree and a minimum of two years clinical practice experience are encouraged to apply. Detailed admission requirements are available at www.sasknursingdegree.ca/cnpp. Deadline to apply for fall 2015 is April 30, 2015.

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

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Thursday, March 12, 2015

Bringing Saskatchewan-made products to students’ plates at the U of S

When students at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) sit down for a meal in the Marquis Culinary Centre, the central hub of the largest food services operation on campus, chances are they are eating something grown right here in Saskatchewan, which, it turns out, is quite an accomplishment. “At first bringing in more local food seemed like an impossible task,” said James McFarland, Culinary Services’ assistant director and executive chef. “I’d go down to the farmers’ market to talk to producers, but as soon as I talked about the volume we needed, we never got anywhere.” What had to change was their approach. “What we figured out is to try to do it in pieces. Even a number of smaller initiatives add up,” explained McFarland. Some products, like honey and camelina oil, are available in sufficient quantities year-round, while others, like haskap berries, vegetables and greens, may be limited in quantity or seasonal and so are incorporated into the

menu as they become available. In addition to sourcing many The food served at the foods from local distributors, University of Saskatchewan’s including staples like meats, dairy Marquis Culinary Centre has a and eggs, staff from Culinary distinct Saskatchewan flavour. Services have developed direct relationships with local producers, bringing products grown right Saskatoon Berries Wild Rice here in our province to the plates WALDHEIM LA RONGE of university students. “We have our core menu, but Sour Cherries Honey nothing’s really set in stone,” said LANGHAM OSLER McFarland. “We’ve learned to be flexible so we can take advantage Saskatoon Berry Tea Eggs of opportunities as they come SASKATOON HUMBOLDT up.” As the word gets out to food producers and distributors, they Bread, Buns Barley, Lentils, expect those opportunities will and Bagels Kidney Beans increase. SASKATOON and Quinoa However, sourcing local food is WATSON only part of the picture. Steelhead Trout LAKE DIEFENBAKER “What we’re really focusing on Camelina Oil MIDALE is the education component,” said McFarland. “In addition Potatoes CRAVEN to providing good food, Mustard GRAVELBOURG we want to educate our diners about the value of locally sourced ingredients, with A recent campaign on Twitter and Instagram also regards to both featured the #usaskeatslocal hashtag, which McFarland nutrition and sustainability.” says was both an opportunity to showcase some of the McFarland’s team educates the university dishes created using local ingredients and for students to community about the food prepared in demonstrate how they incorporate locally grown foods Marquis Culinary Centre in person and using into their own cooking. social media. Foods incorporating local The food served at the “Students today are more knowledgeable. They’re ingredients are clearly identifiable as diners University of Saskatchewan’s interested in nutrition and social responsibility, including make their selections. Marquis Culinary Centre has a knowing where their food comes from, and the idea of Saskatchewan flavour. locally sourced, moredistinct sustainable foods,” said McFarland. “We’re glad we can do our part to foster that awareness.” Meals served at the U of S Marquis Culinary Centre

LOCALLY SOURCED

feature foods sourced from local producers. The This story was provided by the University of Saskatchewan initiative is being championed by James McFarland Saskatoon Berries Wild Rice (right), executive chef and assistant director of the for commercial purposes. Postmedia’s editorial department WALDHEIM LA RONGE U of S Culinary Services team. (Photo: SP file photo) had no involvement in the creation of this content.

Sour Cherries LANGHAM

Saskatoon Berry Tea SASKATOON

Bread, Buns and Bagels SASKATOON

Honey OSLER

Eggs

HUMBOLDT

Barley, Lentils, Kidney Beans and Quinoa WATSON

Steelhead Trout LAKE DIEFENBAKER

Camelina Oil MIDALE

Potatoes CRAVEN

Mustard

GRAVELBOURG

Knowledge is beautiful.

At the University of Saskatchewan, you can choose from more than 100 programs, take advantage of guaranteed entrance scholarships and competitive entrance awards, and study with world-leading faculty at cutting-edge research facilities you won’t find anywhere else in Canada.

In other words, choosing to study at the U of S means you can create the university experience you want, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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Thursday, March 12, 2015

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

U of R centre helps Aboriginal students make the grade by Carol Todd L-P Special Projects Tansi. Welcome. The Cree word for hello and the fact that everyone is welcome are the forces that help turn the great wheel of life for the University of Regina Aboriginal Student Centre (ASC). While the centre’s main focus is on helping Aboriginal students make the grade in university, centre manager Misty Longman said everyone is welcome. “The door is always open for the city and Treaty 4 territory to come and be a part of what we’re doing and share what they’re doing with us,” she said. The centre’s website says “all of the campus community is welcome in the Centre, as creating opportunities for intercultural and intergenerational exchange strengthens our campus community, and allows us to achieve the greatest heights in education and learning.” Specific programs, too, are open to all, such as weekend Aboriginal coaching modules, an introduction to powwow and even sacred pipe ceremonies. “We have pipe ceremonies for all staff and students, so you’ll see a variety of students [there]. It’s really neat, because you’ll see other federated college students — you’ll see Campion and Luther students often come,” Longman said. The majority of the centre’s efforts are geared toward helping Aboriginal students settle into the university environment and excel at their studies. It helps those students make a successful transition into university and stay there, participate in university events, successfully complete their students and make a positive transition into the workforce. “The purpose

is to educate, empower and engage, but with Aboriginal world views and practices intrinsically incorporated into all those components,” she said. A major program is the nitôncipâmin omâ Student Success Program (OMA Program), which provides mentors and other benefits, such as priority access to tutors, cultural and social programming, and even scholarships, to first-year Aboriginal students. The free program also keeps the wheels of life moving, as it encourages these new students to become leaders in their own right. “It’s our way of establishing academic leaders the second they step on campus,” Longman said, adding that a current tutor told her that, had the program been in place when she went to university, it would have been much easier and she would have graduated earlier. The centre opened its doors in what was once the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) lounge in the College West building in 2006. When First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) started up in 2003, it left a bit of a gap in the university’s overall support for Aboriginal students, Longman said. “SIFC was housed very centrally and was very integral throughout the university. When the new [FNUniv] building opened in 2003, we lost that central component within the larger campus and became very much more selfstanding.” She said the new ASC location recognized the past while working toward the future. “When they opened it up in 2006, they put it in the former SIFC student lounge space in College West so the start of Indigenous education on campus, and

The University of Regina Aboriginal Student Centre (ASC) is designed to help Aboriginal students settle into the university environment and excel at their studies. (Photo: U of R Photography Dept.)

the work of Lloyd Barber and SIFC would still be acknowledged.” That location currently houses the centre’s seminar and learning centre, with the rest of it located in the Research and Innovation Centre. “I want everybody to know that it’s a place for all. It’s a place for all community members to come together and be a part of it in some capacity or form, even if it’s just coming in to say hi, bringing

in posters from other events, coming to our ceremonies or being involved in any way,” Longman said. As a central hub for all students on campus, faculty, staff and community to gather and find a sense of belonging in the larger university environment, the ASC helps Aboriginal students on the road to success through higher learning and invites everyone to experience the great wheel of life.

IT PAYS TO STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF REGINA The University of Regina has a long history of helping students find work. As one of the pioneers of Co-operative Education, the U of R has helped countless students find employment and gain valuable work experience in their field of study. Co-op students can kick-start their careers while earning as much as $13,000 per semester. The Co-op Program alternates practical, career-related, paid work terms with semesters in class, giving students 12-16 months of supervised work experience by the time of graduation. Co-op Programs are now available in nearly 50 areas of study and helped our students earn nearly $10 million in 2013! We are accredited by the Canadian Association for Cooperative Education (CAFCE), which means we meet the highest standards for quality and commitment as set by our national governing body.

“IT HAS GIVEN ME SO MUCH” Courtney Kinequon is a Business Administration Co-op Student who has successfully completed three work terms. Her most recent placement was with

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) a Crown Corporation that provides the province’s compulsory auto insurance program, driver’s licensing, vehicle registration, as well as property and casualty insurance. For Courtney, the Co-op Program at the U of R has provided so much more than she ever expected. “I love the fact that with every work term I’m adding more skills and experience to my résumé. Completing work terms with different companies has helped get my foot in the door with more people and helps pave the way for future employment,” says Courtney. “Another benefit is that your salary usually goes up with every new term!” For Courtney, the perks of taking part in the Co-op Program went beyond the pay cheque.

“It has given me so much more confidence in my skills and even helped me to become more outgoing and talkative. This is an amazing program, and something that I would encourage every student to do!” When you choose to study at the University of Regina, you’re getting more than an excellent education, you’re also partnering with an institute that truly cares about your success. The Co-op Program enables you to gain valuable experience-based learning while pursuing almost any undergraduate degree. In 2013, the program helped 837 students across career-related placements. To learn more about the U of R Co-op Program, visit uregina.ca/futurestudents

“This is an amazing program, and something that I would encourage every student to do!” - Courtney Kinequon

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

Thursday, March 12, 2015

How to help high school students choose the right college

Choosing a college or university is the first big decision of many teenagers’ lives. A young person’s choice of college can impact the rest of his or her life, and it’s important that students recognize the gravity of this decision. Many young people, in particular those who realize the impact that their choice of college can have on the rest of their lives, are overwhelmed when colleges begin sending information about their programs and campus life. Such information, especially when it is unsolicited, may begin to arrive at the dawn of high school student’s sophomore year, long before many teenagers have begun to think about where to pursue their educations after high school. But as daunting a task as choosing a college may seem, teenagers should enjoy the process, as the choice of where to go to college is unlike any other decision many students will make for the rest of their lives. Parents also can ensure the process goes more smoothly by helping their kids find the right school. That’s especially true for parents who have already been through the process with an older child. But even parents going through the process for the first time can take the following steps to help youngsters find the right college. • Discuss finances at the outset of the selection process. While the choice of where a student goes to college should ultimately rest with that student, it’s important that parents explain their financial situations to their kids at the outset of the selection process. Explain how much you can contribute toward tuition and fees, and explain the differences between loans and grants. Some youth may expect their parents to foot the entire bill for their education,

but such situations are increasingly rare thanks to the rising cost of a college education. Make sure students know the financial obligations they will be taking on should they take out loans to pay for their education. • Ask students to list fields of study they may want to pursue. While incoming college freshman do not necessarily need to choose a major upon enrolling, students who know their interests and what they may want to one day do for a living may be more likely to find the right college or university for them. Parents can ask kids to write down a list of their interests, including potential career interests. This can help narrow down the list of colleges and universities they are considering. For example, if a student is interested in engineering but a university on their list does not offer an engineering program, then that school can be eliminated. Young people who list multiple potential fields of study may benefit by choosing a larger school with more available programs. This can allow them to pursue more than one major or even switch majors without transferring to another school. • Visit campuses. Student-athletes who hope to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level may be limited to a certain number of official campus visits, but non-athletes face no such restrictions. While college is first and foremost about getting an education, it’s also an opportunity to grow as a person. Campus visits can give young people a feel for campus life, which varies considerably between colleges, and that feel can help them determine if a given college or university is somewhere they’re liable to feel comfortable over the next several years. Parents can accompany kids on

campus visits and ask questions young people may not know to ask but will certainly be glad to know the answers to. Traveling to various campuses can be expensive, so parents might want to delay campus visits until their children have narrowed down their lists of potential colleges. • Stay involved. Some young people may succumb to the pressure of choosing a college and detach themselves from the process as a result. While taking periodic breaks from talking about college can benefit both kids and their folks, parents should not allow such breaks to go on for too long. Stay involved in the process so kids continue to approach it with the right attitude. If they appear to be struggling with their decision, act as a sounding board for them so they can let off some steam and clear their heads. (MNS)

Campus visits can give young people a feel for campus life. (Photo: Fotolia)

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Thursday, March 12, 2015

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

ROAD TO HIGHER LEARNING

As leader in applied learning, Saskatchewan Polytechnic provides quality education that helps grow our province. Formerly SIAST, we are evolving to meet the needs of our province and our country. With expanded programs and applied research capabilities, we tailor our learning to meet employer needs while helping students focus their passions into successful careers. Each of our schools offers certificate, diploma and/or degree programs that have been developed with your future employer in mind. With more than 150 program options available, your future couldn’t look brighter. SCHOOL OF ACADEMIC AND CAREER EDUCATION

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