“The Government of Canada is committed to helping Canadians with housing needs and people seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon–Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “We are pleased to partner with Brandon University in its effort to improve homelessness prevention by expanding our knowledge of its causes.”

Dr. Rempel’s research, valued at $72,108, will explore the factors that contribute to youth at-risk mobility in rural and northern Manitoba communities.
Dr. Robinson will receive $31,056 for research entitled “Housing and Support in the Community of Choice: Addressing Factors that Contribute to Migration and Homelessness”.

In her project, Dr. Robinson will describe “the extent to which migration from rural areas contributes to homelessness in a medium-sized regional centre, and identify factors that contribute to migration and settlement difficulties. The project will also investigate reasons for return to rural communities and supports that would enable people to effectively settle in their community of choice.”

“Migration between rural and urban areas is a well-established pattern with consequences for both home and receiving communities,” said Dr. Robinson, who is partnering with Brent White, the Manager of Residential and Support Services with the Brandon Regional Health Authority for this study. “Housing and homelessness are of considerable concern to service planners in Brandon.”

Dr. Rempel’s project is aimed at “youth between the ages of 15 and 30 living outside of the City of Winnipeg, who are at-risk because they are chronically unemployed or lack steady employment; have a lack of educational achievement; and/or require social supports and program interventions. The initial phase of the project resulted in more than 1,700 completed surveys from youth at-risk, 500 completed surveys from employers and 12 community and regional plans to address the needs of youth at-risk at the community or regional level.”

“I am very excited about this research project for our Faculty of Education,” said Dr. Rempel. “This analysis will help us gain a better understanding of the factors and circumstances that contribute to youth-at-risk mobility. Most importantly, this information will be useful to school divisions, communities and government agencies who are trying to address the needs of youth at-risk.”
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BRANDON, MB — A day-long winter celebration — WINTERLUDE — will take place on campus for the Brandon University community as well as the general public. Beginning at 10 a.m., on Saturday, February 25, the parking, the brunch, the skating, the cool workshops — everything during Winterlude is free and everyone is welcome to check out the fun.

“This is a warm invitation to all Westman to come and share part of Saturday with us and participate in the many fun and exciting events that will be taking place at BU on the 25th. Join us. We will be there to welcome you as well as answer any questions that prospective students may have about Brandon University,” said Dr. Deborah Poff, President and Vice-Chancellor of Brandon University.

Following an open skating session on a newly created outdoor rink and a free brunch — complete with live entertainment — there will be hands-on activities for everyone to enjoy all afternoon. An African drumming circle, interactive games in the gym, a musical instrument petting zoo, Aboriginal storytelling, physics toys in action, CSI in the archeology lab, tours in the residences and so much more await.

“Winterlude will be a great opportunity for prospective students to meet faculty members, visit our classrooms and laboratories and speak with current students. The event will highlight our extraordinary facilities, people and programmes,” said Katie Gross, the Director of Recruitment and Retention.

The grand finale of the day will be a hockey game, in which BU students will take on faculty members.

“The game should be a good test of their youth and speed versus our wisdom and experience. It’s all in good fun and a great way to end the day’s festivities,” said David Rowland, the Dean of Students and one of the faculty team players.

For a complete schedule of the day, please visit BrandonU.ca/Winterlude or Brandon University’s facebook place page. Please note that a free brunch will be available for the first 500 visitors to Winterlude.
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For more information, please contact:

Joanne F. Villeneuve
Communications
Brandon University
270 – 18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
Tel. 204-727-9762
villeneuvej@brandonu.ca

http://www.brandonu.ca

posted January 16, 2012

BRANDON, MB — Today in Thompson, the President and Vice-Chancellor of Brandon University, Dr. Deborah C. Poff met Lovro Paulic, the General Manager of Vale’s Manitoba Operations to accept the company’s donation of $400,000 in support of the Vital Outcomes Indicators for Community Engagement for Children and Youth (VOICE) project. Brandon University is supported in this project through a $1 million-dollar peer-reviewed research grant from the Government of Canada, through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Community-University Research Alliances Program (SSHRC CURA). The University College of the North will share in the award and actively participate in the research activities. The project will also include individuals from Frontier School Divisions, Kelsey School Division and the School District of Mystery Lake.

“This generous donation from Vale will help bring researchers and community-partners closer and make a positive impact in the lives of First Nations and Métis children and youth living in Northern Manitoba,” said Dr. Poff. “We are very grateful for Vale’s interest and financial commitment to this important collaborative venture in research and capacity-building.”

The research activities will be aimed at helping First Nations and Métis children and youth achieve educational and career success.

“The extent of our partnerships such as the contribution from Vale is evidence of the commitment that we all have to building success for our children and youth,” said Dr. Karen Rempel, one of the main investigators in this project. “Our research partnership will build local capacity for community-based skills to use research. The project will also help our Faculty of Education programs adjust to better meet the learning needs of today’s children and youth. The project is a tremendous opportunity to make a difference.”

This project is receiving support from Vale’s top Canadian leadership. According to John Pollesel, Chief Operating Officer for Vale in Canada: “Vale is very proud to support the VOICE project and to stand alongside the project’s many forward-looking sponsors. We believe that every Canadian student deserves a high-quality, inspired education so they can achieve personal and professional success, and Vale is honoured to be part of a project that will see this vision become a reality, especially for Canada’s First Nations and Métis youth.”

Vale is a global mining pioneer that discovers and transforms the minerals that are essential ingredients in the products people use every day. Vale is the world’s second largest producer of nickel, with these operations based primarily in Canada. Canadian operations also produce copper, cobalt, platinum group metals, gold and silver. In Sudbury, Ontario and Thompson, Manitoba, Vale operates mine, mill, smelter and refinery operations; in Voisey’s Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador Vale’s assets include mine and mill operations. Vale employs about 6,000 people in Canada.

The presentation was a special one for Sheryl Moose and her father Patrick Moose. Sheryl, who is originally from Thompson, accepted Vale’s contribution on behalf of Brandon University. Her father, a 31-year employee of Vale Mining, presented Vale’s donation to his daughter.

“I am very excited and grateful to be part of such a wonderful study, said Sheryl Moose, a teacher who is a current graduate student at Brandon University and research assistant on the project. “The VOICE project focuses on Aboriginal student and youth success, particularly educational achievement. This success is really important for communities. The VOICE researchers are people who are dedicated to working with communities for our children and youth. Thank you so much for your donation, Vale. We know we can make a difference for all Aboriginal students and communities in the North.”

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For more information, please contact:

Joanne F. Villeneuve
Communications
Brandon University
270 – 18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
Tel. 204-727-9762
villeneuvej@brandonu.ca
http://www.brandonu.ca

Brandon, MB — The Brandon University Student Music Educators Association (BUSMEA) will be hosting its sixth annual Da Capo Conference. The Da Capo Conference is a one-day professional development event that includes workshops and seminars designed to enrich the learning of music educators.

The Da Capo Conference will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Brandon University Queen Elizabeth II Music Building. Guest speakers for this event will be Cynthia Peyson Wahl (Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute), Joan Linklater (University of Manitoba), Greg McLean (University of Regina), Bill Kristjanson (Vincent Massey Collegiate in Winnipeg), Kathie Gordon (Waverly Park School), Kevin Doell (Music Coordinator, Sunrise School Division), Robert Richardson Jr. (Suzuki Talent Education Program), and choral educator Korey Peters. Da Capo will also include sessions with BU faculty members Wendy McCallum and Greg Gatien. BUSMEA alumni Meagan Lawson and Danielle Dyer will be participating in the New Teacher Roundtable with recent University of Saskatchewan graduate Adam Streisel.

Sessions include working with vocal jazz ensembles, incorporating children’s literature in the elementary general music classroom, negotiating irregular time signatures in elementary general music, exploring the rondo form, interpreting the use of dynamics in a conducting score, rehearsing junior high and senior high jazz bands, examining a strings outreach program, organizing high school musicals, preparing to teach in a choral classroom, developing and maintaining a positive rapport with school administration, reinforcing conducting fundamentals, and much more!

Registration is open to all who are interested, including music educators, music education students, and education students. For more information about accommodations or registration, please contact Jennifer Shead via e-mail at BUSMEA@brandonu.ca or by phone at (204) 226-7723.

BUSMEA (Brandon University Student Music Educators Association) is an organization made up of music education students serving music education students. The group’s goal is to offer professional development opportunities to members through workshops and other related events.
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For more information, please contact:

Joanne F. Villeneuve
Communications
Brandon University
270 – 18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
Tel. 204-727-9762
villeneuvej@brandonu.ca

http://www.brandonu.ca

Brandon, MB — Today, Brandon University’s Senate met to establish the policies that will guide the return to classes for BU students. The Senate, comprised of students, faculty and administration, has approved a policy that will see both terms completed by the end of April.

“Our first term classes will end January 24th, followed by an examination period and second term courses will begin January 31st. Senators are working together to make the compromises we need to implement an academically sound plan. We need to thank students and faculty in advance for their work to accommodate the changes required.” said Dr. Scott Grills, Vice-President (Academic and Provost).

The overall intent of these policies is to respond to the recent strike in such a way that the impact on students and their learning is lessened. The Senate addressed a number of concerns including: new dates for voluntary withdrawal from courses, a modified examination schedule and the unique needs of students in professional programs.

Visit the main page at brandonu.ca for the specific details of the new policies.
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For more information, please contact:

Joanne F. Villeneuve
Communications
Brandon University
270 – 18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
Tel. 204-727-9762

http://www.brandonu.ca

To date, the program has graduated 508 teachers. One of the strengths of the PENT Program is the extended internship where teacher candidates work as teaching assistants September through March in their communities’ schools. This model of teacher preparation provides jobs in communities where there may be high unemployment and PENT works collaboratively with local educational authorities who select individuals for a career as professional teachers. Congratulations to all graduates!

(This article first appeared in The Neepawa Banner on July 29, 2011)

Brandon, MB — Mark Williams was one of the more than 500 Brandon University (BU) students to cross the stage at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium in early June.

Like many others, this graduate from Neepawa was closing one chapter of his life, while another was just on the horizon.

“I got my Bachelor of General Studies in 2007. I majored in Phys. Ed., Geography and History. I took two years off to work as a T.A. in the Brandon School Division, then I was accepted in the Faculty of Education,” he said. “I’ll be teaching Grade 9 and 10 classes in Rossburn and I’ll be coaching the girls’ volleyball team this upcoming school year.”

Following the advice of friends who were attending BU, Williams immersed himself in campus life from the start.

Williams and Mabon, along with Keely Woods (B. Ed.) agreed that BU is an ideal stepping stone for students coming from smaller communities.

“You’re not just a number at Brandon University. Even if it’s a small university, I consider it to be prestigious,” said Woods, who first obtained a Bachelor of Arts with a major in History and a minor in Psychology in 2009 at BU. “I made a lot of great friends there, not only my peers but also the professors that I had. I don’t think you would have that same chance at a larger university. Also, they always have a lot of good activities going on with the student union that I always tried to get involved in.”

With her two degrees in hand, Woods has landed a teaching job in Pierson, where she begins her career in September.

Brandon, MB — Lori Gohl was one of the more than 500 Brandon University (BU) students to cross the stage at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium in early June.

Like many others, this graduate from Souris was closing one chapter of her life, while another was just on the horizon.

“I wasn’t completely satisfied until I got a job, so in September, I’ll have a permanent job, teaching K to 12 phys. ed. in Waskada. It’s a dream come true,” said Gohl, the mother of seven. “I really wanted to teach since Grade 6. This is something that I had put on hold, so it’s about time!”

Though she was shy and not particularly involved in campus life the first time around — she obtained her B.G.S. in 1991 at BU — the years since have enabled her to become more assertive and gregarious.

Along with making full use of the help available in the library and elsewhere on campus, Gohl knew this time that whatever she put into her studies and the overall university experience would be worthwhile.

So family outings to Bobcats games became a part of her life, as did student union-organized activities, all of which enhanced the time she spent on her second degree.

“Brandon University is a great place to be. It’s small and you get to know the staff, faculty and other students. It’s not as threatening as a bigger place would be,” Gohl said. “And I found the people there so friendly, and in Education, we were closer.”

Having accomplished this lifelong goal, Gohl still has Brandon University not very far from her mind.

“I’m thinking about getting a master’s, but I want to teach a while before I go back for that,” she said.

Another graduate who appreciates the experiences that BU has to offer is Christie Tuttosi, who lives in Beresford.

The mother of four chose to study nursing and with her academic success came the first step in a new career.

Passionate about community health care, she is now working as a registered nurse at the Rideau Park Personal Care Home, in Brandon.

“I really liked the small class sizes at BU and the fact that the professors, for the most part, took the time to get to know each of their students and their background,” Tuttosi said. “It’s a really positive place and an excellent learning environment for me. ”

Having grown up in a rural community and after a less-than-ideal experience at a larger university, she found BU to be the right fit.  

In agreement with her is another new BU graduate, Scott McConnell, a Souris resident who just finished a Bachelor of Science.

“Brandon University is an excellent post-secondary institution for students who received their secondary schooling in a rural environment,” said McConnell, who plans to apply to the RCMP in the near future. “Brandon University gave me the opportunity to refine my people skills through my association with people from very different backgrounds and cultures. I definitely feel a sense of accomplishment.”

Others from Souris who also graduated from Brandon University this spring are Curtis Fraser (B.Sc.), Trevor Morris (B.Sc.Hon), Melissa Friestad (B.P.N.) and Amanda Pettinger (B.Ed.)

Along with education and nursing programs, Brandon University offers a wide range of courses, in arts including languages, fine arts and native studies; science, including a new environmental studies program; music performance and music education; psychiatric nursing; rural development; and applied emergency and emergency studies.

For complete course information or other details, visit brandonu.ca or call 727-9762.