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

Brandon, MB — Another Brandon University student, Amy McDonald will be taking advantage of the National Student Exchange (NSE) program to study abroad. The third-year French major, who is originally from Sioux Lookout, Ontario, will be heading to Newcastle, Australia to attend the university there. The first semester of the academic year in this Eastern Australia coastal city north of Sydney will begin on February 28.

“I did an exchange in high school, in Vichy, France for a year, and I caught the travel bug. I think this is a wonderful opportunity to travel and study at the same time,” said McDonald, who will be paying BU tuition fees instead of international student fees thanks to the NSE program. “I’ve finished up most of my major, so I’ll only be taking three courses there, then come back and finish (my degree) here. It’s a little break before I graduate.”

After starting the interview process last January, McDonald found out within two months that she had been accepted into this program. Originally, she applied to SUNY College Buffalo, basing her decision on the international programs that institution offers. McDonald then applied to the University of Newcastle through that the SUNY exchange program.

“The chance to immerse yourself in another culture, I think it will be worth writing a couple of essays,” she said about the application process. “The best part about it is to be able to live somewhere completely different — different climate, different teaching styles, everything.”

Students who successfully apply to the NSE can study elsewhere in Canada as well as the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Currently, two other Brandon University students are studying abroad through the NSE: Samantha Durnin is finishing her one-semester of studies in Germany, while Jennifer Banks will continue with a second semester in Indianapolis.

Partnerships within other universities, like the one McDonald discovered with Australian universities, also open doors to many other possibilities.

“The National Student Exchange is one of the most amazing programs I have encountered,” said Anita Allan, the NSE coordinator in the Brandon University Office of International Activities. “It is a win-win opportunity for our students, and I sincerely hope that they will investigate the options that are available to them. I am very excited to be involved in assisting our students to explore the world.”
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For more information, please contact:

Anita Allan
Coordinator, Office of International Activities
Brandon University
270 – 18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
Tel. 204-727-7479

OR

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

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

Brandon, MB — On Sunday, September 18, more than 100 students from Brandon University (BU) and from Minot State University (MSU) literally met on the 49th parallel for the inaugural Battle on the Border — a dodgeball match. To forge a bond between the two universities as well as to inspire school spirit, the students from each school met at the International Peace Garden to play the best out of five games. With both mascots and Presidents cheering on their university, energy and daring were evident throughout the afternoon.

“It was great fun and a good cross-border bonding exercise. While there was some healthy competitiveness, there were also new friendships established. We have already decided to make this an annual event,” said Dr. Deborah Poff, Brandon University’s President and Vice-Chancellor.

The game took place on the International Peace Garden’s west lawn, near the Peace Tower. The teams faced each other on either side of the 49th parallel. The sky was cloudy and it was windy, but the sun presided over the action for the most of the games.

“What was particularly noteworthy about this final orientation event was that it was inclusive, bringing together participants from all years and faculties from both institutions,” said David Rowland, Dean of Students at BU. “This great initiative has every indication that it will grow in years to come.”

The games were lively and instigated teamwork on both sides of the action. This event launched what could become one of the greatly anticipated highlights of the academic year at both institutions.

“Minot State students were excited to have an opportunity to not only see the International Peace Garden (some, for the first time), but to also build some camaraderie between Minot and Brandon. The event has created a lot of buzz on campus, and Battle on the Border will serve to kick out Homecoming Week starting on Monday,” said Heather Stroupe-Smith, the Residence Life Coordinator at MSU.

After winning three of the four games, the Battle on the Border trophy will be displayed at MSU until next September, when the 2012 teams from both BU and MSU face off again in the International Peace Garden.
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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

Brandon, MB — A one-day conference for the Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment Network (MPLAN) will be held at Brandon University on September 29. The keynote address will be given by Lori Fontaine from the Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner.

Several workshops will be offered. These will focus on such topics as financial services bridging for immigrants, correction/juvenile counseling apprenticeship programs, and work-based managerial certification, among others. Speakers involved include Dr. Bill Ashton from the Rural Development Institute, Dr. Gary McNeely from Brandon University, Roger Loewen from Assiniboine Community College and Deb Blower from Red River College.

For more details about this conference and MPLAN or to register online, visit mbplar.ca.
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For more information, contact:

Dr. Gary McNeely
PLAR Coordinator
Brandon University
mcneelyg@brandonu.ca
727-7300

Brandon, MB — On Sunday, more than 100 students from Brandon University (BU) and from Minot State University (MSU) literally met on the 49th parallel for the inaugural Battle on the Border — a dodgeball match. To forge a bond between the two universities as well as to inspire school spirit, the students from each school met at the International Peace Garden to play the best out of five games. With both mascots and Presidents cheering on their university, energy and daring were evident throughout the afternoon.

“It was great fun and a good cross-border bonding exercise. While there was some healthy competitiveness, there were also new friendships established. We have already decided to make this an annual event,” said Dr. Deborah Poff, Brandon University’s President and Vice-Chancellor.

The game took place on the International Peace Garden’s west lawn, near the Peace Tower. The teams faced each other on either side of the 49th parallel. The sky was cloudy and it was windy, but the sun presided over the action for the most of the games.

“What was particularly noteworthy about this final orientation event was that it was inclusive, bringing together participants from all years and faculties from both institutions,” said David Rowland, Dean of Students at BU. “This great initiative has every indication that it will grow in years to come.”

The games were lively and instigated teamwork on both sides of the action. This event launched what could become one of the greatly anticipated highlights of the academic year at both institutions.

“Minot State students were excited to have an opportunity to not only see the International Peace Garden (some, for the first time), but to also build some camaraderie between Minot and Brandon. The event has created a lot of buzz on campus, and Battle on the Border will serve to kick out Homecoming Week starting on Monday,” said Heather Stroupe-Smith, the Residence Life Coordinator at MSU.

After winning three of the four games, the Battle on the Border trophy will be displayed at MSU until next September, when the 2012 teams from both BU and MSU face off again in the International Peace Garden.
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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

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.

Brandon University and its Board of Governors invite all Brandon University employees, retirees, and their guests to attend the annual Long Service Recognition Event on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. A reception will begin at 2:30 p.m. and presentations will follow at 3:00 p.m. The event will take place in Clark Hall Room 212.

During the ceremony, BU will be saying farewell to the following employees:

Roderick McGinn, Faculty of Science, 32 years
Tom Mitchell, Library, 30 years
David Paul, Faculty of Education, 29 years
Robert Annis, Rural Development Institute, 28 years
Sharon Springer, Student Services, 24 years
Lorraine Humphries, Physical Plant, 21 years
Renee Will, School of Health Studies, 20 years
Valoree Munro, Campus Manitoba, 13 years
Glen Carruthers, School of Music, 12 years
Barbara-Jean Jackson, School of Health Studies, 11 years
Dolores Samatte, Faculty of Education, 9 years
Linda Gradwell, Information Technology Services, 9 years
Tom Koritar, Physical Plant, 8 years
Karen Nelson, School of Health Studies, 7 years
Kristin Balciunas, Financial & Registration Services, 7 years
Amy Ashcroft, Registrar’s Office, 6 years
Lisa Bridges, Faculty of Education, 5 years
Pin presentations for long service recognition will also be made to the following employees:

Academic and Research:
Linda Burridge, 40 years
Beverley Lischka, 10 years

Administration and Finance:
Deb Berkan, 20 years
Bill Myers, 10 years

Ancillary Services:
Karen Lafournie, 30 years
Laura-Lee Lauder, 25 years

Faculty of Arts:
Beverley Nicholson, 30 years
Morris Mott, 25 years
Fattaneh Zehtab-Jadid, 20 years
Steve Robinson, 15 years
Denis Combet, 10 years

Faculty of Education:
Arnold Novak, 40 years
Steven Dzubinski, 35 years
Sherry Peden, 15 years
Alexa Okrainec, 10 years

Financial & Registration Services:
Erlin Zurawski, 20 years
Jacquie Esplin, 10 years
Karen Stewart, 10 years
Sally Spiss, 10 years

School of Heath Studies:
Renee Will, 20 years
John Simpson, 15 years
Renee Robinson, 15 years

Human Resources:
Debra Murray, 20 years

Information Technology Services:
Tanya Joice, 10 years

Library:
Tom Mitchell, 30 years
Heather Coulter, 25 years
Carol Steele, 10 years

School of Music:
Wayne Bowman, 30 years
Terry Stamper, 25 years
Gregory Gatien, 10 years

Physical Plant:
Warren Wotton, 25 years
Darlene Commer, 20 years
Alice Calvert, 20 years
Keith Parker, 15 years
John Carter-Squire, 10 years
Ginny Goebel, 10 years

Registrar’s Office:
Janet Olmstead Wood, 40 years

Faculty of Science:
Betty Peloquin, 30 years
Gerald Dueck, 30 years
Bruce Forrest, 25 years
Jeffrey Williams, 25 years
Wenonah van Heyst, 10 years

Student Services:
Paul O’Driscoll, 30 years
Anita Allan, 25 years
Douglas Pople, 25 years
Cynthia Klassen, 20 years
In Memoriam:
Peter Giesbrecht, Information Technology Services
For more information, please contact:
Kristen Fisher
President’s Office
Brandon University
204) 727-9714
fisherk@brandonu.ca

BRANDON, MB — The University is in the midst of exploring site plan options for creating a “village” site plan for student-family housing on 2.2 acres of the northern portion of 2405 Victoria Avenue, which was formerly Fleming School property. Some of the options will incorporate a community learning centre and daycare.

This will be an opportunity for the community to have a say in the development of the site plan as we work towards accomplishing our goal of providing housing suitable for students in family circumstances, particularly those with children. A few model options will be presented and available to view.

The evening “come and go” Charrette will be held on Wednesday, April 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the gymnasium of the Sioux Valley High School located at the Fleming site. Dr. Deborah Poff, President of Brandon University, will speak about the plans at 6 p.m. Please come and share some pizza with your neighbours and give us your feedback and suggestions.

On hand for the Charrette will be Dudley Thompson and Damien Fenez of Prairie Architects, Farley Cates and Lois Anderson from Prospex Project Management Group as well as Brandon University Administration.
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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

“This is a testament to our academic advisors and their steadfast commitment to providing one-on-one advising with each of our first year students,” said the Brandon University Dean of Students, David Rowland. “With our TREK program, all first year students undergo mandatory advising as part of their matriculation, ensuring that first year students receive the proper academic guidance and support throughout their transition to Brandon University”.

Each year, the survey targets one of three student populations: first-year students, graduating students and all undergrads. In 2010, the institutions that took part each administered an online questionnaire to a random sample of approximately 1,000 of their first-year students. Schools with fewer than 1,000 first-year students surveyed their entire student population. In total, more than 12,500 students took part, with an overall response rate of 39 per cent.

For more information about TREK 2011 visit: www.brandonu.ca/trekbu. To review the Maclean’s report, visit:

http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2011/02/24/2011-student-surveys-web-exclusive-charts/2/ 

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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