Lu Piano Duo - BU

After an absence of two years, the internationally acclaimed Lu Piano Duo returns to the Pro Series on Tuesday in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall at Brandon University (BU).

Currently on faculty at the University of Utah’s School of Music, the husband-and-wife team of Jie-deng Lu and Ning Lu will present an all-Mozart programme.

Originally from China, the pianists completed their studies in the United States – Jie-deng Lu earned a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from the University of Illinois, while Ning Lu holds a DMA from the University of Boulder. Along with teaching, giving recitals, soloing alongside major orchestras and participating in chamber music collaborations, they give masterclasses around the world and adjudicate various competitions. Both have won competitions themselves – Jie has won several, including the Colorado CMTNA Piano Competition, while Ning won the International Tourgee-Debose Piano Competition in Louisiana, among others. As well, Ning Lu is the artistic director of The Helen Taylor Johannesen International Piano Competition, which takes place in Salt Lake City.

Their programme first shines the spotlight on Jie’s interpretation of two of Mozart’s 18 sonatas for the piano, namely No. 8 and No. 9. Composed during a stay in Paris in 1778, when Mozart was a mere 22 years old, the Piano Sonata No. 8 in A minor, K. 310 is one of only three of his solo piano sonatas that venture into a minor key. The previous year, the composer had penned Sonata No. 9 in D major, K. 311, while in Mannheim. Though out of order, these two sonatas along with his Sonata No. 7 in C major, K. 309 were published as a set.

The Lu Piano Duo will then play Mozart’s Piano Sonata for Two Pianos in D major, K. 448, written only three years after the K. 311 sonata.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome back the Lu Piano Duo. They are consummate musicians who deliver memorable performances of music that is either seldom or rarely presented here,” said Greg Gatien, the Dean of Music at BU. “Our Pro Series audiences loved their two previous appearances here, so I look forward to hearing their newest programme of youthful, but significant Mozart works.”

The Pro Series’ presentation of the Lu Piano Duo will begin at 7:30 p.m., in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall, in the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building at BU. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors and alumni, and are available at the door or in advance in the Main Office in the School of Music.

The next Pro Series feature is the annual New Music Festival, on March 12 and 13, at 7:30 p.m., with the Brandon New Music Ensemble, director Megumi Masaki and several guests. Admission is free to both New Music Festival evening concerts.

The School of Music gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Province of Manitoba, through a Consolidated Arts Programming Grant from Culture, Heritage and Tourism.

Please note that seating in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall is limited and that programmes are subject to change. For up-to-date listing of pro series and student performances, please visit: Events.BrandonU.ca/Events/Category/Music.

BU Awarded Several Research Grants

A total of 23 faculty research projects at Brandon University have been provided with grants by the Brandon University Research Committee (BURC) that in summation total $118,000. This strong financial contribution to the research efforts at BU will hopefully aid in fostering a growing spirit of discovery at Brandon University. Among the 23 projects supported, 13 were awarded the New Faculty research Grant. Which provides a maximum of $7,500 to faculty members that have joined the Brandon University family within the last three years. “A strong track record of research is one of the qualities that we look for when recruiting new faculty,” said Dr. Heather Duncan, BU’s Associate Vice-President (Research). “The funding that we can provide through BURC encourages our new faculty members to continue their pursuit of innovation and discovery. The experience they gain through BURC-funded projects helps build a foundation for even greater research success in the future.”

Research grants, with a total value of $4,000 each, comprise the remaining grants allotted by the Brandon University Research Committee. “The scope and diversity of the research being done by our faculty are quite impressive,” said Dr. Meir Serfaty, Acting Vice-President (Academic & Provost) at BU. “We are proud of the recognition and support they are receiving for their work, nationally and beyond. Their research provides answers to important questions faced in our communities, and complements their role as educators as they inspire curiosity and exploration in our students.”

Funding for research projects at Brandon University is crucial for a number of reasons. The potential discoveries made by our various laboratories and research facilities here at BU could aid in securing answers to the questions of the broader society or find solutions to problems plaguing us as a nation or species. Perhaps more relevant to those focused on direct benefits to BU and the Brandon community is the positive attention local research draws to BU. Cutting edge research may attract national funding which contributes to further growth of BU. The Funding for the grants provided by BURC for example is itself provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) as well as a variety of internal funds.

Further information on research projects that are supported by BURC grants can be gained from the periodical publication, Research Connection, produced by the BU Office of Research Services and the Faculty of Education’s Centre for Aboriginal and Rural Education Studies. Visit BrandonU.ca/Research-Connection.

BU Art Students on Display in Portage

On Saturday, February 24th an opening reception for the Brandon University Printmaking II Students’ exhibition “Naratives” was held. It is located at the Portage & District Arts Centre, Portage La Prairie and will be on display through to March 10th 2018.

The Brandon University Student exhibit features intaglio prints, a method used by Picasso that involves etching an image into a surface which then holds the ink. Artwork from Brandon University’s Assistant Professor Lisa Wood’s class are displayed in the “Narratives” exhibit, from local artists Annette Henderson, Lee Beaton, Janet Russell-Shaw, Mao Guolixuan, Wil Mousseau and Ian Curtis.

 “I saw the Picasso exhibit at the Winnipeg Art Gallery early this year and now have a better understanding of the process he used to create his prints,” Henderson said.

Each student created a unique body of work during Printmaking II using various intaglio etching techniques, stating with line-etch then aquatint and followed by photopolymer etching. Challenges happened with each process and as a class students were able to overcome the difficulties. The resulting editions are fantastic.

The Portage & District Arts Centre is a registered charity and not-for-profit organization that showcases and promotes the artworks of artists.

For more information, please contact Lee Beaton at 204-239-6029 or email at lbeaton@mymts.net. Go out and enjoy some great stuff from some great people!

UofM Manitoban Almost Folds

In the ever evolving world of journalism, student journalism is often the most under appreciated. In particular, student print journalism is quickly fading into the background. At our own school, The Quill stands proud after 108 years of continuous printing. We are the oldest student run publication in Western Canada, and the second oldest in this country.

That being said, it is not an unreasonable fear for this Editor that an end to our print publications could come. Just two hours to the East, The Manitoban at the University of Manitoba faced a potential end early last week. A motion was struck by the Commerce Students’ Association to the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) to discontinue funding to The Manitoban from UMSU, and effectively shuttering production.

That motion was laid down later in the week, and The Manitoban is continuing to print as regularly scheduled, but this had me thinking: what is journalism worth to Southern Manitoban institutions? Brandon University does not have a journalism program, and offers only one journalism class. There is no way for students who are interested in journalism to get a decent education within the province (aside from the University of Winnipeg, and that is a highly competitive program). 

How much of a shelf life does print media have? More and more, even major news conglomerates are moving toward a digital presence. To me, there is still relevance in a print edition (as is evidenced by the fact that this very article has been printed on a piece of newsprint, smearing ink on your fingers). There is still something satisfying about opening a paper fresh from the printers and recognizing the effort that layout editors put into the daily, or weekly, or biweekly, issue.

That being said, there is a definite bonus to working with a digital addition to your print copy. The Quill prints weekly, leaving us to catch up quickly or to work with stale news. If we publish online, we can have a story up the day it happens, with instant updates. Would The Manitoban have moved to an online format, had the motion succeeded? It’s hard to say.

The Quill is the only publication in Manitoba that is an active member of the Canadian University Press. While many of CUP’s members are also moving towards an online presence, they all still print a physical copy at least once a month in the form of a magazine, or twice a month, or weekly. We have a certain amount of protection with CUP should we fall under such a motion. They would help us work out a business plan. 

I humbly ask that you consider the following: would you prefer that The Quill revamp our presence and move more toward the online world? Do you like the weekly appearance of our issues on newsstands around campus? Let me know at EIC@TheQuill.ca.

New MOU Signed

Last week the City of Brandon, Brandon University, and Assiniboine Community College signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that puts a focus on collaboration on research and educational projects between the two institutions and the City that would be mutually beneficial. 

Previously, a MOU had been signed between BU and ACC in 2014. This brought about joint projects such as the “Welcome Students” campaign and the new Public History joint program. 

So, what does this mean for students? It will hopefully give students new chances to do hands-on projects that they can see the impact from. It will lead to the City of Brandon creating more local opportunities for students to use the skills they are learning while also encouraging students to stay in the community and work with new pathways being opened for them. This would be beneficial to the city of Brandon, because it would lead to economic growth and beneficial to students to practice what they are learning. According to the article on this topic on BU’s website, “the three institutions have committed to regularly discuss challenges and opportunities within the City of Brandon, which may be addressed through applied research and educational projects.” Rick Chrest recognized in the article that Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College are important assets to Brandon. BU’s Interim President Steve Robinson noted “collaboration is truly at the heart of what academics do, and there are many exciting opportunities for Brandon University students, faculty, and staff to contribute in new ways to enhance our community. Signing this Memorandum of Understanding allows us to further develop the many ongoing partnerships that we are already eagerly pursuing.” Long story short? Pure speculation, but hopefully this MOU means more research opportunities and hopefully more jobs for students, and graduates to encourage staying in Brandon. 

Each of the institutions were name a representative who will “collectively identify the more fruitful avenues for new research, drawing on the combined needs and strengths of the City of Brandon, of Brandon University, and of Assiniboine Community College.”

(All information for this article was found in the BU press release article on the topic).

Money Matters; Cost of Living vs. Minimum Wage

Anyone who has worked for minimum wage knows that it’s far from comfortable living. Maclean’s magazine confirms what most of us already know: the top two sectors where minimum wage is prominent is in retail and food/accommodation services. Minimum wage is also earned primarily by young people, and women tend to earn minimum wage more so than men. 2013 statistics indicate that about 6% of Manitoba’s 1.282 million earn minimum wage, or nearly 77,000 people in the province.

While it’s fair to say that a teenager living at home don’t usually need a higher minimum wage, many university and college students work part-time (or some students full-time) on low-wages to help ease the financial burden of school. The cost of living itself can be sky-high for Brandonites. When students are looking for a roommate, it can be at least $500 depending on the room, location, restrictions (i.e.: pet-friendly, smoke-free, etc.). If someone’s looking to live on their own, usually it’s going to be at least $700 for a decent home in an ideal location with a decent amount of space and storage, which may or may not include utilities. Since Brandon has a very low vacancy rate, it leaves few options for rent. If you dream of owning your own home, you’re better off to commute from surrounding communities than to buy a house in Brandon for the cost.  

Fortunately for students without a vehicle, our student fees pay for bus services, otherwise it’s $1.50 fare one way for an adult. Then there’s the cost of groceries, personal care products, and household products. 

There are rentals available in smaller cities in Ontario, such as Sarnia and Windsor, that are comparable to Brandon, except Ontario boosted their minimum wage to $14/hr with another increase coming in 2019.  Somehow, a Manitoban minimum wage earner is supposed to be able to pay for this as easily as a minimum wage earner from Ontario.

You could make a number of arguments against minimum wage increase such as it would cause job losses or that adult wage-earners should avoid low paying jobs. Sometimes job opportunities and educational advancements, or debt, may mean someone doesn’t have a lot of choice as to providing income. It’s often minimum wage jobs that carry a lot of emotional labour (your work is about managing the emotions of yourself and others) which is often undervalued, repetitive tasks and are devalued positions in the workforce. Isn’t that worth something?

WUSC Gets Props

Unrest in various parts of the world has caused great hardship for an increasing number of people from a diverse background. These refugees are forced to uproot and flee, often with nothing more than what they carry on their back. In the uncertain future these displaced families and individuals now face there is often little hope for any form of advanced education. BU should be proud in the knowledge that it is not resting in complacent disregard of the suffering of the persecuted and abandoned, but instead adopts a proactive role in providing a brighter future to the oppressed. Our local committee of World University Service of Canada (WUSC) received the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Student Refugee Program (SRP) at the WUSC CECI international forum in Ottawa this month. This award distinguishes our local committee as a shining model for the 80+ committees across Canada.

The SRP is the main initiative of our local WUSC committee, and as the President of WUSC here on campus Mr. Parker Easter says, “this award indicates that, while the committee is always looking to improve and find new means to aid the disenfranchised, it is on the right track”. The Program offers financial aid to refugees from around the globe to come and commence their post secondary education here at BU. These new residents of the True North face many challenges in transitioning to life in Brandon. This reporter can personally attest to the difficulty and discomfort one experiences in trying to establish a new life here, especially during that first winter. To ensure that our new classmates aren’t disadvantaged as a result of this culture shock, WUSC at BU was the first in Canada to set up a Mentorship Program. This Program partners experienced B.U.sians with students in the SRP to guide and aid them through their time at BU. It was this initiative along with programs designed to provide support in the areas of money management (jointly with ENACTUS), food handling safety, and transportation that led to the recognition of their tremendous work at the forum in Ottawa.

The work that BU’s  WUSC committee is able to accomplish is limited to the scope of their support. While they do enjoy the backing of the local community, more can always be done. If you are looking to step up and lend a helping hand here is how: Their next meeting is on Monday February 12th at 5:00PM in the down under (under cafeteria) if you are interested in attending to learn more shoot the President an email at buwusc@gmail.com. They are also looking for mentors of 3 new students next year, more info on this will be sent to your school email account. Clubs are also welcomed to partner with WUSC if they wish to. If you don’t have the time for such commitment I’m sure just voicing your support is also appreciated.

Co-op Ed Program

Kelley Mitton is a senior project manager, who also has a master’s in adult education. She was hired by Brandon University to set up a Co-Operative Education program (CO-OP) for BU students. This type of program is in many other universities in Canada and is something the Government is interested in seeing in more universities. They see a value in experiential learning and are creating 10,000 positions in Canada for co-op programs. Students interested in learning more about co-op programs in general can visit: http://www.cewilcanada.ca/

Kelley is extremely passionate about helping students develop the skills they need to pursue a profession and be a great employee. She wants to help students learn the foundational skills such as adapting to change, being flexible, relationship building, self-awareness, to have a growth mindset, and to come back from the bad days at work and not dwell on them. She would also like to help students identify and market their strengths and find the areas they would like to further develop to be the best employee they can. She currently sits on the Workforce Development Committee for the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and is networking with businesses to develop co-op placements.

So, who can apply?  If you are a 4-year degree, or 4-year degree with honours student in Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry, History, Sociology, Environmental Science, Physics and Astronomy, or Geology you can apply for the program. You must also be registered full time in the semester before, and after the co-op program. Each department will have its own requirements you will have to meet to apply for the program. Applications go to Kelley, who then looks them over and makes final decisions.

Once accepted to the program, students will begin by doing Professional Development. This will include guest speakers, experiential learning workshops, resume and cover letter building, interview practice and more! Another part of the professional development will be networking with local businesses which is such a great opportunity for students. Then, the student finds a work placement. The work placement can be in Brandon, a home town, or even abroad for international students. Students find their own placement that will then need to be approved by Kelley. Students can enrol in the program for three work terms (which would be three summers).

So why is this program an awesome opportunity? First, you get paid! You are also getting the chance to get your foot in the door with a business you’re interested in, and a possible future career, while gaining experience. You also get the chance to use the theories being taught in the classroom. You come back after the program with actual work experience which will benefit you in your classes. It also offers students the opportunity to learn workplace lessons. You can learn how to dress appropriately, how to communicate with coworkers, and how to be punctual. These are all skills you will need when you finish school to begin your career. It also lets you test drive your career. You can learn if it’s something you love as much as you thought you would.

Kelley is holding an information session on February 6th, in the free slot. It will be in room 215 of Clark Hall. If you think the co-op program sounds like an awesome opportunity (which it is) come out and get more info! Any questions, Kelley’s email is: mittonk@brandonu.ca

Bursaries Available

There are some pretty significant new bursaries for Brandon University students as of this year with a total of $330,000. The bursaries will be split into two categories. There will be one group of these bursaries for Graduate students who have financial need. They will be worth up to 10,000 each and there will be up to five students from the four facilities and the School of Music all benefiting from these awards, which means a potential 25 awards.

There will also be a General Bursary for students in any BU program. Each one of these awards will be worth up to $5,000. These will also be given on the basis of financial need. The news article from Brandon University did not state how many would be available.

So where did this large amount of money come from? According to Brandon University’s news release it was a part of the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursaries Initiative. They were “created to realize the benefits of changes to the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursaries Initiative (MSBI). Through the MSBI the Government of Manitoba contributes provincial support to supplement donations that fund scholarships and bursaries at post-secondary institutions in the province.” (From BU’s news release).

For the current academic year, the selection process will be different than it normally will be. Each graduate program will make recommendations for who they think should receive the bursary and the General Bursary will be given based on applications that were already received for the 2017/2018 academic year. This benefits students who applied and declared financial need but did not get support this academic year.

In future years, the general bursaries will be available for students to apply for online, while the Grad bursaries will still be based on recommendations. The General Bursaries will be open to apply for online for the 2018/2019 school year very soon, and the deadline to apply is June 1st, 2018. Once these scholarships are added to the database, students will be able to search “MSBI” to find them.

Scholarships and bursaries are awesome because they take a lot of the financial stress out of being a student and leave you in less debt at the end of your degree. They also allow students to focus more on school, and less on working during the academic year. Take full advantage of the scholarships and bursaries offered to BU students, and apply for as many as you can! 

Presidential Search

As you may already know Brandon University’s former President, Dr.  Gervin Fearon, left BU last year. After saying our goodbyes, Dr. Robinson assumed the role of interim President while our school would undertake the task of finding a suitable successor. Why should the average undergrad student care? As BUSU President Nick Brown, a member of the Presidential Search Committee puts it, the President of a University is like the Captain of a ship. It is he that will direct the further growth of BU down a path that is beneficial to the community and the student body.

The search has not yet filled the void at the top of our school, and Brown says that we will likely only welcome our next President in January 2019. Brown has taken part in previous searches, all of which took nowhere near this length. The empty Vice-President (Academics) seat was populated in only five months.

The reason for this prolonged interval of vacancy is that a Presidential search is a different beast entirely. Everything is done in secret so as not to compromise the current positions of the prospective Presidents, and of course in choosing your future leader speed is a lesser virtue than careful deliberation.

In contention for the position are persons with higher level management experience. This will prove crucial as the new President assumes the responsibilities of his office in continuing to build on the growth momentum BU has been enjoying in the past few years.

What are students saying? At a student consultation on January 15th, members of the student body said they care little for the education level of the candidates and find the character of any incumbent president more important, that he be able to connect with the nature of rural and aboriginal influences on BU.

New Program At ACC

Assiniboine Community College (ACC) and Long Plain First Nation are partnering to provide an Applied Counselling certificate program in the Long Plain First Nation community located southwest of Portage la Prairie.

The program curriculum covers everything from children, youth, and family counselling skills, to trauma and crisis. “Community-based education offers many advantages to students who are unable to relocate for post-secondary studies for extended periods of time,” said Assiniboine president Mark Frison.

The curriculum is intended to expand on the knowledge and skills in their current field, such as family services, healthcare, youth services, education, and caregiving. To integrate theory and practice, the program concludes with a practicum – an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned. A total of twenty-five students will begin the twenty-month program in late January.

Chief Dennis Meeches describes the collaboration as “an exciting program that will benefit Indigenous people. We look forward to the Applied Counselling Program and wish our participants all the best in achieving desired outcomes”. 

The program will be offered part-time to accommodate the many students enrolled that are currently working in support-oriented positions like Long Plain Employment and Training, Long Plain Health, Long Plain School, Long Plain Daycare, Long Plain Jordan’s Principles, and Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services.

Elder Ernie Daniels will play a key role in contextualizing learning and offering guidance and support to students and staff throughout their journey through the program. In Long Plain First Nation, it is common for community elders and knowledge keepers to be involved in such programs and their delivery.

ACC is accustomed partnering with communities to develop and deliver place-based education. A group of First Nations, including Long Plain and the Manitoba Métis Foundation have collaborated with ACC to offer the Enhanced Aboriginal Practical Nursing program in Southport, Manitoba. In addition, twenty-two students graduated last April from the Applied Counselling program, the result of a partnership between ACC and Ebb & Flow First Nation.

Ag Days

Were you wondering why in the world Brandon was so busy last week? Ag Days! For anyone who has never taken in Ag Days, it’s a great experience even if you aren’t into farming. This year it ran January 16th through 18th at the Keystone Centre. It boasts being Canada’s largest indoor farm show, and brings in people from far and wide. There are booths for various businesses in the Ag industry both local and from farther away. There were various speakers over the three day event on topics such as solar power and advice for farmers looking to retire. As a bonus, Robertson College was there giving free 10 minute massages!

From machinery, to solar power, to rural internet there was no limit to what could be learned.

Student Service PSA

Just a friendly reminder to all new and returning students that Student Services is here to help you with your academic and mental needs. 

The academic skills centre contains the math skills centre, writing skills centre, and the learning skills centre. The fine people in all of these centres can help you with anything you need to help you have a successful term. 

The writing skills centre will help with any essays or papers you have. They will help you proof read and build stronger theses and arguments, but you are required to do your own research and come up with your own ideas. 

The math skills centre will help you to understand math problems and concepts that you can’t quite grasp on your own. Again, they are not there to do your homework for you, but they will absolutely help you to understand how to do it yourself.

The learning skills centre is there to help students who need help figuring out the most effective way to study. Maybe you didn’t need to study to do well in high school, or maybe the study techniques you used in high school don’t work that well in university. Either way, the learning skills centre is there for you.

Appointments can be made for individuals or groups, or you can check out the academic skills centre’s page on brandonu.ca to see the walk-in times. 

There are also workshops held by academic services at least once a month. The next one to be held will be on January 23rd titled Study Skills 101.

Don’t be afraid to call on the academic skills centre to help you get on track with your term. The most important thing to everyone involved is that you have a successful academic career.

Snowientation?

As with every year, BUSU will be holding Winter term orientation events to celebrate the new and returning students. Unlike previous years, however, the term is starting earlier in January. This means that the BUSU team, much like the rest of us, have been on break for the holidays. Rather than starting their events on the first day of term, BUSU will be allowing students to ease into their new routines and start up the fun and exciting things to do on Monday, January 8th. 

While BUSU hasn’t posted what is in store yet, there are high hopes in The Quill office for another visit from the therapy dogs to distract us all from the bitterly cold winter we’re suddenly in.   

Whatever BUSU has up their sleeves, I’m sure it will be worth the wait. Welcome back to campus, fellow students!

IPSE Correction

It has come to our attention that our article on the Inclusive Post-Secondary Education article and photo, published on the cover of the October 3rd, 2017 issue of The Quill, was misinformed and incorrect. We apologize for the errors in our reporting, and wish to rectify this. IPSE is a wonderful program that affords opportunities to students that previously did not have them, and we want to make sure our readership has  all of the correct information about it. The following information was provided to us by Victoria Lelond, the coordinator of the program. 

Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) was created by a group of committed families whose dreams and vision for their sons and daughters with developmental disabilities was to have the same opportunities as any other person.

 IPSE is an initiative that supports students with intellectual disabilities to be fully included in university: to succeed academically, build meaningful relationships with like-minded people, and access all avenues of campus life. Inclusive Post-Secondary Education is a partnership between Inclusion Westman (formerly Community Living Brandon) and Brandon University.  Students who receive support through Inclusive Post-Secondary education take courses for same reasons as anyone else, to continue their education, to search and follow career aspirations, to meet new people, to have a full campus life, and a rich university experience. There are many other initiatives across Canada that proves to be successful for all students and faculty. What makes it so successful is the support students receive from their professors, classmates and peers.

Brandon University’s partnership with Inclusive Post-Secondary Education launched in January 2017 and thus far has truly shown a benefit not only to the students but also to faculty, the BU community and students across campus. Students enroll as audit students in a coherent program of study and work alongside their peers to complete course work and assignments. Unlike traditional audit students, students attending BU through IPSE complete course work and exams and participate in all aspects of campus life.

 Students who have intellectual disabilities come to Brandon University for the same reasons as other students do:

to continue their learning

 to make connections with their peers and develop lifelong relationships

to develop new skills and enhance confidence in many areas of their lives

to be a valued and contributing member of student life

to make contacts in their desired field of study

to develop career opportunities through building networks on campus and active participation in practicums and classes

to ultimately secure meaningful and sustainable employment

Inclusive Post-Secondary Education allows students to audit 1-2 courses per semester, which gives students schedule flexibility. Students typically take a reduced course-load and audit classes, which allows the IPSE team to modify the goals and support students individually. Their week looks pretty much like other students weeks, with a mixture of classes, study groups, homework, recreation and fitness, volunteerism, work and just hanging out.

 Upon completion of the 3-4 year program of study, students receive a Certificate of Completion and attend and participate in Convocation with their peers.

 Inclusive Post-Secondary Education at Brandon University promotes an authentic student experience. By supporting post-secondary institutions to include students with intellectual disabilities, we intend to generate a new understanding of ‘intellectual disability’ that opens rich opportunities, possibilities for life-long learning, belonging, and contribution.

 The success of students shows that an authentic student experience can be expected if there are conscious, creative, and collaborative efforts to minimize difference that affects the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

Important Dates For Second Term

With a new term upon us, there comes a new set of important dates. We’ve compiled them here for your reading pleasure.

January 3rd: Classes resume. Second term tuition, residence and remaining fees are also due on this date. 

January 8th: First day of classes for Second, and Both term Undergrad Ed courses.

January 17th: Last day to register for second term courses. Last day to get 100% of tuition refunded for second term courses. 

February 13th: Convocation (no ceremony). 

February 19th: The university is closed for Louis Riel Day. 

February 20th - 23rd: Winter reading week. The university is still open for the break.

February 26th: Last day to drop courses (voluntary withdrawal) without academic penalty for second term Ed courses. 

February 28th: Last day to drop courses for both term courses. 

March 8th: Last day of classes for second term Undergrad Ed courses. 

March 12th- May 4th:  Student teaching for 01.371 and 01.475. 

March 16th: Last day to drop second term courses without academic penalty.

March 23rd: Deadline to apply for Spring Convocation. 

March 30th: Good Friday, university closed. 

April 6th: Last day of classes (except some Ed courses). 

April 11th- 23rd: Exams. 

Please note Education has some different dates than other departments, so if you are an Ed student, double check your dates!

Down Town Discussion PSA

The establishment of new downtown developments on Princess Avenue by Brandon University is not merely a realization of Its aspirations to better meet the needs of students and foster “on campus” growth. It is also a confirmation of its commitment to the objective, as outlined in BU’s mission statement, to “serve as a major resource in enriching the quality of life for the people of Brandon and of the rural and remote areas of Manitoba”. Although the development will contain a portion dedicated to academic and learning spaces it will also include a service, retail, and commercial component. This highlights the hopes of both the city and BU that the new development will revitalize downtown Brandon.  

Most of the newly acquired area will be devoted to residential space. Senior housing and student residence are in consideration. Here is where this story gets interesting. While a vision has been set for the new property, it hasn’t yet been determined what the realization of that vision should look like. Student or senior’s housing, and how should the commercial and academic components look like? There are a few options that the team behind the development is looking to discuss at on-campus consultations open to all members of the BU community on Tuesday, January 9th in the Louis Riel Room, timings are: 10:00AM to 11:00AM, 11:40AM TO 12:40PM (the free slot), and 2:30PM to 3:30PM. All three sessions will have the same information presented. If you can’t make it, you can share your ideas at https://www.brandonu.ca/downtown/share-your-ideas/.

Anonymus Donation Made To The University

When approaching the holidays, people often embrace the spirit of giving, and BU was the recipient of a very generous donation. An anonymous couple donated $50,000 for BU’s 50th anniversary as a university, as Brandon College was renamed Brandon University in 1967. The couple wrote on the donation form, “Happy Birthday BU!”.

The couple has requested the $15,000 of their donation go towards establishing an endowment for students in the School of Music. This endowment fund will help cover travel expenses, instrument repairs, and practice studios among various other costs associated with the music program. The remainder of this gift will be used to establish an endowment fund for students in other faculties. One donor spoke highly of BU: “Brandon University is a high-quality jewel, a treasure. I want to honour the people at BU.

Dean of Music, Greg Gatien was delighted by the generosity of the donors, saying, “This is a wonderful reminder that the School of Music and Brandon University are able to reach people in such meaningful ways that they make generous donations like this. Our donors do so much to help us, support us, and inspire us.  This gift means so much to our faculty and students, and will be a great help to them as they strive towards their musical goals.”

Earlier this year, the 50th Year Fund was created to allow donors to choose which faculties they wished to donate to. There was also a fund established for the Brandon College Heritage Fund to preserve the history and archives of the College. This was of significant donations, as the BU President’s Administrative Council have pledged a total of $50,000 to the Brandon University Foundation in response to the BU50 staff and faculty fundraising appeal. Donors who make a financial contribution to the university on or before December 31st will receive a charitable tac receipt for 2017, while those after January 1st will be written as 2018 charitable tax receipt.