Support changes everything.

Support changes everything.

Winnipeg, MB, January 3, 2023 – This January, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society is creating awareness about the many resources available to help support families as they face the challenges of living with dementia.

With more than 18,400 Manitobans living with dementia today, a number expected to reach 39,100 by 2050, the Society continues to enhance support for families impacted by dementia and meet their needs early in, and throughout, their journey. Their First Link® program connects people living with dementia and their care partners with community, support, knowledge and expertise so they don’t have to face dementia alone. 

“Whether it’s before, during or after a diagnosis, the Alzheimer Society is the first place you can turn,” says Erin Crawford, Program Director, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. “The Society gives you access to dementia-friendly expertise and resources and connects you with a community of people who understand what you’re going through.”

When Marcel Hebert’s wife Ida was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at 55, the couple was shocked and overwhelmed. The First Link® program connected Marcel with information about Ida’s type of dementia and to a care partner support group where he met and received support from others in a similar situation. Learn more about Marcel and Ida’s story through this video.

“I didn’t think someone as young as Ida could be diagnosed with dementia. I thought it was something only older adults could get,” says Hebert. “It was such a relief to speak with someone from the Alzheimer Society, she gave us the guidance we needed. And the support I received from my care partner group changed everything for me.”

The goal of the Alzheimer Society’s First Link® program is to ensure that people living with dementia and their care partners have the proper support and information from the moment they notice the first signs of dementia and throughout the progression of the disease.

“The more help and support we give now, the better our province will be at caring for the rising cases of dementia expected to come,” says Crawford.

To learn more or get connected to support, contact your local Alzheimer Society today at 204-943-6622 (Winnipeg), 1-800-378-6699 (Provincial) or visit www.alzheimer.mb.ca/alzheimers-awareness-mont

Follow the Alzheimer Society throughout January to see more stories like Marcel’s and hear from Manitobans impacted by dementia about how the support they received from the Society has made all the difference.

Founded over 35 years ago, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba exists so all Manitobans affected by dementia receive the help they need today and have hope for the future. As a province-wide organization, the Society seeks to achieve its mission through community awareness; individual, family and professional education; support programs and research funding. Visit alzheimer.mb.ca for more information.

Quick facts

National Statistics

  • Today, more than half a million Canadians are living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

  • By the year 2050, more than 1.7 million people in Canada will be living with dementia.

  • Care partners for people with dementia provide an average 26 hours of caregiving per week compared to 17 hours per week for seniors with other health issues (coming from data out of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)). Data from the CIHI has shown that: 

    • 45% of care partners providing care to people living with dementia exhibit symptoms of distress. This is twice the rate compared to care partners of older adults with health conditions other than dementia (26%).

    • 21% of care partners feel unable to continue their caring activities due to stress

The Alzheimer Society

  • Alzheimer Societies across Canada provide programs and support services for people with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and their care partners.

  • Alzheimer Societies across Canada provide caregivers and families with information, education and resources to help them support the person in their care who is living with dementia.

  • The Alzheimer Society is a leading Canadian funder of dementia research. Since 1989, we have invested over $70 million in grants and awards toward innovative dementia research through the Alzheimer Society Research Program, improving the quality of life for people with lived experience and bringing us closer to a future without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

  • The Alzheimer Society is a key partner in the development of Canada’s first national dementia strategy, which will enhance research efforts and ensure access to quality care and support for all Canadians affected by dementia,

  • The Alzheimer Society is the organization behind First Link® and all the important services and supports it provides to those diagnosed with dementia across Canada.

International students share voyages to Brandon with worldwide audience

International students share voyages to Brandon with worldwide audience

November 28, 2022

(Brandonu.ca)

Brandon University’s (BU’s) international students drew thousands of views from around the world with the latest stories of their journeys to Canada.

The latest Destination:BU video challenge has concluded with six international students from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Central America sharing short social-media style videos of their trips to Brandon. The students documented clips of their hometowns, their goodbyes to their friends and families, their trip experiences and their welcomes at BU. In total the challenge generated about 2,000 votes as viewers chose their favourite videos.

 “There’s so much to take away from each of these videos as we learn more about our international students and the amazing journeys they take to get here,” said David Rowland, BU’s Director of International Activities. 

“Our international students all make an incredible commitment to pursue their dreams at BU, and they each bring knowledge, experience and personality to campus that benefits us all.”

This time, two prize winners are being presented with $500 to contribute to their education. Chisom Okoro received the most votes for her story of hour journey from Lagos, Nigeria to BU. Janine Campbell, from Spanish Town, Jamaica, was the other top winner as her video was named the best by the BU selection committee. Both videos held some extra significance for the students as it was their first trip to Brandon.

More international students come to BU from Nigeria than any other country, and Okoro, a first-year Pre-Nursing student, said she already had some connections on campus, which has made this big step easier for her.

“Overall, it has been great being here, especially because I have friends,” Okoro said.

Campbell is a third-year Business Administration major, but this is also her first term at BU, as she has come here through an exchange agreement with the University of Technology in Jamaica. She had some setbacks on the way to Brandon, including a cancelled flight and a missed bus, but she hopes that other students will draw inspiration and see that the challenges of the journey are worth it.

Janine Campbell, whose video was chosen as the best by the selection committee, shares a light-hearted moment with BU President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. David Docherty.

“I hope that when other students watch my video and see all the struggles and complications there were to get here, it motivates them to keep moving forward and to continue working hard towards their goals,” Campbell said.

International students make up the fastest growing portion of BU’s student body, representing about 15 per cent of BU’s enrollment of approximately 3,200 students.

“Brandon University is an excellent destination for international students who want to study in Canada,” Rowland said. “We offer great value, with outstanding education as well as tuition and cost of living that are more affordable than many universities. It can take a little bit longer to get here than some of the major cities, but we make up for it by going the extra mile for our students and making them feel welcome here.

Learn more about the Destination: BU video challenge and watch the videos by visiting BrandonU.ca/international-activities/destination-bu-video-challenge.

If you are a prospective student ready to start your own journey to BU, please contact Ms. Iris Wang at WangI@BrandonU.ca in the Office of International Activities to assist you.

International students share voyages to Brandon with worldwide audience

Art is Healing

Art is Healing

by Ronnie Neiman

(Image Credit: CBC News)

Truth and reconciliation is important to Canada and its Indigenous population. A new sculpture was erected at Brandon University recently. The idea for a sculpture was born last summer, following the discovery of mass gravesites at former residential school locations across Canada, including in Brandon. With a shocked country in mourning, BU President David Docherty paused university business and declared a Day of Mourning and Reflection. In an email to campus, he asked everyone to consider how the university could best move forward in its commitment to Reconciliation, while also honouring the tremendous scale of the loss.

The sculpture consists of two linear planes with vertical and horizontal dividing lines, representing the linear and symmetrical nature of truth. The two surfaces are interlinked, creating balance and unity. The need for reconciliation is represented in the artwork by an asymmetrical subtraction or cut out. This cut out runs down the centre of one surface in a wavy or jagged zig-zagged line and is flanked by a series of drilled holes, offering a system of laced fibre that weaves together to unite the two sides.

Cree artist Kevin McKenzie was the one commissioned to create the sculpture. His late father was a residential school survivor. While he himself had not attended a residential school, many repressed memories and emotions came up during the planning and creation of the statue. 

The sculpture is meant to heal the community, McKenzie says. It was kept abstract in design because the concepts of truth and reconciliation are themselves abstractions. It's up to those who view the sculpture to explore their own path of healing and reconciliation.

Brandon University has a responsibility as an educational institution not teach the community about truth and reconciliation. 

Quarter-century for Clark Hall Renovations

Quarter-century for Clark Hall Renovations

October 28, 2022

(The Brandon College Original Building and Clark Hall.)

Twenty-five years ago this week, Brandon University re-opened the doors to its original Brandon College building and the attached Clark Hall, with students, factually, staff and alumni streaming into a completely renewed structure, after a two-year, $12.5 million retrofit (more than $21 million in 2022 dollars).

The Brandon College Original Building first opened in 1901, followed five years later by the attached Clark Hall, then a women’s residence. Each originally cost about $40,000 to build, on land that was originally purchased in 1899 for $300. They are provincially designated heritage structures that remain Brandon’s oldest public buildings still in continuous use.

The grand re-opening of the buildings, in 1997, was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, an open house and tours, along with Homecoming 1997 celebrations. The Brandon Sun produced a 12-page special section and covered the re-opening with a front-page story.

These days, Brandon University is once again entering a new era, guided by Mamaawii-atooshke aakihkiwiin, our Strategic Plan, which envisions BU as Canada’s Finest Regional University.

(It was front-page news in 1997, when Brandon University re-opened Clark Hall and the Original Building.)

Assiniboine honours alumni award recipients and celebrates advancements in learning spaces and awards

Media Release

www.assiniboine.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Assiniboine honours alumni award recipients and celebrates advancements in learning spaces and awards

BRANDON, Man. (October 21, 2022)— Assiniboine Community College hosted its annual Advancement Dinner yesterday evening in Brandon. The event recognized alumni award recipients and celebrated the advancement of new campus learning spaces and student awards.

Mark Frison, President at Assiniboine, opened the evening by providing an overview of how the college continues to be on the move: with student growth, program expansions, new innovative learning spaces, an increase in community-based training throughout the province, graduate growth and prosperity, and the accomplishments of Cougars athletics – highlighting the women's hockey team receiving two back-to- back national championship titles.

Following dinner, a formal presentation honoured four alumni award recipients.

This year's recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award were Barry LaRocque, owner of Atom-Jet Group, and Tere Stykalo, Partner of MNP. The award is presented to college graduates who have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession and community.

The Excellence in Teaching Award honours a staff member or retiree for extraordinary contributions to teaching and the student experience. Carla Gibson, an instructor of the college’s Social Service Worker program, was recognized for this year's award.

The One to Watch Award recognizes a graduate 35 years of age or younger that has made exceptional achievements and significant contributions to their profession and community. Assiniboine was pleased to announce Dallas Flett-Wapash, Interactive Media Arts alumnus, as this year's recipient.

"It's a great night to celebrate the strides the college, our students, and alumni have been making," said Derrick Turner, Director of Advancement and External Relations at Assiniboine. "We recognize the great achievements of our 50,000-plus alumni, and it's a privilege to be able to honour four of them tonight."

Following the awards presentation, Kevin Bailey, the new President of the Alumni Association at Assiniboine, kicked off the annual Funding Futures alumni giving campaign.

"Our board of directors knows firsthand how attending Assiniboine transformed their lives, and we're honoured to provide an opportunity to pay it forward to the next generation of students through campaigns like Funding Futures," said Bailey, President of the Alumni Association.

"Assiniboine was fundamental in my educational journey. I look forward to being part of an association so passionate about building strong alumni connections and providing opportunities for students through scholarships and bursaries," adds Bailey.

Assiniboine will celebrate the outstanding achievements of five alumni recipients from the Parkland campus on October 27 at the Country Fest Community Cinema in Dauphin.

For more information about alumni awards or the Funding Futures campaign, contact Lisa Huston at 204.725.8700 ext.7124, or email hustone@assiniboine.net.

Alumni who wish to update their contact information can do so at assiniboine.net/alumnisurvey

About Assiniboine Community College

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 60 years, offering unparalleled learning environments and responding to the demands and requirements of the Manitoba labour market. Following the philosophy of "learn by doing," programs combine theory with hands-on learning inside classrooms, labs, kitchens, shops, fields and the college's Sustainable Greenhouse.

Assiniboine offers more than 60 certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

The college welcomed more than 3,700 full-time and 6,000 part-time students last year. With campuses in Brandon, Dauphin, Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine's annual provincial economic impact is $612 million. In the most recent survey of graduates, nine months after graduation, 94 per cent were employed, with 92 per cent remaining in Manitoba.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Huston

Alumni Relations | Office of Advancement and External Relations

Assiniboine Community College
hustone@assiniboine.net
204.725.8700 ext 7124

The Loss of Two Retired Professors

The Loss of Two Retired Professors

by Ronnie Neiman

The university has announced the sad passing of two professors. 

Dr. Robert K. (Bob) Springer has passed away, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Geology. Dr. Springer passed away on Friday, Sept. 16 at the age of 78.He began his career at Brandon University in 1971 and served until his retirement in 2005. Colleagues remember Dr. Springer as a fantastic educator with a students-first mentality and a strong skill set in field geology.

John C. B. English, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at the age of 85. English joined BU in 1987 as a faculty member in the post-diploma Bachelor of Science in Mental Health (BScMH) program and served the University until his retirement in 2005. He later taught in the four-year Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BScPN) program, which initially was housed in the Faculty of Science. When the School of Health Studies was established in 1997, English, along with his colleagues, constituted the core members of the newly founded School. English is remembered by his colleagues as well-liked by students and an encouraging mentor to fellow faculty members. 

Despite their retirement more than a decade ago, they had been an important part of the university. 

More complete memorials are found on Brandon University’s website. As I had not none these professors, or been part of their departments, it did not feel right to write a comprehensive obituary on the two when there are students and staff from 2005 who are far closer to the two retired professors our university community has lost.

The university campus flags will fly at half-mast during this mourning period. 

Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not a Holiday!

Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not a Holiday!

by Ronnie Neiman

September 30th marks the second year where Orange Shirt day has become the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

It is a day to honour the victims of the survivors of residential schools and Indian Day Schools, as well as to remember those that never came home. 

Yet many businesses, and schools including Brandon University have their doors closed on that day, treating it as a statutory holiday. It is this reporters opinion that schools should not be closed this day. It is a day for teaching, and education. Not everyone knows the full truth of what happened at these schools, the abuse that Indigenous children went through, and the unreported deaths of many of these children. 

Some even don't know that these event s even happened, or that it happened so recently, with the last Residential school closing in 1997 in Canada. 

It is not good or happy history. It is a dark part of Canada’s recent and distant past, but it needs to be taught to others so that history doesn’t repeat itself. 

Every child matters, no matter who they are. 

Teaching this should be the most important, not getting another day off. 

Student Cybersecurity Being Improved

Student Cybersecurity Being Improved

September 13, 2022

(brandonu.ca)

Brandon University is making improvements to student information security this term. Effective September 26, all BU student accounts will be multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled. This means along with your email/username and password, you’ll now have a second layer of security.

Depending on your devices, this might mean a push notification on an app, or a text message with a one-time code. As threats to your digital identity are increasing, BU is increasing our security to help keep you safe. Details on MFA are below.

How do I set up MFA?

You can get started right away. If you wish to set up MFA in advance of the September 26 rollout, please see out Student MFA solutions article. If you encounter difficulty, please contact the HelpDesk.

BU is using Microsoft 365 to provide MFA to students. It leverages similar security measures as self-service password reset, so some students may have already setup an MFA compatible device, such as a personal cell phone.

What is MFA?

MFA is an additional verification on the login of an account. If your username or password are stolen, cracked, or used by someone else, a secondary verification ensures that the correct person is logging in. Typically, this is a push notification on your phone or a text-message code to verify that it is really you who is trying to log in. MFA provides significant additional security with minimal inconvenience.

Why is MFA important?

Cybersecurity threats are increasing. IT Services encourages vigilance and sends regular reminders about phishing and other threats. MFA provides another layer of protection ensuring that users are protected if their BU password becomes compromised in any way.

MFA is increasingly used by other Canadian universities, social media platforms, and other online services. We recommend using MFA where available. Bad actors can use one compromised account — like your email address — to take over other accounts, including your bank account, social media accounts, and other personal information. MFA has been shown to significantly reduce compromised accounts and can help you protect yourself from having to recover your entire digital identity.

Brandon University profoundly saddened by passing of Queen Elizabeth II September 8, 2022

Brandon University profoundly saddened by passing of Queen Elizabeth II

September 8, 2022 (brandonu.ca)

Queen Elizabeth II, seen here accompanied by BU Chancellor Stanley Knowles, visited Brandon University in 1970.

Brandon University grieves the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The University enjoyed ties with the Queen that included two visits, in 1970 and in 1984. The Queen laid the cornerstone for the construction of the James R. Brodie Science Centre during her first visit, which drew a crowd of 1,000 to campus. In 1984, she returned to participate in the official opening of the new music building, which is named after her, the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building.

In honour of the Queen, and her lifetime of dedicated public service, Brandon University will fly all flags at half-mast.

Plan for Phase GOLD in the Fall

Plan for Phase GOLD in the Fall

by Ronnie Kayla Neiman


Right now, the university is in Phase Grey, even leading into the Spring/Summer semesters. This means that there is a mask requirement, key fob access is required in order to get into buildings for class, and and safe social distancing. 

“Brandon University is focused on providing quality educational experiences in a safe environment. As we navigate the challenges of the ongoing pandemic together, we have outlined three options for greater or looser opening of the campus. These broad phases for safely re-opening campus are an easy-to-understand and flexible framework to guide us as we respond to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic, especially locally.”


It has been strange to go from an online university back to one with in-person capacities, even as limited as they are. 


While there are plans to go into the next phase of reopening the university in September, it is to be done as the situation evolves. Originally during the previous fall, the university had planned to be open for students and staff to be in the classroom, the increase of COVID-19 cases, especially in Brandon, moved the classes back to an online format. It was frustrating for this to change so suddenly, when students were moving back to be near campus. However, this was done withe the safety of the campus, staff and students in mind. 


Phased reopening will move from the most cautious Phase Blue to increasingly more open phases of Phase Grey and Phase Gold. Brandon University continues to have regular dialogue with the Province of Manitoba, especially through the Department of Economic Development and Training, to ensure that our plans continue to meet provincial and federal requirements.


Hopefully, the plans to move towards phase gold will go forward and everyone can start to relearn how to live normally, without the content anxiety of a pandemic. 

As long as phase gold goes forward, below is the list of restrictions that will be part of the phase. 


BU 3: Phase Gold — Some Limitations


In Phase Gold, Brandon University returns to a mainly in-person experience, while continuing to protect our community through increased protective equipment and processes.


Campus

Campus open to the public with limitations

Campus open to employees

Campus open to students


Facilities

Campus facilities open for students, with restrictions

Research access with no limitations

All campus services provided on campus


In-Person Contact

Most employees to work from campus unless ill

In-class learning permitted, subject to public health guidelines (ie. physical distancing)


Other

Masks optional

Additional cleaning and disinfecting required

Travel approved, subject to public health guidelines

BU to Hold In-Person Convocation for Three Years Worth of Grads

BU to Hold In-Person Convocation for Three Years Worth of Grads

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman


The past two years have been a challenge for may reasons. Many normal and common things had to be moved to an online format to keep students, staff and faculty safe.  That included graduation convocation ceremonies. The last two years have held their ceremonies virtually. This coming graduating class will be the first in years to walk across a stage to accept their degrees in person. 

“As the culmination of your academic journey, Convocation is a special and meaningful moment for every student — and my personal favourite university day,” said BU President David Docherty. “I am delighted that, thanks to public health successes like vaccines, we will once again be donning caps and gowns, presenting degree parchments in person, and congratulating each of our grads in person… only this year we’ll still be cautious about hugs and handshakes.”

Convocation 2022 is scheduled for May 26 and 27 this year and has been expanded to four ceremonies. Grads from the Classes of 2020 and 2021, whose ceremonies were held virtually, are also invited back to share in the celebration, and must RSVP as soon as possible. All graduating students from the Class of 2022 should now have submitted their application to graduate. More information about the ceremonies is being regularly posted online at BrandonU.ca/Convocation. Grads from the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 must RSVP online to confirm their intent to attend no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 29, 2022. Details are being sent to the email addresses that BU has on file for them, or they can go to BrandonU.ca/Convocation/Previous-Grad.

Initially, Brandon University had not told previous graduates this when planning this year’s ceremony. A graduate of 2020 found this out by pure chance during a conversation with former co-workers at the university. He then proceeded to tell his graduating education year through their shared Snapchat group. The initial RSVP for the graduation ceremony went up by 97 students just through that conversation. It was only after this increase in applicants that the university website shared the news about the ceremonies. In fact, the Quill only learned about it two days before the university shared it because the anonymous education student shared the news with us. While the news not being shared with previous graduates during the last few years is a sore spot, it can be understood as trying to limit the amount of people in order to follow health orders. 

What is the most bothersome, especially for previous graduating students in the education department, is that heir ceremony, whilst including 2020 and 2021 graduates, will be on May 26… a Thursday. Many students who have graduated from the education department have gone on to get teaching jobs. A job that has work hours on a Thursday because they are teachers in elementary/middle and high schools. Some may not be able to attend a ceremony they worked hard for because they have their own students expecting them to be there for them.  Is this another attempt by the university to limit the numbers at the in-person ceremonies for public health, or are they just not aware of the problematic timing of that specific convocation ceremony? 

Convocation will be held at the BU Healthy Living Centre, following all public health orders. It is one of the best-ventilated spaces on campus and physical distancing will be followed as much as practical for all participants. Masks will be fully supported and, while capacity is not currently limited in the HLC, the university is asking graduates to limit their guest list to those who are truly closest to them.

Brandon University celebrates Indigenous Excellence

Brandon University celebrates Indigenous Excellence

BU NEWS — March 22, 2022


BRANDON – Brandon University (BU) is hosting a series of online events to mark its annual spring Indigenous Excellence celebration.


The spring season marks a ‘new year’ for Indigenous people, as it is the time of awakening or returning for animals, and the growth of plants and forests. This time of year also brings students, staff, faculty, alumni and the wider community together to learn about Indigenous culture and build relationships.


The events began on Monday with a BU Teaching House gathering focusing on the spring equinox. It was followed on Tuesday with a presentation organized by the IshKaabatens Waasa Gaa Inaabateg Department of Visual Art, featuring visual artist Audie Murray, who discussed her most recent works and methods that explore dreams as research.


Upcoming events include:

Women’s Teachings: Connecting to the Cycle of Life


Thursday, March 24, 1:30 p.m., Heath Studies

Join Cree Grandmother Deborah Tacan and host Karen Batson for a knowledge-sharing session.


Resurgence of Anishinaabe Manoomin Practice


Monday, March 28, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Join BU professor Melody McKiver in a presentation on the resurgence of Anishinaabe manoomin (wild rice) practice.


The Role of Women in Reclaiming Power and Spirit


Wednesday, March 30, 10:40 to 11:30 a.m.

Senator Mary Jane McCallum will discuss the role of women in reclaiming power and spirit as it relates to the creation of Bill S-219, an act respecting a National Ribbon Skirt Day. McCallum will be joined by James Campbell, Director of Parliamentary Affairs for her office, to discuss the process of a bill going through the legislative process.


Paint with Jessie Jannuska


Wednesday, March 6, 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 7, 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Jannuska, a graduate of BU, will present a free family paint activity. Registration is required.


BU CARES Research Centre


BU CARES will be sharing information on its website about research projects and opportunities, including an anti-racism tool kit, the Doc Talks Speaker Series and a podcast.


 Full information on events can be found at BrandonU.ca/Indigenous/Gatherings/Indigenous-Excellence-2022.


Although most if this year’s gatherings are virtual, event organizers are encouraging everyone to think beyond the screen by sharing with family and friends, and continuing to educate themselves through books, podcasts, films and courses.


Additionally, BU is profiling Indigenous students on its Indigenous Excellence 2022 website. The website also includes links to other educational resources.


Throughout the celebration, the Indigenous Peoples’ Centre at BU will be hosting contents and information sharing on its Facebook (Facebook.com/BrandonUIPC) and Instagram (Instagram.com/bu_ipc) accounts.


Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca

Brandon University will move to Phase Gold at conclusion of Winter Term

Brandon University will move to Phase Gold at conclusion of Winter Term

BU NEWS — March 3, 2022

BRANDON – Brandon University is planning with cautious optimism for a Fall 2022 term that will look more like the traditional campus experience that has been missed throughout the pandemic. BU President David Docherty announced the plan in a campus-wide email Thursday afternoon, saying the university is looking forward to a Fall Term with full classes, full residences, and a full on-campus experience for our students.

To prepare for Fall 2022 with as few restrictions as possible, BU will move to Phase Gold of our campus re-opening plan after the end of Winter Term, and the university will safely begin easing a number of restrictions through the spring and summer. The pandemic is not over, and BU is taking a measured approach to monitoring community transmission and easing restrictions. Phase Gold will take effect Thursday, April 28, 2022.

What we’re changing:

We are committed to a safe and measured response as we make these changes. In Phase Gold, as of Thursday, April 28:

We will unlock our doors to visitors and members of the public. Key fob or Student ID card access will no longer be required.

We will no longer have a vaccine mandate for attendance on campus. Full vaccination against Covid will remain strongly encouraged, including any and all boosters. Vaccination is the single most effective action you can take to protect yourself and your community.

We will strongly encourage and support masks be worn indoors, but will no longer require them in all areas. Masks will help protect you from many airborne illnesses, as well as Covid.

We will no longer enforce physical distancing and capacity limits.

 

What is staying the same:

Some things are not changing at this time. Here are some of the Covid precautions that will remain in place: 

We will continue our enhanced ventilation. Covid is believed to be mostly transmitted by air, and we will continue to protect our community by increasing the filtration and airflow indoors.

We will continue to require self-monitoring for illness and symptoms. You should still stay home when sick. You may be able work from home, if arranged with your supervisor. 

We will continue to provide sanitization stations at entrances for you to sanitize your hands or high-touch surfaces.

 

Why we’re making these changes:

Over the past two years, we have all repeatedly adapted and readapted to the challenges of the pandemic. We have learned much about ways to stay safe while continuing to deliver the highest-quality education and research. However, we are missing many critical benefits of being together in person, including educational, social, and community connections.

With extremely high levels of vaccination on campus and in our community, with improving outlooks in our health-care system, and with ongoing Covid protocols that will remain in place, we can look forward to a spring, summer and fall that safely welcomes more people to a more open campus.


Why we’re changing things for spring:

We know that this will take some adjustment and we believe that spring and summer are the ideal times to begin Phase Gold. They are slower terms for us, with fewer faculty, staff and students on campus. Much research is in the field. Outdoors becomes an option for some meetings. Many people are taking their vacations. There are fewer classes, and those that are held typically see less mixing.

The pandemic is not over. While some signals show improvement, there is still community transmission, warranting a gradual and cautious approach. Moving to Phase Gold on Thursday, April 28 allows us to finish out the Winter Term the way we pledged we would, while also opening the door for students who are coming to Brandon for Spring Term, and may be looking to move into Residence that weekend. It also permits us the possibility of a more typical Convocation. While we are still determining exactly what Convocation will look like, we are confident that we will be able to return to an in-person celebration, although it will probably feature fewer hugs and handshakes this year. 


How we can support each other:

While we finish out the Winter Term, we have two months before these changes take effect, and for many it will require some adjustment. Please, reach out to your Deans or supervisors to ensure that Brandon University can support you appropriately. 

As a community, we will continue to expect that everyone follows the latest public health guidance, which may continue to change. For faculty and staff who may be engaged in travel for research or university business, please continue to monitor federal travel guidelines and seek pre-approval from your Dean or supervisor for any international trips.

Over the coming months, we may need to relearn ways to interact in person with one another. All of us will have varying levels of comfort with things like mask-wearing and gatherings. The isolation of the pandemic and artificiality of online communications may have strained relationships. But it will also be good to see friends again, and to reconnect. Please, remember that we reacted to the onset of the pandemic by supporting each other and by coming together — thank you for continuing that same thoughtful and compassionate approach as we return. 

Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca