AUSU Open Mic – Details, episodes & analysis

AUSU hosted our annual Pride celebration in June, with a presentation highlighting recent positive changes at Athabasca University by Dr. Alain May, Associate Vice President for Student and Faculty Relations followed up by a presentation on 2SLGBTQIA+ legal advocacy by AJ Adams at Egale Canada, a Canadian organization providing research, education, and awareness, and advocating for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world. The event was originally on June 13, 2024.

Starring: Dr. Alain May and AJ Adams

Members of AUSU's Indigenous Circle along with Robyn Soulier-Ritchot, an Indigenous entrepreneur, take the time to discuss Indigenous History Month along with some tips and tricks for navigating Athabasca University as an Indigenous student.

Starring: Amanda Leeman, Robyn Soulier-Ritchot, Neenah Brown, & Lexis Roy

AUSU celebrated Asian Heritage Month with an inspiring event featuring Josephine Pon. Josephine was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in April 2019 and served as Alberta’s Minister of Seniors and Housing, She is also celebrated for her extensive background in banking and her passionate involvement in community service. She looked at the compelling theme “Unlocking the Potential of Diversity: How Immigration Strengthens Our Country and Fulfills the Canadian Dream." looking at the contributions Asian immigrants have made in our community. This was originally recorded at an event on May 9, 2024.

Starring: Josephine Pon

AUSU Councillors Blake Collett and Allie Wojtaszek offer some advice from seasoned veterans on how to find an invigilator for your exams, how to book the exam itself, and how to make sure the technical side of getting your exam setup doesn't affect the exam itself.

Starring: AUSU Councillors Blake Collett and Allie Wojtaszek, and Executive Director Jodi Campbell

Our outgoing Executive Committee takes a look at their past accomplishments and what is coming next for the Athabasca University Students' Union. Naju, Chantel, and Natalia dissect their terms for what they are most proud of and what work will continue after they are gone.

Starring: AUSU President Naju Syed, VP Finance and Administration Chantel Bradley, VP Community and Wellness Natalia Iwanek, and Executive Director Jodi Campbell

AUSU commemorated Black History Month with an event on February 8 intended to inspire, motivate, and engage students on engineering social justice, with speakers Dr. Veronica Fynn Bruey and Dr. Chika C. Daniels. Dr. Bruey is a multi-award-winning scholar, who has researched, taught, consulted, and presented at conferences in over 30 countries. Furthermore, as a war survivor and Indigenous Liberian migrant herself, she brings personal experience to her work in post-secondary education. Dr. Chika C. Daniels is an architectural design and experience researcher, educator, entrepreneur, and community advocate, teaching at two of Canada’s most respected institutions: the University of Calgary and Athabasca University. Dr. Daniels’ presentation will highlights the importance of commemorating Black History Month within post-secondary education.

Starring: Dr. Veronica Fynn Bruey and Dr. Chika C. Daniels, AU professors

Are you interested in graduate studies in psychology or counselling? Are you looking for research experience in psychology but don't know where to start? Dr. Kharah Ross, a psychology faculty member at AU with a background in health psychology, gave a talk on projects completed by her undergraduate trainees and talk about upcoming research opportunities for students in her lab, including how to obtain an Honours-like experience in Psychology at AU. This talk was recorded on January 11, 2024 as a part of AUSU's Research Week.

Starring: Dr. Kharah Ross, AU Psychology Professor

Dr. Paul Huebener, a professor of English at AU, delves into the public obsession with sleep and its absence. By framing sleep as a cultural issue, we can uncover the competing agendas surrounding it. Dr. Paul Huebener illustrates how the humanities can challenge prevailing perceptions of sleep, revealing it as a space where values are cultivated and cultural debates take shape.

Starring: AU Professor Dr. Paul Huebener

In this powerful episode, Indigenous Circle members Lexis Roy and Molly Salter open up about their experiences at Athabasca University, highlighting the importance of community and cultural connection. As we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Lexis and Molly share their thoughts on how we can collectively work towards a more inclusive future. Don't miss their book and movie recommendations that showcase Indigenous excellence and resilience.

Starring: Indigenous Circle at AUSU Members Lexis Roy and Molly Salter, and Governance and Advocacy Coordinator Duncan Wojtaszek

AUSU President Chantel Groening and Executive Director Jodi Campbell had the joy of attending the 2024 Athabasca University convocation held in June and they share their experiences of watching hundreds of AU students graduate. Enjoy experiencing the AU convocation through their stories of seeing this milestone event first hand, including watching student families cheer them on to get their degree, and the hard work and dedication required to earn those credentials.

Starring: AUSU President Chantel Groening and Executive Director Jodi Campbell