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* This article is a special feature presented by ELLA (Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association).

The University of Alberta’s Margaret-Ann Armour has won many awards for her work in improving the situation of Canadian women in science and technology.

For sheer enthusiasm and passion for learning, the students who impress Armour the most are folks over 50. It’s why she relishes being an instructor for the Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association (ELLA) which offers more than thirty courses each May to about 400 students in the U of A Education Centre.

“It’s just wonderful,” says Armour who has told ELLA students she’d like to put them in a first-year chemistry class to show what engagement in a course really means.

ELLA’s roots go back a long way. In 1972, the U of A Faculty of Extension began offering an annual spring program for adults 50+. In 2001, when budget constraints forced the Faculty to terminate the spring sessions, the students stepped up. The volunteer-driven ELLA now runs the program in a unique partnership with the University.

ELLA is always seeking high-quality instructors. Courses are non-credit, with no exams or required homework. The 70-minute classes run Monday to Friday for three weeks. Instructors receive $1,250 per course. Several double-period art instruction courses are also offered.

Interested instructors are encouraged to contact the appropriate Sub-Committee Chair for further information: Jill Swann-Lussier (Humanities) jilllussier@yahoo.ca; Dawna Dey-Harrish (Fine Arts) dawnadey@shaw.ca; Liz McCord (Sciences) lizmccord@shaw.ca.

The agenda package for the FA AGM is now available by clicking here: FA AGM Agenda Package – May 9, 2012.

Please be sure to bring your own copy of the agenda package as only a very limited number of copies will be provided at the meeting on a first come, first served basis.

RSVPs for the FA AGM and Jerry Zdril’s farewell are needed by Monday, April 30. A reminder that the AGM and the farewell will be taking place:

Wednesday, May 9, 2012
9:00 a.m. – Meeting starts (coffee/tea and juice only available)
12:00 noon – Lunch provided
3:00 p.m. – Farewell for Jerry
St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Parish Hall (12918 – 121 Street)

Please confirm your attendance with Celine at millerc@macewan.ca or 780-497-5068.

The agenda for the meeting will be distributed via e-mail by May 2.

As many of you may be aware, Jerry will be retiring from MacEwan following the FA AGM in May. An informal farewell social for Jerry will take place:

Wednesday, May 9, 2012
3:00 p.m. (following the FA AGM) – light refreshments to be provided
St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Parish Hall (12918 – 121 Street)

If you plan to attend the social, please RSVP to Celine (millerc@macewan.ca or 780-497-5068) by Monday, April 30.

The following Executive Committee and other FA committee positions are up for election:

• Executive Committee Members at Large – 3 positions total – 1 Centre for the Arts and Communications, 1 Health and Community Studies, 1 Professional Resource Faculty
• Finance Committee – 2 positions
• Grievance Committee – 2 positions
• Faculty Development Committee – 2 positions total – 1 Arts and Science, 1 Health and Community Studies
• Professional Ethics and Conduct Committee – 3 positions
• Governance Committee – 2 positions
• Faculty Evaluation Committee – 2 positions total – 1 Arts and Science, 1 Health and Community Studies
• Constitution Committee – 2 positions

Further details, including the nomination form, are available by clicking on the file below:

FA Notice of Elections – Spring 2012

Further information about these positions/committees is available by clicking on the link below:

FA Constitution – Updated May 2011

Please note that the deadline for nominations is Wednesday, April 25. Positions not filled as of this date will be filled from the floor at the AGM on Wednesday, May 9.

Questions regarding the above may be directed to Celine at millerc@macewan.ca or 780-497-5068.

One of the highlights of the upcoming FA General Assembly is expected to be David Atkinson’s presentation about the application of MacEwan University for membership in AUCC (Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada). The AUCC Visiting Committee will be be making its second visit to MacEwan University on November 29.

Other agenda items sure to generate discussion at the assembly include the governance structure of the FA and negotiations. See the complete agenda package here: General Assembly Agenda Package – November 24, 2011

So, remember to RSVP to Celine (millerc@macewan.ca), and don’t forget that all members in attendance at the General Assembly, which is taking place November 24 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 6-212 at City Centre Campus, are eligible to enter a draw for a FREE pair of tickets to the November 28 Oilers game against the Predators.

Dear Colleagues:

As you all may know, the second AUCC visit will take place on November 29th. This is our second chance and it is very important for the University that we represent ourselves properly. If we do not get AUCC membership after this visit, we will be shut off for another five years and it will have negative consequences for the University. One of the issues for the last AUCC visit was that they had seen the same people several times. To avoid that, you need to come out and speak up positively this time at the AUCC meetings. AUCC will meet the faculty from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on November 29th in Room 9-115 (Paul Byrne Hall) at City Centre Campus. Below are two documents and two links that will help you get prepared.

* AUCC Visiting Committee Backgrounds
* David Atkinson Presentation re: AUCC
* General information on AUCC can be found on the AUCC website (http://www.aucc.ca/)
* Specific information on membership information can be found at (AUCC Membership Eligibility)

The application materials for AUCC are available for consultation by contacting the AGC Secretariat.

Thanks for reading this message, and I hope you will show up for the AUCC site visit.

Dr. Rafat Alam
Assistant Professor, Economics Program
Vice Chair, AGC

Congratulations to Nick Boers with Computing Science, who is the winner of two tickets, compliments of David Atkinson’s Office, to the October 15th Oilers game versus the Canucks.  Nick, the FA Office will be in touch with you to make arrangements for you to pick up your tickets.

Karen Zypchyn, August, 2011

Faculty Association President Jerry Zdril encouraged incoming new faculty members at MacEwan during Faculty Orientation days to get involved in the FA as a way to make MacEwan the best teaching and learning environment possible.

“It is when our members actively participate in University and Association activities that we strengthen our voice as an Association, ” Zdril told about 55 new faculty members at the Faculty Orientation session on Tuesday, August 23.

“I invite and suggest that you become involved in University Committees, Faculty Association Committees, our General Assemblies, Annual General Meetings and social events,” Zdril said.  “Together, our Association can work with the entire University community to ensure that we are achieving our goal of providing the best educational experience for our students by engaged and motivated faculty and staff.”

Most of the FA executive members were present to introduce themselves and welcome incoming new faculty at the session.

FA Vice President Executive Aimee Skye made a presentation, What is the Grant MacEwan University Faculty Association?, emphasizing the association’s important role as a professional organization aimed at furthering the interests of faculty members in their various roles at MacEwan.

Get Involved

Skye also encouraged new faculty members to get involved with the Faculty Association.  She said a variety of committees require FA input  to discuss issues of interest to faculty such as faculty evaluation.

Skye also told new faculty that the FA’s executive assistant, Celine Miller, is a key person they can contact if they have questions about anything related to the Faculty Association.

Faculty Services Expo

The FA also had table set up at a Faculty Services Expo for new faculty members on Wednesday, August 24th.  Some FA executive along with Celine Miller were present to answer people’s questions.

A new faculty member from nursing won the FA draw for a $25 gift card from Starbucks. Enjoy!